What does my entry include?
Your registration includes:
Race entry (Either Half Marathon or 5K)
Race shirt
Chip timing w/splits
Race Medal
Yards beer (21+)
Complimentary bag check
Is my entry refundable?
Registration is nonrefundable. However, runners who can’t make it on race day can elect to defer or transfer for a fee. Runners must elect to defer or transfer by August 15th, 2024.
*Please note- in the event the PDR is cancelled due to COVID-19, registrants will have the option to defer their entry for no cost for up to two years. There will not be refunds in the event of a cancellation due to COVID-19.
I deferred in 2023, how do I register for 2024?
We will email all deferrals by February 4th, 2024. There is nothing additional you need to do at this time.
How do referrals work?
Participants can refer their friends to run the PDR Half Marathon. Once 5 people sign up using your unique referral link, you will be eligible to have your entry refunded. All refunds will be processed after the event and by October 10th. Registration fees are not included in the refund. Referrals are valid for the Half Marathon only.
Is this a USATF event?
Yes, the PDR course will be USATF certified and the event is part of the Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix.
I can’t pick up my race bib, can a friend pick mine up?
Sure! Just make sure that they have a copy of the confirmation email you were sent when you registered. A photocopy, or digital picture, will work.
I am coming in from out of town and can’t make it to the bib pick-up, how can I get my bib?
There is no race day pick up.
If athletes cannot pick up their bib at the Expo, we will be offering a race morning paid pick up option. We cannot guarantee accommodation for anyone who cannot get their bib prior to race day. Note that items for virtual participants will be automatically shipped.
Can I check a bag at the start?
Yes, we will be offering bag check on race morning.
When you pick up your bib, you will receive a clear plastic bag for checking items on race morning. Your items must fit completely into this bag (15" x 18") or your bag will not be accepted. All bags must be checked no later than 30 minutes prior to race start.
Is PDR a charity race?
The Philadelphia Distance Run is a hybrid nonprofit/for profit event. We are co-owned by Students Run Philly Style, a 501(c)(3) and they are also our official race beneficiary meaning they receive a portion of both pre-profit dollars and post-profit dollars. The for-profit entity of PDR is made up of a collection of local runners who own The Philly 10K, Philadelphia Runner, Philly Run Fest, and Out&Back Creative.
All partners of the event are focused on using the PDR to increase accessibility in running to a broader, more diverse audience of Philadelphians and to reinvest in the local community.
See our PDR Impact page for more info.
Can I run both the 5K and Half Marathon?
As of now, athletes will choose one or the other. We are exploring the ability to run both but cannot guarantee it at this time.
Will there be water and electrolyte on the course?
Absolutely! The 5K course will feature one water/electrolyte stop and the Half Marathon course will feature 8 stops, roughly every 1.5 miles. Half of these stops will have electrolyte as well.
Will there be race day bib pick-up?
Race day bib pick up is only available to runners who prepaid for race day pick up during registration. There will not be race day pick up available for any runners who did not previously reserve race day pick up.
Can I defer to next year?
We do offer deferrals up until August 15th for a fee of $25. Please email us for more info.
Please note - In the event of a cancellation or postponement, we will waive deferral fees.
Can I transfer my bib?
Yep! BUT…. Please read this very carefully:
If you registered with us and now are unable to run you may transfer your bib.
All bib inquires/transfers must be completed by Monday, August 15th, 2024. After this date we will not be able to handle any bib requests. Bib transfers require a fee of $15.
If you have any questions, please email us.
Are strollers or dogs allowed?
No. Due to the nature of the course and for the safety of all race participants, strollers and dogs are not permitted. In future non-COVID years, we aim to make the start and finish area as family-friendly as possible.
How do I get to the start on race morning?
The start and finish are accessible by SEPTA (Market-Frankford Line to 15th St or 30th Street station), Uber / Lyft, and Indego.
I can’t take public transportation to the race, where can I park?
Parking is very limited for the PDR near the Start and Finish areas. Due to the road closures and the extended no parking areas, we suggest looking for street parking and avoiding areas within 4 blocks of the start and finish. Use https://www.bestparking.com/ to find parking lots around Eakins Oval.
Is the race walker friendly?
The PDR is a running race. Athletes must be able to maintain a 15 minute per mile pace for both the 5K and Half Marathon. Those who are unable to maintain a 15 minute pace will be asked to move to the sidewalk by the sweep vehicle. For safety and logistical reasons, course support such as water stations and toilets can't be guaranteed for anyone who falls behind this pace. If you think you will not be able to make the 15 minute mile cutoff, please bring extra water!
Will there be pace groups?
Yes! We will be providing a pair of pacers for the following finish times: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00. No need to sign up in advance. Just look for runners in blue and orange singlets that say PACER and are holding a time sign. Finish with confidence!
Is there prize money?
We are proud to support elite athletes with a total prize pool of $27,900
Prize money for the fastest gun time for Half Marathon Male/Female/Non-Binary Runner and Push Rim wheelchair participants is:
1st $2500
2nd $1000
3rd $500
4th $250
5th $150
Top Masters
1-$250
I notice you mention that the PDR is making running more accessible to a wider audience of participants. What does that mean?
One of our top priorities in bringing the PDR back is to use the event to grow participation beyond the traditional demographics that have historically made up running. We have a multi-prong approach that includes:
Non-profit partner. Students Run Philly Style is a co-owner of the event, a unique nonprofit/for profit model that ensures a significant amount of race proceeds is invested into a non profit that serves over 1,500 students in Philadelphia each year.
Reduced fee bibs for participants experiencing hardship.
Dedicated marketing and outreach in underserved communities with onsite registrations, and the ability to register without a credit card or bank account or internet access.
A non-binary gender option during registration and equal prize money for elite categories and awards for age groups for non-binary runners.
Use of data to track our success in diversifying our event participation as well as our vendor partners.