Kara Goucher to Make Marathon Debut in New York
New York, September 10, 2008—Olympian Kara Goucher announced today that will run her debut marathon at the ING New York City Marathon 2008. Goucher, 30, of Portland, OR, was the bronze medalist at the 2007 IAAF World Championships 10,000 meters and she represented the United States at 5000 and 10,000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Goucher is coached by three-time New York City Marathon winner (1980-82) Alberto Salazar.
“Last year when I watched the race first hand, I decided I wanted to run in New York,” said Goucher. “The ING New York City Marathon is one of the most prestigious, and the course is challenging, so I’m excited for my first marathon to be this one. I have a strong emotional connection to New York, as it is where I was born, where my family lives, and where my father passed away. This one will be personal for me and my family.”
Goucher’s marathon debut has been much anticipated. She is latest in line of stars to make their debuts in New York, including Grete Waitz (1978), Salazar (1980), Liz McColgan (1991), Deena Kastor (2001), Marla Runyan (2002), Meb Keflezighi (2002), and Dathan Ritzenhein (2006).
“Our wish has been granted,” said NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.. “Kara will follow in the footsteps and with the help of her coach and mentor, the marathon’s last great American star, three-time winner Alberto Salazar. This is a two-for-one deal. We get Kara and she comes with the benefit of Alberto’s experience. I anticipate another milestone in American long distance running.”
Goucher’s breakout performance at last year’s World Championships in Osaka, Japan, established her as one of America’s finest distance runners. She was the first American woman since Lynn Jennings in 1992 to win a World Championships or Olympic medal at 10,000 meters. Goucher won the 5,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials this year to win her first USA track title. At the Olympic Games in Beijing, Goucher finished 10th in the 10,000 meters in a time of 30:55.16, becoming the third-fastest 10,000-meter runner in U.S. history behind Flanagan and Deena Kastor. In the 5000-meter final, she placed ninth in a time of 15:49.39.
Goucher has run few road races—but in her most recent one, last September, she upset marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe to win the BUPA Great North Run, a half-marathon in England, in 1:06:57, the fastest-ever half-marathon by an American woman. The race was Goucher’s first serious race longer than a 10K and only the third road race of her career.
American Kara Goucher
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