Philadelphia City Guide for Runners

Marathon season 2022 has been one for the books! From the marathon in the Windy City, we then conquered NYC's five boroughs in the iconic NYC Marathon. Next stop, birthplace of our fair country! Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence as well: it's Philadelphia Marathon! We had the bliss to speak with several runners, including Bart Yasso (Brand Builder, Brand Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Race Announcer, Retired Runner’s World CRO.), who ran the first time back in 1980. 

And to further discuss the enigmatic and energetic beauty of Philadelphia, we will leave it to one of its very own residents! Introducing O.P.A.C. Founder and Philadelphia runner, Lionel Brodie. Brodie illustrates the marathon and its place in the culture of the city:

"The Philadelphia Marathon is our Holiday! From the moment Broad Street Run is over in May, a majority of the local chatter shifts to Marathon Week. Although logistically complex at times from a cultural (read: party planning) standpoint, the 8K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon distances offer an opportunity for most runners to find a suitable distance for competition. Some runners compete in all 3 events!" 

Read on to discover more about Philly, the marathon, and what you should know about this special finale to the big three marathons this fall from the Zensah Community runners you know and love!

 What are some fun facts about Philly only locals would know?

“Gonna Fly Now,” the theme song from Rocky by Bill Conti, is no longer the singular de facto anthem of Philadelphia. It has recently shared that distinction with “Dreams And Nightmares” by Meek Mill after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII. -  Runner, academic thinker, O.P.A.C Founder, and entrepreneurial pro-activist, Lionel Brahim Brodie III 

Philly has the first and oldest zoo in the country. Bram Stoker started writing his book Dracula after visiting Philly and spending time at a bar in Germantown. City Hall was supposed to be the center of the city and it divides the downtown area into 4 quadrants (north, south, east and west). Eastern State Penitentiary was actually built up on a hill and was once visible from the city center. It was meant to be this ominous presence in the distance as a reminder that you don't want to be there. -Competitive obstacle course racer who sometimes runs ultras, and Zensah Ambassador, Kathleen Davis 

We are one of the most walkable cities in the United States! anything you could possibly  need or want is typically within a 10 minute walking distance  - Runner, talented artist, designer, and illustrator of the Philly Doodle Limited Edition Design, Micah Beahan 

Boston Billy Rodgers won the Philly marathon back in 1974. Billy is a 4 time winner of the Boston Marathon and 4 NYC Marathon titles.  - Brand Builder, Brand Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Race Announcer, Retired Runner’s World CRO: Bart Yasso

What iconic Philly places do you recommend, or will you be visiting while in the city for the Marathon?

If this is your maiden voyage to Philadelphia, 1000% recommend visiting Independence Hall. It is the birthplace of the United States of America as both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted here. For true history buffs, the Lee Resolution and Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Declaration and Constitution respectively, were also born here. The world-famous Liberty Bell, which used to reside in the steeple of Independence Hall, is now located directly across the street at the Liberty Bell Center. - Runner, academic thinker, O.P.A.C Founder, and entrepreneurial pro-activist, Lionel Brahim Brodie III 

Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Art Museum and Reading Terminal Market.  - Brand Builder, Brand Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Race Announcer, Retired Runner’s World CRO: Bart Yasso

What running stores/ athletic stores are you getting your gear from?

Multiple locations of the Philadelphia Runner: Center City, University City, Glen Mills, Manayunk, King of Prussia Mall) - Competitive obstacle course racer who sometimes runs ultras, and Zensah Ambassador, Kathleen Davis  

Lululemon is where I get the bulk of my apparel. This year I am racing the 8K (if my 43-year-old body decides to cooperate). Depending on the weather, I’m going with a Lululemon long-sleeve top, long tights, and a hat. Socks Zensah of course, either Neon Philly or Philly Doodle. I’ll get those from Philadelphia Runner, along with new racing shoes which will more than likely be New Balance. Philly Runner is THEE go-to for running everything in the area. - Runner, academic thinker, O.P.A.C Founder, and entrepreneurial pro-activist, Lionel Brahim Brodie III 

What are the best places to get a healthy meal or best place to eat/treat yourself after the race?

Post-race I am headed to whichever locale has the boldest beer if we are really being honest. Not exactly sure about healthy, but the cheesesteak nachos at New Deck Tavern are first class. I get them without jalapeños. If you are looking for a great brunch overall, you should not miss White Dog Café. It’s actually next door to New Deck, so you could hit both depending on how hungry you are. - Runner, academic thinker, O.P.A.C Founder, and entrepreneurial pro-activist, Lionel Brahim Brodie III 

Con Murphy's Irish Pub on the Ben Franklin Parkway - Competitive obstacle course racer who sometimes runs ultras, and Zensah Ambassador, Kathleen Davis  

The downtown are is packed with great restaurants and plenty of brew pubs.  - Brand Builder, Brand Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Race Announcer, Retired Runner’s World CRO: Bart Yasso

Tattooed mom on south street! - Runner, talented artist, designer, and illustrator of the Philly Doodle Limited Edition Design, Micah Beahan 

Where’s your favorite running spot in Philly?  

The overwhelming popular vote answers will be Schuylkill River Trail, Martin Luther King Drive, or Kelly Drive. All legitimate. I would lean towards MLK or Kelly because you have an uninterrupted view of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River in all of its urban glory. Underrated is the Old City section of Philadelphia. To acquire mileage adjacent to some of the buildings and locations that birthed and shaped the formation of the United States of America is truly special and oft under appreciated. - Runner, academic thinker, O.P.A.C Founder, and entrepreneurial pro-activist, Lionel Brahim Brodie III 

FDR Park - Runner, talented artist, designer, and illustrator of the Philly Doodle Limited Edition Design, Micah Beahan