Philly runners have something to brag about – the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon has been nominated for the title of the country's top half marathon. In the race for accolades, USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has spotlighted the event as a contestant for the Best Half Marathon crown, giving the City of Brotherly Love another feather in its fitness cap.

Last year's marathon saw an unprecedented rush as all 15,000 spots got snatched up, proving that this isn't just any run-of-the-mill jaunt through town. Organizers gushed to the City of Philadelphia's newsroom, bragging about the event's sell-out status as "a testament to both our cherished relationships with our annual athletes who participate year after year, and to the uniquely-crafted course and experience that entices thousands of welcomed newcomers."

The half marathon isn't just a test of endurance – it's a full-blown tour of Philly's finest urban landmarks. Runners pound the pavement through nearly ten miles of cityscape, zipping past the storied streets of Old City and the buzzing backdrop of Center City. They’ll cross the Schuylkill River, hustling up to Fairmount Park's greener pastures before heading back to the grand finale in the Philadelphia Museum of Art's shadow.

It's no wonder the marathon has garnered such buzz, with its blend of historic charm and heart-pounding competition. Those in the know are already marking their calendars, hopeful to secure a spot in what could soon formally be known as one of the best half marathons in the United States. With USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice now turning its eyes to Philly, the challenge for a coveted place in next year’s marathon is expected to quickly heat up even further.