For the first time in four years, I will be receiving reports from the race instead of running it, here in my northeast Pennsylvania home, some 90 miles north of the City of Brotherly Love.
The Philadelphia Marathon, like the city itself, is a big city/small town race. If you're running the race, be prepared to hear spectators cheering you on with phrases like, "Yo Tom," or just simply, "TOM!" Philadelphians are passionate about their sports, and have a great respect for anyone who "puts it on the line." No one puts it on the line like runners!
The course is designed to afford spectators several fine vantage points, and it is a magnificent course for the participants. One runs from river to river, from the start on the Ben Franklin Parkway, down to the Delaware River, following in the footsteps of Rocky Balboa, through Center City, where the crowds are thick along the sidewalks, over the only real hill on the course, and back to the Schuylkill River, which forms the western border of the city.
At the halfway point, (the finish for the half marathon) runners pass the famous Philadelphia Art Museum, then proceed along beautiful Kelly Drive, on the other side of the Schuylkill River, where teams of scullers may be practicing, having launched their craft from the colorful boathouses that dot the shore.
The 20 and 21 mile marks in any marathon are challenging. For runners in the Philadelphia Marathon, these difficult miles take runners through Manayunk, a quaint suburb of Philly, where crowds are large and loud. Music blares, Philadelphia string bands plunk out their twangy tunes, and their is even an hydration station (unofficial, of course) with beer!
A windy, slightly downhill, return on Kelly Drive, is pleasant over the last couple of miles, and after runners pass the Art Museum again, the final mile is all downhill and fast, to the finish on the Franklin Parkway.
A fast course, superb race organization, terrific spectators in a terrific city, make the Philadelphia one of America's finest running events.
After the race, have a famous soft pretzel, an indescribable Philly cheesesteak, or go to one of my favorite places, Farmicia, a small, outstanding place for breakfast place near 3rd Street.
You can see the Liberty Bell, check out Independence Hall, where our nation was born, head down to Olde City, with its many restaurants and bars, or attend one of the world's greatest tailgate parties, as the Eagles prepare to play the Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Wear your Philadelphia Marathon shirt, and I can guarantee you'll be offered a free beverage or two from the tailgaters. Wear a Redskins jersey, and all bets are off.
It looks like it's going to be good weather for the race, as showers are supposed to hold off until the afternoon.
My daughter, Kelly, and her fiancée, Mike will represent the family by running the half marathon.
I envy all of you, and hope to be mended so I can join you in Philly next year.
To all the runners in the Philadelphia Marathon, best of luck.
Make tomorrow your personal best!
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