(12-20-06) From Press Release - EMERALD CITY MULTISPORT TEAM LAUNCH MEETING
Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Greenwood Library (8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103) Parking is in the parking garage.
Invite your Multisport friends to attend.
Come meet the new triathlon / duathlon team in town, Emerald City Multisport. Learn about all that it has to offer to the community from monthly clinics to weekly workouts. Join us for a healthy appetizer and discuss the launch of the new team.
Emerald City Multisport's Mission:
Based in Seattle, Washington, Emerald City Multisport Team’s provides enjoyment and fitness through consistent group training and coaching with the goal of improvement in performance. Emerald City Multisport offers an enduring focus on the "Multisport Lifestyle,” with emphasis of offering quality coaching, innovative workouts, fun team events and opportunities to build a community for our partners and sponsors. To meet the growing demand for multisport activities, Emerald City Multisport Team provides: events, camps, and clinics for the multisport community at large.
Emerald City Multisport offers ONE team for members to participate in triathlons and duathlons of all distances, off-road triathlons, winter triathlons, cycling events, mountain bike races, swimming , open water swim races, swim meets, running races, skate skiing, etc.
More info: www.emeraldcitymultisport.com
Husband and Wife Win Seattle Marathon
(11-27-06) The Sunday after Thanksgiving each year, runners from across the country and from across the Northwest converge on Seattle to participate in its annual marathon and related events. This year was no different, other than the fact that local running icon, Uli Steidl, did what no other runner has done in the history of the event - running away with his eighth consecutive Seattle Marathon title.
34-year-old Steidl won the University of Washington Medical Center Seattle Marathon in 2:27:51, but was being chased by Bend, Oregon's Andy Martin, 31, a professional triathlete who finished a little more than a minute later clocking 2:29:08 for the 26.2-mile distance. Nick Merrill, who was seventh in 2005 with a 2:44:22, took third in 2:37:49.
On the women's side, Uli's wife Trisha Steidl made it a perfect day for the family, winning in 3:01:36. Christine Rehwald, 27, took second in 3:05:15 and Ann Armstrong rounded out the top three in 3:05:39.
Complete for the marathon and all other related events can be found at www.seattlemarathon.org
34-year-old Steidl won the University of Washington Medical Center Seattle Marathon in 2:27:51, but was being chased by Bend, Oregon's Andy Martin, 31, a professional triathlete who finished a little more than a minute later clocking 2:29:08 for the 26.2-mile distance. Nick Merrill, who was seventh in 2005 with a 2:44:22, took third in 2:37:49.
On the women's side, Uli's wife Trisha Steidl made it a perfect day for the family, winning in 3:01:36. Christine Rehwald, 27, took second in 3:05:15 and Ann Armstrong rounded out the top three in 3:05:39.
Complete for the marathon and all other related events can be found at www.seattlemarathon.org
Washington Runner Wins 24-Hour Run Championship
(11-19-06) From Running USA wire #91-10-06, by Dan Brannen - With the highest overall finish (men / women combined) in national ultra championship history since Ann Trason won overall in 1989, Carolyn Smith of Milwaukee continued her 3-year steady rise to the top of American women's ultradistance racing at the National 24-Hour Run Championship in Grapevine, Texas this weekend. Smith bested former National 24-hour champ Rebecca Johnson of Lafayette , Colo.
The top 10 men and women also included one "household name" celebrity of each sex. With best-selling books, numerous national TV appearances, and major print media feature stories on their resumes, Pam Reed and Dean Karnazes each found time in their busy promotional schedules to drop in for a weekend of round-the-clock running. Unfortunately, Reed, one of
Grapevine,
MEN
1) Alex Swenson, 42,
2) Roy Pirrung, 58,
3) Philip McCarthy, 38,
4) Dean Karnazes, 44,
5) Scott Eppelman, 40,
6) Chuck Goetschel, 40,
7) Akos Konya (HUN - guest), 32,
8) John Geesler, 47,
9) Bill Lockton, 58,
10) Rudy Afanador, 48,
1) Carolyn Smith, 41,
2) Rebecca Johnson, 37,
3) Connie Gardner, 43,
4) Laura Nelson, 41,
5) Debra Horn, 47,
6) Stephanie Ehret, 43,
7) Bonnie Busch, 48,
8) Pam Reed, 45,
9) Carilyn Johnson, 39,
10) Dorit Attias, 44,
*Pending selection to 2007 U.S. National 24-Hour Run team and participation in 2007 World 24-Hour (July 28-29,
Celebrated Distance Runner Kelly Holmes to Speak in Eugene
(11-9-06) From Press Release - Celebrated middle-distance running champion Kelly Holmes will provide insight into her years of running and coaching at the Eugene Running Company on Monday, November 20 beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free to the public.
2006 TRI NorthWest Rankings Now Posted
(10-20-06) The 2006 triathlon and duathlon rankings are now posted. Congratulations to all of the athletes in the Northwest that were ranked this year. For a complete listing of all rankings visit this link at TRINW.com.
Seattle's Jurek Wins Spartathlon Ultra in Greece
(10-5-06) From Running USA Wire 77 - First American Man to Be Race Champion, By Dan Brannen
This past weekend in Greece, Scott Jurek, 33, of Seattle, Washington, 7-time winner of the Western States 100 Mile Mountain Race and two-time winner of the Badwater 136 mile race from Death Valley to the base of Mount Whitney, has become the first American man ever to win the Spartathlon.
The Spartathlon is run annually from Athens to Sparta in Greece. It was founded in 1983 by a group of London-based Englishmen (hence the name: SPART - for Sparta, ATH - for Athens, and LON - for London) to commemorate the historic run of the Greek messenger Pheidippides in 490 B.C. The Greek general Miltiades, anticipating an attack by the Persians north of Athens, sent Pheidippides to run the 245 kilometers (a bit over 150 miles) from Athens to Sparta to request military assistance from King Leonidas of Sparta in fending off the Persians. The Spartans declined, and Pheidippides then had to return by foot with the bad news. The Athenians prevailed anyway.
The 245K commemorative race has attracted many of the world's top long-range ultradistance runners. The inaugural race in 1983 marked the debut of an unknown local Greek runner named Yiannis Kouros, who won by over three hours. In the subsequent quarter-century, Kouros has proven himself to be the greatest long-range ultradistance runner in history, setting and re-setting world records from 24 hours thru 6 days and from 200K thru 1,000 miles. The race is usually run in hot daytime conditions and includes some gravel and trail sections in what is otherwise mostly a road race. It climbs some 3,000 feet over the Sangas Mountains more than halfway thru the course.
