Smith To Attempt B.A.A. Distance Medley Defense

New Zealand ace will be up against world-class runners from Kenya and Ethiopia.

On April 14, a large contingent of world-class runners will line up on the starting line in Boston.

The occasion is the first race (a 5K) in the annual Boston Athletic Association’s Distance Medley, a three-race series that awards a staggering $100,000 in prize money to the male and female competitor who chalks up the fastest cumulative time across all three races.

New Zealand’s Kim Smith and Kenya’s Allan Kiprono — the defending women’s and men’s champions — are slated to race.

Squaring off against the two-time Olympian Smith will be Ethiopia’s Werknesh Kidane, who won the 10,000m silver medal at the 2003 world championships.

Also at the start will be Kenya’s Lineth Chepkurui, a proven road racer and the 2008 Bolder Boulder champion.

On the men’s side, Kiprono’s fiercest opponent will be Ethiopia’s Dejen Gebremeskel, the 5000m Olympic silver medalist last summer in London. Also in the mix is three-time Olympian Alistair Craig.

For More: Boston Athletic Association