British compatriots Hallissey, Dixon prepare for first ING New York City Marathon
NEW YORK - (August 10, 2010) - Seven months after her come-from-behind triumph at the 2010 NYC Half-Marathon, Mara Yamauchi will seek a New York winning double by adding the ING New York City Marathon 2010 crown on Sunday, November 7, 2010 it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. No athlete has won both the NYC Half-Marathon and ING New York City Marathon in the same year.
"I am looking forward very much to my debut run in the ING New York City Marathon. After winning the NYC Half-Marathon in March, I can't wait to return to New York and race against the best marathon runners in the world," said Yamauchi, who caught Deena Kastor of the United States in the closing miles to win the NYC Half in a time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, 25 seconds. "New York is an iconic race and one of the best in the world. I will give it everything, and I hope to join the illustrious list of winners of this amazing race."
Yamauchi joins the already announced American pair of Olympic medalists-Shalane Flanagan, who is making her marathon debut, and the former London and Chicago Marathon champion Kastor-in the women's field.
Yamauchi, 36, of Great Britain, finished sixth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic marathon in 2:27:29, equaling the best performance by a British woman in the event. Last year she was second at the London Marathon in a personal best of 2:23:12, a time that makes her the second-fastest British woman in history behind world marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe.
Joining Yamauchi in the field will be compatriots Claire Hallissey and Alyson Dixon. Hallissey, 27, of Bristol, England, is making her marathon debut. She was a member of the 2009 IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships team, and was the top British finisher in 1:12:14.
Dixon, 31, of Sunderland, England, ran her marathon personal best at the 2010 Virgin London Marathon in 2:43:48, finishing 27th. Dixon is coached by Liz McColgan, the 1991 New York City Marathon champion.
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