FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Meb Keflezighi To Receive 2016 Akron Marathon Ambassador Award
presented by Westfield Bank
2004 Olympic silver medalist will be honored at Sept. 22 VIP event
AKRON, Ohio (May 3, 2016) – The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation has
announced that Meb Keflezighi is the recipient of the 2016 Akron Marathon
Ambassador Award presented by Westfield Bank. Keflezighi is the only person
to win an Olympic medal, the New York Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist, Keflezighi and his family came to America
in 1987 to escape the fighting in East Africa. He went on to win four NCAA
titles while at UCLA and recently made his fourth Olympic team in February
at the age of 40. Keflezighi won the 2009 ING New York City Marathon, and
crossed the finish line first at the 2014 Boston Marathon, becoming the
first American male to win since 1983. His career includes a number of
titles in the 15k, 12k cross country and 10,000 meter U.S. championships,
and he held the U.S. record in the 10,000 meters (27:13.98) from 2001-10.
In October 2015, Runner's World Magazine named Meb "The Most Influential
Person in Running" noting that his "universal appeal only begins with his
racing."
"It is truly an honor to recognize one of the top runners in the world with
this year's Ambassador Award," said Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation
Trustee Dave Hunter. "Meb's world class performances and longevity suggest
he is one of the greatest American marathoners of all time. He continues to
be an inspiration to the next generation of American runners. It will be
wonderful to honor him during our marathon race weekend shortly after he
becomes the first American ever to compete in three Olympic marathons."
The ninth annual Ambassador Award will be presented at an invitation-only
VIP Reception on Thursday, Sept. 22 at Greystone Hall. This marks the third
year Westfield Bank has served as the presenting sponsor of the award,
which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions and
lasting impacts to the sport of running. Past Ambassadors include Frank
Shorter, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Kathrine Switzer, Bill Rodgers, Amby
Burfoot, Hal Higdon, Craig Masback and Creigh Kelley.
Keflezighi will also be on hand at the Health & Fitness Expo presented by
Summa Health and SummaCare on Friday, Sept. 23, where he'll meet with
runners and sign autographs in the Official Merchandise Store.
"Westfield Bank is proud to sponsor the Akron Marathon's Ambassador Award,"
said Westfield Bank Chairman and CEO Jon Park. "It's great to be able to
recognize a person of Meb's caliber and who means so much to so many
people."
Registration for all three Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race
Series events opened in January with incentives geared toward running
multiple events. More than 900 people have already signed up to run the
entire series. Registration is available at AkronMarathon.org.
The 2016 race dates for the second running of the Akron Marathon Race
Series are as follows: June 25 (National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile), Aug. 13
(Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k) and Sept. 24 (FirstEnergy Akron Marathon,
Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run). The dates were developed to help
guide runners through a typical training schedule.
About the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by
the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in
2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health
and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community and
benefit charitable organizations. 2016 will mark the 14th running of
September's marquee event (FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team
Relay & Kids Fun Run), which has grown by more than 300 percent since its
inception in 2003. The series features race dates in June (National
Interstate 8k & 1 Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k),
providing greater opportunity for participation on all levels in the sport
of running. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by
calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
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