FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pettit Gilwee
Public Relations
553.583.2138
John Weru to Defend Lake Tahoe Marathon Title October 9
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2004--Kenyan native and
Mountain View resident John Weru, 25, will return to the 9th Annual Lake
Tahoe Marathon Saturday, October 9 to defend his title. Weru won the
marathon event and men's division in 2003 with a time of two hours, 35
minutes and five seconds. He is no stranger to finishing first. Weru won
the San Francisco Chronicle Marathon last month.
"To have a racer like John, it a testament to how far the Lake Tahoe
Marathon has come," Les Wright, Lake Tahoe Marathon Race Director, said.
"Over the last few years, we have consistently attracted some of the
country's best runners. It's an honor to host these folks and introduce
them to the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe."
Unlike other marathons, here the first man or woman to cross the finish
line receives $1,000, with the women getting a 27-minute head start. These
athletes are compensated for housing and free entry in future Lake Tahoe
Marathon races. According to Wright, he has provided an additional
incentive for Weru to run his best Lake Tahoe Marathon race yet.
"I told John if he breaks his 2003 time, I'll give him a $250 bonus,"
Wright said. "And if he breaks two hours and 28 seconds, I'll give him a
$500 bonus."
Joseph Maina Ngunjiri of British Columbia holds the official Lake Tahoe
Marathon record with a time of two hours, 30 minutes and 55 seconds set in
2001. Weru's personal marathon record is a time of two hours and 17
minutes. Competing against Weru is Kenyan runner Stella Wangari who ran her
first marathon in July coming in second, for the women's division, with a
time of two hours and 43 minutes.
In addition to the Lake Tahoe Marathon, Race Week activities include the
Three-Day Triathlon, 72-Mile and 35-Mile Bike Races, Tahoe Triple (three
marathons in three days), 5K Race and free Kids' Fun Run. For more
information about the Lake Tahoe Marathon or to register (fees vary), call
530-544-7095 or click to www.laketahoemarathon.com.
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