Posted: June 22, 2007

Athletics (RRW): New York Offers Trials Women Chance To Upgrade Status

From David Monti © 2007 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com INDIANAPOLIS (22-Jun) -- American women who have achieved the "B" standard of two hours and 47 minutes for next spring's U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon in Boston are being offered a special chance to advance to the "A" standard of 2:39:00 through a program announced here today by the New York Road Runners (NYRR). The NYRR will provide a cash incentive of $2500 to any U.S. woman who improves from the "B" to the "A" standard during the 2007 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 4, according to president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. To increase the likelihood of success, the NYRR will be offering travel and lodging assistance to up to 30 American women who have met the "B" standard. So far, 120 women have qualifed for the Trials, but only 16 have met the tougher "A" standard. "A" standard athletes will have their travel, housing and meals paid for at next spring's Trials, while "B" standard athletes must pay their own race-related expenses. "These women are chasing the American dream, and the New York Road Runners is pleased to provide them with a dress rehearsal before their big day next spring in Boston," said Wittenberg in a prepared statement. The offer of financial assistance, which is subject to certain restrictions, will be made through USA Track & Field, beginning with the first "B" qualifier (currently Jenny Crain with a 2:39:07 from the 2006 USA Marathon Championships), working down the list until 30 have accepted. These 30 athletes will then compete in the all-women's professional race of the ING New York City Marathon which begins ahead of the main race which last year recorded 37,866 finishers, the largest marathon in history. In addition, these women will be able to watch the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon which will be taking place in New York City on Nov. 3 which the NYRR is also hosting. "Seeing the men's Trials up close and personal, and competing in the hyped-up atmosphere we expect for the weekend can only help them when it's their turn on April 20," Wittenberg added. The ING New York City Marathon will celebrate its 38th edition this year; over 98,000 runners applied for entry. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest