Injury Forces Ritzenhein Out of Central Park Challenge
Posted March 12th, 2008 at 1:30 PM by David Monti
Section: News & Results
A foot injury has forced Dathan Ritzenhein out of Saturday’s Central Park Challenge, incorporating the U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship, the New York Road Runners announced.
Ritzenhein, the 25 year-old who placed second at last year’s Olympic Trials marathon in Central Park, is no doubt disappointed that he cannot race Alan Webb, one of the few opportunities he would have to face the U.S. mile record-holder in a road race. The injury, to the third metatarsal on his left foot, warrants extra caution, given that this is an Olympic year.
“I am disappointed that I won’t be able to come back to Central Park to compete in the Central Park Challenge,” said Ritzenhein in a prepared statement. “I had a very similar injury at this time last year, and was able to train through it on the Alter-G (anti-gravity) treadmill, but I feel I need to be completely healthy before starting my buildup for the Games.”
Speaking for the New York Road Runners, president and CEO Mary Wittenberg said: “We share Dathan’s disappointment, but fully support his decision and desire to leave nothing to chance this year. This is the nature of our sport—half the battle is getting to the starting line. Fortunately, our field is deep and, in some ways, the race just got more interesting. Guaranteed, we will see some breakthrough performances.”
Webb’s top challengers will now be Ed Moran, last year’s Pan Am Games 5000m gold medalist; Jorge Torres, the 2005 U.S. 8-K Champion, and James Carney, the 2008 U.S. half-marathon champion. The race winner will receive $10,000.
(c) 2008 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Used with permission.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: Alan Webb, alter g treadmill, central park, central park challenge, Dathan Ritzenhein, drop out, foot injury, injury, Mary Wittenberg, new york, New York City, new york road runners, nyrr, ritz, u.s. mens 8 k championship, withdraw
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
[…] Original post by TheFinalSprint.com | Premier Running Destination for Marathons, Track and Field, Race News, Podcasts, Training Advice and More! […]
March 12th, 2008 at 1:10 pm[…] Read the rest of this great post here […]
March 12th, 2008 at 2:17 pm