ELITES

Since its founding in 1978, the Philadelphia Distance Run has set 6 half marathon world records. This PR-friendly race features the flattest half marathon course in Philadelphia and has a proud history of attracting deep elite fields.

The course is USATF-certified and part of the USATF Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix.

PROGRAM DETAILS

We provide athletes who meet our Elite Standards with complimentary entry and access to special starting line amenities. Additionally, athletes who exceed our standards may be eligible for travel and lodging support. To apply for an elite bib and/or support, agents and athletes should send an introductory email and link to a race result within the past two years that meets our standards to prelites@gmail.com. 

ELITE STANDARDS

Men 65 minutes

Women 75 minutes

Nonbinary 80 minutes

Masters Men 70 Minutes

Masters Women 80 Minutes

Masters Nonbinary 85 Minutes

PRIZE MONEY

We 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 1st $250

COURSE RECORDS & HISTORY

Course Records

  • Men: Matthew Kisorio in 2011 (58:46)

  • Women: Kim Smith in 2011 (1:07:11)

  • Non Binary: Avery Prizzi in 2025 (1:08:24)

World Records

  • Rod Dixon in 1981 (1:02.12)

  • Michael Musyoki in 1982 (1:01.35)

  • Joan Benoit Samuelson in 1983 (1:09.14)

  • Joan Benoit Samuelson in 1984 (1:08.34)

  • Mark Curp in 1985 (1:00.55)

  • Dionicio Ceron in 1990 (1:00.46)

  • Matthew Kisorio in 2011 (58:46)

Learn more about the history of PDR at this link.