FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rookie Marathoner Janet Schroeder is First Selection
in the ING New York City Marathon 2008 Lottery
Ceremony took place across from finish line in
Central Park as countdown to race begins
New York, June 4, 2008 — Rookie marathoner Janet Schroeder, 41, of New York
City, was the first name selected by New York Road Runners president and
CEO Mary Wittenberg in the annual ING New York City Marathon lottery
ceremony this morning in Central Park, just across from the finish line of
the celebrated five-borough race.
"I have run many 10K races before and I am an avid cyclist and runner in
Central Park, but this will be my very first marathon," said an
enthusiastic Schroeder. "I'm thrilled that my name was the first chosen out
of almost 105,000 applicants. I'm going to need to start looking for a
marathon training program right away."
Matthew Weinberg, 44, also of New York, and Fred Mendes, 43, of Van Nuys,
CA, were the second and third lottery entrants selected for the 39th
running of the race on Sunday, November 2.
Broadcast live on WNBC-TV's Today in New York show, the ceremonial lottery
drawing was held on the 50th birthday of New York Road Runners during the
early-morning Anniversary Run, one of several festivities taking place as
part of Running Week, a weeklong celebration of NYRR's 50th anniversary.
Despite heavy rain, the Anniversary Run attracted nearly 2,000 runners.
Joining Wittenberg for the selections was Dana Ripley, a representative of
the marathon's title sponsor, ING.
"The dreams of many will come true today as we kick off the marathon
season," said Wittenberg. "Now the runners can turn their focus to
preparing for the marathon and having the experience of a lifetime on the
streets of New York City."
The marathon received a record number of nearly 105,000 applications this
year. Some applicants are guaranteed entry based on past performances or
other criteria. The balance of the field is selected via two lotteries—one
for international applicants (held in May) and a second for U.S.
applicants—and through guaranteed entries allocated to charities and
international tour operators. The field of more than 38,000 runners will be
approximately half American and half international runners.
A complete list of accepted marathon entrants will be posted on the ING New
York City Marathon website, www.ingnycmarathon.org, on Thursday, June 5.
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