Counting Down To The 2009 Philadelphia Marathon
- Runners, race organizers and fans wave from a Trolly Works double-decker bus wrapped for the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon.
Just an hour ago, City of Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City Representative and Philadelphia Marathon Executive Director Melanie Johnson, members of Students Run Philly Style, sponsors and fans gathered at the legendary Rocky statue to discuss the details of the upcoming 2009 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.
- Mayor Michael Nutter speaks while Rocky sports a new long sleeve Philadelphia Marathon tee emblazoned with this year’s theme, “Running Means.”
Some of the highlights included today’s successful completion of the inaugural Philadelphia Marathon First Wave Warrior Race abroad, the unveiling of this year’s medal design, the City’s ongoing commitment to sustainability during the marathon and the announcement of the Rothman 8K race migration to Saturday during the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon.
While 20,000 participants will race here on Sunday, hundreds of men and women serving our country finished the Philadelphia Marathon this morning in the Bavarian region of Germany. This opportunity was facilitated by legendary race announcer Rob Powers and supported by the City of Philadelphia. We should be receiving some photos soon, so as soon as I receive a few, I’ll be sure to post them on this blog.
In the crowd, audience members wiped away tears as Isaiah and Jessica, local high school students and participants in the Students Run Philly Style program, shared their stories about their personal and athletic evolution. Both will be running in the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend.
- Mayor Nutter poses with Isaiah and Jessica from Students Run Philly Style earlier today.
For those who won’t be running on Sunday, cheer zones are set up in each neighborhood along the marathon’s 26.2 miles. You’ll see mascots, musicians and other surprises along the route. Also, I encourage you to upload photos to our Facebook Philadelphia Marathon Fan Page to show us parts of the course that our team isn’t able to cover.
- City of Philadelphia Representative and Philadelphia Marathon Executive Director Melanie Johnson with John Hitchcock, General Manager and President of our media partner CBS 3 and Mayor Nutter.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at the Philadelphia Marathon. I’ll be blogging on Friday to give you an all-access look into a private awards reception, attending the Runners’ Buffet on Saturday and interviewing participants, coaches and other race greats such as Bart Yasso, Runner’s World Chief Running Officer and marathon coach, Bill Rodgers, former Olympian, 22-time marathoner and winner of the 1974 Philadelphia Marathon.
And of course, on race day, check back here for updates throughout the day.
I wish everyone luck as race day approaches and hope to see you this weekend!
I need a race number for Marathon. I can meet anyone with extra number at Philadelphia Convention Center today 11/21/09 after 3:00 PM. Call me at 917 295 7295.
I can re-inburse your registration fee.