PHILADELPHIA MURAL DEDICATED TO PHILADELPHIA MARATHON WEEKEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Jennifer Sherlock

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PHILADELPHIA MURAL DEDICATED TO PHILADELPHIA MARATHON WEEKEND

Celebrate the Unveiling of the Official Marathon Mural Featuring Philadelphia

Landmarks

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 18, 2019) – AACR Philadelphia Marathon, in conjunction with Mural Arts Philadelphia, is proud to dedicate the AACR Philadelphia Marathon Mural on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 2 pm. Designed and painted by Kala Hagopian Williams of Hagopian Arts, the mural is located on the marathon course in Manayunk at mile marker 19 and will be installed on Quaker City Motor Sport. The dedication is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, but in the case of rain, the event will take place inside Quaker City Motor Sport located at 3901 Main Street.

Last year, a mural design contest was held as part of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend’s festivities during the 2018 Marathon Conference. Kala Hagopian was chosen from seven competing artists to design and paint a mural that encompasses the entire history of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon to celebrate 25 years of running. According to Hagopian Arts, the mural was designed “to capture the grit and perseverance that it takes to train for and run a marathon.” To accomplish this, Kala incorporated archival photos that were taken from the past several runs and illustrated the route that the Marathon takes, making sure to include several of the famous Philadelphia landmarks that the runners can expect to pass. Runners of this year’s marathon will be able to see the mural during the course between mile markers 19 and 20, and again after looping back at mile 21.

Anticipated guests to attend the dedication are runner Gene Dykes, Bart Yasso of Runners World, Councilman Curtis Jones, City Representative Sheila Hess, Philly Runner, and title sponsors Mitch Stroller of AACR, Laura Eni from Dietz and Watson, and Justin Samra from the Rothman Institute.

Speaking at the unveiling will be Leo Dignam, Executive Director of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, artist and designer Kala Hagopian Williams of Hagopian Arts, ultra-marathoner Mark Sullivan, and Mitch Stroller and Sarah Happy of AACR. Runners, VIPs, locals, and the press are all invited to the mural dedication. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and music.

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About AACR

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes 44,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 120 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 22,500 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

About Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

The AACR Philadelphia Marathon weekend welcomes a record-breaking 31,000 runners, 60,000 spectators, and 3,000 volunteers each year. Race Weekend 2019 features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 24; the Dietz & Watson Half Marathon, Rothman 8k and Dunkin’ Munchkin Run on Saturday, November 23; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23. 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 registering at www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

About Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.” Follow along on social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, phillymuralarts on YouTube, and MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook. To stay up on the latest news on Mural Arts, please visit http://www.muralarts.org.

About Hagopian Arts

Hagopian Arts is a West Philadelphia based, female-run initiative that is led by Kala Hagopian and was founded in 2015. Hagopian Arts specializes in luminous, meticulously rendered murals inspired by nature. Hagopian Arts has worked with numerous education and community outreach programs, as well as nonprofits, community organizations, corporate developers, small businesses and personal residences. You can learn more about Hagopian Arts by visiting: http://www.hagopianarts.com/