3-TIME U.S. OLYMPIAN DATHAN RITZENHEIN TO COMPETE IN UPCOMING USA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE NIKE-SPONSORED STAR IS COMING OFF A
2:07 MARATHON THIS PAST FALL

ST. LOUIS – Jan. 24, 2013 – In just nine days, the USA Cross Country Championships will take place at Forest Park’s Central Fields.  The meet on Saturday, Feb. 2 features eight different races including the Men's and Women's Open Divisions, which will feature several U.S. Olympians. 

The men's field now includes three-time Olympian and three-time USA Cross Country Champion, Dathan Ritzenhein, who recently became the third-fastest American marathoner of all-time when he ran 2:07:47 at this fall's Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  Ritzenhein has excelled in cross country throughout his career, having won the NCAA Cross Country title in college as well as a bronze medal at the 2001 IAAF World Junior Championships.  He also captured back-to-back Foot Locker National High School titles in 1999 and 2000.

Ritzenehein will be challenged on the men's side by two-time U.S. Olympian and Missouri native Matt Tegenkamp, 13-time NCAA All-American Chris Derrick and defending champion Bobby Mack. The open women's race will feature two Olympic bronze medalists in Shalane Flanagan and Deena Kastor, as well as 2012 Olympian Kim Conley.

In addition to the national championship events, organizers are staging two races open to the public: the Big River Running Company High School 4K (open to 7^th through 12^th graders) and the FLEET FEET 4K for runners of all ages. Both races are on the same course as the Championship races. Registration is available at www.usacrosscountrychampionships.com.