Contact: Richard Finn
rfinn@nyrrc.org
212-423-2229
FORMER WANAMAKER MILE CHAMPION
MARK CARROLLTO RUN THE
NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
New York, October 4, - Former Wanamaker Mile champion and current Irish
record holder for 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, Mark Carroll will make his
marathon debut at the 2002 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3, it
was announced today by Allan Steinfeld, New York City Marathon Race Director
and President and CEO of the New York Road Runners.
In 2000 Carroll followed an Irish tradition of great milers by winning the
famed Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile (3:58.19) at Madison Square Garden. He
also won the Millrose Games 3,000 meters in 1996 and 1997.
Carroll, 30, has represented his country in the 2000 Olympics, three World
Outdoor Track and Field Championships (1995, '99, 2001) and twice at the
World Cross Country Championships (1999, 2002). He holds the national
records at 3,000m (7:30.36), 5,000m (13:03.93) and 10,000m (27:46.82)
In stepping up to the 26.2-mile marathon distance, Carroll is following in
the footsteps of countryman and fellow Providence College alumni John
Treacy. Treacy holds the Irish national marathon record (2:09:18, Boston,
1988) and was the last top Irish contender at the NYC Marathon with a third
place finish in 1988.
"Carroll has great versatility from the 1,500 meters on up and with his
10,000 meters track record has what it could take to better both Treacy's
national record and his third place finish here at New York," said
Steinfeld.
Carroll has had a limited racing schedule this year after arthroscopic knee
surgery in January. He won the Irish National Championships 5,000m
(13:43.86) and 1,500m (3:45.90) titles and finished sixth at the European
Championships 5,000m (13:42.87). On the roads he won the Rhody 5K (14:33)
and another 5K race (14:32) in his adopted hometown of Providence, R.I.
The men's and women's champions of the 33rd running of the NYC Marathon will
each earn $80,000 plus a Pontiac Vibe. The 2002 New York City Marathon is
expected to draw an open field of around 30,000 participants.
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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