Mayor Kenney To Kickoff Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 20, 2019) – Mayor Jim Kenney is set to welcome those taking part in the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend on Friday, November 22, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. during a press conference before opening the Health and Fitness Expo located at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

In honor of the city hosting its 26th Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, the Mayor plans to discuss how Philadelphia continues to showcase diversity with participants coming from all 50 states and over 40 different countries. A record breaking 31,000 runners are expected to compete in the marathon, with many of them being returning runners.

Mayor Kenney will acknowledge two top running champions, Meb Keflezighi, the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal, and Desiree Linden who became the first American champion at the 2018 Boston Marathon since 1985.

AACR Legacy Marathoners, Mark Sullivan and Bob Koen who both have participated in the Philadelphia Marathon since 1994 will also be recognized.

Race weekend serves as a proud moment for Philadelphia to shine on the national and international stage, as this marathon is considered one of the most historic racecourses in the country and has been ranked as one of the top 10 marathons as a result of the scenic and historic landmarks the city has.

“Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend gives us an opportunity to showcase what makes Philadelphia a world-class city that has something for everyone,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Since the Philadelphia Marathon started in 1994, it has grown to become one of the premier races in the country. We are proud to welcome tens of thousands of participants and spectators each year, and we wish them luck ahead of what is sure to be an exciting weekend.”

Leo Dignam, Executive Director of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon; Mitch Stoller, Executive Director of AACR Foundation & Vice President, Philanthropy; American Association for Cancer Research, Lauren Eni; Vice President of Brand Strategy for Dietz & Watson, and Ed Tufaro, Senior Vice President of Operations at Rothman Orthopaedics will also join Mayor Kenney at this press conference.

Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders are anticipated to be available at the event for photos.

The event holds a special place for many as it benefits the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a great race for a great cause.

The official start of the marathon festivities will begin on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the unveiling of a mural dedicated to the weekend’s marathon and the city of Philadelphia.

For more information visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com/ or contact Jennifer Sherlock at [email protected].

###

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 Philadelphia 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.