Hall wins U.S. trials marred by death

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ryan Hall won the U.S. Olympic trials for the marathon on Saturday to claim a berth for the 2008 Beijing Games in a race marred by the death of distance champion Ryan Shay.

The 28-year-old Shay, a four-times national champion on the roads, collapsed after passing the five-mile mark of the race. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead, race officials said.

"We all are devastated over Ryan's death," the U.S. track and field federation said in a statement. "He was a tremendous champion who was here today to pursue his dreams."

Hall booked his place on the U.S. Olympic team with an emphatic victory, winning by more than two minutes with a time of two hours, nine minutes and two seconds over a multiple loop course through Central Park.

Dathan Ritzenhein (2:11:06) and Brian Sell (2:11:40) also qualified for the Beijing Olympics marathon on a windy, cool overcast morning.

"Today was a dream come true for me," said 25-year-old Hall, who set a U.S. marathon debut record of 2:08:24 in finishing seventh at this year's London Marathon. "I've been dreaming about this moment for 10 years.

"But as great as the moment is, my heart and my thoughts are with Ryan Shay and his family."

Among the leading contenders to fall short was 2004 Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, who came eighth in 2:15:09.

"I'd like to congratulate the top three finishers. I hope they go on to Beijing to represent our country at the highest level they can," he said.