Runners Lace Up for Philadelphia Marathon

By DANIELLE JOHNSON

Updated 3:12 PM EST, Sat, Nov 21, 2009

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Thousands of runners are set to take to the historic streets of Philadelphia on Sunday for the 16th annual Philadelphia marathon.

About 20,000 runners will begin the 26.2-mile trek starting at 7a.m. The relatively flat course runs through Center City, the historic and cultural districts, along the river in the Manayunk and into the University City, according to the website.

An additional 8,000 runners are registered for the half-marathon and more than 2,000 will run the 8K.

More than 20 Cheer Zones will be set up throught the race courses which features live entertainment from Philly's KiXX to a Mummer's string band.

The race, which is owned and operated by the city, is expected to bring more than $10 million to the city’s economy and aid seven local charities.

Spectators are encouraged to pick a location to watch the race early. Be prepared for major delays and most of all avoid the area if possible. Race routes will close at 6a.m. and will re-open after 4p.m.

The following street closures will be in effect on Sunday, November 22:
·    Eakins Oval/Parkway Art Museum to 22nd
·    Ben Franklin Parkway 22nd St to 16th St.
·    Arch Street 16th Street to 4th Street
·    4th Street Arch Street to Race Street
·    Race Street 4th Street to Columbus Blvd
·    Columbus Blvd. (S/B lanes) Vine to Washington Ave.
·    S/B I-95 at Washington Avenue
·    Washington Ave. Columbus to Front Street
·    Front Street Washington to South Street
·    West on South Street to 6th Street
·    6th Street to Chestnut Street
·    West on Chestnut Street to 34th Street
·    North on 34th Street across Girard Ave on Lansdown Drive
·    Lansdowne Drive to Old Lansdowne Drive
·    Old Lansdowne Drive to Sweetbrier Loop, to Black Road
·    East on Black Road to MLK Drive
·    North on MLK Drive to Montgomery, then to Eakins Oval
·    North on Kelly Drive to Sedgley Drive
·    East on Sedgley Drive to Lemon Hill Drive
·    West on Lemon Hill Drive to Kelly Drive
·    North on Kelly Drive to Ridge Ave
·    Main Street Ridge Ave to Green Lane
Cross traffic throughout the marathon will be pulled through the gaps in the race. Police personnel will be stationed at these areas but delays can be expected.