Leo Manzano to challenge Bernard Lagat in Fifth Avenue Mile

Leo Manzano (left) and Bernard Lagat will both race in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue Mile.

Ricky Fitchett/ZUMAPRESS.com

NEW YORK (AP) -- Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano will challenge defending champion Bernard Lagat in the Fifth Avenue Mile in Manhattan later this month.

In London, Manzano became the first American man to win an Olympic medal in the 1,500 meters since 1968. U.S. teammate Matt Centrowitz, who just missed bronze, will also take part in the race Sept. 22.

Lagat is the 2007 world champion in the 1,500 and now focuses on longer distances. He ran the 5,000 in London, also just missing bronze.

Jenny Simpson will look to defend her title in the women's race. The 2011 world champion in the 1,500, she failed to qualify for the Olympic final.

The women's field includes 2011 world silver medalist Hannah England and two-time Fifth Avenue Mile champion Shannon Rowbury.

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