Organizers of the New York marathon announced Monday that San Diego-based running champion Meb Keflezighi will be part of the field for the Nov. 1 race.
Wilson Kipsang of Kenya, who won the race last year, and 2015 Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia will also participate.
"Fans lining the 26.2-mile route across the city will get to see the world's top marathoners, many of whom will be running for their home countries in the 2016 Olympic Games next summer in Rio," said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and marathon race director.
Keflezighi, 40, is known most for winning the 2014 Boston Marathon, one year after the fatal bombings at the race's finish line. The San Diego High School product is a three-time Olympian who earned a silver medal in 2004 and won the New York Marathon six years ago.
"I am so excited to announce that I will be back in the Big Apple for my 10th TCS New York City Marathon this November," said Keflezighi.
"The New York Road Runners has been a great source of support throughout my career," he said. "I love supporting this great organization and race. This year, I will once again serve as a Team for Kids Ambassador."
Keflezighi will support the organization's charity running team in its campaign to reach a fundraising goal of $5 million, lead training runs, and participate in a variety of race-week activities. Proceeds fund free youth running programs, which serve more than 200,000 kids in New York and around the U.S.
