Harrisburg or Philly Marathon

jsnowash - 2008-04-30 3:51 PM

I did Philly half-marathon in 2006, and Harrisburg Marathon in 2007, so I've done both events. I guess it depends on what kind of race you would prefer to do. Philly is a much bigger race. Parking will be a pain, it'll be congested at the start, but it'll have that "Big Race" feel -- lots of folks along the course cheering you on, music, etc. Harrisburg is much more low key. You can park very close to the start, getting in and out is a lot easier, but there will be long stretches of the run where you won't have much in the way of "crowd support". The course is not bad, but parts of it are a bit boring -- like running through an industrial park... If you do Harrisburg, plan on carrying some of your own nutrition. They only had water on the course until something like mile 10, then they had gatorade or cytomax or some kind of sports drink, and only had gels at a couple of the aid stations well into the race.

Bottom line - do you want to do a "Big Race", and deal with the logistical hassles that entails (parking, long porta-potty lines, congested start, etc.) or would you prefer something more no-frills, but easier logistically?

Magella - 2008-07-31 7:46 AM

Does anyone know if Philly sold out last year??? I have an Ironman, HIM and an Oly to pay for in the next two weeks and am hoping to hold off for about a month to register for the PHLY marathon. But if it's going to sell out soon, I'm gonna have to register.

Thanks!

phillybarb - 2008-07-31 9:41 AM



I believe the marathon and half marathon sold out last year, but don't know how far in advance they sold out. The 8K did not sell out, but I'm sure you don't want to run 5 miles when you were hoping for 26.2.