Keflezighi returns to his roots for San Diego Half Marathon
Meb Keflezighi, who turned 40 earlier this month, will be making his masters debut on home-soil at the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon on 31 May.
2014 Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi will return to his hometown of San Diego to run the 18th edition of the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon on 31 May.
The race has been selected to host the USATF Masters Half Marathon Championships, and Keflezighi will make his masters debut at the event. He previously won the half-marathon in 2011 and 2012.
Keflezighi turned 40 on 5 May but the veteran shows no sign of slowing down. His winning time in the Boston Marathon last year of 2:08:37 was his fastest marathon to date and since then, Keflezighi placed fifth in New York Marathon in November before returning to Boston to finish a solid eighth last month.
“I was debating whether I should pace the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon like I did last year or race it,” said Keflezighi, who paced the 1:30 half marathon group last year.
“Since my recovery from the Boston Marathon has gone well, I’ve decided to race. I am looking forward to my first competition as a masters athlete and know I am very fortunate to run my first masters race in my hometown of San Diego.”
For the first time in 2015, marathon weekend in San Diego will include two days of running with the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k taking place on Saturday (30) morning.
Runners who participated in Saturday’s 5K along with Sunday’s marathon, half-marathon or relay will receive a medal for each race, plus the coveted Remix Challenge medal.
Both the marathon and half marathon take place on Sunday, beginning on the west side of Balboa Park. The marathon begins at 6:15am and the half-marathon at 6:50am.
The race route incorporates a scenic tour of San Diego’s neighborhood charm, passing through Little Italy, Old Town, University Heights and Normal Heights, before ending at Petco Park at 13th and K Street, with a finish-line festival.
Source: worldrunning.com
Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images
