FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic Silver Medalist Catherine Ndereba to Compete in
2008 ING Philadelphia Distance Run
PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 10, 2008) – Two-time Olympic silver medalist
and current world marathon champion, Catherine Ndereba, will lead the field
of elite athletes at the ING Philadelphia Distance Run on September 21,
2008.
Ndereba, who had a stirring performance last month in the Olympic marathon
en route to her silver medal, will be making her first race appearance
since Beijing. A multiple ING Philadelphia Distance Run winner, Catherine
is currently the women's world marathon champion, a title she previously
held in 2003, and broke the world record in 2001.
"I am overjoyed at being back in Philadelphia to race. It's been some time
since my schedule has allowed me to run the ING Philadelphia Distance Run,"
said Ndereba, who trains outside of Philadelphia. "It's great that this
will be my first race after the Olympic Marathon. That's my home training
ground where I prepare for every marathon, so it's great to come back home
for a race."
The first four-time women's winner at the Boston Marathon, Ndereba, 36,
boasts an impressive running resume. Her list of global achievements
includes two victories at the Chicago Marathon and runner up finishes in
the London and ING New York City marathons.
"We are delighted to be able to announce Catherine will be competing in her
first race after the Olympics on the streets of Philadelphia," said Matt
Turnbull, Athlete Coordinator for the ING Philadelphia Distance Run.
"Welcoming such an accomplished runner to Philadelphia shows the high
esteem this race is being given by the international track and field
community."
The ING Philadelphia Distance Run has been one of the most popular and
respected half marathons in the country for over thirty years. Last year,
over 14,000 runners, walkers and wheel-chair participants registered for
the event.
The 13.1 mile scenic race course features live bands every mile and
showcases many of Philadelphia's most celebrated sites. The start and
finish lines are located at Eakins Oval, by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
From the start line, runners head towards Center City on the legendary
Benjamin Franklin Parkway lined with fountains, international flags and a
vast array of public art. Runners will then pass City Hall and Independence
Hall. After heading back up Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the course rolls
into the serene and picturesque Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River
before finishing back at Eakins Oval.
Future half marathoners also have their own event on race day. Now in its
16th year, the ING Philadelphia Distance Run for Kids features races and
entertainment for children between the ages of three and 12. All of the
children's races will start and finish at Eakins Oval at the same location
as the half marathon start line.
For runners who haven't yet registered for the race, there is time to run
with an Olympic silver medalist. Online registration closes this Sunday,
September 14, 2008 and is the last opportunity for participants to receive
the lower online price of $65. Registration will also be available at the
health and Fitness Expo on Friday, September, 19 and Saturday, September 20
in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
For more information on the ING Philadelphia Distance Run or to register
online, please visit www.ingphiladelphiadistancerun.com or call (800)
311-1255.
###
|
