PLAYING IT SAFE, KEFLEZIGHI WITHDRAWS FROM FALMOUTH

Falmouth, Mass, (15-Aug) -- Olympic Marathon silver medallist and 2009 ING New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi decided late yesterday to pull out of today's 38th CIGNA Falmouth Road Race as a precaution.

Keflezighi, 35, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., told Race Results Weekly that he suffered a chest cold earlier this week, and had also tweaked a hamstring during a recent speed workout.  Not wanting to risk further injury by competing here on Cape Cod, Keflezighi thought it would be best to pass on racing this weekend.

"I am just not race-ready," said Keflezighi, who ran 14.5 miles before watching today's race.  "The race directors [John Carroll and Rich Sherman] have been very understanding of my situation."

A disappointed Keflezighi watched the race from the finish line, greeting runners at the end of the seven-mile course which stretches from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights.

"I thought the race would be much faster than it was, and I didn't want to take that chance," the 2009 USA half-marathon champion explained.

Appearing upbeat and positive, Keflezighi said the leg injury is just a minor setback, and nothing to be worried about.

"[The hamstring] is just a little tight," he said.  "I have got twelve weeks left until New York. That is my priority right now, and from here on in.  I just got to get to the starting line in New York."

Working with coach Bob Larsen and the Mammoth Track Club, Keflezighi will attempt to defend his title in New York City on November 7.

"It's hard to make a decision when you brought your shoes, your racing gear; I didn't make a decision until yesterday.  But I want to give the best shot to win [in New York]."

As a spectator, Keflezighi got to watch his brother and agent, Merhawi, cross the finish line.  Covering the course in 1:17:56, Merhawi Keflezighi ran the race for fun, taking in the race's legendary shoreline views and the big crowds.

ENDS