FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Walsh Joins Boston Marathon Legend Bill Rodgers and
Olympic Marathoners Desiree Linden and Eric Gillis to Reveal
2017 Boston Marathon Street Banners
Boston Marathon Sponsorship Event Highlights John Hancock's
"Make it Your Moment" Theme and "#BeBoston" Hashtag
BOSTON, MA, March 21, 2017- In a brief program on Boylston Street this
morning, Mayor Martin J. Walsh joined elite marathoners Bill Rodgers,
Desiree Linden and Eric Gillis to help race sponsor John Hancock reveal its
2017 street banners, and celebrate both the history of the race and the
thousands of unique personal moments created through involvement in it.
Following the ceremony, roughly 500 banners will be installed around Boston
in celebration of the race which will be run this year on April 17.
In a departure from the photographic style of recent Boston Marathon
banners, this year's are illustrated, giving a nod to legacy banners from
years ago. The outline sketch on each of the eight banner designs
represents the history that has defined the race, while vibrant, full color
indicates the "now" moment. Thematically they are about the Boston Marathon
journey - from what inspires someone to choose Boston, to how one prepares
to get there, and what is experienced when the day comes.
John Hancock's 2017 Boston Marathon theme, "Make it Your Moment," speaks to
the thousands of unique experiences that have shaped the course of the race
throughout history, and continue to do so. The hashtag, #BeBoston,
celebrates all that the iconic race and the City represent. So many moments
make up a marathon- a runner's grueling training schedule, a fundraiser's
climbing donation total, a spectator's race day traditions. All are
uniquely personal, but when viewed together, they embody what it means to
#BeBoston.
"The Boston Marathon has come to represent the strength, resilience and
goodwill of the people of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "It embodies not only
every moment that has made up the history of the race, but also the special
spirit of our City. I thank John Hancock for their partnership in ensuring
that the Boston Marathon continues to be one of the world's best."
"We are pleased to be partnering with the Boston Athletic Association for
the 32nd year to hold the 121st Boston Marathon," said James Gallagher,
executive vice president and general counsel, John Hancock. "Whatever the
achievement - running and raising funds for non-profits, handing out
thousands of finisher medals, supporting long training runs - the
collective experiences of everyone connected to the Boston Marathon embody
what it means to be Boston, and makes it a celebration for all."
Four-time Boston Marathon champion "Boston Bill" Rodgers has raced
competitively in the top echelon of his sport for more than a quarter
century. He won Boston in 1975 and then was a three-peat winner from
1978-80, and also won the New York City Marathon four times.
Two-time U.S. Olympic marathoner Desiree Linden missed winning Boston in
2011 by two seconds. She's returning this year to finish the job. Eric
Gillis is a three-time Olympian from Canada and is looking forward to his
first Boston Marathon this year.
About John Hancock Financial and Manulife
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based
financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the
United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as
John Hancock in the United States, the group of companies offers clients a
diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management
services through its extensive network of employees, agents and
distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by
Manulife and its subsidiaries were $966 billion (US $736 billion) as at
September 30, 2016. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the
TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on
the Internet at manulife.com.
The John Hancock unit, through its insurance
companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States.
John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products,
including life insurance, annuities, investments, retirement plans,
long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of
business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found
at johnhancock.com
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