“It’s
another coming-out party on the streets of New York as Shalane adds her
name to the impressive list of American debuts here,” said Wittenberg.
“This will be no mere ‘toe in the water’ as Shalane jumps into the deep
end with the world’s best. I am 100-percent confident that Shalane will
hold her head above water and much more. Shalane’s debut at the 10,000
meters says it all. Look for a serious and significant debut effort in
NYC.”
Flanagan,
28, is the U.S. record holder at 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters. She set
the 10,000 meter mark of 30:22.22 when she took the bronze medal at the
2008 Beijing Olympic Games, lowering her own record set earlier in
2008. Earlier this year, she won the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon in
1:09:41 in her debut at that distance. Flanagan attended the University
of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she won national cross country
titles in 2002 and 2003, becoming the first Tar Heel to earn the top
individual honor in the sport.
“I’ve
dreamed of running a marathon since I was a little girl, and on
November 7, 2010, I will attempt to fulfill that dream by racing the
merciless 26.2 miles in New York City,” said Flanagan. “I’ve chosen to
run my first marathon in New York because of the support and
encouragement I’ve received from NYRR throughout my career. Riding the
lead vehicle in 2009 showed me the gritty overall challenge, and the
distinct spirit within each of New York’s neighborhoods. I can’t wait
to begin the training and the journey to the streets of NYC!”
Kastor
and Goucher set women’s U.S. marathon debut records in New York.
Goucher set the current record at 2:25:53 when she finished third two
years ago.
Flanagan
will join the previously announced Kastor in the women’s field.
Defending ING New York City Marathon champion Keflezighi and world
marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie have been announced for the men’s field.
The premier event of New York Road Runners,
the ING New York City Marathon is one of the world’s great road races,
drawing nearly 105,000 applicants. The race, part of the World Marathon Majors series,
attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more
than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the
media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and a
worldwide broadcast reach of 330 million. As any one of the more than
830,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in
Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime. For more
information, visit: www.INGnycmarathon.org