On course to be feet-tastic

OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Nov. 17, 2011

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us this weekend at the 18th annual Philadelphia Marathon.

The weekend competition includes the Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Half Marathon on Sunday, preceded by Saturday’s Rothman Institute 8K and the Arctic Ease Kids Fun Run, a noncompetitive race to promote health and fitness among children, ages 4 to 12 . Race weekend will kick off on Friday with a press event at 11:30 a.m. opening the doors to a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo featuring health and fitness programming and dozens of exhibitors offering the latest health foods, sports apparel and equipment.

Looking back to the very beginning of the City-hosted Philadelphia Marathon in 1994, it is amazing to see how the event has grown. Today, the event boasts a record of more than 27,000 registrants — a remarkable achievement for a race that started out with more dreams than runners (a mere 1,500 participants).

But the marathon has emerged as more than an athletic competition; it is now an anticipated city event for everyone. Philadelphia quietly has become marathoning’s best host city. That means, as the producers of this spectacular showcase, the City is committed to making the race a memorable and enjoyable experience. We have stepped up our outreach to engage many corners of the community including the running clubs, the competitors, their families, spectators, businesses, hotels, volunteers, charities, our tourists and residents like you in South Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is definitely a destination city, with a scenic, runner-friendly course that winds through your neighborhoods — Grays Ferry, Bella Vista, Southwark, and locations near Front Street, along Washington Avenue and Christian Street.

About 60,000 enthusiastic spectators, 3,000 volunteers and more than 100 local businesses are opening their doors with special deals and discounts, 20 percent or more, around the city for the entire family.

All are welcome, so please celebrate with us, starting tomorrow, for a weekend of attractions and activities. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting philadelphiamarathon.com.

Melanie Johnson
City Representative & Executive Director, Philadelphia Marathon

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