Until this year, only 6 men had broken 24 hours in the race, and only one, Kouros (whose course record is 20:25) had broken 23 hours. This year, Jurek dueled with two-time World 24 Hour Run champion (and former Spartathlon winner) Ryoichi Sekiya of Japan before pulling clear just past 100 miles. He then held on, alone, for one of the strongest finishing stretches in race history to win in 22 hours, 52 minutes, 18 seconds, becoming #2 behind only Kouros on the all-time course performance list. Previously, the best finish by a U.S. man had been Roy Pirrung's third place 27:56 in 1992. At that time, Pirrung was the U.S. 24 Hour Run record holder.
Mary Hanudel-Larsson, then of Toledo, Ohio, was the first American to win the women's division of the race, taking top distaff honors in 1984, then three more times, culminating in a women's course record of 28:46:58 in 1998. Remarkably, Hanudel-Larsson, who now lives in Sweden, finished third among women this year in 31:41:56, twenty-two years after her first victory, as reigning World 24 Hour Run champion Sumie Inagaki won in 28:37:20.
24th Spartathlon 245.3K
Athens-to-Sparta, Greece, Fri-Sat, Sept 29-30, 2006
MEN
1) Scott Jurek, USA/WA, 22:52:18
2) Ryoichi Sekiya, JPN, 24:14:11
3) Masayuki Ohtaki, JPN, 25:19:12
WOMEN
1) Sumie Inagaki, JPN, 28:37:20
2) Takako Furuyama, JPN, 31:40:31
3) Mary Hanudel-Larsson, USA, 31:41:56
This past weekend in Greece, Scott Jurek, 33, of Seattle, Washington, 7-time winner of the Western States 100 Mile Mountain Race and two-time winner of the Badwater 136 mile race from Death Valley to the base of Mount Whitney, has become the first American man ever to win the Spartathlon.
The Spartathlon is run annually from Athens to Sparta in Greece. It was founded in 1983 by a group of London-based Englishmen (hence the name: SPART - for Sparta, ATH - for Athens, and LON - for London) to commemorate the historic run of the Greek messenger Pheidippides in 490 B.C. The Greek general Miltiades, anticipating an attack by the Persians north of Athens, sent Pheidippides to run the 245 kilometers (a bit over 150 miles) from Athens to Sparta to request military assistance from King Leonidas of Sparta in fending off the Persians. The Spartans declined, and Pheidippides then had to return by foot with the bad news. The Athenians prevailed anyway.
The 245K commemorative race has attracted many of the world's top long-range ultradistance runners. The inaugural race in 1983 marked the debut of an unknown local Greek runner named Yiannis Kouros, who won by over three hours. In the subsequent quarter-century, Kouros has proven himself to be the greatest long-range ultradistance runner in history, setting and re-setting world records from 24 hours thru 6 days and from 200K thru 1,000 miles. The race is usually run in hot daytime conditions and includes some gravel and trail sections in what is otherwise mostly a road race. It climbs some 3,000 feet over the Sangas Mountains more than halfway thru the course.
Until this year, only 6 men had broken 24 hours in the race, and only one, Kouros (whose course record is 20:25) had broken 23 hours. This year, Jurek dueled with two-time World 24 Hour Run champion (and former Spartathlon winner) Ryoichi Sekiya of Japan before pulling clear just past 100 miles. He then held on, alone, for one of the strongest finishing stretches in race history to win in 22 hours, 52 minutes, 18 seconds, becoming #2 behind only Kouros on the all-time course performance list. Previously, the best finish by a U.S. man had been Roy Pirrung's third place 27:56 in 1992. At that time, Pirrung was the U.S. 24 Hour Run record holder.
Mary Hanudel-Larsson, then of Toledo, Ohio, was the first American to win the women's division of the race, taking top distaff honors in 1984, then three more times, culminating in a women's course record of 28:46:58 in 1998. Remarkably, Hanudel-Larsson, who now lives in Sweden, finished third among women this year in 31:41:56, twenty-two years after her first victory, as reigning World 24 Hour Run champion Sumie Inagaki won in 28:37:20.
24th Spartathlon 245.3K
Athens-to-Sparta, Greece, Fri-Sat, Sept 29-30, 2006
MEN
1) Scott Jurek, USA/WA, 22:52:18
2) Ryoichi Sekiya, JPN, 24:14:11
3) Masayuki Ohtaki, JPN, 25:19:12
WOMEN
1) Sumie Inagaki, JPN, 28:37:20
2) Takako Furuyama, JPN, 31:40:31
3) Mary Hanudel-Larsson, USA, 31:41:56
Regional Runners Dominate 35th Anniversary Edition of the Portland Marathon
(10-2-06) Mike Heidt of Shoreline, WA had never run a marathon before in his life and ran his first half marathon just a month ago. Heidt ran track for Washington State and decided that he would run a marathon figuring he could do well with his collegiate experience behind him.
At the age of 23, Heidt captured the 2006 Portland Marathon title covering the 26.2-mile distance in 2:21:54, which is the best finishing time since 2002.
Danita Erickson of Tacoma, WA nabbed the women's overall title with a time of 2:53:18 taking the lead early and flying solo to the finish in the Park Blocks of Downtown Portland.
Additionally, a new wheelchair division record was set by Jerry Martin of Liberty Lake, WA. Martin covered the distance in 1:44:48.
Complete results and division winners can be found at www.portlandmarathon.org.
At the age of 23, Heidt captured the 2006 Portland Marathon title covering the 26.2-mile distance in 2:21:54, which is the best finishing time since 2002.
Danita Erickson of Tacoma, WA nabbed the women's overall title with a time of 2:53:18 taking the lead early and flying solo to the finish in the Park Blocks of Downtown Portland.
Additionally, a new wheelchair division record was set by Jerry Martin of Liberty Lake, WA. Martin covered the distance in 1:44:48.
Complete results and division winners can be found at www.portlandmarathon.org.
2006 USAT PNW Long Distance Grand Prix Champions Crowned at the Grand Columbian
(9-26-06) From Press Release - Brent Ruby of Missoula, Montana was crowned the 2006 USAT PNW Long Distance Champion on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at Grand Columbian Triathlon held in Grand Coulee, Washington. The championships were contested at the Half Iron race as part of the USAT Grand Prix/Half Max series. Ruby completed the challenging Grand Columbian distance in a course record 4:38:45. Julie Pittsinger of Lake Chelan, Washington was crowned the women's champion and actually had the fastest women's time at 5:00:01.
All athletes competing in the 2006 were greeted with a cool desert morning. Temperatures in the 50's as the sun rose over a calm Banks Lake swim at the Grand Columbian race site. In the 1900 meter swim, Mathew Hallowell of Corvallis, Oregon led all age groupers out of the water with a 24:25. Julie was third out of the water and first women at 25:28.
