March 12, 2008

A foot injury has forced Dathan Ritzenhein out of Saturday’s Central Park Challenge, incorporating the U.S. Men’s 8-K Championship, the New York Road Runners announced.

Ritzenhein, the 25 year-old who placed second at last year’s Olympic Trials marathon in Central Park, is no doubt disappointed that he cannot race Alan Webb, one of the few opportunities he would have to face the U.S. mile record-holder in a road race. The injury, to the third metatarsal on his left foot, warrants extra caution, given that this is an Olympic year.

“I am disappointed that I won’t be able to come back to Central Park to compete in the Central Park Challenge,” said Ritzenhein in a prepared statement. “I had a very similar injury at this time last year, and was able to train through it on the Alter-G (anti-gravity) treadmill, but I feel I need to be completely healthy before starting my buildup for the Games.”