I just ran Philly this past Sunday and had a blast.
I have run Chicago three times before, and
did enjoy Philly a lot. It's a medium-sized
marathon (5K-6K), which is just about the
right size for one. Race organization is good;
expo was a tad-crowded, but given that
the marathon is not (yet) big-time like
NY, Chicago or Boston, it was adequate.

The course is not hilly (I have not done any
hill trg so far), and if one is tad-conservative
in the first-half, one can have a good second-
half. There's a short hill at mile 9 or so, and a
few inclines (ramps) off and on. Mile 14 to the
finish is an out-and-back along
the Schuykill river; ~mile 20 (Manayunk) is the
turnaround point. For the most part from mile 14 to
mile 20 is downhill (or so I felt). Don't go all out
on the way down, for you'll have to come-up on
the way back (a gradual incline; not a hill really).
My only peeve this year was why did they use
plastic cups for water, and not paper cups which
are a lot easier to drink from.. The crowds in Philly
are few and far between and are not all that
enthused (vis-a-vis Chicago for instance) in
terms of encouraging runners, etc. That
notwithstanding, the race is a good one for a
first-time or even for one whose chasing a PR.
The weather in Philly was also a lot kinder (mid-
late 30s) than Chicago this year, but that would
vary from year-to-year.

The weather is generally cold. I didn't like the course for race walking. The cobblestones in Society Hill area are very dangerous. Lines too long at portable rest rooms and effects your time.

The course has a few hills but isn't too brutal. You do have to run over a few cobblestones and there is a tight turnaround out in Manyunk but overall it is a nice course and a fairly well run race. The cold weather this year probably kept the crowds down. Given the likelihood of cool weather and the fairly flat course this is a decent race to attempt a PR. And the fact that they use chip timing is a huge plus!

I am still recovering from the 2000 Philadelphia marathon! It was my first-ever marathon and I enjoyed it. It was very well-organized, the course was relatively flat and doable and there was enough people (6,000) to feel the camaraderie of a marathon without having to deal with overcrowdedness. Excellent choice for a beginner marathon. Overall, the course was beautiful but there were some areas that were not as pretty.

Great course scenery mix of city center, old city cobblestone streets, and rural. Running past the gym rats on their treadmills as they look out the big glass windows was surreal. Still not sure how the last out and back section could be uphill both ways. And here's another vote for chip timing. May make the start area a little less tight.

The Philadelphia marathon was my 5th. The Phil marathon was a positive experience, - well run, basically flat, & scenic. I would recomend it.

The Philadelphia Marathon is not as well known as Boston, Chicago or New York, but that is exactly why it is a good marathon. The Philadelphia Marathon is not over crowded as the others - at least not yet. I ran in the Philly Mararthon the past three years and enjoyed the experience every time. The air temperature was good and the course is relatively flat except for a few hills around mile ten. Contrary to the other runner's opinion stated below, I think the organizers should utilize the chip timing system with splits available at stategic points along the course. Chip timing would not only provide useful information for the runners but would also ensure the honesty of all. I noticed a few runners cutting the run short on the out and back section to Manayunk.

Philadelphia has a lot of history and the marathon places you right in the middle of it - the Art Museum which is close to the start and finish was in the 'Rocky Movie' The course runs through both urban areas and along the river which is quite scenic. There are some hills, but nothing out of the oridinary for Penn. I enjoyed it!

I ran this race every year they've run it over the new course (as well as several times over the old course). It is a great first time marathon; a nice expo, plenty of support, out-and-back portions to see others on the course, and a spectator friendly layout for your family or friends. The course also tours the city, as well as the suburbs (Manyunk). But, the course is NOT FLAT. Do not be fooled. You will climb between mile 7 and mile 9, and again from 9 to 10. The hills aren't too big, but they are there. The race comes late in the year so it makes a good 'back-up' marathon. Organization is great! This race is growing fast. Hopefully, not too fast. RACE ORGANIZERS, NOTE: DON'T SCREW IT UP BY ADDING CHIP TIMING or allowing too many charity organizations to take over!