On Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, the streets of Philadelphia will be overrun with runners and walkers, from ex-Olympians and international track stars to firefighters, homemakers, students, executives, and kids of all ages, at the Philadelphia Festival of Races. For the 26th consecutive year, the centerpiece of the weekend is the annual Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run (JHPDR). The fast moving weekend also includes:

A Health and Merchandise Expo (recently relocated to the Philadelphia Marriott at 1201 Market Street), a Kids Run with races ranging from one block to one mile for kids from 3 to 12 years old, activities and giveaway goodies, the 5K Classic, out and back along the Parkway following the completion of the JHPDR, and the 3 mile "Big Walk for Little Feet", which raises funds for newborns at Jefferson Hospital.

The JHPDR, hailed by Runner's World as "America's premier half-marathon," has been the scene of 19 of the top 20 times ever run in American half-marathons. Run every third Sunday in September since 1978, the race has become one of the largest participatory sporting events in Philadelphia, and a highlight of the running season for runners and elite athletes alike. A field of top international competitors will join more than 8,000 recreational runners from more than 30 US states and 15 foreign countries.

The calendar below contains current timing and details of race week activities. More information is available on the race Web site, or by phone to the race hotline at (215) 564-6499.

Philadelphia Festival of Races Event Calendar

Friday, September 19

Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, 1201 Market Street 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run Health and Merchandise Expo Registration, Chip, Number, & T-shirt Pickup

Saturday, September 20

17th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - First Heat: 10 a.m. Philadelphia Children's Run: Races, fun and goodies for kids from 3 to 12 years old

New Registration & Prepaid Pickup Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, 1201 Market Street 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run Health and Merchandise Expo Registration, Chip, Number, & T-shirt Pickup

Sunday, September 21

Friends Select School, 17th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Race Headquarters for half marathon and 5K

Race Day Registration for 5k Classic ONLY (NO race day registration for the half marathon) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 11th & Chestnut Streets 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Limited Race Day Pickup & Registration for Big Walk 16th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Baggage Check; please make arrangements if you will not return by 11:30 a.m. 9th & Market Streets - Half Marathon Start Area

8 a.m. - Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run starts 12th & Market Streets - Big Walk for Little Feet Start Area

8 a.m. - Jefferson Hospital Big Walk for Little Feet starts 17th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway - 5K Start Area

10:30 a.m. - 5K Classic starts 17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Reviewing Stand and Stage

11 a.m.- Awards Ceremony: Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run and 5K Classic and Drawing for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Trip (must enter name and be present at Awards Ceremony to win).