NEW YORK - (May 12, 2004) - Ending years of speculation, Bob Kennedy, two-time Olympian and the American record-holder at 3000 and 5000 meters, has entered the ING New York City Marathon 2004 on Sunday, November 7. New York Road Runners president and CEO Allan Steinfeld made the announcement with Kennedy at a luncheon today at the New York Athletic Club.

Kennedy will bring years of world-class running experience to the line in New York as he makes his long-anticipated marathon debut. He joins 2004 Olympic marathoner Deena Kastor as the second official entrant in this year's professional athlete field.

"We are thrilled to welcome Bob to New York," said Steinfeld, also the ING New York City Marathon race director. "We are eager to see him bring the same guts, speed, and tenacity that have made him a success in cross country and on the track to the marathon distance, and what better place to do it than here in New York."

Twice an Olympian at 5000 meters, Kennedy finished 12th in Barcelona in 1992 and sixth in Atlanta in 1996. In the Atlanta race, he thrilled the home crowd when he briefly took the lead midway. Kennedy was seventh in the 1995 World Championships at 5000 meters and sixth in the 1997 World Championships.

Kennedy, 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, is arguably the best American distance runner ever with American records of 7:30.84 for 3000 meters and 12:58.21 for 5000 meters. He is the only American to ever break 13 minutes for 5000 meters, and has won the 5000 meter national title four times. Though he has been plagued by injury and illness in recent years, he has recently returned to form and is the reigning USA 10K road (28:35) and USA Cross Country 12K (35:03) titlist.

Kennedy's marathon potential and the timing of his debut have been subjects of intense interest and speculation. Today, flanked by Marcus O'Sullivan, his longtime running adviser and the head cross country and track coach at Villanova University, Kennedy announced that the time is finally right.

"I've thought about the marathon for some time, but have not felt as though the time was right for this new challenge until now," said Kennedy. "It's an honor to have the opportunity to take this next step in my athletic career at one of the world's greatest footraces, the ING New York City Marathon."

For more information visit: www.ingnycmarathon.org.