The Philadelphia Marathon is unique in its ability to provide big city race amenities coupled with an accessible, runner-focused event. This is your all-inclusive guide to Philly marathon weekend, from pre-race logistics to the post-race fanfare.

Joining us is Philadelphia Marathon Race Director, Kathleen Titus. Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience in the marathon, ultra-distance and triathlon world, coupled with extensive work in event planning. She owns All Fitness Events, a digital marketing firm that specializes in endurance events.

The Philly Marathon has special significance to me as the home of my personal best, so I was excited to meet Kathleen at the Endeavorun Boulder retreat last summer. Her energy, experience and attention to detail have made this marathon a top notch event.

Kathleen and I discuss all aspects of the event, from pre- and post-race logistics to intricate details of the course itself, including:

What makes the Philly marathon so unique
The best way to get to the start line on race morning
Why Philly is a top Boston qualifier
What part of the course is most challenging
The best pacing strategy for each section of the race
How the race finish remains focused on the runner experience

If the Philly Marathon isn’t on your radar yet, you should definitely consider it! Our conversation will help you get the most from this fantastic event.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Follow Kathleen on Instagram and Linked In
Learn more about the Philadelphia Marathon
Follow the Philadelphia Marathon on Instagram and Facebook
Read a case study on running a faster marathon
Looking to PR your next marathon?

Thank you Elemental Labs!

A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.

Elemental Labs' products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.

There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.

Thank You Melin!

We are also supported by Melin hats! Quite possibly the best looking, most attractive hats I’ve ever worn, Melin makes premium hats for both casual use and for running. They’re durable, water-repellant, high quality, incredibly detailed, and stylish. You can also go check out our latest video on YouTube to see my full collection.

After eyeing Melin Hats for a long time on Instagram, I’m thrilled that we’ve partnered together. Get 20% off your first order at Melin.com with code STRENGTHRUNNING. A Melin hat is likely the last hat you’ll ever buy - they’ll last practically forever.

Even if you find that you don’t like your Melin hat, no worries. You can return it within 30 days with no questions asked, according to their Perfect Fit Promise. Pick one up and let me know what you think!

271. The Philadelphia Marathon Course Guide, with Race Director Kathleen Titus

The Strength Running Podcast