Where Your Dreams Become Reality
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Where Your Dreams Become Reality |
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Olympian Meb Keflezighi to Run Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose Next Weekend Press Release SAN JOSE, Calif., (Sept. 26, 2006) - American silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Meb Keflezighi, announced today he will compete in the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose, Calif. on Sun., Oct. 8, 2006 For the past few months, Keflezighi, 31, has been training at altitude in Mammoth, Calif. in preparation for his fourth ING New York City Marathon. He will attempt to become the first American to win in New York since Alberto Salazar in 1982. "The timing of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon is perfect to test my fitness," Keflezighi said. "I am looking to run fast and I think more athletes will recognize this race for its potential speed." "We are thrilled to have Meb, who is one of the world's premiere distance runners, race at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose before, I hope, he wins in New York," said Tim Murphy, CEO of Elite Racing, Inc. In 2005, Elite Racing attracted American Deena Kastor who also medaled (bronze) at the Athens Olympics in the marathon. As part of her preparation for the Chicago Marathon, where she was eventually victorious, Kastor made history at the 28th annual Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run when she shattered Joan Benoit's long-standing American half marathon record by 41 seconds in a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 53 seconds (9/18/05). Elite Racing would like nothing more than for the new San Jose course to help Keflezighi produce similar results. "Meb will compete against a strong field of international elite athletes and it just goes to show that the City of San Jose remains "Speed City," Murphy added in reference to the region that became famous as the training center for the world's best sprinters in the late 1960's and early 70's. Keflezighi, who is also a football fan, was excited to hear three-time San Francisco 49er Super Bowl Champion and three-time marathoner Roger Craig would also be running the race. "It is always an honor when a professional athlete who you admire from another sport takes an interest in your sport," Keflezighi said. "Roger was amazing to watch on the football field." Keflezighi gained worldwide recognition as a distance runner after his silver medal performance in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He is the American record holder in the 10,000m, and a 15-time national champion on the track, roads and cross country. Keflezighi is a member of seven World Championship teams and a four-time NCAA champion while attending UCLA. Keflezighi began running at age 12 and competed with two of his brothers at San Diego High School where he won three state titles his senior year. At UCLA, running for his current coach Bob Larsen, Keflezighi won four NCAA titles while earning a B.A. in communications. Keflezighi's family immigrated to the United States in 1987 from the East African country of Eritrea (after living in Italy for two years). Keflezighi lives in San Diego and in Mammoth Lakes, where he trains with Team USA. The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose is patterned after the popular Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon that runs thru Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn. and the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Va. The race offers a scenic course through San Jose. In addition to rockin' music staged approximately every mile, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders line the route to provide further motivation. The event concludes with an evening post-race concert featuring the band Train at the HP Pavilion. For additional information or to register for the race visit www.RnRsj.com or call 800/311-1255.
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