Italy’s Pizzolato Says He’ll Join the Field for the Boston Marathon

BOSTON — Two-time New York Marathon winner Orlando Pizzolato of Italy will run next month’s Boston Marathon, joining an already crowded field of elite runners in the hunt for a piece of the first-ever prize money in the 90-year-old race.

Pizzolato made the decision to compete in the April 21 race after running a portion of the hilly course recently with four-time Boston winner Bill Rodgers and 1983 champion Greg Meyer.

“I’m impressed with everything about Boston,” said Pizzolato. “That includes the race’s tradition and this year’s field . . . and the city itself.

“In fact, I’m thinking about living in Boston where I could further my studies in medicine and physical therapy,” said the 27-year-old runner.

Pizzolato has also signed on to participate in running and fitness clinics for area youths hosted by the John Hancock Insurance Co., which has brought the race into the modern-era of big-money marathons by committing $10 million over the next 10 years.

Virtually unknown prior to the New York City Marathon in 1984, Pizzolato gained instant recognition as he battled extreme heat and stomach cramps--stopping eight times--en route to capturing the New York title.

He returned to New York last year to successfully defend his title, coming back from 20th place at the halfway mark to outduel Salah Ahmed of Djibuti and win in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 34 seconds.

Pizzolato will join top-ranked marathoner and former world record-holder Steve Jones of Britain, Olympian Rob de Castella of Australia, Rodgers and Meyer in the 26.2-mile race.

Women’s world record-holder Ingrid Kristiansen of Norway is the favorite in the women’s division. Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the women’s marathon in the 1984 Olympics, has not yet decided whether to race Boston.