Philadelphia Marathon Weekend kicks off with record numbers and a touch of Greek tradition
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia is gearing up for a big weekend.
“I love the Philly community, that’s why I’m running it,” said Scott Heigl-Yates, of Downingtown.
Runners for the Philadelphia Marathon packed into the Convention Center on Friday to pick up their race bibs ahead of this weekend’s events.
“Just being able to run in such a historic place. Philly’s known for that, so I thought it would be a good first,” said Crystal Carter, of Atlanta, Georgia.
MORE | What to know about road closures, parking restrictions and more ahead of 2025 Philadelphia Marathon
This year brings another first: golden olive wreaths, handcrafted in Marathon, Greece, that will crown this year’s champions.
“I’m truly honored to be able to initiate with the City of Philadelphia this new connection, which we will hopefully repeat for the years to come,” said Iphigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York.
The marathon director says they’re preparing for a record-breaking turnout, welcoming more than 36,000 runners across the four race events.
“We created a waitlist this year, and with that waitlist, we were allowed to backfill people so that when we got to this weekend, we made sure the numbers were higher than they had ever been before,” said Kathleen Titus, race director of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.
Things begin early Saturday with the half-marathon starting at 7 a.m., and the 8k at 11 a.m. Then the full marathon takes place on Sunday.
There are major road closures lasting much of the weekend, including the Parkway and some ramps leading into Center City.
Other street closures will be rolling and will reopen once runners pass and crews finish servicing the route.
While the race is welcoming participants from 60 countries, for some, this weekend feels like a homecoming.
“This is my first time. I was born across the river in Cherry Hill, so super excited to be around where I kind of grew up and run the race,” said Alexander Sung, from Austin, Texas.
Christmas Village opens in Center City
And if these runners have the energy, they may walk to the Christmas Village in LOVE Park and City Hall, which opens Saturday with about 130 vendors.
“It’s been great. A lot of people like you said were coming in for the marathon, so it’s been really lovely talking to people from out of town,” said Amanda Shaffern, who works for GoodLands Food Company.
Christmas Village opens in Center City
Vendors for “Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market” in Dilworth Park are also welcoming shoppers.
“We always want to make more than the previous years,” said Eric Ajama, who sells his art. “(And) make it the best Christmas experience.”
Showing visitors why it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.
“It reminds me that even though it’s a big city, it can still feel like a small town,” said Nic Romero of Fairmount
The Christmas Village opens Saturday from 12 -9 p.m. and Sunday from 12-8 p.m.
This year, more vendors will be at the Wanamaker Building, which openson Black Friday.
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