A True American Classic

The ING Philadelphia Distance Run has been the premier half marathon in the U.S. for 30 years. This prestigious race will again feature bands every mile. As you run through Philadelphia's most celebrated sites, enjoy music along the historic and stunning course.

• Race Date - Sunday, September 21, 2008
• Start Times
  • Half Marathon: 7:45 am
  • Philadelphia Children's Run: 9:45 am
• Average Weather Conditions
  • Average at the Start: 63º
  • Average at the Finish: 70º

Health & Fitness Expo (Fri.-Sat. September 19-20)

• Friday, September 19 - 11 am - 6 pm
• Saturday, September 20 - 9 am - 5 pm
• Location - Pennsylvania Convention Center
  1101 Arch St
  Philadelphia, PA 19107

You will pick up your race number, T-shirt and goodie bag at the ING Philadelphia Distance Run's Health & Fitness Expo. Exhibits at the Expo will feature free samples, fitness seminars and health screenings, plus the latest running shoes, sports apparel and health & nutrition products.

New In 2008 - Race Number / Packet Pick Up Options

While race management strongly recommends that every runner pick up your own race number, ChronoTrack timing device, t-shirt and goodie bag at the Health & Fitness Expo, we are offering two new options.

In an effort to accommodate the constant requests from teams, families, and local runners, while balancing the very real security and logistical needs of a major participatory event in today's world and the extra cost of providing such services, we are pleased to be able to offer the following options:

1. Help Your Friend At The Expo

For the first time, you can pick up ONE friend's race packet at the Expo. The procedure will work as follows:

• Runners who visit the expo are now allowed to pick up a race packet (race number, t-shirt and goodie bag) for ONE additional participant. 
• NO FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THIS OPTION. 
• The limit of one will be strictly enforced.
• In order to pick up for another runner, you MUST have their signed confirmation card and a copy of their photo ID. 
• When you arrive at the Expo, please bring these items directly to the Solutions table in the registration area.

2. Race Day Late Packet Pick Up - Purchase Online

Registered to run, but can’t make the Expo fun? Race number and ChronoTrack pick up will now be available on race morning for a $25 late fee. This special service is limited to 400 participants. This is because start line packet pick up area can only process 400 participants and still be sure that all runners can get to the start line on time.

• You must register for this service before online registration closes on September 14.
• This opportunity is first come, first served and once sold out, we will not offer any other Race Day Packet Pick-Up at the start line - NO EXCEPTIONS. We appreciate your understanding of the need for this policy.
• Once you register for this service, you will not receive a refund if you pick up your packet at the Expo.
• Friends/Family cannot pick up your packet for you on race day.
• If you have opted for the Late Packet Pick-Up service, please bring your signed confirmation card and photo ID to the Late Packet Pick-Up Will Call tent on race morning.
• Late Packet Pick-Up hours are 5:30 am - 7:30 am.

ChronoTrack

State of the art ChronoTrack systems will be used to record participants’ times at the start, at certain splits along the courses and at the finish. The ChronoTrack system uses a disposable tag, called a D Tag, which allows you to walk away from the finish without the need to have your tag collected.

The ChronoTrack timing tag (D Tag) will be attached to your race bib.  The D Tag will be labeled with a number that matches your race number.  When you pick up your bib, please make sure these numbers match, and also verify that YOUR name is printed on the bib you are issued*.  Proceed to the Solutions Table if any of the information is incorrect.   

• Download ChronoTrack D-Tag instructions (PDF)

Prior to the race, you must remove the tag from your number and attach it to your shoe.  Please follow the instructions provided in your registration packet.    

PLEASE NOTE: All participants in this race must wear the ChronoTrack timing tag on your shoe in order to have their times recorded. ChampionChip timing equipment will NOT be used at this race; ChampionChip timing chips will NOT record your time.   

*If you register for the race before online registration closes (midnight, January 11, 2009), your race bib should have your name printed on it. 

Visit chronotrack.com for more information.

Wheelchair Competition

Due in part to the course design, the wheelchair competition shall be limited to push rim wheel chairs. Handcycles are not permitted in the competition. More Info...

Finish Line Party

After crossing the finish line and replenishing with water, energy bars and other refreshments, meet up with friends and family in the Jefferson Hospital Family Reunion area. Enjoy live music at the finish line stage, sponsor exhibits and more food and drink at this rockin' post race party.

ING Philadelphia Distance Run for Kids Sunday, September 21, 2008

Our future half marathoners have their own event. Now in its 14th year, the ING Philadelphia Distance Run for Kids features races and entertainment for children between the ages of 3 through 12. More info...

Kids' Events:

• ING Run for Something Better Final Mile - Boys - 9:30 a.m.
• ING Run for Something Better Final Mile - Girls - 9:45 a.m.
• 1 Mile run - Ages 10-12 - 10:00 a.m. 
• 1 Mile run - Ages 7-9 - 10:15 a.m.
• 1/2 Mile run - Ages 5-6 - 10:30 a.m.
• 1/4 Mile run - Ages 3-4 - 10:45 a.m.

Awards & Medals

Commemorative awards will be presented in 15 age divisions for both men and women in the half marathon. All participants will receive an official event T-shirt, finisher’s medal and goodie bag. Half marathon finishers will also receive a Finisher’s Certificate by mail.