National Distance Running Hall of Fame Dedicates Race to Waitz

May 16, 2011 (Utica, New York) -- The National Distance Running Hall of Fame announces the dedication of the 2011 Commercial Travelers' National Distance Running Hall of Fame Race in honor of Grete Waitz; who died early this year after six year battle with cancer.

Grete was inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame in July 2000 along with Clarence DeMar, Steve Prefontain and Alberto Salazar. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Grete. She had historic impact on the sport of distance running with her nine victories in the New York City Marathon, two in London and one in Stockholm, said Tim Reed, Executive Director of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

The Commercial Travelers' National Distance Running Hall of Fame Race will take place on Sunday, May 22 at 8:00. The race consists of an Half Marathon, 2-Person Relay and a 5K. All the proceeds from the race go to put on the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. The Race started in 1999 by the Utica Roadrunners to help the New Hall of Fame. Over the 12 years the race has seen over 4,500 finishers. For more information go to www.distancerunning.com.