The bike leg was a little tougher than average with 10-20 MPH head winds in much of the course. It was Montana in control among the men with Jeffery Cincoski of Missoula ending the bike with a 2:43:24 and a one-minute lead over Brent - who had the best bike split of 2:34:45 and a one mile per hour average higher than the rest of the pack. Julie maintained her lead over the women with a 11 minute lead over Julie Desrameaux of Victoria, BC and a 12 minute lead over Ann Ciaveralla of Portland, Oregon.
The 13.1 mile run down and back along the Columbia River was cool and clear. Athletes shared the course with ITU Pan American Championship Elite and Age-Groupers as well as Iron Distance athletes. Brent took control with a best overall 1:27:51. David Ciaverella came from 5th down to second with a 1:30:31 and a 4:47:10. John Huberty of Cyde Hill came from 8th down to finish 3rd in the run and 3rd overall with a 4:53:23. On the run Julie held on for the win, Ann Ciaveralla ran past Julie Desrameuax for second place with a 5:10:57. Desrameuax came in third with a time of 5:12:25.
The Grand Columbian offers a special award called the Iron Partnership. The combined times of married partners doing Iron/Iron, Iron/Half Iron, and Half Iron. Ann and David Ciaverella won the Half/Half award with a combined time of 9:58:09.
As the 2006 USAT PNW LONG DISTANCE GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP the top three winners in each age-group qualified for Team USA and the 2007 Long Distance World Championships in L'Orient, France.
The Grand Columbian, now in its third year, was featured in Inside Triathlon Magazine as one of the 10 "must do" long distance triathlons in North America. The venue is spectacular with completely enthusiastic community support. This race is timed perfectly for athletes gearing up for Kona or building to November. For complete race results go to www.thegrandcolumbian.com
All athletes competing in the 2006 were greeted with a cool desert morning. Temperatures in the 50's as the sun rose over a calm Banks Lake swim at the Grand Columbian race site. In the 1900 meter swim, Mathew Hallowell of Corvallis, Oregon led all age groupers out of the water with a 24:25. Julie was third out of the water and first women at 25:28.
The bike leg was a little tougher than average with 10-20 MPH head winds in much of the course. It was Montana in control among the men with Jeffery Cincoski of Missoula ending the bike with a 2:43:24 and a one-minute lead over Brent - who had the best bike split of 2:34:45 and a one mile per hour average higher than the rest of the pack. Julie maintained her lead over the women with a 11 minute lead over Julie Desrameaux of Victoria, BC and a 12 minute lead over Ann Ciaveralla of Portland, Oregon.
The 13.1 mile run down and back along the Columbia River was cool and clear. Athletes shared the course with ITU Pan American Championship Elite and Age-Groupers as well as Iron Distance athletes. Brent took control with a best overall 1:27:51. David Ciaverella came from 5th down to second with a 1:30:31 and a 4:47:10. John Huberty of Cyde Hill came from 8th down to finish 3rd in the run and 3rd overall with a 4:53:23. On the run Julie held on for the win, Ann Ciaveralla ran past Julie Desrameuax for second place with a 5:10:57. Desrameuax came in third with a time of 5:12:25.
The Grand Columbian offers a special award called the Iron Partnership. The combined times of married partners doing Iron/Iron, Iron/Half Iron, and Half Iron. Ann and David Ciaverella won the Half/Half award with a combined time of 9:58:09.
As the 2006 USAT PNW LONG DISTANCE GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP the top three winners in each age-group qualified for Team USA and the 2007 Long Distance World Championships in L'Orient, France.
The Grand Columbian, now in its third year, was featured in Inside Triathlon Magazine as one of the 10 "must do" long distance triathlons in North America. The venue is spectacular with completely enthusiastic community support. This race is timed perfectly for athletes gearing up for Kona or building to November. For complete race results go to www.thegrandcolumbian.com
Lake Stevens 70.3 Event Lands Title Sponsor
(8-28-06) From Press Release - Premier Event Management and Ironman are proud to announce a multi-year agreement with Barclays North to become the title sponsor of the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Lake Stevens, Washington. The event, formerly known as the Lake Stevens 70.3 will now be referred to as the Barclays North Ironman 70.3.
Barclays North, headquartered in Lake Stevens, Washington has become one of the top residential and commercial real estate development companies in the western United States. Bill Burke, President of Premier Event Management comments on the new partnership with Barclays North, "This long-term relationship will ensure that our commitment to the Pacific Northwest meets the same level of commitment that has made Barclays North the leader in building communities and dreams for thousands of residents."
The Barclays North Ironman 70.3 is scheduled for July 8, 2007 and athletes can begin online registration for the 2007 event on December 1, 2006. The event will also include a new $30,000.00 professional prize purse and 75 slots for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3.
To complement the new title sponsor and the new prize purse, Premier Event Management is also pleased to announce a new host hotel sponsor for the 2007 Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. The Holiday Inn Everett located less than 7 miles from the race venue will now become the home of all pre-race activities. From registration and packet pick-up to the new Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Fitness Expo, this hotel is the most convenient for competitors. To book a Barclays North Ironman 70.3 hotel reservation, please contact The Holiday Inn Everett at 425-339-2000 or by email at www.hieverett.com.
For further details on the new Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Triathlon from Lake Stevens, Washington, please log on to www.lakestevens703.com or contact Race Director, Bill Burke at 504-628-3155 or 866-454-6561. For more information on Ironman 70.3, visit www.ironman.com
Barclays North, headquartered in Lake Stevens, Washington has become one of the top residential and commercial real estate development companies in the western United States. Bill Burke, President of Premier Event Management comments on the new partnership with Barclays North, "This long-term relationship will ensure that our commitment to the Pacific Northwest meets the same level of commitment that has made Barclays North the leader in building communities and dreams for thousands of residents."
The Barclays North Ironman 70.3 is scheduled for July 8, 2007 and athletes can begin online registration for the 2007 event on December 1, 2006. The event will also include a new $30,000.00 professional prize purse and 75 slots for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3.
To complement the new title sponsor and the new prize purse, Premier Event Management is also pleased to announce a new host hotel sponsor for the 2007 Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. The Holiday Inn Everett located less than 7 miles from the race venue will now become the home of all pre-race activities. From registration and packet pick-up to the new Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Fitness Expo, this hotel is the most convenient for competitors. To book a Barclays North Ironman 70.3 hotel reservation, please contact The Holiday Inn Everett at 425-339-2000 or by email at www.hieverett.com.
