RunnersWeb Athletics: Deep Fields Expected to Compete for $132,000 Prize Purse at the 2016 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Events

Stephen Njoroge returns to defend marathon title; Ethiopians Alem Kifle and Hailemaryam Ayantu Dakebo headline women’s field; $40,500 American Development Program bonuses also available

PITTSBURGH - Deep international fields are expected in both the men’s and women’s race for the 8th DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 1. Stephen Njoroge of Kenya will return to defend his title in the Steel City after winning last year’s race in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 19 seconds. Ethiopians Alem Kifle and Hailemaryam Ayantu Dakebo lead the women’s race with personal bests of 2:30:13 and 2:33:51, respectively.

This year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events offers a guaranteed $132,000 prize. The purse also includes American bonuses totaling $40,500 as part of the American Development Program, a P3R initiative to increase exposure and racing opportunities for emerging American runners.

Top American men competing in this year’s race include Pennsylvania resident Jed Christiansen with a personal best of 2:18:31 and Fidele Jefferson who finished runner-up at the 2014 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

"I will take extra care to not go out too fast this year," Christiansen said. "You can negative split the course and that is what I hope to do. I don't worry too much about my position early in the race and who is ahead of me or running with me. A marathon, particularly with some big hills, is a long way to go."

Top American women competing this year include Phebe Ko with a personal best of 2:41:42 and Kaitlin O’Sullivan with a personal best of 2:45:28.

"I am very much looking forward to the Pittsburgh Marathon!" Ko said. "I have great memories of the event when I ran the race in 2009 and 2010, placing second overall both times. The race organization and entire experience was top-notch then, and I expect nothing less this time around."

For more information about the 2016 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, go to: ThePIttsburghMarathon.com.

MEN’S MARATHON Stephen Njoroge, KEN, Unattached, 2:14:10, defending champion Tekeste Nekatibebe, ETH, Unattached, 2:10:17 Musa Ido, ETH, Unattached, 2:10:28 Negash Abebe Duki, ETH, WSX, 2:11:14 Werkuhah Aboye Seyoum, ETH, WSX, 2:11:43 Birhanu Dare Kemal, ETH, Unattached, 2:13:14 Fidele Jefferson, USA, Unattached, 2:15:19 Jed Christiansen, USA, Playmakers Elite/NB, 2:18:31 Bryan Morseman, USA, MG.com/Skechers, 2:19:57 Abu Kebebe Diriba, ETH, Unattached, 2:24:30 Arturs Bareikis, USA, FR Elite, 2:25:00 Adam Schroer, USA, Unattached, 2:25:31 J Penney, USA, Johnson City Athletics, 2:27:00 Josh Simpson, USA, Unattached, 2:27:22 Job Christiansen, USA, Playmakers Elite/NB, Debut Thomas Rammelkamp, USA, Capital Area Runners, 2:32:08

WOMEN’S MARATHON Alem Kifle, ETH, Unattached, 2:30:13 Hailemaryam Ayantu Dakebo, ETH, WSX, 2:33:51 Phebe Ko, USA, Under Armour, 2:41:42 Kaitlin O’Sullivan, USA, Boston Athletic Assn, 2:45:28 Mindy Sawtelle-Zottola, USA, Unattached, 2:46:13 Krista Seibert, USA, Columbus RC, 2:47:00 Kati Snyder, USA, Unattached, 2:49:37 Sara Zambotti, USA, Unattached, 2:50:04 Shanna Ailes Istnick, USA, Vertical Runner, 2:53:30

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

The 2016 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is not just a race - it’s a journey. The race is your game - however you decide to play it. As a competitor. A fundraiser. An enthusiast. A veteran. A team player. It’s whatever you want it to be. It’s whatever you make it. It’s your game...Run it. Play it. Own it. Love it. #GameOnPGH

Organized by P3R, the 8th edition will be held April 30-May 1, 2016. For more information, go to: The PittsburghMarathon.com.

About the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R)

P3R is a nonprofit organization that is passionate about promoting the love of running and enhancing community access to health & fitness education and activities. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DSG Pittsburgh Marathon, we also run a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health & fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. The only criterion for participation is a desire to be happy, healthy, and active! Read more at P3R.org.

FACEBOOK: P3Revents TWITTER: @P3REvents.