FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon Sells Out In Record Year
The largest field of athletes in the event's
19-year history will participate.
PHILADELPHIA – (Monday, October 1, 2012) – The Philadelphia Marathon today
announced that the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon have officially
sold out. On Sunday, November 18, 27,000 runners will participate in the
half and full marathon. The 2012 race, featuring the largest field of
competitors in its 19-year history, reached its capacity nearly two months
before the event -- also a new record.
Registration began in April for the Philadelphia Marathon and exceeded
expectations, organizers said. The Marathon (more than 14,000
participants), half marathon (more than 12,000) reached capacity three
weeks faster than last year.
"The event has surpassed the largest registration total in event history,
and remarkably, we did it quicker than last year, while adding 2,000 more
runners to the competitive field," said Melanie Johnson, Philadelphia
Marathon Executive Director. "So, reaching our capacity this early truly
marks a milestone and puts us on pace for another strong year."
While the Marathon and Half Marathon are sold out, there are still plenty
of ways to get involved in Race Weekend, and register for a race:
Run the Rothman Institute 8K on Saturday, November 17
The Rothman Institute 8K (4.97 miles) is another great way to take part in
Race Weekend. Runners will start on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just
below the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art -- looking out upon City
Hall -- before taking a turn on the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River
and Kelly Drive.
New is the Rothman Institute 8K Group Challenge -- a competition among
hotels, gyms, running clubs, businesses, nonprofit organizations,
universities and colleges to decide which group (five or more race
participants) can claim bragging rights as the best running team. Groups
can win awards and prizes in both competitive and creative categories such
as the fastest group, best group spirit, best dressed group, and more.
Group race participants will receive a runner's bib, tee-shirt, post-race
food and photo opportunity.
Registration for the Rothman Institute 8K costs $45 for individuals and $35
for the 8K Group Challenge members. Take the first step towards
experiencing the fun, excitement, and tradition of Philadelphia Marathon
Weekend at: www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
Charity Partners Offer Slots for the Marathon and Half Marathon
Limited slots for the Full and Half Marathon are still available through
one of the Philadelphia Marathon's Official Charity Partners. To find a
charity spot, runners should visit the Charity Partners page at
PhiladelphiaMarathon.com; each charity has different fundraising
commitments and requirements. The deadline is Wednesday, November 14, 2012.
"The charity spots offer runners a great way to still get in the race while
at the same time doing something that gives back to the community," said
Johnson. "It has been a very valuable program that has raised hundreds of
thousands of dollars for regional charitable organizations over the last
several years and gives everyone a chance to ‘Redefine Possible,' which is
our race's inspirational tagline."
Volunteer
Philadelphia Marathon Race Organizers are seeking 3,000 volunteers to
support the 19thannual Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend. Volunteer
opportunities include course marshals, hydration station workers, post-race
material distribution, and more! In the days prior to the races, volunteers
are also needed to assist with pre-race activities.
This year, there is an opportunity to join the Philadelphia Mayor's Office
of Sustainability and the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer
Service's Waste Watchers team, which is partnering with the Philadelphia
Marathon to send less waste to landfills.
Those interested in volunteering can register online at
www.philadelphiamarathon.com/for-volunteers/register-to-volunteer. All
volunteers will receive an official 2012 Philadelphia Marathon volunteer
sweatshirt.
Register the Young Runners for the Kids Run
The Kids Fun Run offers a non-competitive event that focuses on the fun of
running and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The race reflects Mayor
Michael A. Nutter's goal of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle in young
people. Before or after the Kids Fun Run, children and their families can
bond and have fun by engaging in face painting, stretching and warm-ups,
and even an obstacle course. Registration for the Kids Fun Run is $15, and
is easy to do online at www.philadelphiamarathon.com
More than 27,000 runners and 60,000 spectators will be in Philadelphia, the
city to experience "The Best Time of Your Life" during Marathon Weekend
(Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18). In addition to Sunday's
Philadelphia Marathon, Race Weekend offers three races -- the Half
Marathon, the Rothman Institute 8K and the Kids Fun Run. Other activities
to welcome runners, families, friends, volunteers, spectators businesses,
visitors and residents include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; a free
course map complete with retail discounts and promotions, and information
on more than 20 spectacular cheer zones. Race participants pass many of
Philadelphia's famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified
course, which is a 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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