Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Martin Barreto (212) 788-3256
"The Key to the City is bestowed upon distinguished persons like yourselves. Today you are New York City's honored guests and recipients of this tribute for your outstanding athletic accomplishment in winning the New York City Marathon," Mayor Giuliani said.
"Mr. Leone, we share your great emotion. Italy and New York City are very proud of your great achievement," Mayor Giuliani said in congratulating the winner of the men's race. "Ms. Catuna, you worked very hard yesterday, specially toward the end of the race, but you didn't exhaust all your resources. You made sure to tell the press that you love New York. The feeling is mutual."
Mr. Leone, who ran under the banner of the Italian National Police, is 25 years old, weighs 114 pounds, and is from Francavilla Fontana, a Southern Italian industrial town located at the heel of the Italian boot. Mr. Leone took control of the race yesterday in the 25th and 26th miles, sprinting to victory in Central Park.
Ms. Catuna, 28, a physical education student from Romania, crossed the finish line yesterday recording the best time of her athletic career and setting a new national record in Romania. Her finish yesterday as 48th in the overall race has only been surpassed by women three times before in the history of the marathon.