Olympian Shalane Flanagan to Make Marathon Debut at ING New York City Marathon 2010
Flanagan joins running greats in making marathon debut in New York
New York, June 16, 2010—The ING New York City Marathon will once again showcase a highly anticipated American marathon debut: Shalane Flanagan will join the likes of Deena Kastor (2001), Meb Keflezighi (2002), Marla Runyan (2002), Dathan Ritzenhein (2006), and Kara Goucher (2008) when she runs the 41st edition of the race on Sunday, November 7, 2010.
“It’s another coming-out party on the streets of New York as Shalane adds her name to the impressive list of American debuts here,” said Wittenberg. “This will be no mere ‘toe in the water’ as Shalane jumps into the deep end with the world’s best. I am 100-percent confident that Shalane will hold her head above water and much more. Shalane’s debut at the 10,000 meters says it all. Look for a serious and significant debut effort in NYC.”
Flanagan, 28, is the American record-holder at 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters. She set the 10,000-meter mark of 30:22.22 when she took the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, lowering her own record set earlier in 2008. Earlier this year, she won the Houston Half-Marathon in 1:09:41 in her debut at that distance. Flanagan attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she won national cross country titles in 2002 and 2003, becoming the first Tar Heel to earn the top individual honor in the sport.
“I’ve dreamed of running a marathon since I was a little girl, and on November 7, 2010, I will attempt to fulfill that dream by racing the merciless 26.2 miles in New York City,” said Flanagan. “I’ve chosen to run my first marathon in New York because of the support and encouragement I’ve received from NYRR throughout my career. Riding the lead vehicle in 2009 showed me the gritty overall challenge, and the distinct spirit within each of New York’s neighborhoods. I can’t wait to begin the training and the journey to the streets of NYC!”
Kastor and Goucher set women’s American marathon debut records in New York. Goucher set the current record at 2:25:53 when she finished third two years ago.
Flanagan will join the previously announced Kastor in the women’s field. Defending ING New York City Marathon champion Keflezighi and world marathon record-holder Haile Gebrselassie have been announced for the men’s field.
http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/flanagan_run.htm
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