Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Two Runners Die During Race

Channel 6 is reporting that two runners collapsed and were taken to the hospital in the Philadelphia Marathon this morning. Both were said to have “no vitals” according to the report and were later pronounced dead at Hanhemann hospital. The names are unknown, but the runners were 21 and 30 years old and they reportedly collapsed along the 2200 block of the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Unseasonably warm temperatures made for a beautiful race day, but also raises the danger of overheating and dehydration. Ideal temperatures for a marathon are said to be in the mid to upper 40s. Temperatures certainly weren’t extreme today in Philadelphia however, as they were in the mid 50s with low humidity.

Runners told WPVI that they regarded the conditions today to be optimal for the race.

The deaths are a sad footnote on what was otherwise a celebratory day in the city in which over 60,000 people came out to cheer on over 25,000 runners.

Philadelphia Marathon Results 2011: Mariska Kramer Wins Her Second Straight

Netherlands native Mariska Kramer crossed the finish line of the Philadelphia Marathon in two hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds en route to her second straight victory at the event. Kramer beat the rest of the women’s field by more than five minutes.

Kramer also picked up the pace form last year, where she finished with a time of 2:38:55. It’s the second straight event overall that Kramer has won as well, as she was victorious in the Columbus half marathon last month. She takes home a cash prize of $3,500 for her victory.

The top Philadelphian in the women’s field was Donna Palisca of Bryn Mawr, who finished fourth with a time of 2:44:38. She’ll take home a $1,000 prize for being the top local finisher.

Organizers say that over 27,000 runners competed in the races this weekend and over 60,000 spectators were on hand to cheer them on.

— For continuing coverage of the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon, visit our StoryStream for updates.

Philadelphia Marathon Results 2011: Folisho Tuko Is Men's Champion Mariska And Kramer Is Women's Champion

The winners of the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon have reached the finish line and Folisho Tuko and Mariska Kramer have won the men's and women's division, respectively. The course was described as a race through American history according to race organizers:

From Betsy Ross's house and the Liberty Bell, through gorgeous 19th century Fairmount Park, to the hip districts of University City and Manayunk, the engrossing and beautiful landmarks along the way add a unique flavor to the experience.

Tuko finished in a time of two hours, 19 minutes, and 14 seconds to win the men's division by 23 seconds over Kevin Pool. Tuko takes home a $3,500 prize, while Pool gets $2,000 as the runner-up male finisher.

Kramer was dominant in the women's race, finishing in a time of two hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds. Her time was almost nine minutes faster than the runner-up women's finisher Tezeta Dengersa at 2:44:05.

Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Route Information, Course Map And More

The 2011 Philadelphia Marathon begins today at 7am and the course will remain open for seven hours after the last group departs.

Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Events, Time And Schedule For The Weekend

The 2011 Philadelphia Marathon begins tomorrow, the event has unofficially kicked off today with the running of the Rothman Institute 8k.

Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Registration Information

Following is registration information for the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon, the Half-Marathon, the Rothman Institute 8k and the Arctic Ease Kids Fun Run Race. Race participants need to bring their race confirmation to the Health + Fitness Expo when they pick up their bibs and race packet. Participants will also need photo ID. If you are picking up a packet for another participant, bring your own photo ID as well as a printed copy of the other participant's ID. 

Marathon:

Racers must pick up their race packets at the Health + Fitness Expo on Friday, Nov. 18, or Saturday, Nov. 19, between the hours of 12-9 p.m. No race day registration.

Half-Marathon:

Participants must pick up their race packets at the Health + Fitness Expo on Friday, Nov. 19, or Saturday, Nov. 19, between the hours of 12-9 p.m. No race day registration.

Rothman Institute 8k:

Participants must pick up their race packets at the Health + Fitness Expo on Friday, Nov. 18 between the hours of 12-9 p.m. No race day registration.

Arctic Ease Kids Fun Run:

Race packets are available Friday at the Health + Fitness Expo and Saturday at the race. 

Philadelphia Half Marathon And Rothman Institute 8k Set For This Weekend

While the Philadelphia Marathon is the main event of this weekend, it is just the end of a full slate events the city has scheduled. The weekend starts on Saturday with the Rothman institute 8k and lesser experienced runners can compete in the half marathon on Sunday. The half marathon was added to the weekend in 2006 and begins at 7am, starting and finishing on the Ben Franklin Parkway just like the full marathon.

The 13.1 mile course runs through Old City, Center City, Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River. It's seen as an excellent introduction for runners who hope to compete in the full marathon one day. It's often quite common to see people who ran the New York marathon two weeks ago to come down for the half marathon here.

The Rothman Institute 8K takes place on Saturday and is a near 5 mile course for beginners. It also starts on the Ben Franklin Parkway, near the art museum and runs along the Schuylkill River. Several runners will compete in the 8k on Saturday as a warmup for the full marathon on Sunday.

Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Race Will Showcase Largest Turnout Ever

The 2011 Philadelphia Marathon will showcase the biggest turnout in the event's history.

According to Philadelphia Magazine, 25,000 runners from Philadelphia and around the world signed up to participate. Organizers expect an additional 50,000 people will watch the event, which begins Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7 a.m.

One of the participants will be new Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris. Harris, 46, headlined a group of owners which bought the 76ers in October. He plans to give away one ticket for a home game to each runner.

"I am truly looking forward to running the Philadelphia Marathon and have been for quite some time," Harris said in a statement. "To join the participants - particularly those from the city of Philadelphia and its surrounding areas - as a representative of the Sixers is something that I'm proud to do."     

-- For continuing coverage of the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon, visit our StoryStream for updates.

Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Schedule, Course Information, Past Results And More

The Philadelphia Marathon begins at 7 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 20th. The race will begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and will attract nearly 25,000 participants.