- November 21st, 2006, 2:06 am
#42774
Associated Press
Look out, Boston. Michael is ready to run.
Michael Jordan told The Associated Press on Sunday that he plans to compete in the Boston Marathon on Apr. 16.
"We were looking at the Chicago Marathon, but a conflict arose with the date. We wanted to do it in front of the city that I have grown to love over the years. However, Boston seems to fit our schedule better," Jordan said in a telephone interview. "I've been training some, but I wouldn't call it serious. It's just something to fill a void in my life after I quit competing as a professional basketball player."
Jordan, who is preparing for his first marathon, retired from basketball for the third time after a short stint with the Washington Wizards. His career included six NBA Championships over a span of eight years, over which time he also took an unsuccessful stab at professional baseball.
Jordan's decision to run in the marathon surprised many people -- including race officials.
Race director David McGillivray had no idea until he heard the reports in Terre Haute, IN, where he had been watching the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
"Jordan is a born winner and has a Midas touch," McGillivray said Monday. "I can guarantee this year's marathon will have a shine to it like never before with Michael in our ranks. We welcome Michael with open arms and thank him for the lift we are sure to see in an already healthy sport of marathoning and in our efforts to get people moving toward healthier and fitter lives."
Before committing to become a basketball superstar, Jordan competed in other sports like baseball and football as a teen. He indicated he has no plans to run marathons professionally, at least not at this time.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
Look out, Boston. Michael is ready to run.
Michael Jordan told The Associated Press on Sunday that he plans to compete in the Boston Marathon on Apr. 16.
"We were looking at the Chicago Marathon, but a conflict arose with the date. We wanted to do it in front of the city that I have grown to love over the years. However, Boston seems to fit our schedule better," Jordan said in a telephone interview. "I've been training some, but I wouldn't call it serious. It's just something to fill a void in my life after I quit competing as a professional basketball player."
Jordan, who is preparing for his first marathon, retired from basketball for the third time after a short stint with the Washington Wizards. His career included six NBA Championships over a span of eight years, over which time he also took an unsuccessful stab at professional baseball.
Jordan's decision to run in the marathon surprised many people -- including race officials.
Race director David McGillivray had no idea until he heard the reports in Terre Haute, IN, where he had been watching the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
"Jordan is a born winner and has a Midas touch," McGillivray said Monday. "I can guarantee this year's marathon will have a shine to it like never before with Michael in our ranks. We welcome Michael with open arms and thank him for the lift we are sure to see in an already healthy sport of marathoning and in our efforts to get people moving toward healthier and fitter lives."
Before committing to become a basketball superstar, Jordan competed in other sports like baseball and football as a teen. He indicated he has no plans to run marathons professionally, at least not at this time.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
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