Olympic silver medallist and New York Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi will travel to the island to share his experiences as honorary guest speaker during the 2023 Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge.

The 47-year-old Eritrean-born American finished runner-up in the marathon at the 2004 Olympics, won the 2009 New York City Marathon and 2014 Boston Marathon and was the first Olympic medalist to win the two prestigious events.

“Meb is one of the most accomplished distance runners of his time and we are honoured to welcome him to Bermuda,” Laura Hocking, the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge spokesperson, said.

Keflezighi will be on hand at the BTC Runner Expo at the Hamilton Princess on January 13 and will be the lead speaker at the Pasta dinner on January 14 at Hamilton Princess. He will also attend every race over the three-day period and possibly slip into his running gear and participate himself.

Keflezighi competed at four Olympics and made his final appearance at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the age of 41 to become the oldest marathon runner to qualify for the US Olympic team at the time.

He also enjoyed glittering success in his younger days while attending the University of California Los Angeles. capturing four National Collegiate Athletic Association championship titles.

Keflezighi retired from the sport in 2017.

Since then he has co-authored several books, including two New York Times bestsellers, and has become a global ambassador for endurance running as well as a highly regarded keynote speaker.

“Not only is Meb an athlete of international acclaim with many accolades to his name, but he is also a bestselling author and a highly-engaging, motivational speaker, who has an amazing story to share,” Hocking added.

Hazel Clark, Global Director of Sales and Business Development for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, who represented the United States in track and field at three Olympics, said Keflezighi’s story and achievements are an “inspiration” to athletes around the world.

“His story and accomplishments are an inspiration to both world class and amateur athletes all over the world,” she added. “This will provide Bermudians and the BTC running participants a unique opportunity to meet and hear from a globally recognised and highly decorated distance runner.

“Meb Keflezighi is a legend in the running community. We truly look forward to hosting Meb for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge in January.”

Keflezighi is also the creator of the MEB Foundation, which encourages youth health, education and fitness. The foundation offers grants to organisations and charities that are in alignment with improving the health and wellbeing of communities and youth across the globe.

The Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge is a three-day running event.

It begins on January 13 with the Butterfield Front Street Mile, followed by the BF&M 10k Run/Walk on January 14 and the PwC Bermuda Marathon and Bermuda Half Marathon on January 15.

“Chubb is proud to be the Lead Event Sponsor of the 2023 Bermuda Triangle Challenge, and we are delighted that 4-time Olympian Meb Keflezighi is the headliner,” Samantha Froud, Chief Administration Officer, Bermuda Operations, said.

“We look forward to welcoming Keflezighi and all the event participants in January.”

Participants have the option of running the Full Triangle Challenge or the Half Triangle Challenge, which is the completion of three races in three days; the mile, 10K and either the full or half marathon.

For registration details visit https://www.bermudatrianglechallenge.com/registration/