Race Registration Still Available at Weekend Health and Fitness Expo
Philadelphia, PA – September 17, 2008 – Approximately 15,000 runners are expected to take to the streets of Philadelphia on Sunday, September 21 for the 31st annual ING Philadelphia Distance Run. The half marathon will begin at 7:45 am at Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, on the Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the Art Museum.
“The ING Philadelphia Distance Run is a big event for the City of Philadelphia and continues to grow in prestige and size each year,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “This is a really positive event for the entire community and thanks to this year’s title sponsor, ING, the distance run is sure to continue its tradition of success.”
Philadelphia’s biggest and best race weekend kicks off with a Health and Fitness Expo Friday, September 19th. In its third year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Expo will showcase the latest in running products and services and presentations from fitness experts as all registered runners pick up their race packets. The Expo is free and open to the public. Race registration at the Expo will be open Friday, September 19, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
"While online registration has closed, there is still time to register for this weekend’s race,” said Adam Zocks, event general manager. “We hope that we'll see more people from the community come out and be a part of the race as spectators, runners or volunteers."
Hundreds of future marathoners are set to participate in the ING Run for Something Better event at 9:30 am and the ING Philadelphia Distance Run for Kids which begins at 10:00 am. Now in its 16th year, the kid’s race features running and entertainment for children ages three through 12. All events begin and end at Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, on the Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the Art Museum.
In keeping with race tradition, 30 runners will be participating in the ING Philadelphia Distance Run for the 31st consecutive year and will be afforded the opportunity to start with the elite pack in the first corral. They will also receive a commemorative race bib, signifying their long-term loyalty to the event, city and participants.
An accomplished international filed of elite athletes, featuring two-time Olympic silver medalist and current world marathon champion Catherine Ndereba, will compete for prize money split evenly between men and women. To honor the city's local participants, the first male and female finishers from Philadelphia will be awarded a $1,000 bonus. The entire elite athlete field will be introduced at an 11:00 am media briefing Friday, September 19 at the Loews Hotel in downtown Philadelphia.
The ING Philadelphia Distance Run has been one of the most popular and respected half marathons in the country for over thirty years. The 13.1 mile scenic course showcases many of the city’s celebrated and historic sites. In addition to outstanding performances by international elite athletes, the race features on course entertainment every mile.
ING Philadelphia Distance Run Schedule of Events
Friday, September 19
Press Conference
11:00 am, Loews Hotel
1200 Market Street
(Complimentary parking vouchers will be available)
Topics: Professional Elite Athlete Introductions and Interviews,
Official Charities, Community Announcements,
Race Information, Road Closures and Spectator Information.
Health & Fitness Expo – Open to the Public
11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Interview runners and check out the latest in running and “health & fitness” products.
Saturday, September 20
Health & Fitness Expo
9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Sunday, September 21
31st Annual ING Philadelphia Distance Run
Starting Line: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, east of 24th Street
Finish Line: Eakins Oval
7:35 am - Load press vehicles (media credential required)
7:43 am - Wheelchair start
7:45 am - Half Marathon start
ING Philadelphia Distance Run for Kids
Starting Line: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, east of 24th Street
9:30 am - ING Run for Something Better Final Mile – Boys
9:45 am - ING Run for Something Better Final Mile - Girls
10:00 am - 1 mile run (Ages 10-12)
10:15 am - 1 mile run (Ages 7-9)
10:30 am - ½ mile run (Ages 5-6)
10:45 am - ¼ mile run (Ages 3-4)
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