For further details on the new Barclays North Ironman 70.3 Triathlon from Lake Stevens, Washington, please log on to www.lakestevens703.com or contact Race Director, Bill Burke at 504-628-3155 or 866-454-6561. For more information on Ironman 70.3, visit www.ironman.com
Age Group Nationals Headed to Pacific Northwest
(8-18-2006) From Press Release - Portland, Oregon to serve as host of 2007 and 2008 events
The 2007 and 2008 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships will be held at Hagg Lake, just outside Portland, Oregon, USAT Executive Director Skip Gilbert announced today.
The 2007 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 30. The 2008 race date is yet to be determined.
The Age Group National Championships is one of the most competitive amateur triathlons contested at the Olympic distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) in the United States. Close to 1,000 athletes, representing all 50 states, compete each year for their chance to be crowned a national champion. This is only the second time the race has been held in the Pacific Northwest (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2001 and 2002). The 2006 event was held at Smithville Lake outside Kansas City, Mo.
"In searching for the next great home for USAT's National Championship in age group triathlon, we looked for a community that truly reflected the multi-sport lifestyle," said Gilbert. "We found that and more in Portland. We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the Super Bowl of our sport to the city and hopeful that the community will respond with the same level of excitement in welcoming our country's best."
Hagg Lake has a long relationship with multi-sport. In 1982, The Hagg Lake Triathlon, known for its scenic and challenging course, was one of the stops on the six-city Bud Light Triathlon Series Tour, which criss-crossed the country through the mid-90s and played an integral part in jumpstarting the sport of triathlon in the Northwest.
The winning bid was submitted by the Oregon Sports Authority, whose mission is to define the state of Oregon as the preferred location for select amateur and professional sports events. They have hosted events such as the 2005 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, FIFA Women's World Cup Soccer and this weekend's Dew Action Sports Tour, among others, bringing more than $100 million to the Oregon economy.
"We're delighted that our nation's finest triathletes will have the opportunity to compete within the majestic beauty of Oregon as we host the USAT Age Group National Championships," said Drew Mahalic, executive director of the Oregon Sports Authority. "We anticipate that these Championships will set a new standard of excellence in athletic performance and satisfaction among the triathletes. We are honored that USAT selected the Oregon Sports Authority to serve as the host."
The event will once again be the sole qualifier for ITU World Championships. The 2007 Worlds are scheduled for September 1-2 in Hamburg, Germany. The top 16 in each age group will qualify.
For more information, visit these websites:
Oregon Sports Authority: www.oregonsports.org
Portland Oregon Visitors Association: www.pova.org
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 1,800 races and connects with more than 70,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.
Please visit USA Triathlon's web site at www.usatriathlon.org.
The 2007 and 2008 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships will be held at Hagg Lake, just outside Portland, Oregon, USAT Executive Director Skip Gilbert announced today.
The 2007 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 30. The 2008 race date is yet to be determined.
The Age Group National Championships is one of the most competitive amateur triathlons contested at the Olympic distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) in the United States. Close to 1,000 athletes, representing all 50 states, compete each year for their chance to be crowned a national champion. This is only the second time the race has been held in the Pacific Northwest (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2001 and 2002). The 2006 event was held at Smithville Lake outside Kansas City, Mo.
"In searching for the next great home for USAT's National Championship in age group triathlon, we looked for a community that truly reflected the multi-sport lifestyle," said Gilbert. "We found that and more in Portland. We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the Super Bowl of our sport to the city and hopeful that the community will respond with the same level of excitement in welcoming our country's best."
Hagg Lake has a long relationship with multi-sport. In 1982, The Hagg Lake Triathlon, known for its scenic and challenging course, was one of the stops on the six-city Bud Light Triathlon Series Tour, which criss-crossed the country through the mid-90s and played an integral part in jumpstarting the sport of triathlon in the Northwest.
The winning bid was submitted by the Oregon Sports Authority, whose mission is to define the state of Oregon as the preferred location for select amateur and professional sports events. They have hosted events such as the 2005 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, FIFA Women's World Cup Soccer and this weekend's Dew Action Sports Tour, among others, bringing more than $100 million to the Oregon economy.
"We're delighted that our nation's finest triathletes will have the opportunity to compete within the majestic beauty of Oregon as we host the USAT Age Group National Championships," said Drew Mahalic, executive director of the Oregon Sports Authority. "We anticipate that these Championships will set a new standard of excellence in athletic performance and satisfaction among the triathletes. We are honored that USAT selected the Oregon Sports Authority to serve as the host."
The event will once again be the sole qualifier for ITU World Championships. The 2007 Worlds are scheduled for September 1-2 in Hamburg, Germany. The top 16 in each age group will qualify.
For more information, visit these websites:
Oregon Sports Authority: www.oregonsports.org
Portland Oregon Visitors Association: www.pova.org
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 1,800 races and connects with more than 70,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.
Please visit USA Triathlon's web site at www.usatriathlon.org.
Triathlete Needs Support from Fellow Athletes
(7-28-06) - Submitted by friend and fellow triathlete Pete Cadwell - Dirk Vlieks is an accomplished triathlete, as well as a great friend and training partner of mine out here in California. On June 3, 2006, he was racing at the Honu Half Ironman in Kona, HI when he suffered a brain aneurysm during the bike leg of the race. He became unconscious and was subsequently taken to the med tent, then flown to Hilo and onto Honolulu where he was in the neuro-intensive care unit for about five weeks. After many improvements and degradations of his condition, he has finally returned to a rehab center in Marin County (close to his home) and is undergoing extensive rehabilitation for the AVM, the aneurysm, and the strokes that he suffered since the initial incident...
Dirk's wife Kelsey and their families need as much assistance as possible during this difficult time. The local support from fellow athletes, friends, and family has been incredible with people volunteering to cook meals, go grocery shopping, help with homecare, hospital visits, emotional support, etc. Since this type of support is difficult from such a far distance, I am hoping that fellow triathletes can help out by making contributions to offset the exorbitant cost associated with this tragedy. Healthcare and rehab costs above insurance benefits and lost wages are the two main problems facing Dirk's family, so contributions of any amount, $10 to $10,000+, will be greatly appreciated!
We have set up a website at www.dirkandkelsey.com that has information about the incident, letters from friends and family, photos, and most importantly - how to contribute to the Dirk Vlieks Get Well Fund. PayPal and Active.com are simple ways to contribute, but please take the time to read a bit more about the situation and view photos of Dirk and his family and friends. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for any of your generous contributions!
Pete Cadwell
Record Attendance for PIR Bicycle Race Series
(7-26-06) From Press Release - Record attendance for PIR Bicycle Race Series Attracting novice racers along with experienced racers all summer long
The season keeps breaking records Portland International Raceway. Crowds of racers, enthusiasts and spectators have been coming to Monday evenings for the Lakeside Bicycles Women and Masters Series. "Over the past 10 years the attendance has been strong, and growing each year. This year we have seen a huge increase in riders wanting to se what bike racing is all about," said Jim Anderson, series organizer.
