Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi to Start Last at AJC Peachtree Road Race
Keflezighi Will Raise Funds for Kilometer Kids, Atlanta Track ClubÛªs Youth Running Program,
by Attempting to Pass 22,500 Participants
ATLANTA ÛÒ June 23, 2014
ÛÒ ItÛªs not where anyone expects to find Meb Keflezighi in any
competition, but the 2014 Boston Marathon winner will start the AJC
Peachtree Road Race on July 4 in last place as the featured runner in
Atlanta Track ClubÛªs inaugural Kilometer Kids Charity Chase.
As
part of the Chase, Keflezighi aims to raise $75,000 through an online
fundraiser that will benefit the clubÛªs youth running program. He will
start as the very last runner in the AJC Peachtree Road Race and try to
pass as many participants as possible, with a goal of 22,500.
Supporters can help Keflezighi reach his goal by donating to
Kilometer Kids. All proceeds will go toward expanding the reach and
accessibility of the program in the Atlanta metro area as part of a
continued effort to encourage young people to achieve health and
fitness through running.
ÛÏSince the day I was approached with the idea, IÛªve been excited about
running the AJC Peachtree Road Race to benefit Kilometer Kids,Û said
Keflezighi. ÛÏAtlanta Track ClubÛªs commitment to inspire kids and
empower them through a fun and educational running program is directly
aligned with my belief that balanced living helps lead youth to
success.Û
Keflezighi
will also participate in a variety of events leading up to the AJC
Peachtree Road Race. To celebrate the launch of the limited-edition
ÛÏMeb 8SÛ ElliptiGO outdoor elliptical bike, Keflezighi will race
against some of AtlantaÛªs top community leaders and corporate
executives on the bikes at Piedmont Park on Thursday, July 3.
Keflezighi used an ElliptiGO as part of his training routine leading up
to his Boston Marathon win.
On
Wednesday, July 2, Keflezighi will attend the Peachtree Health and
Fitness Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. He will be stationed
at the Atlanta Track Club booth to meet and greet expo visitors and
spread the word about his unique challenge at this yearÛªs AJC Peachtree
Road Race.
ÛÏWatching
Meb come across the finish line at the Boston Marathon was one of the
more special moments IÛªve experienced in sport,Û said Rich Kenah,
Atlanta Track ClubÛªs executive director. ÛÏMeb has overcome obstacles
his entire life; he is a role model and weÛªre honored to have him
return to run the AJC Peachtree Road Race, this time to raise money for
Kilometer Kids.Û
Keflezighi
is the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, and is
the only person ever to win the Boston Marathon (2014), the TCS New
York City Marathon (2009) and an Olympic medal (2004). He has
participated in three Olympic Games for Team USA, winning a silver
medal in the 2004 Olympic Games Marathon. Keflezighi was born in
Eritrea, but fled the war-torn country with his family and later became
a U.S. citizen in 1998. He now lives in San Diego.
For more information, including how to donate to the Kilometer Kids Charity Chase, visit
charitychaseforkids.org. Additional information about the AJC Peachtree
Road Race can be found at peachtreeroadrace.org.
About Kilometer Kids
Kilometer
Kids is a youth running program dedicated to inspiring young people to
achieve health and fitness through running. The fun and supportive
program is run by Atlanta Track Club, the second largest running
organization in the United States and organizer of the AJC Peachtree
Road Race. Founded in 2007, Kilometer Kids has impacted more than 5,000
young people in metro Atlanta and beyond. The nonprofit program is
funded by partners, private donations and Atlanta Track Club. For more
information on Kilometer Kids, visit
kilometerkids.org.
About Atlanta Track Club
Atlanta
Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy
Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates,
inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With
more than 19,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest
running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC
Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org)
ÛÒ the largest 10K running event in the world and the Atlanta Half Marathon and Thanksgiving Day 5K (atlantahalfmarathon.org),
Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the
support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also
maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and
promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta
youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes
through Atlanta Track ClubÛªs All-Metro Banquets and supporting the
Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club,
visit
atlantatrackclub.org.
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