2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials Start Time Changed
Event will begin two hours earlier than scheduled in February 2024 throughout Orlando
Posted On: November 15, 2023 By :The U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon start time for the event on February 3, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, will be moved to 10 a.m. Eastern time after concerns were raised by runners about the original proposed start time two hours later in the day.
The course will have one 2.2-mile loop and three 8-mile loops through the downtown area. The trials, held by USA Track and Field and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, will see the top three finishers in the male and female races who have met qualifying performance standards to be selected for the 2024 Olympic squad.
“By making this adjustment in the starting time, we underline our collective commitment with USATF to support our athletes in their quest for excellence,” said Rocky Harris, chief of sport and athlete services at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “We’ve listened to their feedback and acted accordingly, aiming to create conditions that foster peak performance. Our ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for athletes to truly shine on their journey to represent Team USA at Paris 2024.”
The decision to move the start time was announced by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Track & Field and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Contingency plans will be in place for further adjustments should projected weather conditions make it necessary.
“As we continue on our journey to gold, the U.S. Olympic Trials – Marathon serve as a pivotal event that ensures the best team is selected to represent Team USA in Paris next year,” said Max Siegel, chief executive officer of USATF. “We are extremely grateful to the USOPC and GO Sports for their partnership in developing a solution that benefits our athletes and fans. We are incredibly excited to see some of America’s best athletes in action and we thank the city of Orlando in advance for their hospitality,”
The marathon course will run through several neighborhoods, main streets and business districts in Orlando. There will be designated viewing areas along the route for spectators to watch the marathon. Orlando is the first Florida city to be awarded the event.
“This (move) means ensuring that USATF athletes, local volunteers, neighborhood residents, and the spectators in attendance are safe and have the experience of a lifetime as history is made in downtown Orlando,” said Jason Siegel, chief executive officer and president of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “We’ve worked hand-in-hand with USATF and USOPC to make adjustments with health and safety at the forefront of every decision and appreciate their collaboration. Start times have been adjusted and revised plans are in place. It’s time to make history.”
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