Hennessy and Reeser lead Midnight Run Field

Jeanne Hennessy. Photo: Alison Wade/New York Road Runners

Former U.S. 20k champion Todd Reeser and world class marathon and road runner Jeanne Hennessy will get early starts to their 2003 racing season by heading the field at the 24th annual Runner's World Midnight Run in Central Park on New Year's Eve.

Hosted by the New York Road Runners, the four-mile run begins at the stroke of midnight and features a fireworks show, a pre-race masquerade parade and contest, special souvenirs and awards, a (non-alcoholic) champagne "water" stop midway through the race and an expected field of several thousand revelers looking to get a running start on the New Year.

"I am looking forward to running with all of the other die hard runners in New York as well as those who are looking for a healthy, fun way to start their New Year," said Hennessy, 25, of Mahopac, N.Y. who finished 10th at the Chicago Marathon in a career best 2:35:53 in October.

Reeser, 29, of Rochester,N.Y. was the national 20k champion in 2000 but has struggled a bit since with injuries.

Registration is available at www.nyrrc.org and in person at the New York Road Runners building at 9 East 89th Street on Dec. 28-31. Registration is open right until 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.