FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Road to Boston Runs Through the NYC Half-Marathon for Kara Goucher
In her return from the birth of her first child, Goucher will use March 20
race as a major test for the Boston Marathon
New York, January 19, 2011-In what will be her sternest and most important
test to date since the birth of her first child last year, U.S. Olympian
and World Championships bronze medalist Kara Goucher will make her NYC
Half-Marathon debut on Sunday, March 20, it was announced today by New York
Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
"Kara Goucher was a big fan favorite before her maternity leave, and I'll
bet she connects with an even larger audience as a new mom, like Paula
did," Wittenberg said. "Whether it's new moms or hardcore racing fans, a
lot of people are excited about Kara's return to the international racing
scene. We're especially excited to host Kara in NYC as part of her comeback
trail to Boston."
Boasting a prize purse of $100,000-the largest half-marathon prize purse in
the United States-and featuring a world-class international field, the NYC
Half-Marathon will be a crucial stepping stone for Goucher on the way to
the Boston Marathon, which will be run on April 18. Last weekend, she began
her comeback with a second-place finish at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona
Half-Marathon in 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 2 seconds.
One of America's finest distance runners, Goucher, 32, of Portland, OR,
made her mark on the ING New York City Marathon in 2008 when she ran the
fastest-ever debut marathon by an American woman-2 hours, 25 minutes, and
53 seconds-and finished in third place. The time is also the fastest ever
by an American woman at the race. Goucher also finished third at the 2009
Boston Marathon.
At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Goucher achieved the rare feat of
qualifying for Team USA in two events, the 5000 meters and the 10,000
meters. In the 5000-meter final in Eugene, OR, Goucher won after a
thrilling duel with Shalane Flanagan. In 2007, Goucher took home the bronze
in the 10,000 meters from the IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan.
"I always look forward to racing in New York. Whether it is on a track or
on the roads, NYC has a buzz unlike any other city in the world," said
Goucher. "I can't wait to return to the streets of NYC on my way to
Boston."
Goucher and her husband, U.S. Olympian Adam Goucher, welcomed their first
child, son Colton, last September. In her last race before maternity leave,
she finished 10th in the 2009 World Championships Marathon in Berlin in a
time of 2:27:48.
On a course designed to celebrate New York City, the NYC Half-Marathon will
take more than 9,000 runners on a loop through Central Park, down Seventh
Avenue through Times Square, across 42nd Street, and along the expansive
West Side Highway to Battery Park in the heart of the city's financial
district, finishing with a view of the Statue of Liberty.
New York Road Runners
Headquartered in New York City, New York Road Runners is dedicated to
advancing the sport of running, enhancing health and fitness for all, and
meeting our community's needs. Our goal is to use the expertise acquired in
our 52-year history to empower all people to live fitter, healthier lives
through participation in our races, community events, instruction and
training resources, and youth programs. Our races and other events draw
more than 300,000 people each year. The ING New York City Marathon, NYRR's
premier event, is the largest and most inclusive marathon in the world,
attracting the world's top professional runners every year and raising
$30.8 million for charity in 2010. NYRR's running-based youth programs,
which currently serve more than 100,000 children in hundreds of schools and
community centers, promote children's health and fitness, character
development, and personal achievement in underserved communities. For more
information, visit www.nyrr.org.
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