The Philadelphia Marathon is unique in its ability to provide big city race amenities coupled with an accessible, runner-focused event. Race Director Kathleen Titus is here for an all-inclusive guide to the Philly marathon weekend.
Kathleen Titus (left), race director for the Philadelphia Marathon
The Philadelphia Marathon as it is known today had a humble beginning in 1994, with only 1500 runners. Over the past several decades, it has grown to become one of the top ten marathons in the country, with over 30,000 runners taking part in the marathon, half-marathon, and 8k on race weekend.
Over the years, the Philadelphia Marathon has continued to evolve with all the “extras” you’d expect from an event like Boston or New York, without the challenging logistics that those races necessitate. The race is also unique in that it is one of the few marathons that is organized entirely by the city itself.
Race Director Kathleen Titus on the Philadelphia Marathon
On the podcast this week is Philadelphia Marathon Race Director, Kathleen Titus. Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience in the marathon, ultra-distance and triathlon world, coupled with extensive work in event planning. She owns All Fitness Events, a digital marketing firm that specializes in endurance events.
The Philly Marathon has special significance to me as the home of my personal best, so I was excited to meet Kathleen at the Endeavorun Boulder retreat last summer. Her energy, experience and attention to detail have made this marathon a top notch event.
Kathleen and I discuss all aspects of the event, from pre- and post-race logistics to intricate details of the course itself, including:
- What makes the Philly marathon so unique
- The best way to get to the start line on race morning
- Why Philly is a top Boston qualifier
- What part of the course is most challenging
- The best pacing strategy for each section of the race
- How the race finish remains focused on the runner experience
If the Philly Marathon isn’t on your radar yet, you should definitely consider it! Our conversation will help you get the most from this fantastic event.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Follow Kathleen on Instagram and Linked In
- Learn more about the Philadelphia Marathon
- Follow the Philadelphia Marathon on Instagram and Facebook
- Read a case study on running a faster marathon
- Looking to PR your next marathon?
Thank you Elemental Labs!
A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.
Elemental Labs’ products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.
Thank You Melin!
We are also supported by Melin hats! Quite possibly the best looking, most attractive hats I’ve ever worn, Melin makes premium hats for both casual use and for running. They’re durable, water-repellant, high quality, incredibly detailed, and stylish. You can also go check out our latest video on YouTube to see my full collection.
After eyeing Melin Hats for a long time on Instagram, I’m thrilled that we’ve partnered together. Get 20% off your first order at Melin.com with code STRENGTHRUNNING. A Melin hat is likely the last hat you’ll ever buy – they’ll last practically forever.
Even if you find that you don’t like your Melin hat, no worries. You can return it within 30 days with no questions asked, according to their Perfect Fit Promise. Pick one up and let me know what you think!
