Fourth edition on Nov. 6 event kicks off 2016-17 PRRO Circuit; Steel City fall classic offers prize purse of $26,200 including $5200 U.S.-only bonus money
PITTSBURGH - A deep field of international and American runners are set to race at the 4th EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler on Sunday, Nov. 6. Kicking off the 2016-17 PRRO Circuit, a series showcasing world class competition at five classic road races, this year’s EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler offers a $26,200 prize, including $4000 for each race champion.
In the women’s field, Mary Wacera, from Kenya, the 9th fastest female half marathoner in history and 4-time IAAF World Championship medalist, will make her Pittsburgh debut. She returns to the PRRO Circuit after winning the 2014-15 PRRO Championship crowns. Wacera will race against defending EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler champion and course record holder Buze Diriba, from Ethiopia, and 2-time DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon champion Clara Santucci.
"Coming back to Pittsburgh to race this fall feels like coming home for Thanksgiving," Santucci said. "When I'm racing in Pittsburgh it's not just about the race - it's celebrating family, community and the gift of running. Pittsburgh brings the best out of me and the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler will be a great stage to show it."
Also joining the women at the start line is Laura Thweatt, who was the top American at the 2015 New York City Marathon, Emily Sisson, a 4-time Team USA member and 2016 USA 10K Champion, and Jordan Hasay, a 5-time Team USA member and 2016 USA 10 Mile Champion.
On the men’s side, 2016 U.S. Olympian and 2014 EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler champion Leonard Korir and 2011 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon champion Jeffrey Eggleston lead a deep field. Joining Korir and Eggleston are 2016 Olympian Jordan Chipangama, from Zambia, and American marathon specialist Nick Hilton, who both train in Flagstaff, Arizona.
"It feels like a homecoming anytime I run in Pittsburgh, and that gives me extra motivation to run my best," Eggleston said. "I am thankful for P3R's commitment to providing high quality racing opportunities for professional American distance runners. They have incredibly supportive sponsors, an enthusiastic running community and the city of Pittsburgh is the ideal backdrop for a road race."
Part of P3R’s American Development Program, the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler also offers $5200 in American-only prize money. Now in its third year, the program offers a competitive prize purse and unique community engagement opportunities, making Pittsburgh a destination for top U.S. runners. The ADP has tripled the number of American professional runners competing in Pittsburgh and has hosted Olympians, U.S. record holders and Team USA members.
For more information about the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, visit: Pittsburgh10Miler.org.
About the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
Launched in 2013 by P3R, the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler has become Pittsburgh's premier fall road race hosting more than 5,000 runners. The race opens the PRRO Circuit 2016-17, showcasing world class competition at 5 prestigious road race events shorter than the marathon distance and featuring more than $350,000 in prize money overall, with $66,900 available for U.S. athletes. The 2017 event will also host the PRRO Championship race. Read more than at: PIttsburgh10Miler.org.
FACEBOOK: Pgh10Miler TWITTER: @Pgh10Miler HASHTAG: #Pgh10Miler
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.
About the EQT Foundation
EQT and the EQT Foundation are committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. For the past decade, the EQT Foundation has made a difference by supporting local programs and initiatives that involve education, community and economic development, the arts and the environment. Together with a variety of nonprofit organizations, the EQT Foundation develops strong partnerships that enrich the diversity and viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, and focus on environmental protection efforts. Read more at: EQT.com.