It's no secret that Philadelphia Marathon weekend is one of our favorite weekends of the year! Whether you’re a local or coming from out of town, each Philadelphia Marathon weekend race offers an unforgettable and unique Philly experience. With the iconic skyline as your backdrop and the energy of the city guiding you, every step feels like a celebration. To help you get ready, we put together some race day tips for each race distance. Here are 8 race day tips to help you cross the finish line, Rocky style:
1. Arrive Early
Plan to get to the starting area with plenty of time to find parking, use the portapotties, drop off your gear check bag, warm up, and get situated. Rushing can add unnecessary stress, so give yourself a buffer of at least an hour before the start at 11AM.
2. Dress for the Weather
Check the race-day forecast and dress appropriately in layers if needed. Philadelphia weather in November can be a little unpredictable. We recommend dressing as if it's 10 - 20° warmer than the actual temperature outside, your body will warm up as you start moving. Stop by any of our store locations before race day for outfit recommendations and to pick up any last minute accessories like hats, gloves, compression socks, and sunglasses.
3. Warm Up with Dynamic Stretches
A light warm-up is key for performance, especially in cooler weather. Try a few dynamic stretches like leg swings, high knees, or lunges. A brief jog before heading to the start line can also help loosen up your muscles.
4. Pace Yourself!
Start slower than you feel like you should. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and go out too fast. Aim for a steady pace that allows you to finish strong rather than burning out in the first half of the race. The Philadelphia Runner Pace Team will be pacing the 8K for the first time this year with a range of pace groups for you to run with: 7 min/mile, 8 min/mile, 9 min/mile, 10 min/mile, 11 min/mile, 12 min/mile.
5. Know the Course
Familiarize yourself with the course layout including any turns, elevation changes, and water stations. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your energy and stay focused. We'll have a cheer zone on the course with our friends from ON and the Philadelphia Runner Track Club to help keep you going!
6. Fuel & Hydrate
Have a light breakfast about 1-2 hours before the race, with easy-to-digest carbs like a banana, toast, or oatmeal. Avoid anything too heavy, as it may upset your stomach. Make sure to hydrate before, during and after the race!
7. Have Fun!
You put in the training, the race is the victory lap! The Rothman 8K is a community-driven event with a great atmosphere! Enjoy the energy, cheer on other runners, and soak in the support from the crowd.
8. Recover and Celebrate Post-Race
After crossing the finish line, take some time to cool down, stretch, and hydrate. Refuel and celebrate your accomplishment! We can't wait to see your #medalmonday selfie - don't forget to tag us online @PhillyRun!
Stop by any of our store locations for more race day tips or drop us a message online. Good luck out there! We'll be cheering for you!