PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 28, 2023) – To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon is ushering in an exciting weekend featuring legendary marathon runners and brand-new merch. A celebration befitting one of the top ten marathons in the country.
The AACR Philadelphia Marathon has grown tremendously since the first race in 1994. What started as a small, one-day event has become a full weekend of events with four unique races that each guide participants through Philadelphia’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and remarkable vistas throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River.
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 19; the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and Nemours Children’s Run on Saturday, November 18; and a free, two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18.
30 Years Running™, the theme of this year’s AACR Marathon, highlights the growth and expansion of the AACR Marathon and the tenacious spirit of its participants as barriers are broken and finish lines are crossed.
In an effort to ensure an equitable and inclusive weekend, the City of Philadelphia and race organizers are working with diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging (DEIB) industry leader Lauren Lubin April, founder of April Haus. Inc., a consulting company that specializes in building innovative, integrative, and sustainable systems Beyond the Binary. These initiatives include an expanded Adaptive Athlete Program, equal prize money for elite competitors in accordance with the policies of the national governing body, USA Track and Field (USATF), equally distributed prize money at the non-elite level for all 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend races across all gender categories, increased age group awards, and official race merchandise displayed in a gender-neutral way by style.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon will welcome Pro Ambassadors and Legacy Runners to the festivities this year. These runners reflect the history, strength, and staying power of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon. Pro Ambassadors racing this year include:
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Pro Athlete and U.S. Olympic runner Aliphine Tuliamuk
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Olympic runner Jared Ward
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“Marathon Man” and previous Philadelphia Marathon winner Bill Rogers
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Running USA Hall of Champions member and “Mayor of Running” Bart Yasso
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend participants will have the opportunity to interact with these athletes at the Speaker Series and meet and greets taking place at the Health & Fitness Expo.
The Health & Fitness Expo will also feature an interactive history gallery that will showcase 30 years of running with unique AACR Marathon memorabilia. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase special 30th-anniversary quarter-zip sweatshirts. These anniversary quarter-zips join a wide range of new merchandise, including the t-shirt design of local artist, Shane Walsh, winner of the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (OACCE) and the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend 30th anniversary design competition.
Whether you are participating or cheering, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon invites you to join in on the celebration! Learn more about how the AACR Philadelphia Marathon is celebrating its 30th anniversary at www.philadelphiamarathon.com
About Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, now in its 30th year, has grown tremendously since the first race in 1994. What started as a small local event of just 1,500 participants has become one of the top 10 marathons in the country. The course guides participants through a unique experience of centuries of history and architecture, diverse and lively neighborhoods, and remarkable views throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River. Each year, spectators line the course, eager to cheer on athletes, because there’s nothing Philadelphians love more than champions.
Race Weekend 2023 features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 19; the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and Nemours Children’s Run on Saturday, November 18; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18.
