Derby Festival Race Reveals Tribute to The Greatest Of All Time
2020 medal features Muhammad Ali in second of a four-year medal series
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 28, 2020) – The April 25 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 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.”
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.”
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. This is the second in the Derby Festival’s series of four medals to feature a different landmark or iconic symbol of Louisville. The medal series started in 2019 with a medal showcasing Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Big Bat.
Race registration is open online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
For those planning a visit during the Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville Tourism provides several planning resources, including suggested itineraries at GoToLouisville.com/myexperience, the monthly Lookin’ at Louisville video series, a searchable list of events at www.gotolouisville.com, a free Louisville Visitors Guide and complimentary hotel booking service via 1-888-LOUISVILLE.
