No, the Mayor’s Cup is only open to clubs based in Philadelphia with a primary purpose of running, and who exist for reasons other than to participate in the Mayor’s Cup.  If your Club meets those requirements, please contact the Race Directors at phillymayorscup@gmail.com to set up your club.  As an aside, creating a club specifically to exclude Homer is rude.

While we won’t prohibit you from running in costume, we would prefer that you dress like your Running Club (i.e., a Running Club Shirt) and show pride in your team. Unless your whole team wants to wear Star Wars costumes!

Since the races occur simultaneously, it is not possible to enter more than one event.  Unless you are Jay Garrick. Seriously though: Even if you think you can physically finish one race in time to start another, your score cannot count for your team twice. 

No, individual awards will not be given out.  Instead, you will receive the pride of knowing that you gave your all to represent your running club.

Yes! But only if you transfer your registration to them by 8/6/2026. You can "gift" transfer your registration to a teammate - meaning any reimbursement needs to happen directly between the two of you - until that date.. For instructions on transferring your registration, follow the instructions here (look for the "Transfer as Gift" option): https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner

Yes. You an transfer to a different distance until 8/6/2026. You'll simply pay any cost difference for the transfer.

For instructions on changing distances, see: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event

No! Points are awarded to the fastest runner from each club, in each category. This means there are three possible options for how you can impact your team:

1. You are not the fastest runner from your team, in your category. Your time does not impact your team's score at all (but your presence makes the day better!).
2. You are the fastest runner from your team, in your category. Your time earns your team more points than anyone else would have!
3. You are the only runner from your team, in your category. Even if you're dead last, you earn points for your team that they otherwise wouldn't have gotten.

I’m sorry but refunds are not offered.  If you don’t think you can do the half marathon, you can transfer to a less imposing distance (as long as the cap for that distance has not been reached), or transfer your spot to another runner.

Transfer to another distance: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event

Transfer to another person: https://runsignup.com/Race/ParticipantManagement/13220/ParticipantTransfers

This is August.  It will probably be hot, and it could rain.  This event is rain, shine, or super-sunshine.  In the event of extreme weather beyond our control, we are at the mercy of the weather-Gods and the safety-decisions of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation for event adaptations or cancellations, and we will communicate any safety measures in a timely fashion. 

All packets are available on race day only, starting 1 hour before the half marathon, and throughout the day.  . Look for the Registration sign on the plateau. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your event.  Not every question and answer has to be funny!

Parking around Belmont Plateau is very limited. When possible, we recommend alternative methods for getting out to the race:

• Public Transportation: Several SEPTA bus routes run close to the park (including the 38, 40, 44, and 65). Check Septa.org before race morning for any potential delays or detours.
• Personal Bike: If you choose to ride your own bike out, leave a little extra time to find a safe spot to lock it up – there are options, but it can sometimes take a little creativity. If you have someone from your club watching the stuff at your area in the Athlete Village, you can ask them if they feel comfortable keeping your bike over there.
• Uber/Lyft or Cabs: Cabs are relatively available in the city; from the park, you will need to either call one or utilize the Uber or Lyft Apps.

If you HAVE to drive (carpool, if possible), this is the situation:

• Team Captains will be sent 2 passes (per team) to distribute to the club members responsible for bringing their items for the Athlete Village. This takes up the majority of Army Rd parking lot.
• Apart from that, we recommend parking on the shoulder of Belmont Mansion Dr, the shoulder of Chamounix Dr east of Ford Rd (accessible by Ford), or any remaining spots in the Army Rd parking lot.  There may be street parking available in the Wynnefield Heights neighborhood as well - please check all parking signs before leaving your vehicle.  
• Parking in and around Chamounix FIeld (where the event was in 2024) is also a possibility but extremely limited and we cannot provide any insight into whether it is being used for any other events at Chamounix Field or elsewhere in the park. 

Unfortunately, no.  Due to the nature of the course, strollers and dogs are not permitted for safety reasons.

Our Volunteer Race Day Captain will be manning our information table during The Mayor’s Cup at the Start/Finish area.  Visit them if you have questions, or just want a hug (hug availability will be at the discretion of the volunteer.)

No, the Mayor’s Cup courses will not be certified, and none of the courses are fast, flat courses.  That being said, it is possible that you will PR in the 6.27 mile distance. You can expect all courses to be close to advertised, but we think this is about racing other teams, not reaching for personal goals.

You can find basic descriptions of each course, and approximate Aid Stations on the "Course Maps & Info" page. Please note: minor changes may be made based on course conditionsa and other factors.

https://runsignup.com/Race/PhiladelphiaMayorsCup/Page/RaceMaps

Real talk: your entry fee pays for entry. Largely, it goes to permitting fees and road closures.  This race is focused on clubs, not sponsors.  We are doing everything we can to keep costs low, and charging entry fees to cover them.  We’re giving you the option of buying some so that you only pay for it if you want it, and we are not offering individual medals because you are competing for your team, not yourself.  

It depends. While we are happy to offer guide spots to runners and are open to additional accommodations, there are some unavoidable elements of the courses that could be challenging for some athletes with disabilities. If you wish to participate as a wheelchair athlete or believe you might need some accommodations, please reach out to the race as early as possible to learn more about the courses and ensure time for a mutually acceptable plan for participation.  

The post-race party will be a potluck hosted by the participating running clubs.  If you really want ice cream, you should talk your Team Captain into providing it (or tell them you'll bring it). And some spoons.

While we are not offering a general bag-check area, we encourage you to talk with your Team Captain about a space to leave bags in your team’s area.

Individual times will be posted online within a few minutes of you completing your race.  Please remember that while you will be able to find your individual finishing information, it’s the Team Scores that count here. Due to the complexities of scoring, fubreakdowns of the team scores are available on Sunday after the race.

Road & Trail Events will be timing and scoring our race.  Within a few minutes of completing your race, you will be able to access the results using the QR code on your bib.  This will allow you to confirm that a) your results were captured, and b) they look accurate.  If you believe you will be in scoring position, we highly suggest using your own watch or phone as a back-up device in the event that your results need to be cross-checked against our records.  At the end of the day, it is the discretion of the Race Director to make the final determination of results accuracy. 

Yes! Thank you! Thank you! Volunteer registration will open in June.

Yes! We highly encourage club members who are not competing to come out and cheer on the runners. Supporting your team IS participating with your team.  Non club-members are welcome to come out an cheer as well.  We encourage spectators to focus on the start/finish area so they can provide support to runners in all race distances.