Each night we get a range of new racers to the very experienced. This season's participation has been record breaking. The average for turnout for May was 150 per night and for June was 130 per night. That is up approximately 30 riders than in 2005. The novice categories (Women and 30+) attract a great range of enthusiastic riders. This is an area that we see a tremendous amount of growth and excitement. Most just want to try out bicycle racing or are coming from another competitive sport like running.
"You can feel the excitement when talking with the novice racers. They are eager and wanting to learn," Anderson says, "this race series is a great place to start."
One of the series goals is to provide an easy and accessible way to get into the sport. The series is inexpensive and only requires little paper work to be part of the action. The other is accessibility to the racing. The racetrack is close to Portland. Many racers use MAX or ride out to get a warm up in, beating traffic and helping the environment. Racers who avoid traffic on I-5 by bike commuting, carpooling or taking MAX to PIR receive $1 off entry and race organizers will donate $1 to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the local non-profit organization working to making Oregon one of the best places in the world to ride a bike.
The course is the flat and wide 1.9-mile loop of Portland International Raceway (I-5 Exit #306B). Featuring excellent quality pavement for cycling, the raceway circuit is closed to all car traffic for the Monday night bike races. Race distances vary each week according to daylight, number of racers and weather. Racing starts at 6:15pm. Entry fee is only $12 for women and masters men, $5 for women under 18.
Top racers win gift certificates (from Lakeside Bicycles) nightly and for the monthly series, but the emphasis is on learning, improving and getting a great workout in the fun, sociable and exciting sport of bike racing.
Racing starts at 6:15pm on Monday nights May 1-August 28.
More information at: www.racemondaynight.com
The season keeps breaking records Portland International Raceway. Crowds of racers, enthusiasts and spectators have been coming to Monday evenings for the Lakeside Bicycles Women and Masters Series. "Over the past 10 years the attendance has been strong, and growing each year. This year we have seen a huge increase in riders wanting to se what bike racing is all about," said Jim Anderson, series organizer.
Each night we get a range of new racers to the very experienced. This season's participation has been record breaking. The average for turnout for May was 150 per night and for June was 130 per night. That is up approximately 30 riders than in 2005. The novice categories (Women and 30+) attract a great range of enthusiastic riders. This is an area that we see a tremendous amount of growth and excitement. Most just want to try out bicycle racing or are coming from another competitive sport like running.
"You can feel the excitement when talking with the novice racers. They are eager and wanting to learn," Anderson says, "this race series is a great place to start."
One of the series goals is to provide an easy and accessible way to get into the sport. The series is inexpensive and only requires little paper work to be part of the action. The other is accessibility to the racing. The racetrack is close to Portland. Many racers use MAX or ride out to get a warm up in, beating traffic and helping the environment. Racers who avoid traffic on I-5 by bike commuting, carpooling or taking MAX to PIR receive $1 off entry and race organizers will donate $1 to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the local non-profit organization working to making Oregon one of the best places in the world to ride a bike.
The course is the flat and wide 1.9-mile loop of Portland International Raceway (I-5 Exit #306B). Featuring excellent quality pavement for cycling, the raceway circuit is closed to all car traffic for the Monday night bike races. Race distances vary each week according to daylight, number of racers and weather. Racing starts at 6:15pm. Entry fee is only $12 for women and masters men, $5 for women under 18.
Top racers win gift certificates (from Lakeside Bicycles) nightly and for the monthly series, but the emphasis is on learning, improving and getting a great workout in the fun, sociable and exciting sport of bike racing.
Racing starts at 6:15pm on Monday nights May 1-August 28.
More information at: www.racemondaynight.com
RACE REPORT: Local Triathletes Escape to Alcatraz
(6-6-06) Submitted by Kirk Rose - Mid-Valley residents, Michelle Mills of Keizer, Bill Rupp of Salem, Kirk Rose of Albany and Jim Gulaskey of Lebanon Escape from Alcatraz! Sunday June 5th. Four am in the morning the four arise and plan their escape. Preparations are made, appropriate dress is donned and transitional gear is put in place. They are ready...well not quite.
5:00 am, bikes are racked, wet suits are zipped up, running and cycling shoes are laid out with helmet, energy bars and drink. Next step, off to the sternwheeler which sets sail at 7:15 (or so they say) for the trip to THE ROCK. Eight o'clock arrives and the pro's are sent off followed by 1500 age group athletes as fast as they can jump from the boat. Alcatraz is only 100 yds off the starboard side of the boat. They hit the water and gasp as the true temperature hits them in the face, a balmy 55 degrees... Okay, only 1.5 miles to shore with the current pushing them out to sea with each stroke, the water is a little choppy and the swells about two feet, but all in all, not too bad. Sighting is a little rough with the swells and so many bodies in the water at once.
All four survive the swim and make land in about 40-50 minutes. Next they remove (as fast as possible) the wetsuits they have donned for the occasion, put some temporary use shoes on and run 1/2 mile to their bikes. T1, as it is called (transition one) is the place to put on bike shoes a helmet and get ready for the 18 miles of hills, some a grade of 23 percent and lots of rough pavement. They are off!
Roughly five miles into the bike the pro athletes are witnessed whizzing by on the return trip. The age groupers continue on their trek dodging other cyclist, climbing hill after hill with sharp descents, 90 degree corners and other dangers amongst the fog that has now settled on the course. Whew, nobody was hurt or had a flat on the bike and they are back to T2 (transition two), now you are getting it.
Off with the bike helmet and shoes and on with the hat, bib number and running shoes, they are off. It is only eight miles, but two sets of stairs one known only as 'The Sand Ladder' (just a mere 400 stairs) two challenging hills and about a mile of sand running make it somewhat daunting. Dodging other runners, bushes, trudging thru the sand, ducking under the ledge into the tunnel, climbing the stairs and hitting the beach for the final two miles as the sun comes out and it gets hot is all part of the day. Three hours or so after the ordeal had begun THE ESCAPE is complete! What a great way to spend ones day.
