On the heels of her successful marathon debut in New York last month where she became the first American woman to make the podium there since 1994, Kara Goucher has committed to next April's Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial announced today. Goucher will try to break the 24 year USA drought for victory at America's oldest, continuously contested marathon, founded in 1897.
"I could not be more excited to participate in the 2009 Boston Marathon on the John Hancock Elite Team," said Goucher, 30, through a news release. "As an American, Boston is an incredible opportunity to run a major marathon," she continued. "The race has a history like no other and its legacy spans generations. I am so thankful to continue my journey toward my goal of becoming the best runner in the world here in the United States."
The last American woman to win the Boston Marathon was Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985, clocking 2:34:06.
Goucher, the reigning IAAF World Championships bronze medalist at 10,000m, finished third at the ING New York City Marathon on November 2 in 2:25:53. Her performance was the fastest-ever by an American debutante, and put her #3 on the USA all-time list behind only Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit Samuelson. Goucher had a shot at finishing second, but was thwarted in the final mile by a gritty performance by the 40 year-old Russian Ludmila Petrova who finished ten seconds ahead of her in a masters world record.
Alberto Salazer successfully coached Goucher to her New York performance, and Goucher definitely benefited from Salazar's knowledge of the course (he was a three-time winner there). Salazar was also a Boston champion in 1982 setting a then-course record record and world best of 2:08:52. Goucher definitely sees this as a big advantage.
"Coach Salazar will guide me to be ready to tackle the course, and the infamous Heartbreak Hill," added Goucher. "Winning Boston is my next big challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage."
John Hancock Financial is in its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, financing the elite fields. In recruiting both Goucher and Ryan Hall, the fastest American-born marathoner ever with a 2:06:17 personal best, Hancock seems to be strengthening their commitment to American athletes. Executive race director Guy Morse of the Boston Athletic Association, the founders and organizers of the race, was pleased to have Goucher in his race.
"Kara Goucher will add a new level of excitement to the 2009 Boston Marathon," said Morse in a prepared statement. "Not only is she a dynamic competitor but her coach, Alberto Salazar, knows all about winning in Boston. "With Kara joining Ryan Hall on the John Hancock Elite Team, the 113th Boston Marathon will feature not only two of America's finest athletes but two of our sport's top young stars. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside the best marathon runners from around the world."
The Boston Marathon is held on the third Monday in April each year. Next year's race will be held on April 20.
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