Lisa Reichmann, a runner on the Washington area racing circuit and Gold Medal winner in the half marathon at the 2003 Pan American Maccabiah Games, has been appointed co-chair of the U.S. Half Marathon team for the 18th World Maccabiah Games to be held in Israel July 13-23, 2009. Recruitment for team members is currently underway and Reichmann hopes to attract top area runners to apply for the team.

As one of the largest elite competitions, the Maccabiah has grown to more than 9000 athletes from more than 60 countries making it the third largest sports event in the world. Often referred to as the "Jewish Olympics," the Maccabiah Games are held every four years in Israel attracting the most outstanding Jewish athletes from around the world.

There will be Open and Masters divisions for the Half Marathon team. Applicants for the Open Half Marathon team must be 34 years old or younger as of December 31, 2009. Athletes age 35 and older can apply for the Masters Half Marathon team. Selections for the team will be made based on finish times for half marathon or longer distance races run within the past 12 months. Selections will be made in fall 2008.

Open team athletes must be available to participate in a mandatory pre-camp from July 2, 2009 until the start of the Games on July 13, 2009. This week involves training and traveling through Israel with fellow athletes from Team USA offering participants the opportunity to learn about the landscape, culture, and history of Israel. There is also a financial obligation (Yachad) which may be fulfilled through fundraising. For more information, see Maccabiah Games and download the Application Cover Page.

More information and a link to the application can be found on the team's Web site.