Posted: May 28, 2006

Athletics: Nine Olympians Set To Toe The Line At June 3 Freihofer's Run For Women

Fleet-Footed Women to Vie for $10,000 Open Field First Place Prize in Albany, NY

Albany, NY (May 25, 2006) - The Freihofer's Run for Women is little more than a week away and event organizers have assembled the most competitive field in the race's 27-year history. Among the more than 3,500 women on the starting line on Saturday, June 3 will be no fewer than nine Olympians from North America, Africa, Europe and Australia.

"We're getting ready for the best race ever," stated Event Director George Regan. "We've been adding new names to the elite field almost every day.

New Olympians just added to the field include: Mihaela Botezan (Romania; 2004 Olympic Games, 10,000m); Natalya Berkut (Ukraine; 2004, 10,000m) and Maria Cioncan-Mazilu (Romania; 2004, 800m and 1,500m).

Previously announced Olympians include: course record holder Asmae Leghzaoui (Morocco; 2000, 10,000m); Lornah Kiplagat (Netherlands; 2004, 10,000m); Benita Johnson (Australia; 2000 & 2004, 10,000m); Sally Barsosio (Kenya; 2000 & 2004, 10,000m); Joan Benoit Samuelson (USA; 1984, marathon); and, Amy Rudolph (USA; 1996 & 2000, 5,000m).

Joining them in the 5km race for the $10,000 open field first prize will be:

Eunice Chepkirui (KEN)
3rd 2006 Azalea Trail 10K
3rd 2006 Ukrop Monument Avenue 10K
4th 2006 Sportsfest 8K 

Naomi Wangui (KEN)
9th 2005 Freihofer's Run for Women
3rd 2005 Crazy Eight's 8K
1st Litchfield Hills 7 miles 

Hilda Kibet (KEN)
7th 2006 World's Best 10K, Puerto Rico
6th 2005 Circle of Friends 
Mini Marathon 10K, NYC
6th 2005 Peachtree Road Race 

Jemima Jelagat (KEN)
1st 2006 Get In Gear 10K
1st 2006 Ice Breaker 5 Mile
7th 2006 Crescent City Classic 10K
1st Rite Aid Cleveland 10K (32:19 PR)
3rd 2005 Cedar Rapids 8K 

Yimenashu Taye (ETH)
10th 2005 Freihofer's Run for Women
6th 2000 World Cross Country Championships (short course) 

Mihaela Botezan (ROM)
5th 2005 World Half Marathon Championships
Finalist 2005 World Championships 10,000m
11th 2004 Olympic Games 10,000m
7th 2005 Osaka Marathon 

Dorota Gruca (POL)
13th 2005 World Championships Marathon
5th 2006 Bloomsday 12K
1st 2005 Salt Lake City Marathon 

Natalya Berkut (UKR) 
1st 2005 BAA Half Marathon
2004 Olympian, 10,000m 

"Based on the depth of talent assembled here there should be a new course record," added Regan. "If the conditions are favorable, a world record is quite possible."

Those looking to perform their best on race day are invited to tap into an online network of athletes, nutritionists, trainers and physicians who are ready to answer their questions. The Times Union has established an interactive blog titled, "Ready to Run," which can be accessed at http://blogs.timesunion.com/runforwomen5K/.

Participants in the Freihofer's Run for Women, Freihofer's Kids' Run and Freihofer's Community Walk can pick up a registration form at any Capital Region Price Chopper store, or by visiting www.freihofersrun.com. Additional information on all three events is also available by calling (518) 273-5552, or via e-mail at info@freihofersrun.com.

Event sponsors include the Charles Freihofer Baking Company, Price Chopper Supermarkets, The City of Albany, B95.5 fm, and NewsChannel 13.

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