The Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon takes athletes on a comprehensive tour through the city's rich history and diverse neighborhoods. The 21.18-kilometer loop course begins on the grand Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in the heart of the Museum District. From there, runners wind through the historic streets of Old City, the bustling commercial corridors of Center City, and across the Schuylkill River into University City before entering the rolling hills of Fairmount Park. The final kilometers trace the scenic riverbanks, culminating in a memorable finish before the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Athletes should prepare for classic late-autumn racing conditions that typically range from cool to cold. Historical weather data for late November in Philadelphia shows five-year average temperatures between approximately 4°C and 11°C. Last year's race day proved notably colder, with temperatures holding between 2°C and 5°C, accompanied by light precipitation and moderate winds.

Plan your race-day attire for potentially cold, damp, and breezy conditions, particularly along the exposed riverfront sections where these factors can significantly impact both performance and comfort.

The course profile remains predominantly flat, with nearly 77% of the route featuring grades between -1% and 1%. This gentle terrain characterizes the first 12 kilometers, enabling a fast and rhythmic start through the city's street grid. The primary elevation challenge comes during a 6-kilometer segment through Fairmount Park, which contains all the course's notable climbs and descents.

After navigating these rolling hills, runners are rewarded with a long, flat, and straight push to the finish line—an ideal setup for those who have paced wisely to finish strong.

• Event Date: November 22, 2025
• Event Type: Half Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 21.18 km
• Course Type: Loop
• TrailScore: 21.47
• Total Ascent: 111.41 m
• Total Descent: 111.17 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 15.16, 0.99 km at an average grade of 1.53%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 17.63, 0.98 km at an average grade of -2.77%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 14.84, 0.16 km at an average grade of 3.12%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 14.18, 0.49 km at an average grade of -3.57%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 3 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 2 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 76.7%
  • Minor Incline: 7.8%
  • Minor Decline: 8.5%
  • Moderate Incline: 3.1%
  • Moderate Decline: 3.9%

The race begins on the grand Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a 7:00 AM start, placing the initial kilometers right after sunrise. The air will be cool and the light low as you set off amidst the energy of thousands of fellow runners.

This opening section takes you on a tour of Philadelphia's core, defined by flat, wide-open boulevards that quickly transition to the tighter, historic streets of Old City. The route passes Logan Circle, circles the architectural marvel of City Hall, and then heads east toward the Delaware River.

After passing Independence National Historical Park, the course turns onto Columbus Boulevard for a multi-kilometer out-and-back along the waterfront. This portion is exceptionally flat and straight, offering clear views of the river and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. As you run this section, you'll have a great opportunity to see the race leaders and fellow competitors passing in the opposite direction.

The waterfront section concludes with a turn away from the river at Washington Avenue, heading back into the city's street grid. The terrain throughout these initial kilometers presents virtually no elevation change, making it an ideal place to settle into a consistent, conservative race pace that will serve you well through the remainder of the course.

• Pacing Through Excitement: The flat, scenic start and crowd energy can tempt you into a pace that is too fast. Commit to your race plan to conserve energy for the hills ahead.
• Navigating Urban Turns: The course winds through Center City and Old City between kilometers 1 and 4. Focus on running the tangents to avoid adding unnecessary distance.

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• Columbus Boulevard (Km 4.5)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN
  • Toilet: Yes
• Front Street & Washington Avenue (Km 6.8)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN
  • Toilet: Yes

• Logan Square / Swann Memorial Fountain (~Km 0.6): A scenic traffic circle with a prominent fountain, one of the original five squares in Philadelphia's city plan.
• Independence National Historical Park (~Km 3.1): Run past iconic American landmarks including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
• Penn's Landing (~Km 5.4): A waterfront area on the Delaware River with views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
• Cheer Zone: Front Street & Washington Avenue (~Km 6.8) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone located near the aid station.

Leaving the waterfront, this section takes you west through the heart of Center City. The route follows a series of turns onto South Street, Lombard Street, and eventually Walnut Street, offering a ground-level view of Philadelphia's vibrant commercial and residential neighborhoods. The terrain remains predominantly flat, with only subtle grade changes as you navigate the city grid.

The defining feature of this segment is the Schuylkill River crossing on the Walnut Street Bridge around kilometer 11.5. This marks your first noticeable climb of the day—a short but distinct incline as you ascend over the river, followed by a gentle descent into University City.

Once across, the course continues on Walnut Street before turning north onto 34th Street, setting the stage for the hillier section ahead.

• Maintaining Rhythm Through the City: While the straight city blocks aid consistent pacing, stay mentally engaged through numerous intersections and energetic spectator areas.
• Walnut Street Bridge Ascent: The incline over the Schuylkill River is the first sustained climb. Focus on maintaining a steady effort, not power, to crest the bridge efficiently.

