If you’re gearing up for the big weekend in Philadelphia, here’s the essential timing you need: the full marathon kicks off at 7:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with push-rim wheelchair athletes leading the start at 6:55 a.m..
The excitement around the event has been building all weekend—from the expo to pre-race buzz through the city. With tens of thousands of runners, walkers and support crews descending on Philadelphia, knowing the exact start time is a crucial part of planning.
Start Time Breakdown
Here’s the detailed schedule for the key events this weekend:
- Sunday, November 23: Full marathon begins at 6:55 a.m. for wheelchair racers, and 7:00 a.m. for runners and walkers.
- Saturday, November 22: Half-marathon (wheelchairs 6:55 a.m., runners 7:00 a.m.) and the 8K (wheelchairs 10:55 a.m., runners 11:00 a.m.).
Knowing precisely when things begin allows participants, spectators and city residents to plan accordingly.
Why the Timing Matters
Starting at dawn means several things:
- Runners should plan to arrive early—by around 6:00 to 6:30 a.m.—to account for packet pick-up, gear check and warm-up. Security checkpoints open very early and the start zone becomes active well before gun time.
- Spectators and family members need to factor in road closures, parking restrictions and transit changes that kick in overnight or early morning.
- Evening pre-race preparations must wrap early. That includes staying hydrated, checking weather conditions and setting out race gear so nothing is rushed on the morning of.
Course & Starting Location
The marathon begins at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just steps from the city’s famed Art Museum. From there, the route takes participants through some of Philadelphia’s most historic and scenic neighborhoods—center city landmarks, the Schuylkill River waterfront and Fairmount Park—before finishing back near the Art Museum steps.
Road Closures & City Logistics
With the early start, the city activates its race-day logistics correspondingly. Roads near the ramp onto I-76, segments of the Parkway, and areas around the start line may be closed by the early morning hours (2:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m. in some cases) to secure the course and manage traffic.
If you plan to drive, park or drop off someone, aim for arrival well in advance and use public transport if possible. Spectator zones are available, but access by vehicle near the start and finish can become complicated quickly.
Tips for Runners
- Set your alarm early and plan to arrive so you’re in place with time to spare.
- Lay out your gear the night before: bib, shoes, layers for that early-morning chill.
- Use the official event app to check your corral or wave assignment, and review race instructions so you know where to go.
- Warm-up properly—starting fresh and alert will help you transition smoothly once the gun goes.
- Pay attention to weather—but know that being ready for cooler temps is wise given the early hour.
Tips for Spectators
- Pick your viewing spot ahead of time—a favorite is near the finish on the Parkway, or along Kelly Drive for waterfront views.
- Leave early for drop-off parking or transit; walking part of the final stretch may save time.
- Wear warm layers and pack a small chair or blanket; those early hours before the leader waves through can be chilly.
- Stay connected—use the event app or runner-tracking features so you know when your athlete is approaching your location or the finish.
- Show your support: the crowd energy is a hallmark of the weekend and a boost for every runner on the route.
What This Means for Your Race Day
If you’ve been asking what time is the Philadelphia Marathon, now you’ve got the answer—and how it influences everything else. The 7:00 a.m. start for runners on Sunday sets the pace not just for the gun time, but for early-morning routines, logistics, cheering strategies and the energy of the city around you. Whether you’re participating or spectating, arriving prepared, staying flexible and understanding the schedule will make your day go smoothly.
Finishing strong—or cheering someone else across that finish line—becomes even more meaningful when everything else is dialed in. With the timing locked, your focus can shift to the experience, the crowd, the atmosphere—and the thrill of the journey.
Will you be running, walking, or cheering this year? Share your plans in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates!