Boulder's Patrick Rizzo Chosen for Pan-Am Games

BOULDER, Co. – Boulder resident Patrick Rizzo has been selected to represent Team USA next month in the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, USA Track & Field has announced.

Rizzo is one of two U.S. male marathoners selected to run in the Games, which take place Oct. 14-30.

He has also qualified to compete in the US Olympic Trials in January in Houston. The top three finishers in the marathon there will represent the USA at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

In August, Rizzo became the USATF Colorado State Champion in both the half marathon, held in Boulder, and the 10K, held in Evergreen. He trains under Coach Brad Hudson.



Rizzo also earned seven NCAA All-American honors in cross country and track at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. He was the champion of the 2010 Rock N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon and finished in 10^th place (second American) at the 2009 Chicago Marathon in a personal best time of 2:15:48. Rizzo was the 15^th finisher (third American) at the Boston Marathon that same year.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen for the Pan Am Games,” Rizzo said. “I could never pass up an opportunity to represent my country.”