Getting from hotel to Philly Tri race start?

Still torn re: whether I drive the little over an hour to the triathlon on the morning of the race, or do I stay in a nearby hotel. I have no problems getting up early anf hitting the road, but if I do that, my wife and kids would likely not come along to watch. If I find a nearby hotel, we would make a family trip out of it. My concern is, how would I get from the hotel to the race? Are any hotels within walking distance (I would want to leave the car with the family)? Any reason not to be walking or riding a bike in that area that time of the morning? Thanks!