PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — City officials said the Philadelphia Marathon will take place this year with half the number of usual runners.
The city announced a preliminary date for the weekend — Nov. 19 through 21 — though plans are subject to change due to COVID-19.
“While canceling the 2020 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend was necessary, it was still a difficult announcement to make,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. “Today, we’re filled with hope as vaccine distribution continues to increase, making announcements like today’s possible.”
Pre-pandemic, the Philadelphia Marathon welcomed more than 30,000 runners, 60,000 spectators, and 3,000 volunteers over the course of the weekend.
This year, the marathon will reduce participants by half. Registration opens on Thursday, May 13, at 2 p.m. The number of participants could increase if more COVID-19 restrictions ease.
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As for COVID-19 safety protocols, a pre-run questionnaire will be sent to registered runners to assess their exposure risk and potential COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms — both runners and spectators — will not be allowed to attend.
Runners will be required to wear a mask at the start line and after the finish line.
Runners will be grouped into eight corrals, with 10 runners starting in waves every 10 seconds to allow for more distance between them. Runners will be spaced 3 feet apart while in those corrals.
Access to the start and finish lines will be exclusively for runners, and spectators can watch at designated zones across the race.
Runners can also opt to participate virtually if they prefer or if they are unable to attend the in-person race due to an illness.
Celebratory high fives will not be allowed at the finish line, and runners must maintain a social distance from others once they cross the finish line.
Runners who deferred their 2020 race registration will receive an email explaining how to register for the 2021 race. If you registered in 2020 and still do not wish to participate this year, you can defer to 2022 or 2023.
In the event the 2021 race is canceled, all runners will be given the option to defer or receive a partial refund, based on the cancellation date.