FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P3R's American Development Program Set Records in 2015
P3R awarded $66,000 in prize money to 72 American elite runners
PITTSBURGH - This year at P3R's signature events, a record number of 72
American runners competed and earned a record $66,000 in prize money as a
result of its American Development Program (ADP). Offering a competitive
prize purse and unique community engagement opportunities, the program, in
its second year, has made Pittsburgh a destination for top U.S. runners who
have dreams of making a World Championship or Olympic team.
"Because of the American Development Program, Pittsburghers had the
opportunity to see some of the fastest runners in the country at our events
this year," said Patrice Matamoros, P3R CEO. "Each year more Americans are
competing at P3R events. The odds are pretty good that a runner who was
supported through the American Development Program will be representing
Team USA at the Rio Olympics 2016."
Highlights of the 2015 American Development Program include:
$183,000 of prize purse money awarded at P3R events in 2015, including
$66,000 to American athletes.
Pennsylvania resident Clara Santucci won back-to-back titles at the DICK'S
Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Jordan McNamara became the first male repeat winner of the GNC Live Well
Liberty Mile by running away from the deepest Liberty Mile field to-date in
3 minutes, 59 seconds.
Heather Kampf won her third GNC Live Well Liberty Mile crown in 4:33 by
outkicking 2014 champion Gabriele Grunewald.
American Tyler Pennel tied the event record at the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
with a time of 46:50 and also clocked the fastest on U.S. soil in 2015 on a
record standard, certified 10 mile course.
P3R sponsored Team USA Minnesota, a post-collegiate distance training
center focused on developing Olympians and national champions.
"One of the main reasons I ran the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh
Marathon in 2015 was the support for American distance running that the
race organizers offered," said Tyler McCandless, who was the top U.S.
finisher at the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. "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."
In addition to the financial support, the American Development Program also
helps spur community interest and support by connecting American
Development Program ambassadors to Pittsburgh youth.
DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon headliners Santucci and
McCandless were pen pals with more than 300 Kids of STEEL participants who
were training for the Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon.
In October, Team USA Minnesota athletes Emily Gordon and Biya Simbassa and
head coach Dennis Barker attended the Baldwin High School cross country
team practice and shared advice and training tips with the team.
Three-time race champion Heather Kampf visited Pittsburgh's Summer Dreamers
Academy before competing in the 4th GNC Live Well Liberty Mile. The Summer
Dreamers Academy is a free summer learning camp from Pittsburgh Public
Schools.
For more information about the American Development Program, visit
www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/American-development-program
Link to story:
http://www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/News-Item-P3Rs-American-
Development-Program-Set-Records-in-2015
Story contact: Kelsey Jackson, P3R Public Relations Manager, 417-425-9400
About the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
The 2016 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is not just a race -
it's a journey. The race is your game - however you decide to play it. As a
competitor. A fundraiser. An enthusiast. A veteran. A team player. It's
whatever you want it to be. It's whatever you make it. It's your game… Run
it. Play it. Own it. Love it. #GameOnPGH!
Organized by the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R), the 8th
edition will be held April 30-May 1, 2016. For more information, go to:
thepittsburghmarathon.com
FACEBOOK: DSGPM TWITTER: @PghMarathon INSTAGRAM: PghMarathon HASHTAG:
#PghMarathon #GameOnPGH
About the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R)
P3R is a nonprofit organization that is passionate about promoting the love
of running and enhancing community access to health & fitness education and
activities. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DSG Pittsburgh
Marathon, we also run a variety of other high-quality races, events and
health & fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of
our races attract some of the nation's highest-profile professional
athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. The only
criterion for participation is a desire to be happy, healthy and active!
Learn more at: www.P3R.org
FACEBOOK: P3Revents TWITTER: @P3Revents
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