The Philadelphia Marathon got underway Sunday morning with great weather for runners. This is only the 16th running of what is also known as the Philadelphia Independence Marathon. Runners started off at 21st Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway, and will make their way down to Old City in this 26.2 mile race.
About 20,000 runners are participating in the 26.2-mile Philadelphia Marathon 2009 that kicked off at 7a.m EST. An additional 8,000 runners are registered for the half-marathon and more than 2,000 will run the 8K.
Spectators are encouraged to find a location to watch the marathon early. Race routes will close at 6a.m. and will re-open after 4p.m. The follow street closures will be in effect:
· Eakins Oval/Parkway Art Museum to 22nd
· Ben Franklin Parkway 22nd St to 16th St.
· Arch Street 16th Street to 4th Street
· 4th Street Arch Street to Race Street
· Race Street 4th Street to Columbus Blvd
· Columbus Blvd. (S/B lanes) Vine to Washington Ave.
· S/B I-95 at Washington Avenue
· Washington Ave. Columbus to Front Street
· Front Street Washington to South Street
· West on South Street to 6th Street
· 6th Street to Chestnut Street
· West on Chestnut Street to 34th Street
· North on 34th Street across Girard Ave on Lansdown Drive
· Lansdowne Drive to Old Lansdowne Drive
· Old Lansdowne Drive to Sweetbrier Loop, to Black Road
· East on Black Road to MLK Drive
· North on MLK Drive to Montgomery, then to Eakins Oval
· North on Kelly Drive to Sedgley Drive
· East on Sedgley Drive to Lemon Hill Drive
· West on Lemon Hill Drive to Kelly Drive
· North on Kelly Drive to Ridge Ave
· Main Street Ridge Ave to Green Lane
Some of the traffic throughout the marathon will be pulled through the gaps in the race by police who are on hand to help, but expect delays if you are driving in the historical city.
According to the Philadelphia Marathon website, the course is fast and crowds will be out in full force. The Philadelphia Marathon 2009 is sure to be a great day with weather cooperating and runners being cheered on by what already looks like record crowds.
View the Philadelphia Marathon 2009 result here