Mayor Walsh Joins Boston Marathon Legend Bill Rodgers and Top American Finishers to Help John Hancock Reveal Its 2018 Boston Marathon Street Banners

BOSTON, March 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In a brief program on Boylston Street this morning, Mayor Martin J. Walsh joined Boston marathon legend Bill Rodgers, and top American marathoners Dathan Ritzenhein and Shadrack Biwott, to help race sponsor John Hancock reveal its 2018 street banners. The Mayor also shared the City's plans for One Boston Day on April 15. Following the ceremony, roughly 500 banners were to be installed around Boston in celebration of the race which will be run this year on April 16.

The 2018 Boston Marathon street banners each depict the Together Forward theme through a bold and striking visual treatment that celebrates both the runners and the historic city of Boston. A series of six sets of banners features photos of individual runners, in moments of work and triumph, set against a piece of the city as backdrop. When taken together, the banners show runners looming large over a panoramic cityscape.

"The Boston Marathon is one of our city's oldest and proudest traditions. But we know the Marathon isn't just a tradition--it's an event that represents the resilience of the human spirit," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "One Boston Day has turned the Marathon into a movement our entire city has rallied around. I thank John Hancock for their partnership in ensuring that the Boston Marathon continues to be one of the world's best."  

"During our 33 years as principal sponsor, we have seen the legacy of the Marathon grow stronger each Patriots' Day, and we thank the Boston Athletic Association for organizing and sustaining this event," said James Gallagher, Executive Vice President, John Hancock. "Our marathon theme, Together Forward, exemplifies our collective experiences in organizing, supporting and participating in an event that challenges us to be our best, because it demands us to be at our best, not only on Marathon Monday but in every moment leading up to race day."

It also was announced that, leading up to the race, John Hancock and the John Hancock Elite Athlete Team are again partnering with St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, to collect and donate new or lightly used sneakers for homeless men and women. Collection bins will be located at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo entrance and exit, near the finish line on Boylston Street, and throughout the City on race weekend, click here for more locations.  

Following the speaking program, marathon legend Bill Rodgers and to American marathoners Dathan Ritzenhein and Shadrack Biwot climbed into the lift and were raised to make final adjustments to the first banner installed.

Ritzenhein is the third fastest U.S. marathoner of all time with a 2:07:47 personal best. Career highlights for the three-time Olympian include finishing ninth at the 2008 Olympic Marathon, winning the bronze medal at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and finishing 13^th at the 2012 Olympic Games 10,000m.

Biwott finished as the second American and fourth overall at last year's Boston Marathon. He also  finished seventh at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon and fifth at the 2016 New York City Marathon with a personal best time of 2:12:01.

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.

About John Hancock and Manulife  
John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States, and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were over $1.04 trillion (US$829.4 billion) as of December 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10.7 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and college savings plans. We also offer advice through Signator, a network of independent financial advisors. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.                                                PR-2018-15             

SOURCE John Hancock Financial