Contact: Richard Finn
rfinn@nyrrc.org
1 212-423-2229
"CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS" EAMONN COGHLAN TO RUN THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
New York, Oct 24 - Seven-time Wanamaker Mile champion and former indoor
world record holder for the mile and 2000 meters, Eamonn Coghlan of Ireland,
will compete seriously in the New York City Marathon for the first time
since 1991, it was announced today by Allan Steinfeld, New York City
Marathon Race Director and President and CEO of the New York Road Runners.
Coghlan's stated intention is to finish in approximately 2:55-3:00 when the
33rd running of the famed five-borough race is held on Sunday Nov. 3. In
1991, Coghlan finished 40th in 2:25:13.
"The New York City Marathon has always been a race of champions, whatever
their age," Steinfeld said of the 49-year-old Coghlan. "Eamonn is a true
champion and we are honored to have him in this year's race."
Coghlan set the world indoor standard in the mile at 3:49.78 at the
Meadowlands in 1983, a mark that stood until Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj
clocked 3:48.45 in 1997. He also set the 2000-meter world indoor mark at
4:54.07 at Inglewood, CA in 1987, a mark that stood until 1998 when Haile
Gebrselassie of Ethiopia ran 4:52.86. Coghlan won the famed Wanamaker Mile
at the Millrose Games at New York's Madison Square Garden a record seven
times (1977, 1979-81, 1983, 1985, 1987) helping earn the title of "Chairman
of the Boards."
Coghlan, who will turn 50 on Nov. 21, will be heading up a group of 130
runners from Ireland who are raising money for the Children's Medical and
Research Foundation at Our Lady's Hospital For Sick Children in Crumlin,
outside Dublin. He will also again serve as the honorary team captain of the
Foot Locker Five Borough Challenge, a unique program in which five New York
City Marathon runners were selected to represent their boroughs in the race.
Inaugurated in 1970 with 127 entrants, the New York City Marathon has grown
into the world's premier road race, featuring 30,000 participants, some 2.5
million live spectators, a leading elite field, and a guaranteed prize purse
of more than $475,000. Broadcast across the nation and in 125 countries
worldwide, the 26.2-mile footrace is the United States' most watched one-day
sporting event. The New York City Marathon takes place the first Sunday in
November each year and is the premier event of the New York Road Runners,
the world's most comprehensive running organization. For more information
visit www.nycmarathon.org.
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