Keflezighi to Chase the Field for a Good Cause at AJC Peachtree Road Race

ATLANTA  – It’s not where anyone expects to find Meb Keflezighi in any competition, but the 2014 Boston Marathon winner will start the AJC Peachtree Road Race on July 4 in last place as the featured runner in Atlanta Track Club’s inaugural Kilometer Kids Charity Chase.

As part of the Chase, Keflezighi aims to raise $75,000 through an online fundraiser that will benefit the club’s youth running program. He will start as the very last runner in the AJC Peachtree Road Race and try to pass as many participants as possible, with a goal of 22,500. Supporters can help Keflezighi reach his goal by donating to Kilometer Kids. All proceeds will go toward expanding the reach and accessibility of the program in the Atlanta metro area as part of a continued effort to encourage young people to achieve health and fitness through running.

“Since the day I was approached with the idea, I’ve been excited about running the AJC Peachtree Road Race to benefit Kilometer Kids,” said Keflezighi. “Atlanta Track Club’s commitment to inspire kids and empower them through a fun and educational running program is directly aligned with my belief that balanced living helps lead youth to success.”

Keflezighi will also participate in a variety of events leading up to the AJC Peachtree Road Race. To celebrate the launch of the limited-edition “Meb 8S” ElliptiGO outdoor elliptical bike, Keflezighi will race against some of Atlanta’s top community leaders and corporate executives on the bikes at Piedmont Park on Thursday, July 3. Keflezighi used an ElliptiGO as part of his training routine leading up to his Boston Marathon win.

On Wednesday, July 2, Keflezighi will attend the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. He will be stationed at the Atlanta Track Club booth to meet and greet expo visitors and spread the word about his unique challenge at this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“Watching Meb come across the finish line at the Boston Marathon was one of the more special moments I’ve experienced in sport,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s executive director. “Meb has overcome obstacles his entire life; he is a role model and we’re honored to have him return to run the AJC Peachtree Road Race, this time to raise money for Kilometer Kids.”

Keflezighi is the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, and is the only person ever to win the Boston Marathon (2014), the TCS New York City Marathon (2009) and an Olympic medal (2004). He has participated in three Olympic Games for Team USA, winning a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games Marathon. Keflezighi was born in Eritrea, but fled the war-torn country with his family and later became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He now lives in San Diego.

For more information, including how to donate to the Kilometer Kids Charity Chase, visit charitychaseforkids.org.

Additional information about the AJC Peachtree Road Race can be found at peachtreeroadrace.org