Tsega will Gun for 8K World Record

 The Indian Path Medical Center & SunTrust Bank Crazy 8s 8K Run is
recognized around the world for holding both the men's and women's 8
kilometer world records.  Ethiopian Demssew Tsega has let it be known
that he intends to go after Peter Githuka's long-standing 22:03 world
mark, and collect the $10,008 Regional Eye Center World Record Bonus.
The race is set to take off Saturday night on the candle-lit streets of
Kingsport.  

"He certainly has the wheels to do it," said co-event director and elite
athlete recruiter Hank Brown.  "His agent told me he's going for it, so
we'll do everything on our end to help make it happen."

Tsega is one of Ethiopia's best young runners.  At just 20 years old, he
has already run in the World Cross Country Championships three times,
twice as a junior.  He is a front runner who likes to push the pace.

"We've arranged for a pacesetter to take the men through 4k on world
record pace," added Brown.  "Hopefully that will set it up for a very
exciting second half of the race."

Brown thinks Kenyans Julius Kiptoo and Josphat Boit will also challenge
for the record, as well as Morrocan Karim ElMabchour.  All will be after
the Gastroenterology Associates $5000 Men's Dash For The Gold, paid to
the first man to cross the finish line inside J. Fred Johnson Stadium. 

"We've come close a few times in the past few years, but so far Peter's
record still stands," said co-event director Tyler Hobbs.  "Maybe this
will be the year.  It should be exciting for the people in Kingsport who
come out to watch."     

For more information, visit http://www.crazy8s.org/


Sponsors are Indian Path Medical Center, SunTrust Bank, Regional Eye
Center, Edinburgh, Cardiovascular Associates, Gastroenterology
Associates, Seasons, Lively State Farm, Holston Medical Group, Eastman
Credit Union, Reebok, United Way of Greater Kingsport, Foot Rx, Bill
Gatton Honda, Dr. Enuf, Food City, Culligan, Charter Media, Oak Hill
Cemetery, Citadel Broadcasting, Kingsport YMCA, and Dashboard Audio.

VIP Sponsors are Kingsport Veterinary Hospital, Jon Mather Dentist,
Holston Medical Group, Mountain Region Family Medicine, Performance
Medicine, UBS Financial Services.

Crazy 8's is managed by We Run Events.