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+---- Thread: Keflezighi to Run 100th Zazzle Bay to Breakers (/Thread-Keflezighi-to-Run-100th-Zazzle-Bay-to-Breakers)
Keflezighi to Run 100th Zazzle Bay to Breakers - TheEd - 05-05-2011
2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist seeks to be first U.S. winner of Bay to Breakers in 18 years
SAN FRANCISCO - (April 26, 2011) - For 100 years San Francisco's famed footrace Bay to Breakers has boasted many national record holders, Olympic medalists and world champions who have tackled the landmark point-to-point course; however, of those who have participated, few are as decorated as this year's 2011 headlining professional, Meb Keflezighi, known to the running world simply as "Meb".
At the 100th Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12K on Sunday, May 15, Meb, a 20-time USA champion, is looking to become the first American male winner of the 100-year-old race since 1986 when Ed Eyestone captured the crown. In 1993, Lynn Jennings was the last American to win the international event.
"The Bay to Breakers race is one I have wanted to run for a long time," stated Keflezighi. "I'm very happy to announce that on May 15, I will finally get my chance. It will be very special to be a part of the 100th anniversary of this historic running event and lead the tens of thousands of runners to the finish line."
The incredibly consistent Meb, who is making this rare California racing appearance, will be one of the favorites for the 100th race title. No stranger to ending the American drought at major competitions worldwide: in 2009 Meb was the first U.S. men's winner of the New York City Marathon since 1982 and he also garnered a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Marathon in Athens, the first time an American man medaled in the 26.2 mile event since 1976.
"Meb's participation in the 100th running of the Bay to Breakers footrace leaves me without words to describe my true excitement," said the general manager of Bay to Breakers, Angela Fang. "Meb is a true star of the sport and a fantastic American champion. This is what Bay to Breakers is truly about: those who have a true passion, and in Meb's case incredible skill and gift, for this race and sport. Whether you are a weekend warrior, or an elite like Meb, I am thrilled for the enthusiasm around this year's centennial race."
Keflezighi, 35, has a lifetime personal best of 2:09:15 for the marathon (New York City) and 27:13.98 (former U.S. record) for 10,000 meters. The UCLA grad will be making his Zazzle Bay to Breakers debut on Sunday, May 15, 2011.