FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Reid / Ian Monahan
Elite Racing, Inc.
800/311-1255
Olympian Meb Keflezighi to Run Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
in San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif., (Sept. 26, 2006) - American silver medalist at the 2004
Athens Olympics, Meb Keflezighi, announced today he will compete in the
inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose, Calif. on Sun., Oct. 8,
2006
For the past few months, Keflezighi, 31, has been training at altitude in
Mammoth, Calif. in preparation for his fourth ING New York City Marathon.
He will attempt to become the first American to win in New York since
Alberto Salazar in 1982.
"The timing of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon is perfect to test my
fitness," Keflezighi said. "I am looking to run fast and I think more
athletes will recognize this race for its potential speed."
"We are thrilled to have Meb, who is one of the world's premiere distance
runners, race at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose before, I
hope, he wins in New York," said Tim Murphy, CEO of Elite Racing, Inc.
In 2005, Elite Racing attracted American Deena Kastor who also medaled
(bronze) at the Athens Olympics in the marathon. As part of her preparation
for the Chicago Marathon, where she was eventually victorious, Kastor made
history at the 28th annual Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run
when she shattered Joan Benoit's long-standing American half marathon
record by 41 seconds in a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 53 seconds
(9/18/05). Elite Racing would like nothing more than for the new San Jose
course to help Keflezighi produce similar results.
"Meb will compete against a strong field of international elite athletes
and it just goes to show that the City of San Jose remains "Speed City,"
Murphy added in reference to the region that became famous as the training
center for the world's best sprinters in the late 1960's and early 70's.
Keflezighi, who is also a football fan, was excited to hear three-time San
Francisco 49er Super Bowl Champion and three-time marathoner Roger Craig
would also be running the race.
"It is always an honor when a professional athlete who you admire from
another sport takes an interest in your sport," Keflezighi said. "Roger was
amazing to watch on the football field."
Keflezighi gained worldwide recognition as a distance runner after his
silver medal performance in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He is
the American record holder in the 10,000m, and a 15-time national champion
on the track, roads and cross country. Keflezighi is a member of seven
World Championship teams and a four-time NCAA champion while attending
UCLA.
Keflezighi began running at age 12 and competed with two of his brothers at
San Diego High School where he won three state titles his senior year. At
UCLA, running for his current coach Bob Larsen, Keflezighi won four NCAA
titles while earning a B.A. in communications. Keflezighi's family
immigrated to the United States in 1987 from the East African country of
Eritrea (after living in Italy for two years). Keflezighi lives in San
Diego and in Mammoth Lakes, where he trains with Team USA.
The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Jose is patterned after the popular
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, Calif., the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll
Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon that runs thru Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe,
the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon in Nashville, Tenn. and the Rock
'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Va. The race offers a scenic
course through San Jose. In addition to rockin' music staged approximately
every mile, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders line the route to
provide further motivation. The event concludes with an evening post-race
concert featuring the band Train at the HP Pavilion.
For additional information or to register for the race visit
www.RnRsj.com or call 800/311-1255.
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