The 32nd Philadelphia Marathon delivered one of its largest weekends ever, bringing 37,000 runners and at least as many spectators to the city for a full slate of races, cheer zones, and family events.
South Africa’s Melikhaya Frans won the men’s marathon in 2:13:57, while Anna Oeser of Brookfield, Conn., captured the women’s title in 2:34:55 in her first-ever marathon. Their victories capped a busy three-day schedule anchored by Sunday’s 26.2-mile race along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
This year’s event featured a record-size starting field, boosted by a newly implemented waitlist that filled spots left by runners who deferred or dropped out. Organizers said prior races typically saw about 14% of registrants not starting, but the waitlist ensured the 2025 field more closely matched registration totals.
Festivities began Friday with a free Health and Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, followed by the Dietz & Watson Half Marathon and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8 K on Saturday. Sunday’s marathon launched at 7 a.m. with push-rim wheelchair athletes leading the way, followed by thousands of runners heading up the Parkway under cool, clear skies.
Families returned to Eakins Oval at 10 a.m. for the Nemours Children’s Health Philadelphia Kids’ Run, a popular annual highlight. While the half and full marathons sold out in August, the Kid’s Run continued to accept day-of registrations, drawing enthusiastic young runners and parents.
Race officials encouraged spectators to gather at designated cheer zones to help manage crowd flow, but the city’s trademark energy spilled far beyond them. From Center City through Kelly Drive, sidewalks were filled with homemade signs, creative jokes, and the signature Philly mix of encouragement and playful roasting.
Source: Billy Penn