Philadelphia Marathon Announces 2011 Race Dates – One of running\’s most hospitable host cities announces Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 Marathon and complete schedule of race weekend events

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia is preparing for the 18th edition of the Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, Friday to Sunday, November 18-20, 2011, which will welcome more than 25,000 runners and more than 60,000 spectators to the city for an action-packed three days.

The marathon weekend features the Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia Half-Marathon, Rothman Institute 8K, Health & Fitness Expo, Kids Fun Run and more than 20 spectator Cheer Zones to catch all of the competition.

Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend will attract thousands of athletes from more than 30 countries worldwide – from Canada to Costa Rica and France to Finland – for the opportunity to run through the city's streets and to get a real taste of hip and historic Philadelphia's beauty, culture, heritage and hospitality, as part of a fun weekend for the whole family.

For the first time in the race's history, the Philadelphia Marathon and Half=Marathon have been selected by Runner's World magazine as the fall Runner's World Challenge races for 2011 providing participating runners with personalized training schedules, tips on nutrition and injury prevention, inspiring notes and weekly emails throughout their training from running legend Bart Yasso and other fist-class runners and coaches. The RW Challenge will draw runners and enthusiasts from around the world to compete, making Philadelphia the runners' destination this fall.

2011 PHILADELPHIA MARATHON RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19: Health & Fitness Expo
Noon – 9:00 p.m., Friday, November 18
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall A, 12th & Arch Streets
Entry is free and open to the public, and includes numerous activities, vendors and seminars.

Saturday, November 19: Rothman Institute 8K
7:30 a.m.
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Runners in the Rothman Institute 8K compete on a relatively flat and fast course along scenic Martin Luther King Drive on the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Saturday, November 19: Kids Fun Run
Onsite registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Races begin at 10:30 a.m. at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Fun Run is for kids, ages 4-12, accompanied by an adult. All participants receive a race t-shirt, finisher medal and post-race refreshments.

Sunday, November 20: Philadelphia Half-Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon
6:57 a.m. Wheelchair and Handcycle competitions; 7 a.m. Competition for runners
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Thousands of runners will take to Philadelphia's scenic streets for 13.1 and 26.2 miles of American history. Runners will pass by Betsy Ross' house and the Liberty Bell, and will travel through Fairmount Park, one of the country's largest urban parks, and the hip neighborhoods of University City and Manayunk. The USATF-certified courses are fast, flat, athlete-friendly and held entirely within city limits.

More than 20 designated spectator Cheer Zones will line the course on race day, featuring unobstructed, transportation-accessible, fan-friendly locations for fans to take in all the exciting action. To add to the race experience, some Cheer Zones will include food, and several are near cafes offering discounts, specials, and many more surprises.

For further information on the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com