byLarry EderFinally, the folks at NBC have decided that the Marathon Team Trials warrant some dedicated coverage. One has to go back to the 1980s for true coverage of the Marathon Trials. This should be well received and inspire another generation to look to the marathon…
NBC to Broadcast 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Marathon
Two hours of same-day coverage to air at 3:00 p.m. ET on January 14
HOUSTON (Nov. 9, 2011) – The
U.S. Olympic Committee, NBC, USA Track & Field, and the Houston
Marathon Committee today announced the network will broadcast the U.S.
Olympic Trials for the men’s and women’s marathon, to be held Saturday,
January 14 in Houston.
“We’re
thrilled to see NBC’s commitment to broadcast this historic event,”
said USATF interim CEO Mike McNees. “With this being the first U.S.
Olympic Team Trials Marathon where men and women compete on the same
course, on the same day, it’s fitting that NBC will broadcast the event
for all of America to see.”
NBC
will broadcast two hours of same-day coverage from 3-5 p.m. ET. The
comprehensive coverage will be the first time that both men’s and
women’s Olympic Trials have been televised on the same day.
“We
are pleased to kick off the 2012 Olympic Trials with the Men’s and
Women’s Marathon trials, an important beginning to a great year of
Olympic Trials coverage.” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics.
“The
2012 Olympic Games will feature the world’s greatest athletes on the
largest stage possible,” said USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird.
“But first things first, we all get to watch America’s finest athletes
compete for the right to be there. Team USA’s road to London will be
filled with amazing moments in sport and inspirational tales we can’t
even begin to imagine. Thanks to NBC’s commitment to the Olympic
Movement, the American people will get to share in the excitement every
step of the way.”
Currently,
150 men and 194 women are qualified to run in the races that will
determine the three men and three women who will represent the United
States in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
“The
Houston Marathon Committee has been preparing diligently over the past
year with our civic leaders, volunteers and We Are Houston supporters to
host this unprecedented event,” said Houston Marathon Committee
Executive Director Wade Morehead. “We are thankful to NBC, the USOC, and
USATF to help us nationally and internationally showcase, not only the
finest long distance runners in the world, but also our wonderful city
and its passionate running community.”
For more information about the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Marathon, visit Houston2012.com.
About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.
Established
in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA
Founding Member, annually organizes the nation’s premier winter
marathon, half-marathon, 5K and kids’ fun run. In 2011, more than 30,000
runners participated in four race weekend events organized by 7,500
volunteers, creating Houston’s largest single-day sporting event. In
addition to hosting numerous world-renowned road races, including the
USA Men’s and Women’s Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and 2007,
respectively, and the 1992 U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials, HMC
will host the 2012 U.S. Men’s and Women’s Olympic Team Trials – Marathon
on January 14, 2012.
For more information, visit HoustonMarathon.com or call 713.957.3453.