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• None.

• Juniper & Walnut Streets (Km 10)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN
  • Toilet: Yes
• 34th & Chestnut Streets (Km 12.2)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN, XACT Energy fruit bars
  • Toilet: Yes

• Cheer Zone: 22nd and Walnut (~Km 11.2) (Spectator Zone): Spectators gather as runners head towards the Schuylkill River.
• Cheer Zone: 34th and Walnut (~Km 12.5) (Spectator Zone): A cheer zone in the heart of University City, near the University of Pennsylvania campus.

This section marks a distinct shift in the course's character. After more than 12 kilometers of flat city running, you enter the expansive and scenic Fairmount Park, where all of the race's significant elevation changes are located. The challenges begin almost immediately with the climb up North 34th Street. The route continues with a series of rolling hills as it passes the Philadelphia Zoo, crosses the Girard Avenue Bridge, and winds along Reservoir Drive.

The terrain here is constantly changing, demanding both a mental and physical adjustment from the flat streets you've just left behind. This section calls for a strategic approach—you'll need to manage your effort carefully on the moderate inclines to conserve energy for the flat, fast finish that awaits.

The longest and steepest descents of the course also occur here, offering welcome moments of recovery but requiring controlled footing to maintain your rhythm. Throughout these challenging miles, the beautiful park scenery provides a refreshing distraction from the leg-burning efforts, with tree-lined paths and glimpses of the Schuylkill River helping to ease the mental strain of the hills.

• First Major Climb: The day's most sustained climb begins at kilometer 12.87. This 0.33-kilometer ascent at a 3.35% grade will demand your attention. Shorten your stride and maintain a consistent effort.
• Managing the Rollers: This entire section is a sequence of climbs and drops. Avoid the temptation to surge on the uphills or brake hard on the descents; a smooth, consistent effort will conserve the most energy.
• Technical Descents: The course features several quick downhills, including the steepest segment from km 18.12 to 18.28 (nearly -6% grade). Lean into the descents and let gravity do the work, but keep your footing controlled and your cadence quick.

• Climb #1: Km 12.87 to Km 13.2, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.35%, total gain 11.06 m
• Climb #2: Km 14.84 to Km 15, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.12%, total gain 5.05 m
• Climb #3: Km 15.82 to Km 15.99, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.29%, total gain 5.46 m

• Descent #1: Km 14.18 to Km 14.67, 0.49 km, avg grade -3.57%, total drop 17.59 m
• Descent #2: Km 17.79 to Km 18.44, 0.65 km, avg grade -3.78%, total drop 24.65 m

• Reservoir Drive – Smith Memorial Playground (Km 16.7)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN
  • Toilet: Yes

• Philadelphia Zoo (~Km 14.9): Runners pass near America's first zoo.
• Cheer Zone: Mt. Pleasant Drive (~Km 17.8) (Spectator Zone): Spectators gather in Fairmount Park to encourage runners through the hilliest part of the course.
• Mount Pleasant Mansion (~Km 17.9): A historic Georgian-style house museum located in East Fairmount Park.

After conquering the park's hills, the final section of the race is a flat, fast, and scenic push to the finish. The route follows Kelly Drive as it winds alongside the Schuylkill River, offering picturesque views of the water and the city's famous Boathouse Row. The terrain is almost entirely flat, providing an excellent opportunity to increase your pace if you've conserved energy through the middle of the race.

The course is straightforward here, with gentle curves that follow the natural contours of the riverbank. The wide, smooth path allows runners to settle into a comfortable rhythm while taking in the scenic surroundings.

As you approach the final kilometer, you'll pass the iconic Rocky Statue before making the final turn into Eakins Oval. The finish line, situated directly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, provides a grand and inspiring backdrop to complete your race. The museum's imposing steps and classical architecture create a memorable setting that celebrates your achievement.

• Holding Form on Kelly Drive: After the varied terrain of the park, the long, flat stretch along the river can be mentally taxing. Use the scenery and fellow runners to stay engaged, focusing on efficient form as fatigue sets in.
• Pacing the Finish: The iconic Art Museum finish line becomes visible from a distance. Resist the urge to start your final kick too early. Wait until you pass the Rocky Statue to begin your all-out push through the line.

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• Kelly Drive just south of Girard Avenue Bridge (Km 19.3)
  • Offerings: Water, NUUN
  • Toilet: Yes

• Boathouse Row (~Km 20.1): A historic site featuring a row of 19th-century boathouses on the Schuylkill River.
• Rocky Statue (~Km 21) (Spectator Zone): The famous bronze statue of the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, located near the base of the Art Museum steps.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art (~Km 21.18) (Spectator Zone): The finish line is situated in front of this world-renowned art museum, famous for its steps featured in the 'Rocky' films.