| Philadelphia Marathon - 2007 |
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It's been called fast and flat. Equally accurate but less often emphasize is the phrase fan-packed and freezing.
The race begins and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The half mark is also at the museum, with two separate out and back course loops - no repetition between the first and second halves. Those famous museum steps, instantly recognizable as the site of Rocky Balboa's gray sweat suit stair run and fist flying cheer, are part of the legacy of Philly. It is suited that runners are pumped by the song Gonna Fly Now, more commonly known as the Rocky theme song, leading up to the gun start. Temperatures were in the low 40s, with a stiff breeze and regular gusts challenging the spandex-clad runners. The cooler temperatures were no surprise for mid-November. Most runners were prepared. And the well-stocked pre-race expo had plenty on hand for those looking to purchase last minute warmth. But the cool winds coming off the Schuylkill river, where several miles of the course run right alon gthe banks, added to the chill.
Spectators packed the course nearly end to end, making a good route even better. There are always highs and lows on a 26.2 miler, and runners could count on encouraging shouts and party noisemakers every time they began to taste exaustion or discouragement. Not only did the locals bring out their brotherly love, they shared pretzels, candy, brownies, and a dozen other treats with runners along the course.
Then, of course, there was the beer. And not just from a few casual spectators. The out-and-back loop through Main Street, Manayunk, boasts a beer station around mile 19. Grab one and run. Or kick back and share one with the locals.
The course is flat, and ideal for a PR. But don't let that stop you from training for hills A few step rises and falls, particularly around mile 10, might slow you to a walk if you aren't prepared.
The post-race food tent was a welcome sight. Fully enclosed to protect runners from the bone-chilling winds that picked up as the race progressed, the food tent featured a great variety of food and cups full of steaming chicken broth. Leaving the tent, however, left runners open to deep chills and hypothermia, in spite of the space blankets. The post-race hang out time was forsaken by most runners who instead sought the warmth of hotel rooms and car heaters.
A motivational Rocky Balboa start, tour of diverse Philly neighborhoods, unequaled spectators, and a finishers medal to be proud of are all part of one of the truly great marathons - the Philadelphia Marathon. ______ For more information or to register for the annual marathon visit:
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Just as you'd expected from a top-notch city like Philly, the Philadelphia Marathon is without a doubt one of the finest marathons in the USA.
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