BOSTON, MA, (Tuesday, December 16, 2008)-In its 24th year as the principal
sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the
signing of Olympian and World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher for
the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009.

Internationally accomplished on the track, Goucher's debut in the marathon
this past November fulfilled all expectations. Her 2:25:53 third place
performance in New York City, set a number of American women's marathon
records: the fastest debut ever, the fastest time ever run on the course,
and the fastest time of 2008. With those credentials, Goucher is poised for
a top finish in Boston, where the last American winner was Lisa
Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985, and before her Joan Benoit in 1983.

"I could not be more excited to participate in the 2009 Boston Marathon on
the John Hancock Elite Team," said Goucher. "As an American, Boston is an
incredible opportunity to run a Major Marathon. The race has a history like
no other and it's legacy spans generations. I am so thankful to continue my
journey toward my goal of becoming the best runner in the world here in the
United States."

With Boston champion Alberto Salazar as her coach, Goucher is certain to
learn how to manage the difficult course, as did Salazar in his famous 1982
course-record duel with Dick Beardsley.

"Coach Salazar will guide me to be ready to tackle the course, and the
infamous Heartbreak Hill," added Goucher. "Winning Boston is my next big
challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage."

The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials winner in the 5,000m and runner up in the
10,000m, Goucher went to the Beijing Olympic Games and in one of the
hardest doubles on the track, finished ninth in the 5,000m and 10th in the
10,000m (30:55.16). At the 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, she won
the bronze medal in the 10,000m, becoming the first American to ever medal
in that event. On the roads, in her first half marathon, Goucher handed
world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain a rare defeat
by winning the 2007 Great North Run in 1:06:57, one of the fastest times in
the world.

"Kara Goucher will add a new level of excitement to the 2009 Boston
Marathon. Not only is she a dynamic competitor but her coach, Alberto
Salazar, knows all about winning in Boston," said Executive Director Guy
Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association. "With Kara joining Ryan Hall on
the John Hancock Elite Team, the 113th Boston Marathon will feature not
only two of America's finest athletes but two of our sport's top young
stars. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside the best marathon
runners from around the world."

A 2001 University of Colorado graduate and seven-time All American, the
30-year old Goucher grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. Married to professional
runner and Olympian Adam Goucher for the past seven years, the couple
trains with the Nike Oregon Project and resides in Portland, Oregon. The
Gouchers continue to help support and promote running on the national youth
level.

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