For the Race Day Spectator:

1. Know the projected finish time and pace your runner.  Use the pacing chart on the flipside of this pamphlet to make your plans.
2. If driving, choose a parking location closest to your desired viewing point:
3. Allow time for delays if trying to access the finish line after 10am.  Please check city maps of Philadelphia for more specific directions, and keep in mind that there will be road closures to protect the safety of our runners.

Spectator Tips

The ING Philadelphia Distance Run tours through the city’s landmarks, historic sites and along the Schuylkill River.  There is nothing more exciting as a spectator than to see and cheer for your family or friends as they traverse the 13.1-mile route through Philly. The design of the course allows spectators to see the runners at several points during the race – without having to work nearly as hard as the participants

Eakins Oval – The start and finish lines are at Eakins Oval, directly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  All of the pre and post race activities will take place at this location.  The start line is just east of Eakins Oval and the runners will then head towards Center City on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  The runners will also pass Eakins Oval at mile 4.6 as they head towards Martin Luther King Drive along the Schuylkill River.

JFK Plaza – After starting at Eakins Oval, the participants make their way towards Center City on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  If you watch the runners at JFK Plaza (Arch Street between 15th Street and 16th Street), you can catch the runners on their way out at 0.8 miles.  The participants will pass this location again on their way back to the Parkway at mile 3.7.  From JFK plaza, you can walk west on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway about ¾ of a mile to the finish line.

Center City – If you are staying at any of the Center City Hotels, you can view the runners as they head east on Market Street between City Hall (mile 1.2) and 6th Street (mile 1.9).  You can also catch them as they run back toward the Parkway on Walnut Street between 7th Street (mile 2.5) and 16th Street (mile 3.3).   From this area, you are approximately one mile from the finish line (see notes above from JFK Plaza)

Falls Bridge – The turnaround point on the course in Fairmount Park is the legendary Falls Bridge just before mile 9.  From the bridge, the runners will head south on Kelly Drive.  To view the runners coming over the bridge and heading towards the final stretch of the race, head down Kelly Drive from the north or stop along Ridge Avenue and walk one block West.  It will be difficult to get to finish line before the runners finish from this location, but it is possible.

Please check city maps of Philadelphia for more specific directions, and keep in mind that there will be road closures to protect the safety of our runners.