DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Boasts Deep Elite Field and Record Prize Purse
James Kirwa returns to Pittsburgh seeking event’s first three-peat; Pennsylvanian Clara Santucci leads women’s field
Press Release
April 26, 2014
(PITTSBURGH, PA) – Two-time Marathon champion James Kirwa and Pennsylvanian Clara Santucci lead a strong elite field for the 6th DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 4, 2014. Runners will compete for an overall Marathon record prize purse of $47,000 plus an additional $26,000 available to Americans as part of Pittsburgh’s inaugural American Development Program.
“With a record prize purse, our defending men’s champion going for a rare three-peat and top fields led by Gebo Burka and Clara Santucci, our sold-out 6th edition should be something special in the City of Champions,” said race director Patrice Matamoros.
Two-time Marathon champion Kirwa, 30, returns to the race aiming for the triple crown his third consecutive title and a $2000 bonus for accomplishing the feat. The Kenyan will face tough competition from Ethiopians Gebo Burka, who won the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon in 2:10:37, and Negash Abebe Duki, who clocked an impressive 2:11:14 at the Kosice Peace Marathon. Pennsylvania-native Jed Christiansen, with a marathon personal record of 2:18:31, leads the American field.
Clara Santucci, 27, who was the first American woman to cross the finish line at the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and has a marathon personal record of 2:29:54, leads the women’s Marathon field. She will face tough competition from Ethiopian Yeshimebet Bifa, who recently set her personal record at the 2013 Seoul International Marathon after finishing in 2:26:18. Jane Vongvorachoti, from the U.S., adds to the competitive field. She recently set with a half marathon PR of 1:15:24 at the 2014 USA Half Marathon Championships.
More than 30,000 participants are expected to participate race weekend, which includes the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Pittsburgh 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 and Boston-qualifier features a 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, East Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh’s own Little Italy.
For more information, go to: PittsburghMarathon.com
Men’s Marathon
NAME PR COUNTRY
James Kirwa 2:12:54 KEN
Gebo Burka 2:10:18 ETH
Negash Abebe Duki 2:11:14 ETH
Tewodros Zewdu Asfaw 2:13:34 ETH
Joseph Mutinda 2:14:32 KEN
Emrue Samuel 2:16:36 ETH
Tariku Abosete Boka 2:16:47 ETH
ABEBE DAGNE Mekurya 2:17:35 ETH
Jed Christiansen 2:18:31 USA
Leul Gebresilase 2:19:00 ETH
Jason Bodnar 2:21:18 USA
Richard Morris 2:24:02 USA
Women’s Marathon
NAME PR COUNTRY
Clara Santucci 2:31:39 USA
Seada Kedir 2:31:38 ETH
Yeshimebet Bifa 2:26:18 ETH
Jane Vongvorachoti 2:37:50 USA
Tezata Dengersa 2:40:12 ETH
Aregash Abate Gubae 2:42:41 ETH
Kathleen Jobes 2:44:00 USA
Samantha McNally 2:45:43 USA
Mira Tuominen 2:48:55 FIN
Emily Field 2:50:24 USA
Jo Rupp 3:09:06 USA
Link to story: http://pittsburghmarathon.com/News-DICKS-Sporting-Goods-Pittsburgh-Marathon-Boasts-Deep-Elite-Field-and-Record-Prize-Purse.
###
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