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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Dibaba Smashes 5000m
World Record in Oslo

Posted June 6th, 2008 at 10:00 PM by Bob Ramsak

Section: News & Results, Announcements, Track & Field

Tirunesh Dibaba made her first outing of the summer a memorable one after breaking the world record in the 5000m at the ExxonMobil Bislett Games in the Norwegian capital.

For the second straight year, the Oslo meet played host to a new women’s standard in the event. This time around, it was Dibaba smashing the record that her compatriot Meseret Defar smashed last year.

This is a very joyous day for me today,” said Dibaba after her stunning 14:11.15 performance which eclipsed Defar’s performance by more than five-and-a-half seconds. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and this is a very special day for me.”
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Defar Smashes 5000m World Record in Oslo

Posted June 15th, 2007 at 4:38 PM by Bob Ramsak

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Ethiopian Meseret Defar broke the world record in the 5000 meters, clocking 14:16.63 at the ExxonMobil Bislett Games in Oslo this evening.

The 23-year-old, the reigning Olympic champion in the event, shattered her own mark of 14:24.53 set last year at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York.

Paced through 2200 meters by Olga Komyagina, Defar was shadowed briefly by Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot before gradually breaking away over the final four laps. Cheruiyot hung on to finish second in 14:22.51, also under the previous record.
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Podcast 35: Interview with running pioneer Grete Waitz

Posted April 6th, 2007 at 1:27 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Today’s podcast features a very special interview with Grete Waitz; the legendary Norwegian runner who, among her plethora of accomplishments, won a record nine New York City Marathons between 1978 and 1988, a silver medal in the first Olympic women’s marathon, five World XC titles and broke the world marathon record nine times.

Grete, a woman of incredible talent, passion, modesty and grace, has also been instrumental, through both her athletic achievements and tireless advocacy, in promoting equality for female athletes. In the interview Grete speaks about how things have changed since she first began running; describing the lack of opportunities in the 1970’s, the first Olympic women’s marathon in 1984, and the vast array of athletic opportunities available to women in today’s society.

Grete talks about her transformation into a marathon runner; the story behind her historic, debut victory at the 1978 NY Marathon and her special bond with Fred Lebow, the NYRR and people of NYC.

She also explains that running alongside Fred - her dear friend and the race’s legendary co-founder – as he completed the 1992 NY Marathon while undergoing treatment for the cancer that would ultimately take his life – was a very special experience; one that makes up for the 10th victory that Fred always wanted her to win.

Download the podcast to hear Grete discuss these topics, her own battle with cancer, being inspired by Lance Armstrong, and how Fred’s legacy continues to thrive through the NYRR’s efforts in America, around the world and via the NYRR Foundation.

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[PLAY] (To Download: Right click and select “save as”)

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Grete Waitz
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 12.6 MB
Length: 00:18:26

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Grete Waitz: Legendary runner and woman of valor

Posted January 21st, 2007 at 5:30 PM by Jenna Sumara

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Columns, SPOTLIGHT

In the world of competitive running, a bulk of the media’s attention and fanfare is placed on men. This is really unfortunate as there has been, and continues to be, truly spectacular female athletes. Legendary runner Grete Waitz is a perfect example.

From track and field to marathons, she has done it all, and done it well. Perhaps her most well known success comes from being a nine time winner of the New York City Marathon. She is the only runner, female or male, to come anywhere near that record streak of domination.
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