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Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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.
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Elite Fields Posted for Central Park Challenge

Posted March 7th, 2008 at 11:00 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results

The elite fields for the upcoming Central Park Challenge, which includes the U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship, have now been posted by the race organizers, the New York Road Runners.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15. Please see these links:

U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship: nyrr.org/races/2008/usa8k/men.asp

Invitational Women’s Race: nyrr.org/races/2008/usa8k/women.asp

A $70,000 prize money purse is on the line, with $10,000 going to each race winner. Top entrants include Alan Webb, Dathan Ritzenhein (Pictured) and Shalane Flanagan.
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Ritz, Abdi & Torres To Test Webb in Central Park Challenge

Posted February 21st, 2008 at 10:17 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Cross Country, Track & Field, Road Racing

Alan Webb, who hasn’t competed since winning the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile last September, will need to be extra sharp for his season opener on March 15, when he’ll face a legion tough competitors at the Central Park Challenge, the New York Road Runners event which is hosting the U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship.

It will be Webb’s old high school rival, Dathan Ritzenhein (Pictured) of Eugene, Ore., who will be leading the charge. Fresh off of his commanding 12-K victory at the U.S. Cross Country Championships last Saturday, “Ritz” is hoping to improve on his lifetime record of 5-2 over Webb.

The athletes first faced each other at the Foot Locker National High School Cross Country Championships in Orlando, Fla., in December, 2001 (Ritzenhein won and Webb was 8th), and their last meeting was at last year’s Prefontaine Classic over two miles (Ritzenhein was 4th in 8:11.74, Webb 9th in 8:23.97).
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Webb to Open Olympic Year with U.S. 8-K Championship

Posted February 5th, 2008 at 9:00 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics, Road Racing

Alan Webb, the American record holder in the mile, has decided to open his Olympic year campaign on Saturday, March 15, with the Central Park Challenge, a road race here which will serve as the U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship.

Race organizers, the New York Road Runners, announced Webb’s participation at today’s New York Track Writer’s Luncheon at Da Tomasso Restaurant on Manhattan’s West Wide. It will be the first time that Webb has run the championship, and it will be the fourth serious road race of his career.

“I am really excited about running the USA 8-K champs,” said Webb in a written statement. “It will be great to start my season off by running in New York City.”
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