FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012 Is the Year to Redefine PossibleTM at the Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend offers a full schedule highlighted by
the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 18.
PHILADELPHIA (October 31, 2012) – The City of Philadelphia will host the
19th annual Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, November 16-18, bringing
together more than 30,000 race participants and 60,000 spectators for three
days of excitement, competition and fun.
The highlight of the weekend is Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon, which is
preceded by the Philadelphia Half Marathon – also on Sunday – the Rothman
Institute 8K, Health & Fitness Expo and the Kids Fun Run. Additionally more
than 20 fan-friendly cheer zones lining the 26.2-mile race course help
establish Philadelphia as running's best host city.
Among the top-10 largest marathons nationally, Philadelphia Marathon Race
Weekend welcomes runners from all 50 states and over 40 countries to
Philadelphia during three days of events – both on and off the race course.
Much more than just an athletic competition, the Philadelphia Marathon acts
as a platform to connect local businesses, hotels, charities and government
to create a spectacular showcase for Philadelphia residents and tourists.
The 2012 Philadelphia Marathon encourages competitors to Redefine PossibleTM.
The tagline refers to how the Marathon is a stage for runners to achieve
their personal goals. Runners can improve the environment, raise money for
a charity, or embrace active living through the Philadelphia Marathon.
New to Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is the expansion of the Kids Fun Run,
which now features a more prominent role in this year's event lineup. Also,
the introduction of Choose Your Course – the discounted pasta dining option
designed to pre-load carbohydrates – is being offered to race participants
on Saturday, November 17. This year more than ever, the Philadelphia
Marathon truly has something for everybody. The full weekend event schedule
is listed below:
-Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17: Health & Fitness Expo
Noon – 9:00 p.m., Friday, November 16
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 17
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall A, 12th & Arch streets.
Entry is free and open to the public and includes numerous activities,
vendors and seminars.
-Saturday, November 17: Rothman Institute 8K
7:30 a.m.
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of
Art.
Scenic Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, set along the Schuylkill River, is the
site for 3,000 Rothman Institute 8K race participants to kick-off
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend's running events.
-Saturday, November 17: Kids Fun Run
*Onsite registration begins at 9:00 a.m.*
Races begin at 10:30 a.m. at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near
the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Kids Fun Run is a noncompetitive race promoting health and fitness
among children, ages 6-12.The first 250 kids will receive a finisher's
medal, T-shirt, and goodie bag upon completion of the race.
-Sunday, November 18: Philadelphia Half Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon
Wheelchair and Handcycle competitions begin at 6:57 a.m.; Competition form
runners begins at 7:00 a.m.
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of
Art.
The Philadelphia Marathon is an elite U.S. race. Sunday is the climax of
Marathon Weekend, when thousands of race competitors travel through 13.1
and 26.2 beautiful miles of Philadelphia's race course. From historical
landmarks such as the Liberty Bell to scenic passes in Fairmount Park,
there is much for runners to see along the race course. Over 20 cheer zones
placed throughout Philadelphia's unique neighborhoods such as Old City,
Manayunk and University City means that runners never feel alone.
Additionally, the mostly flat and fast course is USATF certified.
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held annually the weekend before
Thanksgiving, attracts 30,000 runners and 60,000 spectators to Philadelphia
to experience "The Best Time of Your Life." Race Weekend features The
Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, November 18; the Rothman
Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 17; and a free two-day
Health & Fitness Expo Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17. 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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