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The Philadelphia International Championship Bike Race
One of the most prestigious single day road races in North America
Date:
6/8/2008
9:00 AM-
6/8/2008
3:00 PM
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A view of the race at top; and a special hotel offer
Top photo by R. Kennedy
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** The 2008 race was another huge success. Check back next spring for the 2009 race dates. **
In the meantime, check out all of the other great reasons to visit Philadelphia this summer.
The Race
The world's most competitive cyclists turn their sights on Philadelphia for the annual Philadelphia International Championship every June, when about 300,000 fans line an arduous road course to watch hundreds of elite pro cyclists whip through some of Philadelphia's most beautiful streets.
The scenic course includes the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, and, of course, the infamous Manayunk "Wall," a 17% grade hill rising sharply off the banks of the Schuylkill River.
The race is a culmination of a weekend of related festivities that are great for the entire family.
Best Places To Watch
The best places from which to watch the race are:
- the “Feed Zone” located near the start/finish line along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
- the Family Fun Zone on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
- along Main Street in Manayunk,
- along the Manayunk Wall,
- Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park,
- and various spots along Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park, which you must walk to since the Drive is closed to traffic.
Hotel Packages
Make it a weekend vacation with one of our 2-night, money-saving hotel packages.
- The Philly Overnight Hotel Package gets you free parking for two nights, upwards of a $75 value.
- The Philly's More Summer Fun package gets you a $50 American Express gift card upon check-in.
The Weekend
For great ideas of how to fill your weekend in Philadelphia, check out our three new itineraries — one is customized especially for Families with Kids, another is for Nightlife Hounds and the third is for Food-lovers.
Take your pick and plan your own fun-filled June weekend in Philadelphia. The weather is going to be gorgeous.
Official Website
For more information about the race details, visit the Official website of the Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship.
The Family Fun Zone
New this year: the Commerce Bank Family Fun Zone at the Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art during the race, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
While you wait for the cyclists to return to the Parkway at the start of each lap, take a stroll on the "boardwalk" in Commerce Bank’s Family Fun Zone. From your favorite boardwalk rides and games to giveaways and delicious treats, the Family Fun Zone is totally FREE for everybody and sure to keep the entire family entertained.
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