Results of the Mid-Valley Foursome
Bill Rupp Male 2:59:06 - 64th of 223 men 40-49
Kirk Rose Male 3:04:02 - 7th of 42 men 55-59
Michelle Mills 3:09:04 - 14th of 94 women 35-39
Jim Gulaskey 3:17:05 runner up of 20 - 60-64 men who completed the event
Northwest Finishers
Nicholas Atkeson
Darrin Beek
Mike Bresson
David Burford
John Coffey
Michael Corrigan
Stephen Dilly
Maureen Eger
Hortense Everett
Rose Feliciano
Ed Goodman
John Grimme
Stuart Grundison
Joseph Gulaskey
Meredith Han
Karen LeFebre
Abby Majercik
Lewis McCoy
Rod McDowell
Jeanne McFall
Michelle Mills
Frank Mitchem
Edward Muelhaupt
Scott Muir
Jennifer Nerison-Morton
Wes Nichols
Mike Pritchard
Mike Rogoway
Kirk Rose
Bill Rupp
Lori Sabado
Elliot Schaffer
Michael Schimpf
Eric Schoen
Michael Schweiner
Michael Sinkula
Timothy Stone
Gregory Tollefson
Rick Trachok
Sean Truchard
Keith Walton
Jason Wix
Complete results and race information can be found at www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.
5:00 am, bikes are racked, wet suits are zipped up, running and cycling shoes are laid out with helmet, energy bars and drink. Next step, off to the sternwheeler which sets sail at 7:15 (or so they say) for the trip to THE ROCK. Eight o'clock arrives and the pro's are sent off followed by 1500 age group athletes as fast as they can jump from the boat. Alcatraz is only 100 yds off the starboard side of the boat. They hit the water and gasp as the true temperature hits them in the face, a balmy 55 degrees... Okay, only 1.5 miles to shore with the current pushing them out to sea with each stroke, the water is a little choppy and the swells about two feet, but all in all, not too bad. Sighting is a little rough with the swells and so many bodies in the water at once.
All four survive the swim and make land in about 40-50 minutes. Next they remove (as fast as possible) the wetsuits they have donned for the occasion, put some temporary use shoes on and run 1/2 mile to their bikes. T1, as it is called (transition one) is the place to put on bike shoes a helmet and get ready for the 18 miles of hills, some a grade of 23 percent and lots of rough pavement. They are off!
Roughly five miles into the bike the pro athletes are witnessed whizzing by on the return trip. The age groupers continue on their trek dodging other cyclist, climbing hill after hill with sharp descents, 90 degree corners and other dangers amongst the fog that has now settled on the course. Whew, nobody was hurt or had a flat on the bike and they are back to T2 (transition two), now you are getting it.
Off with the bike helmet and shoes and on with the hat, bib number and running shoes, they are off. It is only eight miles, but two sets of stairs one known only as 'The Sand Ladder' (just a mere 400 stairs) two challenging hills and about a mile of sand running make it somewhat daunting. Dodging other runners, bushes, trudging thru the sand, ducking under the ledge into the tunnel, climbing the stairs and hitting the beach for the final two miles as the sun comes out and it gets hot is all part of the day. Three hours or so after the ordeal had begun THE ESCAPE is complete! What a great way to spend ones day.
Results of the Mid-Valley Foursome
Bill Rupp Male 2:59:06 - 64th of 223 men 40-49
Kirk Rose Male 3:04:02 - 7th of 42 men 55-59
Michelle Mills 3:09:04 - 14th of 94 women 35-39
Jim Gulaskey 3:17:05 runner up of 20 - 60-64 men who completed the event
Northwest Finishers
Nicholas Atkeson
Darrin Beek
Mike Bresson
David Burford
John Coffey
Michael Corrigan
Stephen Dilly
Maureen Eger
Hortense Everett
Rose Feliciano
Ed Goodman
John Grimme
Stuart Grundison
Joseph Gulaskey
Meredith Han
Karen LeFebre
Abby Majercik
Lewis McCoy
Rod McDowell
Jeanne McFall
Michelle Mills
Frank Mitchem
Edward Muelhaupt
Scott Muir
Jennifer Nerison-Morton
Wes Nichols
Mike Pritchard
Mike Rogoway
Kirk Rose
Bill Rupp
Lori Sabado
Elliot Schaffer
Michael Schimpf
Eric Schoen
Michael Schweiner
Michael Sinkula
Timothy Stone
Gregory Tollefson
Rick Trachok
Sean Truchard
Keith Walton
Jason Wix
Complete results and race information can be found at www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.
2006 Lilac Bloomsday Recap
(5-8-06) From Press Release - Okari Outpaces Kiama to Win 30th Bloomsday Run, Ochichi Survives Rally by Hladyr Over the Final Mile
Spokane, WA - Kenyans Gilbert Okari and Isabella Ochichi lived up to their billing as pre-race favorites, as the two withstood challenges from a strong field of contenders to win their respective divisions in the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
On a chilly, overcast morning, Okari and his training partner Charles Kiama broke away from the pack after the first uphill following Latah Creek, then ran stride for stride through the next two miles of the rolling Bloomsday course. Heading up the infamous Doomsday Hill, though, Okari broke away, emerging with a solid lead by the top. Kiama held on gamely over the final 2-1/2 miles of the 12-kilometer course (7.46 miles), but Okari nevertheless lengthened his lead, racing to the line in 34:14, over 30 seconds ahead of Kiama. Those two were followed by Ernest Meli Kimeli and Julius Kibet, as Kenyans captured the top eight places.
"It was challenging and the hill was tough," Okari said later. "I know [Kiama] well, and he is a strong runner."
In the women's race Ochichi, the 2004 Olympic 5000 meter silver medalist, led the race with a first mile of 4:41, then moved steadily away from the pack. It looked like it might be a runaway, but Ochichi was in for a surprise. Farther back Ukrainian Tetyana Hladyr and Australian Benita Johnson were running stride for stride in pursuit. As those two climbed Doomsday Hill Hladyr broke away, and she began to close steadily on the leader. With less than a mile to go Hladyr finally closed the gap, but Ochichi suddenly responded, unleashing a powerful kick on the final downhill to post a 38:38 victory, two seconds ahead of Hladyr.
"It if was warm I would have been faster, but being cold it was tough," said Ochichi later, then added a nod of thanks to the crowd for spurring her to victory. "When you are running and they say 'Go Isabella, you look good' and then I think I look good, I'm out of here."
In the Men's Masters competition Sean Wade of Houston, Texas, took top honors with a time of 37:45, followed by Alan Newton of Boise, ID. Women's Masters winner Sylvia Mosqueda, 40, of Los Angeles posted a time of 41:37, good enough for 11th overall. Top Washington finishers were Uli Steidl from Shoreline, WA with a time of 37:55 and Janet Collar from Spokane, WA with time of 44:08.
Over 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers finished the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, which has now recorded close to 1.2 million finishers. Full results of the event are posted at www.bloomsdayrun.org
Next year's Bloomsday is Sunday, May 6, 2007.
