Destination Races introduces New Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon

(2-5-10) From Press Release – Destination Races, LLC is expanding its popular Wine Country Half Marathon Series to Oregon. The fourth, and newest, edition to this series, the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon, will be held on September 5, 2010 with activities planned throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The event features a bucolic 13.1 mile course starting at Stoller Vineyards and Winery in Dundee. Runners then wind through the heart of the Willamette Valley, finishing in the town of Carlton where the Wine & Music Festival is held from 9:00am to noon. Local wineries will be pouring at the festival which also features the race awards ceremony, live band, exhibitor booths, and beer and food garden. The festival is co-sponsored by Ken Wright Cellars and the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

The Race Expo is held on Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm at The Allison Inn, a luxury resort located in Newberg. Open to the public, the expo features exhibitor booths, packet pickup for runners, informational seminars and a wine and food tasting hosted by Chehalem Mountain Winegrowers.

According to Matt Dockstader, founder of Destination Races, the event is positioned to introduce the Oregon wine country to a whole new market, "This area is very picturesque, the wines are outstanding and best of all, the people here are so warm and welcoming." Dockstader added, "I really believe this is going to be one of the premier destination races in the country and if the other Wine Country Half Marathons are any indication of what’s to come, Oregon wine country can see a measureable boost in tourism that weekend due to the event."

The Oregon Sports Authority played a leading role in bringing the event to Oregon and facilitated introduction to event partners, making it possible for a 2010 event to come to fruition. "We're delighted to help bring the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon to the Yamhill Valley," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "It's a chance to share two of Oregon's greatest passions -- wine and running -- with visitors coming to participate from across the country."

Destination Races also produces the Napa-to-Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathons in California. These boutique-style events draw runners from all over the country and are limited to 3,000 runners or less, usually selling out well in advance of the race. The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon also offers a team competition and a 2-person relay.

Elite runners will compete for $2,000 in prize money sponsored by West Coast Bank, plus Ball Watches and magnums of wine. Each participant receives a technical running shirt, colorful finisher’s medal, and logo wine glass. Top three finishers in each age category win a bottle of wine and other awards. The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is limited to 2,000 participants in its inaugural year. Registration is currently open and can be accessed on the event website at www.run4oregonwine.com. For more information on the event series, visit www.destinationraces.com.

RaceCenter Event Expo Slated for Feb. 20 in Portland

(1-28-10) The 4th Annual RaceCenter Event Expo will be held February 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Foot Traffic in Northeast Portland (4020 NE Fremont St.). What can you expect? A chance to talk to local race directors, visit vendor booths, win free event entries and shop a huge selection of apparel along with the latest running footwear. There will also be music, a raffle and a keg! Join us and kick off the New Year with a party celebrating the upcoming racing season.

More: www.foottraffic.us

AA Sports Announces Update to Triathlon Rules of Competition

(1-19-10) From AA Sports Press Release, from John Goff, Head Referee - Just as you regularly train and prepare for your upcoming competitions, so do the course marshals and referees whose job it is to enforce the AA Sports "Rules of Competition" (RoC) as they apply to all AA Sports multisport events that take place each year in the Northwest. These rules can be found in their entirety TRI NorthWest Web site.

The fundamental principle behind non-draft legal triathlon and duathlon competition in North America centers around unaided individual performance, which is why Drafting, Blocking and Outside Assistance is prohibited. Equally important is the concept of non-interference - meaning that you should not impede any other athlete, or be impeded by any other athlete, most commonly in the form of Blocking. The AA Sports Rules of Competition (RoC) were created to define and standardize a structure for our competition based on these principles of non-interference and unaided individual performance.

Also read the accompanying article published with the RoC: The Duathlon/Triathlon Referees - What are they looking for? And why? This article will help you have an infraction free race - CLICK HERE TO READ

New updates for the 2010 Rules of Competition (RoC):
1) A clarification about where to find the reported infractions and assigned penalty information:
The Head Referee's (or his representative's) preliminary "Infraction Report" is posted at the Results Table at the event at the conclusion of the race. Final infractions and assigned penalties will be published by entrant number with the results following each race on the www.racecenter.com Web site.

It should be noted that penalties have NOT been posted with the results during the last two seasons due to complaints received by AA Sports by some as having "insult added to injury". This is not working as there is a perception that the penalties are not being assessed against the guilty athletes. The method of having a link directly to those receiving penalties will again be used in 2010 and beyond. This list will provide the bib # of the athlete, the infraction and the assigned time penalty. Also, within the results themselves in the far right margin there will be five asterisks (*****) adjacent to the athletes name indicating that they have been penalized.

