The Return of Ritz

An elite field will not only run in the ING New York City Marathon, there will also be a number of big names competing in New York Road Runners' debut of the Dash to the Finish Line, a five-kilometer run on Nov. 5, the day before the marathon.

With Dathan Ritzenhein, Ben True, Matt Tegenkamp and Lopez Lamong lined up for the men and Deena Kastor, Magdalena Lewy Boulet, Molly Huddle and Sally Kipyego for the women, the Dash promises to be a sensational kickoff event on Marathon weekend in New York.

True — who won a similar race in Boston in the spring — talked about it in a recent interview in Runner's World, saying:

"I'm assuming it's slightly similar to the one the Boston Marathon put on last spring. They had a 5k race the day before and they just brought in a lot of people to do a race, a fast 5k, and get the hoopla of the marathon going. I had a blast doing that. It's just great to be around one of those large marathons. There's just so much energy and so much passion about running going on there. I'm guessing that it's going to be similar to that."

True was right about the fast course, as the Dash is a flat trek through the heart of Manhattan. Starting near the United Nations, it crosses Midtown on famed 42nd Street before heading uptown to Central Park for the last dash across the world-renowned ING New York City Marathon finish line.

"The Dash to the Finish Line is just one more way for everyone to get involved in marathon weekend," said NYRR CEO Mary Wittenberg. "From Opening Ceremonies, to the Dash to the Finish Line, and the Mobile Spectator App, there are so many ways to get involved even if you aren't running. And to top it off, there is the bonus of running across our famed marathon finish line with so many of our talented athletes in this fast, fun 5k."

Ritzenhein, who has been on the mend for the last year, will be competing for the first time in his buildup to London 2012.

"I'm very excited to be returning to action at the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line," said Ritzenhein. "This is a great first step for me to making the 2012 Olympic team and putting the past year behind me. After a full year off from racing, I can't think of a better place to make my return. I've had great comebacks in New York in the past and can't wait to do it again. Putting on my racing shoes once again on the streets of New York is the best way for me to set my sights on making a third Olympic team."