Simpson, Martinez first athletes set for New Balance Indoor Grand Prix
BOSTON, Mass. (Dec. 10, 2013) — Jenny Simpson and Brenda Martinez, two of the brightest middle-distance stars in America, kick off a roster of top athletes set to compete in the 2014 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, organizers announced this week.
The Olympic-style all-star event will take place on Feb. 8 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College. Tickets are now on sale at www.nbindoorgrandprix.com or by calling 1-877-849-8722.
Simpson, the 2011 IAAF World Champion at 1500 meters, became the most-decorated American woman in history at the distance when she added a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow after bravely leading for much of the race. The 27-year-old two-time Olympian, who trains in Boulder, CO, finished fifth in the 2009 World Championships at the steeplechase, in which she set the still-standing American Record. She also won the 5000 meters at the 2013 U.S. Championships.
“It’s always a joy for me to return to Boston,” said Simpson. “To be traveling there for the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is the best. The meet, facilities, and organizers know how to put on a great show, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it again in 2014.”
Simpson will run the 2-Mile. The American best for that distance indoors (9:23.38) was set by Regina Jacobs at this meet in 2002.
For Martinez, 2013 was a career year outdoors. After an early-season string of victories at 1500 meters and the mile, the 26-year-old, who trains in Big Bear, CA, went on to become the first U.S. woman in history to win a World Championships medal at 800 meters when she took the bronze in Moscow. In that race, she set a personal best of 1:57.91 to finish the year with PBs at six distances.
“I’m very excited to open up my 2014 season at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix,” said Martinez. “The Reggie Lewis Center is the Fenway Park of U.S. indoor track and field. The world’s best athletes compete at this venue. It’s going to be very special to me to compete in Boston, in front of such amazing fans and my sponsor.”
Martinez will run the 1000 meters in Boston.
Now in its 19th year, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix has played host to six World Records and 10 American Records. The first stop in the 2014 Indoor USATF Championship Series, the meet on Saturday, Feb. 8, will begin at a new, earlier time of 3:30 p.m.
About New Balance:
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is currently the only major shoe company that manufactures athletic footwear in the U.S. with 25% of our sales in the U.S. produced at five New England facilities. The company also operates a manufacturing facility in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 4,000 associates around the globe, and in 2012 reported worldwide sales of $2.39 billion. To learn more about how New Balance Makes Excellent Happen, please visithttp://www.newbalance.com.