2) A re-write of Disqualification #11 - The prohibition against "Outside Assistance":
Outside Assistance is prohibited. No form of coaching, athlete pacing, escorting, or repair assistance (with the single exception of athletes sharing parts or tools) is allowed during the race, during the swim, bike, or the run. Any mechanical or flat tire repairs must be performed by the individual athlete unaided. This prohibition also applies to unauthorized cars; non-athlete bicycles on the bike course, and no pedestrian pacers, coaches or bicycles are allowed on the run course. Assisted athletes will be disqualified.

3) The introduction of the "2-minute Standing Penalty":
At the discretion of the race officials a "Standing 2-minute Penalty" can be imposed. Standing penalties longer than 2-minutes can also be imposed. When instructed by the race official, the athlete is required to stop at the nearest safe location well clear of the other athletes as directed by the race official. The penalty time begins when the athlete stops. The athlete is not cleared to resume their race until instructed by the race official. Failure to comply with the instructions of the race officials is an automatic disqualification.

4) Final Note:
Again, it needs to be stressed that the RoC are there to provide a "level playing field" for all the athletes competing in the race. It is frustrating to the accomplished Triathlete/Duathlete who adheres to these rules only to feel penalized when those not following the rules are not penalized. For the newer Triathletes/Duathletes they should not view penalties as punishment, but as a learning tool to help them understand the sport better so that they may compete at a higher level.

As always, Any Questions? Please ask!

Warm Regards,
John Goff (email)
Head Referee, AA Sports, Ltd.

Portland Marathon's Inaugural Half Marathon on 10-10-10 Nearly Sold Out

(1-14-10) From Press Release - The Portland Marathon Half, a 13.1-mile run and walk created by the Portland Marathon, was offered to the public this month and is already nearly sold out. The new event will be part of the 39th annual Portland Marathon, which will be held on October 10, 2010.

Event organizers believe the half marathon will add $3 million of economic impact to the local area. The overall event is estimated to have a $26 million economic impact on the Portland Metro area and has been the "largest convention-like event" in Portland the last four years.

Limited to 3,000 entries, the Portland Marathon Half will feature all the entertainment and amenities of the full 26.2-mile marathon, which drew over 9,700 runners and walkers in 2009. Currently, participants for the half event are 76% women from 36 states and 7 foreign countries.

Registration for the half was first offered to former Portland Marathon finishers and other special running and walking groups. Registration opened to the general public on January 10 and will continue until January 31, unless the event fills earlier. Special entries are also reserved for charities and the military. Those interested in registering can go to www.portlandmarathon.org and can use promotional code PMHALF254 for a discount through January 21.

The Portland Marathon committee is excited to add another event to its roster. Chris Hardman Course Coordinator said, "The Portland Marathon Half will be a fun event with a fast course and all the well known features of our Portland Marathon."

The Portland Marathon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an Oregon non-profit corporation. Each year nearly $200,000 is donated by the Portland Marathon to over 100 local non-profits, school groups, sport teams, and other charities. With the help of the event, charities also raise about $2 million. The Portland Marathon events, which include a marathon, a half marathon, a five-miler, a 10K walk, and kids' fun run, are produced each year by a committee and over 4,500 volunteers.

The Portland Marathon, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the health and wellness of its participants and community. More than 12,000 people run, walk, or volunteer with the event each year. Proceeds from event go to help local schools, charities, and non-profits. The event has been called the "best-organized marathon in North America" and has received national attention for being one of the first eco-friendly, "green" marathons. For more information, visit www.portlandmarathon.org, call (503) 226-1111, or e-mail info@portlandmarathon.org. The Portland Marathon is also available through Facebook and Twitter (@pdxmarathon).

Team Montrail Announces Four New Athletes for 2010, Oregon's Max King Added to the Roster

(1-11-10) From Press Release - Montrail, a leader in trail-inspired footwear, announced today the signing of four new elite trail runners to Team Montrail including Max King, the winner of the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Run Championships and the 2009 USATF Trail Marathon Championship. The 2010 athlete team will play a critical role in the growth of the Montrail brand and the development of its growing line of trail footwear.

Team Montrail has added four new athletes to the 2010 roster: Max King, Dakota Jones, Jill Perry and Mandy Hosford. "The addition of these top trail and ultra runners to Team Montrail speaks to where we are as a brand and where we are going in the future," said Montrail Promotions Coordinator Jesse Malman.

