October 4, 2006
(INDIANAPOLIS) Indiana Invaders' Erin Nehus will compete on the USA National Team at the 2006 IAAF World Road Running Championship that will take place in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday, October 8. The championship is a 20 kilometer road race that will be contested on a 5,000 meter criterium-loop through the streets of Debrecen.

Nehus, competing on her first USA National Team, is the ninth Indiana Invaders athlete to wear the USA jersey and compete for the United States in international competition. Invaders athletes have competed at the Olympic Games, World Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field Championships, World Cross Country Championships, and now the World Road Running Championships.

Nehus is one of five US female athletes competing in this 20K World Road Running Championship. The top three finishers will score in the competition for each national team. A total of $245,000 of total prize money is available to the top 6 individual athletes and the top six teams. Nehus is the only Indiana athlete competing in this inaugural world road 20K championship.

During the 2006 season Nehus has competed in her first USA World Cross Country Trials, USA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, and USA National Road Championship. Nehus was a Top 10 USA nationals finisher in both the 20K National Road Championship and the USA Indoor 3000 championship race. In late 2005, Nehus’ emergence as a national level athlete began after a few months in Indianapolis training in the Invaders environment with her 5th place finish at the USATF Fall Cross Country National Championships.

Team Director and Coach Greg Harger said, "Nehus has absorbed her athletic training in a very steady, professional and methodical manner since her arrival in Indianapolis and is on tract through her first Olympic training cycle to be poised as a regular national contender. This first USA National Team will be a great learning experience for her." Coach Harger added, "Nehus is excited about this opportunity to represent our country, community, and club in such a prestigious event. This type of event is a great stepping stone and experience for a developing elite athlete like Nehus.”

2006 IAAF World Road Running Championships:
http://usatf.org/events/2006/IAAFWorldRoadRunningChampionships/

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, presents an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.