2020 MEDAL IS THE SECOND IN FOUR-YEAR MEDAL SERIES
January 28, 2020. Louisville, KY. – The 2020 Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, Marathon and Relay are shaping up to be “the greatest” races yet. Derby Festival Officials unveiled the 2020 race finishers medal this morning at the Muhammad Ali Center. This year’s design features the Center, as well as an image of Muhammad Ali, and one of Ali’s inspirational quotes about Champions, that says, “The will must be stronger than the skill.”
“Our tagline here at the Muhammad Ali Center is: Be Great: Do Great Things”, said Donald Lassere, President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “Throughout his life, Muhammad Ali inspired millions of people to realize their own personal greatness. We are proud to be partnering with the Kentucky Derby Festival races where athletes from around the world will convene in Muhammad’s hometown to literally live and achieve our motto of being great and doing great things.“
The image of Ali on the medal was inspired by a photograph chosen by the Muhammad Ali Center and Lonnie Ali. It was taken by photographer Jeff Julian in the late 1970s, after a sparring session at Ali’s Deer Lake Training Camp, also known as “Fighter’s Heaven.”
“This photo of Muhammad Ali has always been one of my favorites,” said Photographer Jeff Julian. “I feel he projects such confidence and determination – attributes that any athlete such as marathon runners need in order to prevail and succeed.”
The ribbon holding the medal highlights the six core principles Ali lived and embraced his entire life: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality. It also features Ali’s most memorable saying: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.”
“We hope this year’s medal will be an inspiration for all our runners,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “Whether they participate in the half or full marathon or the relay, all the participants are champions in our eyes.”
This is the second in the Derby Festival’s series of four medals to feature a different landmark or iconic symbol of Louisville. The series is being created based on feedback race officials gathered from runners. The medal series started in 2019 with a medal showcasing Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Big Bat.
The 2020 Humana miniMarathon, Marathon and Relay are set for Saturday, April 25, 2020. It will mark the 47th annual miniMarathon and 19th annual Marathon. Every year, runners pass the Muhammad Ali Center as they go down Main Street. The route for both the half and full marathon also includes the street with Ali’s namesake. Registration is open online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
Humana is Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. The Official Race Medical Provider & Training Partner is Norton Sports Health. Official IT Partner: Deloitte. Contributing Sponsors are Churchill Downs, Commonwealth Credit Union, Kentucky Proud, Kentucky Tourism, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, The Courier-Journal and The Outlet Powered by Zappos. Official Finish Line Nutrition: Meijer. Official Refuel Partner: Prairie Farms. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Pace Team: Dick’s Sporting Goods. Official Pace Car: Bachman Subaru. Official Beer: Goodwood Brewing.
