Team USA's Peyton to Race 5K in New York City

Team USA Minnesota’s Meghan Peyton will be among the professional field at the inaugural New York Road Runners Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday in New York City.

The Dash to the Finish Line 5K starts near the United Nations building, goes through the heart of Midtown Manhattan, enters Central Park at the 2 mile mark, and ends at the same finish line as the ING New York City Marathon, which will be held on Sunday.

The marathon setting of the race is fitting for Peyton, who will make her marathon debut at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston on Jan. 14. Peyton qualified for the marathon trials with a half marathon time of 1:13:56, which she set in 2010.

Peyton has a best in the 5000 meters of 15:41. During 2011 on the roads, she has finished fifth at both the USA 5K Championships and the 15K Championships, sixth at the USA 10 Mile Championships, and seventh at the USA 20K Championships.

Also competing in the event are Olympic marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor, U.S. Olympic marathoner Magdalena Lewy Boulet, and three-time NCAA cross country champion Sally Kipyego of Kenya.

Read more about the event HERE. Read Peyton's blog entry that looks ahead to the race HERE.