Philadelphia Marathon Named Finalist in Aetna Voices of Health Campaign

PHILADELPHIA (September 4, 2013) – Today Philadelphia Marathon organizers announced that the race has been named as a finalist in the 2013 Aetna Voices of Health contest. The competition includes 33 organizations which support health and wellness initiatives across the United States.

The organization that receives the most online votes, from now through October 13, will be awarded $30,000 to further its mission. The group finishing second in online votes will receive $20,000. Philadelphia Marathon officials created a one-minute video detailing how winning the competition would allow race organizers to create a new online resource center, designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices among kids. A number of youths also will be awarded a free entry into the annual Kids Fun Run during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

“We are thrilled to be named a finalist in Aetna’s Voices of Health campaign,” said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Marathon. “The campaign provides a great opportunity to strengthen our engagement with the community while encouraging children to live healthy and active lives.”

To vote for the Philadelphia Marathon in Aetna’s Voices of Health campaign, visit: www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com/philadelphia-marathon.php now through October 13. Voting guidelines are as follows:

Vote Through Email

• Users can cast a vote using their email address for a total of five votes at once.

Vote Through Social Media

• Users can vote once per day from each social platform for a total of five votes per day (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and Yahoo).

Aetna created the Voices of Health program in 2011 to honor organizations that share the mission of helping people live healthier lives. The Philadelphia Marathon currently supports a robust charity program with partners who implement a mix of local, national and international initiatives. Students Run Philly Style, an original Marathon charity partner, mentors Philadelphia’s youth by using running as a teaching vehicle for adolescents to develop positive and healthy lifestyles.

In 2012, nearly 300 youths aged six to 14 participated in the Kids Fun Run — a non-competitive event which introduces children to the benefits of an active lifestyle. Children ran either a half-mile or a mile along the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, following Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Marathon race officials’ lead to help families and children establish healthy lifestyle habits. Kids Fun Run participants received goodie bags with an assortment of jump ropes and athletic balls as an enjoyable reminder to continue staying active. Children also accepted oranges and bananas donated by Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market in an effort to instill healthy eating habits.

The Kids Fun Run isn’t the only way the Philadelphia Marathon already invests in encouraging children to lead healthy lives. Youths have the option to participate in dance fitness, yoga and an obstacle course at the Kids Fun Zone — a family-focused assortment of free interactive games, activities and musical entertainment. The Kids Fun Zone is part of the free Health & Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this year during Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16.

As a finalist in the Aetna Voices of Health campaign, the Philadelphia Marathon continues its commitment to create not only an unforgettable athletic experience, but also a platform for children to live healthy and active lives.

Philadelphia Marathon Weekend attracts more than 30,000 runners, 60,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers to Philadelphia to celebrate “20 Years, For the Love of Running.” Course events include the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, November 17; the Rothman Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 16; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16. Race participants pass many of Philadelphia’s famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a Boston-qualifier. For the Best Time of Your Life, take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.