City and Event Organizers Announce Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact:

Jennifer Sherlock

(609) 369-3482

jsherlock@jennacommunications.com

PHILADELPHIA – October 11, 2021–With the 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend scheduled to return to the streets of Philadelphia on Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21, the City and event organizers announced that, in accordance with guidance provided by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, all in-person runners at all 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events will be required to provide proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination series prior to race weekend. Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test will not be considered acceptable documentation for participation. As a result of this vaccination requirement, the Dunkin’ Munchkin Run (Kid’s Run) has been cancelled for 2021.

Proof of vaccination is necessary to ensure athlete safety and public health because runners cannot be expected and will not be required to wear face masks while running. Athletes will be required to wear face masks in other areas near the start and finish line areas in accordance with established City masking guidelines. Participating athletes will be permitted to remove face masks once inside runner corrals while warming up, and while on the racecourse. All race day staff, volunteers, and spectators will be required to wear a face mask while inside of the start/finish area footprint. Masks will be made available onsite as needed.

“The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend leadership team have been and will continue to work closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health throughout the planning process for the 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events,” said Dave Wilson, Deputy Managing Director for General Services, Arts and Events. “We believe these new guidelines will provide safety and protection for our staff, athletes, volunteers and partners.”

All in-person runners must complete a World Health Organization-certified vaccination series two weeks prior to race day.  For participation in the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and/or the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half-Marathon, the vaccination series must be completed no later than Saturday, November 6, 2021. For participation in the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, the vaccination series must be completed no later than Sunday, November 7, 2021.

Runners must provide proof of vaccination prior to pick-up/delivery of race bibs and other materials.  Instructions for uploading vaccination cards/documentation ahead of time (preferred method) will be emailed to registrants and published online at www.philadelphiamarathon.com as soon as possible. Runners may elect to bring an original paper copy, digital copy, photocopy, or photo of their vaccination proof to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Expo on at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, November 19 or Saturday, November 20, 2021.  Staff will be on hand at the Convention Center to verify documentation and distribute bibs and race materials.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Runners who are not fully vaccinated at this time are encouraged to reference the tables below to determine which vaccination is necessary to meet the deadlines outlined above:

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and/or Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half-Marathon (11/20/21)

AACR Philadelphia Marathon (11/21/21)

The CDC offers an online tool to find vaccination sites/clinics by vaccine type.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health offers additional guidance for vaccination sites online.

Refunds and Deferrals

As a result of the vaccination requirement for 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, the Dunkin’ Munchkin Run (Kid’s Run) has been cancelled for 2021.  Dunkin’ Munchkin Run (Kid’s Run) registrants will be offered the option of a deferment to 2022 or 2023 at no additional cost, or a partial refund that would not include administrative costs and service fees.

Registrants for the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half-Marathon, AACR Philadelphia Marathon, or any Challenge races will be offered options for deferment, transfer to a virtual race or partial refund.  Further guidance will be provided as soon as possible.

In the event that a registered runner tests positive for COVID-19 prior to a race and is unable to participate, that individual will be offered the option of transferring to the virtual run or a deferment to 2022 or 2023 at no additional cost.

Additional information regarding refunds and/or deferrals will be made available at www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Expo

The 2021 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Expo will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Hall (Hall F) on Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20, 2021.  This year’s Expo will be open to runners only, and all attendees, staff and volunteers will be required to wear a face mask.

As previously stated, runners may elect to bring an original paper copy, digital copy, photocopy or photo of their vaccination proof to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, November 19 or Saturday, November 20, 2021.

There are no plans to administer COVID-19 vaccinations or tests at the Expo at this time.

Additional information relating to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Expo, including hours of operation and programming, can be found at www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

General Information

Regular updates and additional information will be provided on the Philadelphia Marathon website (www.philadelphiamarathon.com) and via the following social media channels:

Twitter – @Philly_Marathon

Facebook – Philadelphia Marathon

Instagram – @philly_marathon

About Philadelphia Marathon Weekend:

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has grown tremendously since the first race in 1994. What started as a small local event of just 1,500 participants has become one of the top-10 marathons in the country. The beautiful and scenic course takes runners past historic landmarks, through urban neighborhoods, and along Philadelphia’s picturesque waterfronts. Each year, spectators line the course, eager to cheer on runners, because there’s nothing Philadelphians love more than champions.

Race Weekend 2021 features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 21; the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday, November 20; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20.

For more information about the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, visit philadelphiamarathon.com.