Spokane, WA - Kenyans Gilbert Okari and Isabella Ochichi lived up to their billing as pre-race favorites, as the two withstood challenges from a strong field of contenders to win their respective divisions in the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
On a chilly, overcast morning, Okari and his training partner Charles Kiama broke away from the pack after the first uphill following Latah Creek, then ran stride for stride through the next two miles of the rolling Bloomsday course. Heading up the infamous Doomsday Hill, though, Okari broke away, emerging with a solid lead by the top. Kiama held on gamely over the final 2-1/2 miles of the 12-kilometer course (7.46 miles), but Okari nevertheless lengthened his lead, racing to the line in 34:14, over 30 seconds ahead of Kiama. Those two were followed by Ernest Meli Kimeli and Julius Kibet, as Kenyans captured the top eight places.
"It was challenging and the hill was tough," Okari said later. "I know [Kiama] well, and he is a strong runner."
In the women's race Ochichi, the 2004 Olympic 5000 meter silver medalist, led the race with a first mile of 4:41, then moved steadily away from the pack. It looked like it might be a runaway, but Ochichi was in for a surprise. Farther back Ukrainian Tetyana Hladyr and Australian Benita Johnson were running stride for stride in pursuit. As those two climbed Doomsday Hill Hladyr broke away, and she began to close steadily on the leader. With less than a mile to go Hladyr finally closed the gap, but Ochichi suddenly responded, unleashing a powerful kick on the final downhill to post a 38:38 victory, two seconds ahead of Hladyr.
"It if was warm I would have been faster, but being cold it was tough," said Ochichi later, then added a nod of thanks to the crowd for spurring her to victory. "When you are running and they say 'Go Isabella, you look good' and then I think I look good, I'm out of here."
In the Men's Masters competition Sean Wade of Houston, Texas, took top honors with a time of 37:45, followed by Alan Newton of Boise, ID. Women's Masters winner Sylvia Mosqueda, 40, of Los Angeles posted a time of 41:37, good enough for 11th overall. Top Washington finishers were Uli Steidl from Shoreline, WA with a time of 37:55 and Janet Collar from Spokane, WA with time of 44:08.
Over 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers finished the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, which has now recorded close to 1.2 million finishers. Full results of the event are posted at www.bloomsdayrun.org
Next year's Bloomsday is Sunday, May 6, 2007.
An April to Remember for U.S. Distance Running
(5-4-06) Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire - T.S. Eliot in his epic poem, The Waste Land, called April "the cruelest month", but for U.S. distance running, April 2006 was the best April on record as American distance runners distinguished themselves in three disciplines: cross country, road and track. Consider the following depth and breadth of achievement from this past month:
APRIL 1
Goucher 6th at World Cross
In the final edition of the World Cross Country 4K Championship, Adam Goucher worked his way thru the stellar short course field to finish 6th in Fukuoka, Japan. His finish was the highest U.S. Senior men's placing since Pat Porter took the same place in the 1986 long course (12K) race.
APRIL 2
Kastor's Four U.S. Records at Berlin
At the Vattenfall Berlin Half-Marathon, Deena Kastor finished second in 1:07:34 to Edith Masai's 1:07:16 and in the process, the Team Running USA athlete broke her U.S. record by 19 seconds. Additionally en route, the 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist set three more pending U.S. records: 12K in 38:24, 10 miles in 51:31 and 20K in 64:07.
APRIL 17
U.S. Men 3-4-5 at Boston
Led by 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, U.S. men made a statement at the 110th Boston Marathon. In his Boston debut, Keflezighi, a Team Running USA athlete, went for the win and placed third in 2:09:56, followed by Brian Sell 4th (2:10:55, PR) and Alan Culpepper 5th (2:11:02). In addition, Peter Gilmore (2:12:45, PR) and Clint Verran (2:14:12, PR) also finished in the top 10, 7th and 10th respectively. The U.S. also put 11 men in the top 20 - its best Boston showing in the prize money era (first year 1986) and its best showing overall since 1983.
APRIL 23
Deena Does It! Sub-2:20 Win at London
On April 23, Kastor impressively won the Flora London Marathon in a sterling 2:19:36, which broke her 2003 U.S. record (2:21:16) and made her the 4th fastest woman all-time and the 8th woman to break 2:20 (and first American woman). The Team Running USA athlete maintained a metronomic 5:20 pace throughout and split each half in 1:09:48.
APRIL 30
Webb, Ritzenhein, Famiglietti Sub-27:40 at Stanford
At the Cardinal Invite, Alan Webb and Dathan Ritzenhein, both 23, thrilled the rabid crowd over 25 laps as the miler Webb, in his 10,000 meter debut, sprinted to the narrow win, 27:33.72 to 27:35.65, the 8th and 9th fastest Americans all-time. Webb's time was a U.S. 10,000m debut record. Steeplechaser and fellow 2004 Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, also in his 10,000m debut, closed well to finish third in 27:37.74 (#12 U.S. individual).
The current U.S. distance "resurgence" did not happen and has not happened overnight, but started after the 2000 Olympics as a critical mass of people decided to stop talking about the limited success of U.S. distance running since the mid-80s and decided to do something about it by, in short, creating better training environments. Four years later in Athens, the Olympic Marathon medals won by Keflezighi and Kastor showed the value of group dynamics and training and that American distance runners could return to the highest podium.
The lion's share of the credit for this resurgence goes to the athletes and coaches who have been and are dedicated to improving the fortunes of U.S. distance running. In addition, Running USA, New York Road Runners, Nike, Hansons-Brooks, Atlanta Track Club, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Twin Cities Marathon, Chevron Houston Marathon and others have stepped up to help develop, support and promote more U.S. athletes. And together, the sport and its athletes are in a better place than 5 years ago.
Along with the veterans such as Keflezighi, Kastor, Goucher, Culpepper, Jen Rhines, Abdi Abdirahman, Carrie Tollefson and Khalid Khannouchi showing the way, there is a solid youth movement (under 25) with Webb, Ritzenhein, Ryan Hall, Ian Dobson, Galen Rupp, Shalane Flanagan, Lauren Fleshman and Sara Hall who collectively will inspire and lead the current generation as well as the next generation: the 54 million U.S. kids 18 and under (Echo Babies, the largest generation since the height of the Baby Boomers) in school today.
Yes, U.S. distance running has made noteworthy and laudable progress since 2000 and the future looks promising, but there is still more work to be done and more resources needed to produce more depth and top world class performances for Beijing 2008 and beyond, and April 2006 could prove to be a watershed moment for U.S. distance running.
For more information on Running USA, please visit RunningUSA.org
APRIL 1
Goucher 6th at World Cross
In the final edition of the World Cross Country 4K Championship, Adam Goucher worked his way thru the stellar short course field to finish 6th in Fukuoka, Japan. His finish was the highest U.S. Senior men's placing since Pat Porter took the same place in the 1986 long course (12K) race.
