The Philadelphia Marathon is traditionally run on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It is made up of several thousand runners from all over the WORLD who come to test their skills on this 26 mile loop. Because of the interesting and varied scenery it is a popular run that even beginners have been able to complete with decent times on their first marathons. There are not any terribly steep hills and there is a "turnaround" in the town of Manayunk. Crowds throng along the Schulykill River in this "tres chic" little outpost of the city and the runners receive much encouragement to continue on the remaining six or so miles from this point.
Thumbs down- 'Right to Life' protestors who posted huge, gory, highly-prejudicial posters of aborted fetuses along the route about two miles from the finish. This was a cowardly, un-Christianlike exhibition that went beyond the right to Freedom of Speech. Other than that the marathon was well-organized and an outstanding experience to all who participated. See you again next year!