Courtesy: Running USA

American Deena Drossin (pictured), the 2001 national champion in the 10,000 meters, and Fatuma Roba of Ethiopia, the 1996 Olympic marathon champion and three-time Boston Marathon champion, will compete at the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on September 2, 2001, announced Elite Racing, Inc., producer of the event. Both women have become all-time greats in women's running.

The reigning American distance queen, Drossin, a 2000 Olympian, has won five national cross country titles. She is the 2001 U.S. champion at 10,000 meters, 8K cross country and 15K roads and holds the American 5K road record (15:08). As a member of Team USA California, the 8-time All- American at the University of Arkansas trains at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista and at altitude in Mammoth Lakes.

Fatuma Roba sealed her place in marathon history with the 1996 Olympic gold medal and three straight Boston Marathon titles in 1997-99. She PR'd in 1999 with a 2:23:25. She recently finished second at the 2001 Suzuki Rock 'n' Roll Marathon(r) in June.

"The addition of Deena Drossin and Fatuma Roba completely elevates the competition and prestige of this inaugural event," said Mike Long, Elite Athlete Coordinator for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. "Although both women are in phenomenal shape, they are coming off disappointing finishes at the World Championships. They will have fire in their eyes when the gun goes off on September 2."

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon starts on 19th Street at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center and finishes on the oceanfront boardwalk at 4th Street. Elite runners will compete for more than $100,000-the largest half marathon purse in the U.S. The event will be televised nationally and locally. The course features 20 live bands and 14 local high school cheerleading squads along the route, and a post-race concert with the Counting Crows.