Sportsnet to Broadcast 2012 ING New York City Marathon, Nov. 4; Nick Kypreos Trades in Skates for Running Shoes to Participate

TIME TO READ3 mins

BYNYRR Staff

DATESeptember 12, 2012

TORONTO (September 12, 2012)- Sportsnet hockey analyst and former NHLer Nick Kypreos has won a both a Stanley Cup and Calder Cup – but does he have what it takes to complete a 26.2-mile marathon? As announced today on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s HOCKEY CENTRAL @ Noon, Sportsnet will be the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the 2012 ING New York City Marathon – and Kypreos will test his mettle by taking on the 26.2 mile race through New York’s five boroughs on Sunday, Nov. 4.

“I may have some extra time on my hands this fall, and thought the challenge of training for the New York City Marathon would keep me more than occupied,” said Kypreos, member of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. “It’s been 15 years since I’ve trained as a pro athlete, and this type of training is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I’m honoured to be returning to New York to participate in one of its greatest events – I’ll probably see more of the city on the 26.2 mile course than I did during the three years I was there with the Rangers!”

At the age of 46, Kypreos is following in the footsteps of several other former NHL players who have tested their endurance limits and completed the marathon, including Pat LaFontaine and Kypreos’s former Rangers teammates Mark Messier, Adam Graves and Mike Richter. Sportsnet will broadcast the race in Canada on Nov. 4 (full broadcast details to be announced at a later date).

“We are delighted Nick has chosen to run the ING New York City Marathon and join a distinguished list of former NHL players who’ve completed the race,” said Richard Finn, Spokesperson, ING New York City Marathon and New York Road Runners. “It’s New York’s greatest day and one of the world’s best sporting spectacles. More than 2.5 million people will line the race route through all five boroughs to cheer for Nick and the other 47,000 runners – and viewers at home in Canada will have front row seats for the race courtesy of Sportsnet.”

In its 42-year history, the ING New York City Marathon has become the leader among marathons around the world, a favourite of professional and recreational runners alike. The race attracts more than 100,000 applicants from around the world each year and continues to grow in size and popularity with 47,000-plus participants, 1,500 of whom are Canadians. The event is a must-see exhibition of athletic performance with New York City’s diverse neighbourhoods serving as a backdrop.