I've gotten some messages asking me for some Philly Marathon course tips, so I decided it might help to post for all to see. I ran it last year, along with Jennifer and Eugene, so they may have some to add or have a different perspective.

First, I'd recommend looking over the race reports posted last year -- there are some great pieces of information in all of them, so when you have some time, give them a read. You can find them here:

So, the most-often asked question: Is Philly really as flat as everybody says it is?

My answer is yes and no! Yes, it is flat for the most part, but you should expect to encounter the kind of gentle rolling inclines that you would not find in Chicago. It has more variation in terrain than Chicago, but not as much as you'd find in NYC. The good news is that for the most part, anything considered a true "hill" you will find in the first half of the race. Great chance for negative splitting here! The most significant hills come in miles 7-11, with only one of them (I believe either in mile 10 or 11) being a real hill. Remember to keep a constant effort, not constant pace, on this one and you'll be just fine. The other hill that surprised me last year was right after the halfway point -- nobody had warned me about this one, but it sort of comes out of nowhere. Again, don't panic -- keep a constant effort, not pace, and you have ample opportunity to make up the time on the remainder of the course (that is, if you save the energy to do it right!). None of these hills, by the way, are anything big -- certainly you've conquered far worse in your training. Just be smart about them and they will be a non-issue.

In the later miles, just be aware that there is a slight incline as you're approaching the turnaround in Manayunk, right around miles 18-19ish. You may not see it, but your legs may feel it. Kinda sneaky, but again, nothing to worry about.

So, yes, Philly is flat, but it is not Chicago. I distinctly remember last year, every time I came upon something resembling a hill, inevitably another runner would say, "I thought there weren't supposed to be any hills on this course!" Half the time I wanted to say, "Oh, this isn't really a hill. You must train on the boardwalk or something..." 

Any other questions? Ask away -- happy to help if I can. Looking forward to seeing you there.

erin