KANSAS CITY’S HOSPITAL HILL RUN WELCOMES ELITE RUNNERS

Kansas City, Missouri (June 4, 2009)— The 36th annual Hospital Hill Run proudly announces its elite field for the June 6th half marathon. Some are attracted to the expanded prize purse, while others simply want to compete on the famous course that has been covered by running legends such as Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Billy Mills, Jim Ryan, Ryan Shay, Jenny Crain and Helen Moros.

The men’s field has drawn a remarkable selection of talent for this year’s race, including many runners with proven sub-1:10 speed, and six who have run faster than the event record of 1:03:26 established by Gert Thys in 1996. Standouts on the men’s side include Demesse Tefera of Silver Spring, MD, winner of the April National Marathon in Washington, DC; Rotich Kipruto, winner of Memphis’ Germantown Half Marathon in March, and Jynocel Basweti, who finished second in the Miami Marathon in January.

On the women’s side, Hyvon Ngetich brings a personal best 1:09:45 half marathon time to the race, along with Ogla Kimaiyo and Caroline Rotich, both of whom have sub-1:13 finishes. Each may vie for the event record of 1:12:54 set back in 1992 by Janis Klecker.

“We’re extremely excited to have such an impressive elite field at this year’s Hospital Hill Run,” said race director Beth Salinger. “It only adds to the excitement at the oldest running event in Kansas City and provides spectators with an opportunity to watch world class athletes run through the streets of their city.” 

Some of the elite female athletes planning to compete: 

Megan Earney 2:51 (in the marathon)

Ogla Kimaiyo 1:12:51

Hyvon Ngetich 1:09:45

Caroline Rotich 1:12:49

Some of the elite male athletes planning to compete: 

Jynocel Basweti 1:02:37

Josphat Chemjor Debut (2:13:11 in the marathon)

Patrick Cheruiyot 1:04:53

Eric Chirchir 1:01:53

Matt Dunlavy 1:14:06

Dale Dexter 1:08:13

Ernest Kebenei 1:01:50

Jacob Kendagor 1:09:46

Richard Kessio 1:03:57

Kennett Kipkemoi Debut (2:15:39 in the marathon)

Daniel Kipkoech 1:02:59

Geoffrey Kiprotich 1:06:23

Rotich Kipruto 1:04:00

Kennett Kiptoo 1:02:48

Mario Macias 1:06:15

Peter Matelong 1:03:57

Steven Muange 1:04:13

John Njoroge 1:02:45

Demesse Tefera 1:02:47

Nathan Wadsworth 1:06:17

This list is subject to change. 

About The Hospital Hill Run Hospital Hill Run is the oldest road race in Kansas City. First held in 1974 with a field of 99 runners, Hospital Hill Run grew in size and stature in the ensuing years to the point that it was named one of the top races in the country by Runner’s World magazine. Competitors included such running legends as Olympic gold medalists Frank Shorter and Billy Mills and running legends Bill Rodgers and Jim Ryun, as well as over 100,000 ordinary Kansas and Missouri citizens running for the challenge, fun and fitness. The largest Hospital Hill Run field was in 2008 when over 4,200 runners took to the streets. As a long-standing Kansas City event, the event has kept up with the changing running community by altering the run’s distance, adding premium items, and offering electronic timing. However, the focus has always been on the athlete and their experience as well as promoting healthy lifestyles!

The 36th running of the Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon, 10K and UMKC School of Medicine 5K will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2009. For more information log onto www.hospitalhillrun.com.

The Hospital Hill Run is a non-for-profit organization run by a Board of Directors made up of very special people from within the Kansas City business community and a Race Director. The first Run was in 1974 with 99 participants. 2009 will play host to the largest field ever with over 5,000 athletes on the starting line!

The 2009 Hospital Hill Run is proudly sponsored by UMKC School of Medicine, Crown Center, Saint Luke’s Health System, BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas City, Midwest Dairy Council, Saucony, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, Sports Radio 810, Hot Talk 1510, Garmin, Garry Gribble’s and SoftVu.

For additional information, please contact race director Beth Salinger at (312) 925-6067 or beth@hospitalhillrun.com.