The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Kicks Off its Return with the Health and Fitness Expo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jennifer Sherlock
jsherlock@jennacommunications.
609.369.3482
THE PHILADELPHIA MARATHON WEEKEND KICKS OFF ITS RETURN WITH THE HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO
This press conference will celebrate the 27th Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 11, 2021) – Philadelphia Marathon Race Director, Kathleen Titus, is set to welcome those taking part in the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 11:15 a.m. during a press conference and ceremonial ribbon cutting before opening the Health and Fitness Expo located at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
In honor of the city hosting its 27th Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, Titus plans to discuss how Philadelphia continues to be one of the fastest growing marathons in the country pre-pandemic with participants coming from all 50 states and over 36 countries. With new COVID-19 safety measures in place, approximately 23,500 runners are expected to compete in-person throughout the weekend.
Running champion Meb Keflezighi, the only athlete in history to win the New York and Boston Marathon and an Olympic medal, plus Olympian, Aliphine Tuliamuck, a 10-time USATF Champion and competitor on Team U.S.A. at the 2021 Olympic Games will be welcomed on stage and acknowledged for their accomplishments.
The “Mayor of Running”, Bart Yasso, will also be acknowledged for his 31-year career at Runner’s World magazine and for being one of the few people to complete races on all seven continents.
AACR Legacy Marathoners Mark Sullivan and Bob Koen, who both have participated in the Philadelphia Marathon since 1994, will be recognized as well.
It is important to note that there has been a course change to the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedic 8K due to construction on the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Drive Bridge, which provides a connection between MLK Drive and Eakins Oval. Instead of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon course crossing in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art grand steps, the race will now cross over the Girard Street Bridge, to the Reservoir Drive side of Fairmount Park; before heading back onto Kelly Drive into Manayunk. Rothman Orthopaedic 8K will also run out and back along Kelly Drive. The course for the Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon will remain the same, although it will now start at 7 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. The Rothman Orthopaedic 8K will now begin at 11 a.m. instead of 10:45 a.m.
All press will need to be at the race on Saturday and Sunday at 5 a.m. and can check in at entrance point E1 from North 22nd Street, or if entering with a media vehicle, the entrance point is at E5, from Pennsylvania Avenue, where all vehicles will be screened per public safety guidelines.
Race weekend serves as a proud moment for Philadelphia to shine on the national and international stage thanks to the scenic and historic landmarks across the city. This marathon is considered one of the most historic racecourses and has been ranked as one of the top 10 marathons in the country.
“Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend gives us an opportunity to showcase what makes Philadelphia a world-class city that has something for everyone, and we’re excited to show runners what it has to offer again after the 2020 cancellation. We’ve worked hard on making this race return as safely as possible with a reduction in race capacity and spectators on-site, as well as confirming that people are vaccinated. We are honored to welcome people back from around the world to see the City of Brotherly Love,” said Race Director, Kathleen Titus.”
The event holds a special place for many as it benefits the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
The official start of the marathon festivities will begin on Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11:15 a.m. at Hall F.
If you are interested in riding in the media truck for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, please let Jennifer Sherlock know by Wednesday November, 17, 2021.
For more information visit www.
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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 49,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 128 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, 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 74,000 attendees for the 2020 virtual meetings and more than 22,500 attendees for past in-person meetings. In addition, the AACR publishes ten 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 policy makers 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 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has grown tremendously since the first race in 1994. What started as a small local event of just 1,500 participants has become one of the top-10 marathons in the country. The beautiful and scenic course takes runners past historic landmarks, through urban neighborhoods, and along Philadelphia’s picturesque waterfronts. Each year, spectators line the course, eager to cheer on runners, because there’s nothing Philadelphians love more than champions.
Race Weekend 2021 features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 21; the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday, November 20; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 19 (12pm- 9pm) and Saturday, November 20 (9am – 5pm).
For more information about the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, visit philadelphiamarathon.com
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