FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia Marathon Named Finalist in Aetna Voices of Health Campaign
From Online to the Starting Line, Race Joins 33 Organizations Nationwide
Who Are Competing for a $30,000 First Place Award.
PHILADELPHIA (September 4, 2013) - Today Philadelphia Marathon organizers
announced that the race has been named as a finalist in the 2013 Aetna
Voices of Health contest. The competition includes 33 organizations which
support health and wellness initiatives across the United States.
The organization that receives the most online votes, from now through
October 13, will be awarded $30,000 to further its mission. The group
finishing second in online votes will receive $20,000. Philadelphia
Marathon officials created a one-minute video detailing how winning the
competition would allow race organizers to create a new online resource
center, designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices among kids. A number
of youths also will be awarded a free entry into the annual Kids Fun Run
during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.
"We are thrilled to be named a finalist in Aetna's Voices of Health
campaign," said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, Executive Director of the
Philadelphia Marathon. "The campaign provides a great opportunity to
strengthen our engagement with the community while encouraging children to
live healthy and active lives."
To vote for the Philadelphia Marathon in Aetna's Voices of Health campaign,
visit: www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com/philadelphia-marathon.php now through
October 13. Voting guidelines are as follows:
Vote Through Email
Users can cast a vote using their email address for a total of five votes
at once.
Vote Through Social Media
Users can vote once per day from each social platform for a total of five
votes per day (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and Yahoo).
Aetna created the Voices of Health program in 2011 to honor organizations
that share the mission of helping people live healthier lives. The
Philadelphia Marathon currently supports a robust charity program with
partners who implement a mix of local, national and international
initiatives. Students Run Philly Style, an original Marathon charity
partner, mentors Philadelphia's youth by using running as a teaching
vehicle for adolescents to develop positive and healthy lifestyles.
In 2012, nearly 300 youths aged six to 14 participated in the Kids Fun Run
-- a non-competitive event which introduces children to the benefits of an
active lifestyle. Children ran either a half-mile or a mile along the
iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, following Philadelphia Mayor Michael A.
Nutter and the Marathon race officials' lead to help families and children
establish healthy lifestyle habits. Kids Fun Run participants received
goodie bags with an assortment of jump ropes and athletic balls as an
enjoyable reminder to continue staying active. Children also accepted
oranges and bananas donated by Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market in an
effort to instill healthy eating habits.
The Kids Fun Run isn't the only way the Philadelphia Marathon already
invests in encouraging children to lead healthy lives. Youths have the
option to participate in dance fitness, yoga and an obstacle course at the
Kids Fun Zone -- a family-focused assortment of free interactive games,
activities and musical entertainment. The Kids Fun Zone is part of the free
Health & Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this year
during Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16.
As a finalist in the Aetna Voices of Health campaign, the Philadelphia
Marathon continues its commitment to create not only an unforgettable
athletic experience, but also a platform for children to live healthy and
active lives.
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." Course events include the Philadelphia Marathon and
Half Marathon on Sunday, November 17; the Rothman Institute 8K 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-qualifier. For the Best Time of
Your Life, take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty,
history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
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