New Race Course and Increased Prize Purse for 28th Philadelphia Distance Run
Posted Thursday, 28 July, 2005
PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2005 - The Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run celebrates its 28th anniversary with a new course, an increased prize purse for elite runners and several additional highlights that will enhance the classic American road race. The 13.1-mile half marathon is set for Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005.
Participants will enjoy a scenic and historic course through many of Philadelphia's celebrated sites. The new start and finish lines will be located at Eakins Oval, by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. From the start line, runners will head towards Center City on the legendary Benjamin Franklin Parkway lined with glorious fountains, international flags and a vast array of public art. Runners will then pass City Hall and Independence Hall. After heading back up Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the course will roll into the serene and picturesque Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River before finishing back at Eakins Oval.
A new prize purse has been implemented for race winners, paying out to the top 10 finishers overall on both the men's and women's side and totaling nearly $63,000 for the full package. To honor the city's local participants, the first male and female finishers from Philadelphia will be awarded a $1,000 bonus. A complete breakdown of the prize purse can be found on the race website, www.runphilly.com.
Also new this year will be the Spirit on the Course competition, featuring hundreds of high school cheerleaders who will line the course to encourage runners. Cash prizes are awarded to cheer squads with the most spirit, energy and originality. Prize money will be awarded to the top three most spirited squads.
In keeping with race tradition, runners who will be participating in the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run for the 28th consecutive year will be afforded the opportunity to start with the elite pack in the first corral and will also receive a commemorative red race bib, signifying their long-term loyalty. There are currently 38 longtime runners registered who have participated since the inaugural race in 1978.
The Jefferson Hospital Big Walk for Little Feet, a three-mile walk now celebrating its fifth year, also has a new course. Walkers start and finish at Eakins Oval (23rd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art). The three-mile walk raises funds to benefit Jefferson Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care and Well Baby Units.
Future half marathoners also have their own event on race day. Now in its 13th year, the Philadelphia Children's Run features races and entertainment for children between the ages of 3 through 12. All of the children's races will start and finish at Eakins Oval at the same location as the half marathon start line.
For further information or to register for the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run visit www.runphilly.com or call 800/311-1255.
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