Posted: July 12, 2007

Athletics: Philadelphia Distance Run Celebrating 30th Anniversary

Half-marathon offers a race for almost every age and promotes lasting impact through charity training programs PHILADELPHIA, (July 12, 2007) - The Philadelphia Distance Run is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with 15,000 runners and walkers on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Named "Best Chance for a Personal Record" by Runner's World Magazine, the race continues its reputation as a world-class race venue, while increasing its entertainment along the course. According to Running USA, more than 176,000 people have crossed the finish line at the Philadelphia Distance Run over the past 29 years. Currently, 36 runners plan to complete all 30 editions of the half-marathon this year. In celebration of the 30th anniversary, organizers will turn up the volume on the 2007 race with more music and entertainment along the course, adding to its picturesque setting. "Over the past two years, we have introduced music to the course," said general manager Adam Zocks. "The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we plan to give our runners even better entertainment to help keep them motivated during their 13.1-mile trek through the streets of Philadelphia." As participants run to the rhythm, they will tour many of Philadelphia's famous sites located in Center City before heading out along the banks of the Schuylkill River. Children ages 3-12 can also take their first steps on a race course as a part of the Philadelphia Children's Run. Future half-marathoners take to the street in age appropriate races beginning with a quarter-mile race for ages 3-4, a half-mile race for ages 5-6 and a one-mile race for kids ages 7-12. Those in need of inspiration to sign up now for the Philadelphia Distance Run may find it through one of two official national charities. The 2007 official charity training programs include The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training and The Children's Tumor Foundation's NF Marathon Team. Both charities are expected to raise more than $600,000 at this year's race. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, charity programs offer professional coaching, event fees, transportation and fundraising tips to aid participants in reaching their goals. In exchange for the training assistance, racers are asked to raise a predetermined amount of money to support the charitable organization. All registered participants may choose to access an online training program offered through Active Trainer. Travel Assistance For a list of host hotels, or for group booking information, contact Elite Racing's travel team at 800-311-1255 or go to www.RUNphilly.com. For additional information or to register online for the race, visit www.runphilly.com or call 800/311-1255. Philadelphia Distance Run Start, Photo Credit: PhotoRun.net About The Philadelphia Distance Run Started in 1978, the Philadelphia Distance Run is one of America's most scenic and historic half-marathons, playing host to many of the world's greatest distance runners. In 2005, organizers began increasing the music and entertainment along the course, adding to its scenery as participants tour many of Philadelphia's famous sites. The race is open to runners and walkers, and features the Philadelphia Children's Run for ages 3 thru 12. The start and finish line village is located at Eakins Oval in front of the Museum of Art, where Rocky Balboa triumphantly scaled the museum steps, and where participants can cool down with refreshments and live music. About Elite Racing, Inc. Celebrating 10 years as the originator of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Elite Racing, Inc. is a sports marketing and management company and leading producer of world-class road racing events for runners and walkers throughout the United States. Today, the company has grown to manage a total of six musically themed marathons and half-marathons including the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ˝ Marathon in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, the Country Music Marathon and ˝ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., the Philadelphia Distance Run and the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathons in Virginia Beach, Va. and San Jose, Calif. Each event features a live band on entertainment stages and cheerleaders at every mile along the course. Events attract between 13,000 and 35,000 participants. In addition, Elite Racing also produces the Carlsbad 5000. Known as the "world's fastest 5K," the Carlsbad 5000 is home to 16 world best times at the 3.1-mile distance and welcomes over 10,000 runners and walkers to the streets of Carlsbad, Calif. annually. For more information about Elite Racing's events visit www.eliteracing.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest