FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011 PHILADELPHIA MARATHON,
HALF MARATHON AND ROTHMAN INSTITUTE 8K OPENS APRIL 1
Running's 'Best Host City' anticipates 25,000 participants
and 60,000 spectators on race weekend, Nov. 18-20
PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2011) – Registration will open on April 1 for the
2011 Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon and Rothman Institute 8K, putting
into motion plans to host 25,000 competitors and 60,000 spectators on race
weekend, November 18-20, in Philadelphia. Runners can register for the
three races, as well as the annual Kids Fun Run, online at
www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
"We expect to jump out to a running start in anticipation of the highest
registration capacity in event history," said Melanie Johnson, executive
director of Philadelphia Marathon. "We're very excited about the planning
for the 2011 edition of this popular race. Each year, we add more elements
to enhance the experience for our participants as well as our spectators,
and this year is going to be even better."
The 18th annual Philadelphia Marathon, beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday,
November 20, will take runners on a 26.2-mile journey through some of the
city's most picturesque and historic areas, starting and finishing with the
Philadelphia Museum of Art as the world-famous backdrop.
The Half Marathon, also stepping off at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 20, will
follow the same course as the first 13.1 miles of the full marathon. The
Rothman Institute 8K will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19.
All three races are USA Track & Field-sanctioned. Each begins and ends at
22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making the courses friendly
to spectators. Last year, participants came from all 50 states and 40
countries, attracted to the course for its scenery, relatively flat and
fast terrain, and enthusiastic crowds inspired by the official race Cheer
Zones.
The City of Philadelphia is the host for the November 18-20 Race Weekend,
which includes a free two-day Health and Fitness Expo, Friday-Saturday,
November 18-19, and on Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m., the Kids Fun
Run, a short-distance, non-competitive run designed for kids ages 4 to 12.
Early-bird registration, which continues through April 15, is $85 for the
Philadelphia Marathon; $65 for the a Half Marathon; and $30 for the Rothman
Institute 8K. The Kids Fun Run registration is $15. The complete entry fee
schedule is as follows:
Philadelphia Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 20
April 1-15 $85
April 16 – 30 $95
May 1–31 $110
June 1–Nov 1* $125
*or when registration reaches its capacity.
Philadelphia Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 20
April 1-15 $65
April 16–30 $75
May 1–31 $85
June 1–Nov 1* $100
*or when registration reaches its capacity.
Rothman Institute 8K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, November 19
April 1-15 $30
April 16–30 $35
May 1– 31 $40
June 1–Nov 1* $45
*or when registration reaches its capacity.
About 98 percent of registrants signed up online last year, however,
mail-in registration also is available for a $12 processing fee. Runners
can download forms from the marathon website, www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
Race packets are available for pick-up at the free Health and Fitness Expo,
held in Hall A of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch
streets, from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 18 and from 10 a.m.to 7
p.m. on Saturday, November 19. Marathon and half marathon registrants will
receive an official long-sleeve tech shirt, a race goodie bag and, at the
finish line, a finisher's medal; 8K registrants will receive a short-sleeve
cotton T-shirt and race goodie bag. All race packets must be picked up in
advance, as no race packets will be distributed on race day. (Race packets
for Saturday's 8K must be picked up on Friday.)
Registration for the Kids Fun Run, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19,
also is available online, as well as on-site at 9 a.m. on the day of the
run. The entry fee in advance and on-site is $15. All participants receive
a race T-shirt, race bib and finisher's medal.
New this year, marathoners and half marathoners seeking training advice
will have the opportunity to sign up for the Runner's World Challenge, a
training program by Runner's World magazine offering running plans and
guidance from five running coaches. For more information, visit
www.runnersworld.com. In addition, MarathonGuide.com, a noted resource for
marathon news and information, recently ranked the Philadelphia Marathon
among the top-10 races in the United States.
"From a high-five with Mayor Michael Nutter at the starting line to an
exhilarating finish near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, our marathon
guarantees runners and their guests a memorable experience and maybe the
best time of their lives," Marathon Executive Director Johnson said. "Our
runner-friendly course, enthusiastic spectators, 2,500 knowledgeable and
friendly volunteers, community involvement, special deals and discounts
around the city, weekend-long activities for the entire family, and a
partnership with Runner's World magazine are all part of making
Philadelphia 'Running's Best Host City' experience."
Running's best host city welcomes a projected 25,000 athletes to
Philadelphia for a family-friendly series of events over Philadelphia
Marathon Race Weekend, November 18-20, 2011. Produced and hosted by the
City of Philadelphia, Marathon Race Weekend features four races in a city
"born to run" -- the 18th annual Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia
Half Marathon, preceded by Saturday's Rothman Institute 8K and the Kids Fun
Run. Other activities to welcome runners, families, friends, spectators,
businesses and residents include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; a
free course map complete with retail discounts and promotions and about 30
spectator cheer zones. Participants pass many of Philadelphia's famous
attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a top
Boston qualifier. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun,
beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
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