October 29, 2009 - New York City - At a press conference today ahead of the ING New York City Marathon, American elite runners spoke about their strategies for Sunday's race. Ryan Hall, Abdi Abdirahman, Brian Sell, Jason Lehmkuhle, Jorge Torres, Meb Keflezighi and Joan Benoit Samuelson all spoke to the media today.
Mary Wittenberg, race director of the ING New York City Marathon, says the American men have a better chance of winning the race than ever before. Wittenberg says the field represents "the best group of American men ever to step on the start line against the world's best." Jorge Torres, who will be running his debut marathon on Sunday, believes that the American men will show that they can compete against the best in the world. "As Americans, we're here to show the world that we've made it to the top," says Torres. Ryan Hall agreed, saying that they all would be "working together" to get an American on the podium.
For his part, Ryan Hall told the media that his training proves he is in much better shape than he was at the 2008 Olympic marathon in Beijing. In Beijing, Hall felt the initial pace was too fast, but he believes that he can hang with whatever pace is thrown down in New York.
Among the elite women, 52-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson says she will aim for a sub-3:00 finish. Samuelson holds the women's master's record of 2:49.08.
If you think you have a good idea who will triumph at the New York City Marathon, visit PickTheChampions.com to enter your predictions. Pick the winners and you could win a 2010 Toyota Prius.
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Edward Norton discusses New York City Marathon with Jimmy Fallon
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