Olympic Marathoner Dan Browne to Run ING New York City Marathon 2004

NEW YORK - (July 20, 2004) - After qualifying in both the marathon and 10,000 meters for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Dan Browne hopes to continue what has already been a stellar year when he steps to the start line of the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7.

Joined by New York Road Runners president and CEO Allan Steinfeld at a luncheon hosted by New York Road Runners on Tuesday, Browne discussed his game plan for the upcoming Olympics and announced his decision to make his ING New York City Marathon debut. Browne's entry strengthens a field of American runners that includes Bob Kennedy and Deena Kastor, who were announced as entrants earlier this year. The American contingent in New York in 2004 is being touted as the strongest in years.

"We are delighted to welcome Dan, yet another star American to this year's ING New York City Marathon," said Steinfeld. "His performances over the past few months have been inspiring. After what promises to be a successful trip to Athens, we expect he will be a force here in November."

Browne, 29, of Portland, Ore., is a relative newcomer to the marathon distance but has posted times and performances that rival the most seasoned in the sport. After winning the 2002 USA Men's Marathon Championship in 2:11:35 in his debut outing, Browne solidified his presence on the marathon scene with a third-place finish (2:12:02) at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February, earning his trip to Athens.

Browne then displayed his distance range on July 9, when he made the Olympic team in a second event, the 10,000 meters. Browne again finished third (28:07.47), behind Meb Keflezighi and Abdi Abdirahman.

About the ING New York City Marathon
The ING New York City Marathon is the premier event of New York Road Runners (NYRR). Inaugurated in 1970 with 127 entrants, the ING New York City Marathon has grown into the world's premier road race, featuring 35,000 participants, more than two million spectators, a leading professional field, and a guaranteed prize purse of more than $500,000. Broadcast across the nation and in 125 countries worldwide, the 26.2-mile footrace is the United States' most watched one-day sporting event. The ING New York City Marathon joins the USA Men's 8K Championships and the Circle of Friends New York Mini 10K as the cornerstones of the NYRR Professional Racing Series and continues NYRR's tradition of bringing the very best runners in the world to New York City. For more information visit www.ingnycmarathon.org.

source Running USA wire