"This year's roster is truly impressive reinforcing Montrail's long-time commitment to sponsor elite trail runners who continue to push the limits of the sport and the performance of Montrail products," said Malman. "We are extremely honored to have Max King on board. Max's domination in trail running over the last several years makes him an ideal representative for the Montrail brand, especially now, as he sets his sights on longer distances."

Max King (Bend, OR) - "As a relatively new ultra athlete, it will be great to be part of a stellar team of athletes that I can learn from and compete with at a variety of ultra distances. My hope is that we will become great friends that will continue to push each other to faster times and bigger goals." - Max King

Recent Highlights: 2008 Olympic Trials Steeplechase qualifier; Winner of two straight XTERRA Trail Run World Championships, numerous USATF and USA Cross Country trail championships and the 2009 USATF Trail Marathon Championship; Max began running ultras in 2008 winning both the Siskiyou Outback 50k and the TransRockies Stage Race and the 2009 American River 50-mile.

Goals for 2010: Focus on ultras while still competing at the top level in shorter distance events; Work with the Montrail Product Development team to create progressive trail shoes for upcoming seasons; Continue his career as a Biochemical Engineer at Bend Research and coach a performance running group.

Dakota Jones (Durango, CO)
Recent Highlights: 19 years-old with top finishes in 2009 including: Jemez Mountain 50-mile, The North Face Endurance Championship, Moab Red Hot 50k and The Other Half half marathon.

Goals for 2010: Run trail events, both ultras and sub-ultras, hoping to one day win the Hardrock 100.

Jill Perry (Manlius, NY)
Recent Highlights: 2009 wins at Umstead 100 and the 24 Hour Run National Championship; 2nd place at Vermont 100 and Caumsett 50k; Represented the USA at World Championship 50k in Gibraltar.

Goals for 2010: Continue her winning streak as a mother of five; Run the Badwater Ultra; Further the success of her business, Whole Running.

Mandy Hosford (Salt Lake City, UT)
Recent Highlights: All in 2009: 3rd at the Pocatello 50-mile, 1st at the Wasatch Steeplechase, 1st at Wasatch Speedgoat 50k and 2nd at the Wasatch 100-mile.

Goals for 2010: Working toward strong finishes in more 100 and 50-mile races across the country.

Team Montrail Roster for 2010:
Bev Anderson-Abbs
Annette Bednosky
Syl Corbett (Canada)
Luis Escobar
Ellie Greenwood (Canada)
Eric Grossman
Matt Hart
David Horton
Mandy Hosford
Hiroki Ishikawa (Japan)
Dakota Jones
Max King
Sean Meissner
Ryne Melcher (Canada)
Luanne Park
Jill Perry
Gary Robbins (Canada)
Geoff Roes
Terri Schneider
Erik Skaden
Joelle Vaught

For more information about our athletes and events, please visit: http://montrail.com/AthletesAndEvents.aspx

Share your thoughts on the new Montrail blog: http://blog.montrail.com/

Portland Has a New Group Marathon Training Program In 2010

(1-2-10) From Press Release - Get Fit Live Fit Training Programs, created and executed by Fit Right Northwest Running & Walking store has, expanded their group training program offering for 2010. The running and walking programs designed for individuals training for a 5k-Half Marathon race, will now include a 24-week marathon program for individuals training for a fall marathon in 2010! The 5k-Half Marathon programs that have helped over 500 participants (over the past two years) achieve their goals, begins January 20, 2010. The NEW marathon program begins April 7.

Get Fit Live Fit Group Training offers three 12 week (5k - Half Marathon) sessions throughout the calendar year. Our New Marathon Program is offered April 7- October 9. All sessions offer a customized training program, two weekly coached workouts, six educational sessions, and several online resources. Educational topics include injury prevention, strength training, core conditioning, nutrition, training with a HR Monitor and more. As an added bonus, all group training participants receive a free technical tee, access to the online training resources at GetFitLiveFit.org and discounts at Fit Right NW.

Our Online Training provides individuals the flexibility of training on their own time, while gaining access to all of our great online resources. If you are in town join us for one of our Saturday group runs.

Summary:
Get Fit Live Fit Run Programs are written for ALL levels of ability. Whether you're a first-time runner or a seasoned racer or have a goal of weight loss to improving race times, we have something for everyone!

