Hall Kicks Off John Hancock's 2011 Boston Marathon Employee Training Program
Posted Friday, 5 November, 2010
From Ryan Lamppa, Running USABOSTON - (November 2, 2010) - Elite marathoner and 2008 Olympian
Ryan Hall, who last April ran the fastest time (2:08:41) on the Boston Marathon course ever by an American, kicked off the first training meeting for John Hancock's Boston Marathon employee runners.
Since 2007, John Hancock and Manulife employees have taken on the challenge of training together for the Boston Marathon and raising funds in support of the Company's philanthropic missions. For the fifth consecutive year, John Hancock employees will raise funds for select Boston non-profits that make a difference in the lives of young people. Canadian Manulife employees will raise money for Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Hall (right), 28, spoke to employees about preparing for the Marathon and the importance of giving back to the community. Last year Hall, with his wife Sara, launched The Hall Steps Foundation, which works through the running community to end structural causes of global poverty, including supporting clean water and safe shelter initiatives.
"We are so pleased to kick off our 2011 Marathon efforts with Ryan," said Rob Friedman, Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Sponsorship and Event Marketing. "While he remains committed to running at an amazing level, he also is equally passionate about taking steps to make the world a better place - and engaging people to join him."
The John Hancock Boston Marathon Fundraising Program is part of the Company's $11.2 million of total support in 2010 to Boston area non-profits. The Company also donates 10,000 hours of community support through its employee volunteer programs each year.
