Ritzenhein, Derrick, D’Agostino and Thweatt lead star studded field in Boulder
Boulder, CO – Dathan Ritzenhein, a three time USA Cross Country Champion, has decided to return to the place he once called home during his college years and race the 2015 USA Cross Country Championships. Ritz will toe the line against a formidable field that includes two time defending champion Chris Derrick along with 2013 World Championship team member Ryan Vail.
Ritzenhein, who recently decided to part ways with Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project and relocate back to Michigan to pursue a coaching career, is coming off a string of impressive cross country performances with a win at the Campaccio Cross Country Run and a third place showing at the Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge.
“I have always had success in XC and really enjoy being on the turf. Heading into the Boston Marathon I want to race more often. 12k at altitude will be a great opportunity to challenge myself and it will be a good turning point in training 10 weeks out from the marathon.”
In 2007 Alan Culpepper led a Colorado sweep along with Jorge Torres, Adam Goucher, and Ritz. This year he will carry the torch himself and hopes to bring the men’s individual title back to the CU Cross Country family.
“US XC being in Boulder is very exciting for me personally. Eight years ago when it was in Boulder, there was four former CU NCAA Champions in the race. This year I will be the only one in the field. I hope I can give it my best and try and win the title like Alan Culpepper did in 2007.”
On the women’s side, two time defending USATF Club Cross Country Champion Laura Thweatt leads the women’s field alongside newly minted pro and 2013 NCAA Cross Country Champion, Abby D’Agostino. They will be joined by 2013 World Championship team members, Neely Spence-Gracey of the Brooks Hansons Distance Project and Mattie Suver.
Thweatt, who trains locally in Boulder with the Boulder Track Club and is looking forward to racing at Flatirons Golf Course on February 7th had this to say “I absolutely love Cross Country, it is my favorite discipline to race. So to have Nationals right here in Boulder is extremely special. I expect the atmosphere on race day to be electric given the appreciation for the sport here, not only from those watching but from all those who are toeing the line themselves. I can’t wait! Training has been going great now all that’s left to do is get there and have some fun.”
Race Director Sean Nesbitt commented “We are thrilled to be hosting this event in Boulder, Colorado and excited about the talented field we see registered so far. This was one of the main reasons we wanted to host this race- so Coloradans could see athletes like Ritz race in their own back yard.”
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