Running Legends Flock to Honolulu

Race Results Weekly

Some of the greatest athletes in the history of distance running will be flocking to Honolulu for the 34th edition of the Honolulu Marathon, scheduled for Sunday. In one of the sport's great traditions these legends will be available to sign autographs for any of the more than 28,000 race entrants whom organizers expect for the race.

The "Legends of Running" program, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, at the Honolulu Marathon Expo, will include the following athletes:

Kip Keino (Kenya): 1968 Olympic 1500m gold medalist and 1972 Olympic 3000m steeplechase gold medalist. Former world record holder at 3000m and 5000m.

Cosmas Ndeti (Kenya): Three-time winner of the BAA Boston Marathon and former Boston Marathon course record holder.

Frank Shorter (USA): 1972 Olympic Marathon gold medalist and 1976 Olympic Marathon silver medalist.

Meb Keflezighi (USA): 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist and USA 10,000m record holder.

Alberto Salazar (USA): Three-time winner of the ING New York City Marathon and 1982 BAA Boston Marathon champion.

Carla Beurskens (Netherlands): Eight-time winner of the Honolulu Marathon.

Patti (Catalano) Dillon (USA): Four-time winner of the Honolulu Marathon and the first USA woman to break 2:30 in the marathon.

Greg Meyer (USA): The last American man to win the Boston Marathon.

Ian Stewart (Scotland): 1972 Olympic Games bronze medalist and 1970 Commonwealth Games gold medalist at 5000m.

Although none of the legends are expected to compete in the Honolulu Marathon, many will run the special Legends 5-K on Thursday morning at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki Beach. This no entry fee fun run is open to anyone.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many to rub elbows and trade strides with athletes they've only read about or seen on TV," said Honolulu Marathon media director, Pat Bigold.

PHOTO: Frank Shorter at Patti Dillon at the 2003 Honolulu Marathon (photo by David Monti)