Our programs provide:
- a personalized training program tailored to your goals and fitness level upon entering the program
- a consistent place to meet for Wednesday and Saturday runs
- a certified and experienced coach on hand for at least 6 of the workouts to answer injury, equipment, and training questions
- group leaders to provide assistance, consistent pacing, and motivation
- a fun and supportive group atmosphere with like-minded runners and walkers.
- weekly emails and schedules listing both weekday and weekend workouts
- optional flexibility, nutrition and strength & conditioning programs
- a group of like-minded runners to provide accountability
- accurately measured and marked maps/training routes

2010 Sessions Dates:
Session 1: January 20 - April 10 - Shamrock Run / Race for the Roses (Registration Closes January 13)
Session 2: May 5 - July 24 - Lacamas Lake Half Marathon & 4-Miler
Session 3: August 4 - October 23 - Portland Marathon Half & Girlfriend's Half Marathon
Marathon Session: April 7 - October 9 - Portland Marathon

Pricing:
- 5k- Marathon Group Sessions (1-3) - $99 per session; $89 for those returning w/o tee
* Sign up for all 3 sessions for only $225

Marathon Program - ($105; $95 if you register before 3/1/2010)

Contact:
Dave Sobolik, Founder/Owner
dave@fitrightnw.com
www.getfitlivefit.org
503.525.2122

Keflezighi, Hall to Run 2010 Boston Marathon

(12-18-09) From Running USA Wire #104-12-09 - In celebration of its 25th anniversary as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial has announced the signing of top Americans, Meb Keflezighi and Ryan Hall, for the 114th running of the storied race on Monday, April 19, 2010.

Keflezighi and Hall have proven themselves as two of the best distance runners of all-time. The dynamic duo have the talent and credentials to challenge Boston's world class field as they each seek to become the first male American winner since Greg Meyer in 1983. At previous Boston Marathons, each has placed third: Hall in 2009 and Keflezighi in 2006.

Fresh from his historic marathon win in New York City is Keflezighi, a two-time Olympian and U.S. record holder in the 10,000m. Keflezighi, 34, won the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon and has won 20 national titles to-date.

"Boston has a great tradition not only to the running community but also to the rest of the world," said Keflezighi. "It has always been my ultimate goal to win the Boston Marathon."

This has been a banner year for Keflezighi who improved his personal best to 2:09:15 with his stirring New York City win and also claimed national titles in cross country, seven miles, half-marathon and the marathon.

"Winning in New York was a huge personal triumph and the victory belongs to my family and support team," said the UCLA grad. "I am glad I can help move the continued resurgence of U.S. distance running to the next level. I am living the American dream and feel blessed."

Hall, 27, carries his own impressive qualifications as the second fastest U.S. marathoner of all-time with a 2:06:17 personal record. Only former world record holder Khalid Khannouchi has posted a faster U.S. mark. The Stanford grad holds U.S. records in the half-marathon and 30K. He was first at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, shattering the event record by more than a minute, and went on to place 10th at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon.

"As soon as I finished the 2009 Boston Marathon, I knew I wanted to be back for the 2010 race," said Hall. "The energy of the crowds far exceeded my expectations, the course was even more challenging than I anticipated, I hurt more than I have hurt in any other race, yet participating in the Boston Marathon was thrilling beyond my greatest expectations."

Last year, Hall was the aggressive early leader taking a seasoned field through 5K in world record pace. He stayed with the leaders throughout the race, but Deriba Merga of Ethiopia prevailed as the winner.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to come back as part of the John Hancock Elite team and try to master the course that mastered me last year," added Hall. "I will be one year stronger this April and more importantly one year smarter."

Both men train with Mammoth Track Club in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. and have been long-time residents of the state. Hall is originally from Big Bear Lake and graduated from Stanford as a three-time All American in cross country and NCAA champion in the 5000m. Keflezighi is from San Diego and graduated from UCLA as a four-time NCAA champion. In head-to-head marathon competition, Hall has out run Keflezighi 2-1. In their respective third place podium finishes at Boston, Hall ran a 2:09:40 in 2009 and Keflezighi ran a 2:09:56 in 2006.

With necessary experience on the course and plenty of motivation to become the first U.S. men's champion in 27 years, the Keflezighi-Hall match up should prove exciting.

"Meb and Ryan are among the very best and brightest stars in U.S. distance running," said Guy Morse, executive director of the B.A.A. "Meb has led the resurging American men since he won the silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004, and Ryan's full potential at the marathon distance is yet to be realized. We look forward to providing the stage for both of them to continue their success and development."

"John Hancock is committed to securing the strongest fields of runners from around the world for the Boston Marathon each year. It is an added bonus to have Meb and Ryan, two outstanding U.S. runners, as top contenders in the field for the 2010 race," said Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial Services. "We know they will only add excitement to what is always a thrilling race. Marathoning is a global sport and the prominence of U.S. runners among the world's elite is a terrific development for fans and for the sport."

For more race information, go to: BostonMarathon.org