FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Registration for 2013 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is Off to the Races
More Than 30,000 runners & 60,000 Spectators Expected to
Take Part in Race Activities on November 15-17
PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2013) - The Philadelphia Marathon's great run
continues. April 1 (midnight EST) opens registration for the Philadelphia
Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K race as the event celebrates its 20th
anniversary.
Emerging from a small local event into a top-10 marathon nationally, Race
Weekend offers participants and fans a dynamic experience. Registration
kicks off for the three races, along with the Kids Fun Run at
www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
"This year marks a special celebration of a fantastic 20-year-run for the
Philadelphia Marathon," said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, Executive Director of
the Philadelphia Marathon. "We look forward to delivering an unforgettable
and fun experience for our runners and race fans, as our event continues
evolving into a leading national race."
The 20th annual Philadelphia Marathon will take runners through a 26.2 mile
course featuring historic landmarks, gorgeous scenery and vibrant
neighborhoods - starting and finishing along the iconic Benjamin Franklin
Parkway. The Philadelphia Half Marathon, also on Sunday, November 17, will
follow part of the same course. The 8K race will be held Saturday, November
16. All three races are USA Track & Field-sanctioned, and the Philadelphia
Marathon is a Boston-qualifier.
20th Anniversary Race Weekend opens November 15 and ends November 17.
Events include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; carb-loaded dining
options from participating restaurants throughout Philadelphia on Saturday,
November 16; and the Kids Fun Run, a short-distance, non-competitive run
for children ages 6-14, also scheduled for that Saturday.
Registration today begins at $80 for the Philadelphia Marathon; $60 for the
Philadelphia Half Marathon through April 15; and $25 for the 8K race
through April 30. The complete entry fee schedule is below:
Philadelphia Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 17
First 1,000 registrants ($80)
Through April 30 ($95)
May 1 - May 31 ($105)
June 1 - June 30 ($115)
July 1 - Nov. 1* ($135)
*= or when registration reaches capacity
Philadelphia Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 17
First 1,000 registrants ($60)
Through April 30 ($75)
May 1 - May 31 ($85)
June 1 - June 30 ($95)
July 1 - Nov. 1* ($115)
*= or when registration reaches capacity
8K Race, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, November 16
Through April 30 ($25)
May 1 - May 31 ($30)
June 1 - June 30 ($35)
July 1 - Nov. 1* ($45)
*= or when registration reaches capacity
"We are thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary this year by offering
the first 1,000 race fans an opportunity to join the Philadelphia Marathon
and Half Marathon at a lower initial cost than last year," said
Peterkin-Bell. "As a top-10 marathon, our goal is to be affordable,
accessible and as runner-friendly as possible. While our race continues to
be priced competitively overall, participants who register during our final
price period will see a minimal increase from last year, reflecting rising
costs required to give our runners the first-class experience that they
have come to expect."
The Philadelphia Marathon is a race with a social conscience. Last year,
race organizers implemented new sustainability initiatives to ensure the
event was environmentally responsible. New recycling bins donated to the
City of Philadelphia by SCA Americas and over 200 Waste Watchers -
volunteers stationed at the start/finish line and hydration stops -
educated race participants and spectators on how to separate trash, recycle
and compost during Race Weekend. The efforts helped the Philadelphia
Marathon total more than an 87-percent diversion of waste away from
landfills.
Last year, local runner Michael McKeeman captured the men's marathon crown.
In her first race on U.S. soil, Russian Irina Mashkantceva set the women's
marathon course record with a thrilling victory. The two champions were
among more than 30,000 registered runners - the largest number in
Philadelphia Marathon history. The race attracted participants from all 50
states and more than 40 countries.
Race packets were available for pick-up at the free Health & Fitness Expo
at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, from noon to
9 p.m. on Friday, November 15 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday,
November 16. Marathon and Half Marathon registrants will receive an
official long-sleeve tech jersey, race goodie bag and, at the finish line,
a finisher's medal; 8K registrants will receive a goodie bag and a T-shirt.
(Race packets for Saturday's 8K must be picked up on Friday).
Registration for the Kids Fun Run, Saturday, November 16, is also online.
The entry fee in advance and onsite at the Health & Fitness Expo is $15.
All participants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag, and finisher's medal upon
completion of the race.
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend attracts more than 30,000 runners, 60,000
spectators and 3,000 volunteers to Philadelphia to celebrate "20 Years, For
the Love of Running.TM Course events include he Philadelphia Marathon and
Half Marathon on Sunday, November 17; the 8K Race and Kids Fun Run on
Saturday, November 16; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo Friday,
November 15 and Saturday November 16. Race participants pass many of
Philadelphia's famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified
course, which is a Boston qualifer. For the Best Time of Your LifeTM, take
the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and
excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com
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