FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tyler McCandless Wants Win, Olympic Trials 'A' Standard at
2015 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Two-time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier Will Also Serve as American
Development Program Ambassador and Inspire Kids of STEEL Participants
PITTSBURGH, PA - Pennsylvania native Tyler McCandless, with a marathon
personal record of 2 hours, 15 minutes, 26 seconds, will headline the men's
field at the 7th DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. The 2015 event,
set for Sunday, May 3, offers a $135,000 prize purse, including American
bonuses totaling $40,500.
"I'm training to try and win Pittsburgh with a time faster than the U.S.
Olympic Trials 'A' Standard of 2:15:00," McCandless said. "One of the main
reasons I am running the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon in 2015
is the support for American distance running that the race organizers
offer. More opportunities for guys like me to compete against my peers and
an international field furthers our athletic careers. Pittsburgh serves as
a great stepping stone to being a contender at the 2016 and future Olympic
Marathon Trials."
McCandless, 28, who trains in Boulder, CO under coach and former marathon
world record holder Steve Jones, achieved his marathon PR at the 2014 USA
Marathon Championships in Minneapolis, and this past weekend, the Penn
State grad ran a half-marathon PR at the Naples Daily News Half-Marathon,
clocking 1:03:14.
As part of his commitment to Pittsburgh, McCandless will also serve as an
ambassador for the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R) American
Development Program and will be pen pals with Kids of STEEL participants.
During race week, he will visit participants at their school and run with
them at the Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon on Saturday, May 2.
"I'm looking forward to the smile on the kids' faces when they work hard
all spring and finish their 'marathon' on Saturday before the marathon,"
McCandless said. "The joy and purity that kids have when they compete in
their first running event is such a special moment."
The DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is the first of a series of
P3R events that are part of its American Development Program. The
second-year program is committed to supporting promising U.S. athletes to
help develop and propel their running careers to international standings
and participate in world-renowned athletic events such as major marathons
and the Olympics and World Championships.
About the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Join us for the ultimate experience that will take you on an unforgettable
journey. The 2015 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is more than
just a run. With 30,000 competitors and $25,000 in contest prizes, you're
sure to have one incredible adventure. Runners and spectators will play
through 7 months of virtual and old-fashioned competition - starting at
registration, continuing through training and culminating with one epic
weekend of games.
Play to win. Play to give. Play in Pittsburgh.
The 7th DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and UPMC Health Plan Half
Marathon also boast $135,000 in prize money for the top athletes, including
U.S.-only bonuses totaling $40,500 as part of the 2015 American Development
Program.
Organized by the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R), the 7th
edition is set for May 2-3, 2015. For more information, go to:
PittsburghMarathon.com.
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