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Recognizing and honoring Jim Marino on the occasion of his retirement after decades of dedicated service to the Department of Parks and Recreation, and as Director of the Broad Street Run.
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WHEREAS, Jim Marino is a longtime resident of the Roxborough Neighborhood of Philadelphia, where he resides with his wife Gerri, and their two children, Allison and Christopher; and
WHEREAS, Marino started his service to the City of Philadelphia in the Summer of 1974, when he served as a Pool Attendant at Veterans Stadium and JFK Stadium. Since then, he has served in various roles on countless projects for the Department of Parks and Recreation in recreation centers across the City, including serving as Assistant Recreation Leader at Scanlon Recreation Center, Recreation Aide at Venice Island Playground, and Recreation Leader at Olney Recreation Center and Captiolo Recreation Center; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Marino became the Director of Philadelphia's Broad Street Run. Under Marino's stewardship, the race has grown from only 5,600 runners in 1998, to 40,000 runners in 2018, becoming the nation's largest 10-mile race; and
WHEREAS, Marino's elevation of the Broad Street Run did not go unnoticed. In 2005, he was named Assistant Parade Director for Philadelphia's legendary Mummer's Parade. In 2006, Marino was selected as the "National Race Director of the Year" by his peers. Additionally, in 2016, Marino was named the Director of the Philadelphia Marathon; and
WHEREAS, Marino has served on numerous committees and boards on a national and local level, such as Mid-Atlantic USA Track and Field, an organization which presented him with its Jesse Owens Award for Meritorious Service in 2015, and Back on My Feet - Philadelphia, an organization that seeks to combat homelessness through the power of running and community support; and
WHEREAS, Marino serves as an inspiration to all, having battled cancer while still having the strength and courage to be a dedicated leader i...
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