Posted: February 21, 2005

Athletics: Four Olympic Marathon Team Members Set for Gate River Run

Race Again Hosts USA Men's & Women's 15K Championship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - (Feb 17, 2005) - Four members of the 2004 U.S. Olympic marathon team, including three past Gate River 15K Run champions, have committed to run in the 28th Gate River Run on Saturday, March 12, announced Race Director Doug Alred.

2004 Olympians and former Gate River Run champions include Dan Browne, Colleen De Reuck and Jen Rhines who are joined by Olympian Alan Culpepper. Alred also announced that race entries are on pace with previous years.

"Once again Gate River Run has attracted a premier field of U.S. distance runners," Alred said. "We're pleased the race continues to be so attractive to both professional and recreational runners."

With the Gate River Run serving as the USA 15K Championship for the 12th year, Alred expects another strong field of top American men and women competing for a $58,000 total purse with $10,000 for the national champion. Gate River is also part of the 2005 USA Running Circuit, a national road championship grand prix series.

Returning this year is the Equalizer Bonus which awards $5000 to the first male or female to cross the finish line, with the top-seeded women beginning 5 minutes before the men. The 5 minute "head start" is based on the time differential of the U.S. 15K records - 42:22, Todd Williams (1995) and 47:15, Deena Drossin (2003) - both set on the Gate River course.

Last year, Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, passed De Reuck at 8 miles and cruised to his four consecutive U.S. 15K title in 43:19 and claimed the Equalizer Bonus.

The Jacksonville Track Club's Gate River Run includes the signature 15K race, The Florida Times-Union 5K Run and Walk for Charity; adidas Junior River Run 1 Mile for children 13 and under; JTC Diaper Dashes for up to age 4 and a three-day MPS Group Runners' Expo. All events begin and end at the Jacksonville Sports Complex. Entry forms and additional information are available at Gate-RiverRun.com or call (904) 739-1917.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.