San Diego-based champion distance runner Meb Keflezighi will take part in the upcoming Rock 'n' Roll Marathon again, this time in the masters division, the organizers announced Wednesday.
Keflezighi, who won the Boston Marathon last year, will compete in the masters division for the first time in the May 31 race through San Diego, according to the Competitor Group.
The event is serving as host of the USA Track and Field Masters Half Marathon National Championships.
Keflezighi, 40, said he had been debating whether to actually compete or serve as a pace runner, as he did last year. He finished eighth in this year's edition of the Boston Marathon after leading much of the way, in a race that took place just one month ago.
"Since my recovery from the Boston Marathon has gone well, I've decided to race," Keflezighi said. "I am looking forward to my first competition as a masters athlete and know I am very fortunate to run my first masters race in my hometown of San Diego."
The San Diego High School graduate won the 2014 Boston race in an emotional follow-up to the bombings that marred the end of the iconic event one year earlier. He previously won the New York Marathon and earned an Olympic silver medal.
The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon weekend begins May 29 with a free, two-day fitness expo at the San Diego Convention Center. The marathon and half-marathon are that Sunday.
