Past Champions Julius Kogo, Malika Camacho Mejdoub Headline Sunday’s UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon

Ian Burrell, Lindsey Scherf top Americans; race record $34,500 prize purse plus $14,500 U.S.-only money; sold-out 6th edition on Sunday, May 4

Press Release
April 30, 2014

(PITTSBURGH, PA) – Defending champion Julius Kogo of Kenya and 2011 women’s winner Malika Camacho Mejdoub of Morocco lead a deep elite field for the 6th UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, slated forSunday, May 4, 2014. The sold-out Half Marathon offers the largest prize purse in the race’s history with an overall prize purse of $34,500 in addition to $14,500 available to Americans as part of Pittsburgh’s inaugural American Development Program.

“On May 4, we anticipate a competitive race between top international and American athletes over our challenging Half Marathon course. Last year’s winner Julius Kogo returns to face tough challengers including countryman Reuben Limaa, while 2011 race champion Malika Mejdoub of Morocco wants another crown for her collection,” said race director Patrice Matamoros.

Defending men’s champion Julius Kogo looks to beat his 2013 event record of 1:02:32 on the hilly and scenic course. He faces stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Reuben Limaa who clocked a swift 1:00:52 at the 2013 Lago Maggiore Half Marathon. Ian Burrell tops the American list after completing the 2014 Chevron Houston Marathon in a personal record 2:13:26.

The women’s field boasts 2011 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and 2012 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon champion, Malika Camacho Mejdoub, who set her PR of 1:11:33 at the 2012 NYC Half Marathon. This year, the Moroccan plans to better her winning 1:14:26 Pittsburgh time from 2011. Lindsey Scherfwho has a half-marathon PR of 1:11:45, will toe the start line as the top American following her win at the 2014 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic in 1:13:08.

More than 30,000 participants are expected to participate during race weekend, which includes the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay, UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run, Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon and Purina Pro Plan Pittsburgh Pet Walk.

The USATF-sanctioned event features a USATF-certified course with a surprisingly moderate incline for a city that is known for its hills. Runners will see various highlights of the City of Bridges, including the Strip District, North Side, East Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side and West End.

For more information, go to: PittsburghMarathon.com

Men’s Half Marathon

NAME                                     PR                    CTZ

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Julius Kogo                              1:01:46            KEN

Reuben Limaa                         1:00:52            KEN

Shadrack Kosgei                      1:01:52            KEN

Fikadu Lemma                        1:02:00            ETH

Ian Burrell                               1:02:51            USA

Jordan Chiipangama               1:03:22            ZAM

Tesfaye Assefa Dube               1:03:13            ETH

Jonathan Kibet                        1:03:15            KEN

Diriba Degefa-Yigezu              1:03:23            ETH

Eliud Ngetich                           1:03:55            KEN

Christian Thompson                1:04:32            USA

Tesfaye Girma-Bekele            1:04:37            ETH

Benjamin Sathre                     1:04:51            USA

Fidele Jefferson                       1:06:17            USA

 

Women’s Half Marathon

NAME                                     PR                    CTZ

Malika Camacho Mejdoub     1:11:15            ETH

Lindsey Scherf                         1:11:45            USA

Sophy Jepchirchir                    1:13:00            KEN

Chemtai Rionotukei                1:13:24            KEN

Jessica Draskau-Petersson      1:13:28            DEN

Jebicha Yator                          1:13:51            ETH

Jennifer Bigham                      1:18:04            USA

Sallie Ford                               1:18:14            USA

Heather Lieberg                      1:19:00            USA

Hallie Portner                         1:20:56            USA

 

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About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Organized by the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc., the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is a world-class event with more than 30,000 runners. The 2014 event will showcase runners from across the country with ties to the City who will “Run Home to Pittsburgh” on Sunday, May 4. The race ignites the spirit of Pittsburgh, spanning 13 neighborhoods, boasting 9 festivals and featuring music-by-the-mile. For more information, please visit:PittsburghMarathon.com

About the American Development Program
The American Development Program is an initiative designed to increase exposure and racing opportunities for emerging American professional runners. The program will offer complimentary entry, travel assistance and prize money throughout the organization’s year-long calendar of events, including the DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, GNC Live Well Liberty Mile and EQT Pittsburgh Ten Miler. For more information, go to: PittsburghMarathon.com/American_Development_Program

About Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc.
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes the love of running by offering world-class running events and training opportunities while enhancing community involvement in fitness activities for a wide variety of ages and abilities. The organization offers various activities to foster the sport of running throughout the year, including the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, GNC Live Well Liberty Mile and EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. For more information, visit: PittsburghMarathon.com.

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