Olympians, American Record holders lead USA 15 km Championships field
By Jim Estes, USATF
Posted Thursday, 15 February, 2007
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor lead a field of Olympians and former champions who have committed to run March 10 in the USA 15 km Championships in Jacksonville, Fla. The championships are hosted for the 14th time by the Gate River Run 15K.
Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic Marathon Silver medalist and five-time USA 15 km champion will face serious challenges from USA Half-Marathon Champion and American Record holder Ryan Hall, who recently made his half marathon debut, winning the USA Half-Marathon Championships in an American Record time of 59:43.
2004 Olympic marathon bronze medalist and 4-time USA 15 km champion Deena Kastor will face two-time 15 km titlist Jen Rhines and others.
Race officials also announced that race entries are up more than 25% over this time last year, with nearly 7,000 entries to date. Last year's record was 10,200 entries with 9,050 finishers.
Officials also announced that prize money has increased to a total of $65,000 plus a $5,000 Equalizer Bonus for the first man or woman to cross the finish line. The women's race will begin 5 minutes before the men.
Contact:
Jim Estes
LDR Programs Manager
USA Track & Field
317-713-4661
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