Six members of Team USA will compete in the Beijing International Women's Ekiden in Beijing, China, this coming Sunday, April 10. The 26.2 mile relay will be divided into six legs of between 5 and 10 km each.

This marks the 19th edition of the annual event, which is contested on the streets of Beijing, the 2008 Summer Games host city. More than 15 countries, including defending champion China and runner-up Japan, are expected to compete. At the 2004 race Team USA finished third, tying the highest finish ever by a U.S. team.

Headlining the roster for Team USA is Briana Shook, American record holder for the women's 3,000 meter steeplechase and 2003 USA outdoor steeplechase champion. The roster for Team USA is as follows:

Briana Shook Toledo, OH 5 km

Samia Akbar Herndon, VA 10 km

Lucinda Hull Raleigh, NC 5 km

Sabrina Monro Rochester Hills, MI 10 km

Patricia Nervo Salem, VA 5 km

Erika Aklufi Santa Monica, CA 7.195 km

Megan Daly Palo Alto, CA Alternate

Team Manager, Kevin Curtin

For more information on the 2005 Beijing International Women's Ekiden visit www.usatf.org.