Boston Marathon Winners To Return In June For BAA 10K
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Marathon champions Geoffrey Mutai and Caroline Kilel are returning to Boston to compete in the inaugural B.A.A 10k on June 26.
"Their winning performances in the Boston Marathon were awe-inspiring, and they captivated the sports world with their incredible races," said Tom Grilk, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "The B.A.A. looks forward to launching its newest event next month – the B.A.A. 10K – with the Boston Marathon champions at the head of the field. The inclusion of Geoffrey and Caroline will be an attraction not only for B.A.A. 10K participants, but also for all of those who followed this year's Boston Marathon and marveled at their remarkable races on Patriots' Day."
At the 115th Boston Marathon on April 18, the 29-year old Mutai ran the world's fastest marathon in 2:03:02. His performance was 57 seconds faster than the world record time of 2:03:59 set by Haile Gebrselassie at the 2008 Berlin Marathon.
Read: Mutai's Fastest Time Not Seen As World Record
The Kenyan's Boston performance bested the previous course record of 2:05:52 held by Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot (2010). Mutai's new title as "world's fastest marathoner" has instantly placed him among the sport of running's top professionals.
Kilel's Boston Marathon performance also ranks among the fastest ever recorded in Boston's illustrious 115-year history. This year's winning time of 2:22:36 at the Boston Marathon by the 30-year old Kilel was the fourth fastest in race history.
Read: Kenya's Caroline Kilel Wins Boston Marathon Women's Race
Kilel and American Desiree Davila dueled to one of the most exciting finishes ever in the women's race and since an official division was instituted in 1972. Kilel edged Desiree Davila by two seconds with a perfectly-timed finishing kick.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Boston Marathon Elite Race
The inaugural B.A.A. 10K will provide runners the opportunity to participate on an urban course through Boston's Back Bay, Kenmore Square and Boston University neighborhoods. The fast, flat course begins and ends at Boston Common, with long stretches along picturesque Commonwealth Avenue. Online registration began on Wednesday, May 4 and the field is expected to reach its field size limit of 5,000 entrants quickly.
Register: B.A.A. 10K on June 26
Other top competitors in the B.A.A. 10K will be introduced in May and June. The B.A.A. 10K includes a prize purse of $30,000 with $5,000 awarded to the winners and equally distributed among the top male and female finishers.
