Mayor Walsh, Meb Keflezighi and Bill Rodgers Help Unveil 2015 Boston Marathon Street Banners and Mark John Hancock's 30th Year as Principal Sponsor

BOSTON, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In a brief program on Boylston Street this morning, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi and four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers helped race sponsor John Hancock reveal its 2015 Boston Marathon street banners and mark 30 years as principal sponsor of the race. Each year, approximately 500 banners are hung in Boston, usually a month prior to the race until about a week following the event.

The banners' theme of "There's Only One Boston," celebrates the unique spirit of the race and the city. The banners themselves feature images representing several marathon communities -- including elite athletes, qualifying runners, non-profit runners, push rim competitors, volunteers and fans -- as well as facts about the city and Boston Marathon, highlighting the history and legacy of the race.

"I am proud to help unveil this year's Boston Marathon banners, honoring our City's resilience and spirit," said Mayor Walsh. "This year's marathon will once again unite Boston as the strong community we are."

"There is only one Boston Marathon and as we witnessed last year, we are stronger than ever before," said James Gallagher, general counsel and chief administrative officer, John Hancock. "The Boston Marathon is built on a foundation of courage, determination and strength of literally hundreds of thousands of people…runners, spectators, volunteers, organizers, public safety and community officials. Our collective participation in the Boston Marathon each year demonstrates that our determination to overcome challenges knows no bounds."

In celebration of the special history that surrounds the Boston Marathon, John Hancock is creating a digital time capsule, encouraging users to be part of the legacy by using #WeRunTogether to submit photos, videos and stories via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For each submission John Hancock will donate $1 to the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, up to $26,200. The time capsule opens today on JHExtramile.com and will live on to capture memories in the weeks following the 2015 Boston Marathon. In conjunction with the time capsule initiative and the company's 30th year of principal sponsorship, John Hancock will be highlighting 30 of the most inspirational stories on Facebook and Twitter beginning tomorrow and continuing, daily, through Marathon Monday, April 20.

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, our 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 by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$691 billion (US$596 billion) as at December 31, 2014. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSA, 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, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Financial

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http://www.jhancock.com