APRIL 2
Kastor's Four U.S. Records at Berlin
At the Vattenfall Berlin Half-Marathon, Deena Kastor finished second in 1:07:34 to Edith Masai's 1:07:16 and in the process, the Team Running USA athlete broke her U.S. record by 19 seconds. Additionally en route, the 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist set three more pending U.S. records: 12K in 38:24, 10 miles in 51:31 and 20K in 64:07.
APRIL 17
U.S. Men 3-4-5 at Boston
Led by 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, U.S. men made a statement at the 110th Boston Marathon. In his Boston debut, Keflezighi, a Team Running USA athlete, went for the win and placed third in 2:09:56, followed by Brian Sell 4th (2:10:55, PR) and Alan Culpepper 5th (2:11:02). In addition, Peter Gilmore (2:12:45, PR) and Clint Verran (2:14:12, PR) also finished in the top 10, 7th and 10th respectively. The U.S. also put 11 men in the top 20 - its best Boston showing in the prize money era (first year 1986) and its best showing overall since 1983.
APRIL 23
Deena Does It! Sub-2:20 Win at London
On April 23, Kastor impressively won the Flora London Marathon in a sterling 2:19:36, which broke her 2003 U.S. record (2:21:16) and made her the 4th fastest woman all-time and the 8th woman to break 2:20 (and first American woman). The Team Running USA athlete maintained a metronomic 5:20 pace throughout and split each half in 1:09:48.
APRIL 30
Webb, Ritzenhein, Famiglietti Sub-27:40 at Stanford
At the Cardinal Invite, Alan Webb and Dathan Ritzenhein, both 23, thrilled the rabid crowd over 25 laps as the miler Webb, in his 10,000 meter debut, sprinted to the narrow win, 27:33.72 to 27:35.65, the 8th and 9th fastest Americans all-time. Webb's time was a U.S. 10,000m debut record. Steeplechaser and fellow 2004 Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, also in his 10,000m debut, closed well to finish third in 27:37.74 (#12 U.S. individual).
The current U.S. distance "resurgence" did not happen and has not happened overnight, but started after the 2000 Olympics as a critical mass of people decided to stop talking about the limited success of U.S. distance running since the mid-80s and decided to do something about it by, in short, creating better training environments. Four years later in Athens, the Olympic Marathon medals won by Keflezighi and Kastor showed the value of group dynamics and training and that American distance runners could return to the highest podium.
The lion's share of the credit for this resurgence goes to the athletes and coaches who have been and are dedicated to improving the fortunes of U.S. distance running. In addition, Running USA, New York Road Runners, Nike, Hansons-Brooks, Atlanta Track Club, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Twin Cities Marathon, Chevron Houston Marathon and others have stepped up to help develop, support and promote more U.S. athletes. And together, the sport and its athletes are in a better place than 5 years ago.
Along with the veterans such as Keflezighi, Kastor, Goucher, Culpepper, Jen Rhines, Abdi Abdirahman, Carrie Tollefson and Khalid Khannouchi showing the way, there is a solid youth movement (under 25) with Webb, Ritzenhein, Ryan Hall, Ian Dobson, Galen Rupp, Shalane Flanagan, Lauren Fleshman and Sara Hall who collectively will inspire and lead the current generation as well as the next generation: the 54 million U.S. kids 18 and under (Echo Babies, the largest generation since the height of the Baby Boomers) in school today.
Yes, U.S. distance running has made noteworthy and laudable progress since 2000 and the future looks promising, but there is still more work to be done and more resources needed to produce more depth and top world class performances for Beijing 2008 and beyond, and April 2006 could prove to be a watershed moment for U.S. distance running.
For more information on Running USA, please visit RunningUSA.org
Powerhouse Mile Field at Pre Classic
(5-2-06) From Press Release - One of the strongest mile fields ever assembled in the
United States will take the track for the Bowerman Mile at the 32nd annual Prefontaine Classic on Sunday, May 28th.
Pre Classic favorite Alan Webb showed his strength at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on Sunday (April 30th), setting a personal best for 10,000 meters in his first attempt at the distance. His 27:34.72 is the fastest debut ever by an American, replacing Steve Prefontaine's then-American Record of 27:43.6 from 1974. The 23-year-old Virginian will need every bit of that strength to meet the challenges of presented by this field:
New American 1500 Meter Recordholder Bernard Lagat, ranked No. 2 in the world last year by Track & Field News. Lagat is the Olympic silver medalist from the Athens Games.
Double World Champion Rachid Ramzi of Bahrain, ranked No. 3 in the world. Ramzi was untouchable in winning the Helsinki 800 and 1500 Meter titles last year.
Defending Bowerman Mile champion Alex Kipchirchir of Kenya, ranked No. 5 in the world. In March of this year, Kipchirchir won the Commonwealth Games 800 Meter gold medal.
All four of these headliners ran sub-3:50 miles, or the metric equivalent, in 2005.
Tickets for the 2006 Prefontaine Classic are available in person at the Casanova Center ticket office, by phone from 1-800-WEBFOOT, or online at www.goducks.com
copyright 2001-2006 Oregon Track Club. All rights reserved.
United States will take the track for the Bowerman Mile at the 32nd annual Prefontaine Classic on Sunday, May 28th.
Pre Classic favorite Alan Webb showed his strength at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on Sunday (April 30th), setting a personal best for 10,000 meters in his first attempt at the distance. His 27:34.72 is the fastest debut ever by an American, replacing Steve Prefontaine's then-American Record of 27:43.6 from 1974. The 23-year-old Virginian will need every bit of that strength to meet the challenges of presented by this field:
New American 1500 Meter Recordholder Bernard Lagat, ranked No. 2 in the world last year by Track & Field News. Lagat is the Olympic silver medalist from the Athens Games.
Double World Champion Rachid Ramzi of Bahrain, ranked No. 3 in the world. Ramzi was untouchable in winning the Helsinki 800 and 1500 Meter titles last year.
Defending Bowerman Mile champion Alex Kipchirchir of Kenya, ranked No. 5 in the world. In March of this year, Kipchirchir won the Commonwealth Games 800 Meter gold medal.
All four of these headliners ran sub-3:50 miles, or the metric equivalent, in 2005.
Tickets for the 2006 Prefontaine Classic are available in person at the Casanova Center ticket office, by phone from 1-800-WEBFOOT, or online at www.goducks.com
copyright 2001-2006 Oregon Track Club. All rights reserved.
Hood To Coast Relay to Auction off Team Spot for Sold-Out 2006 Race
(2-6-06) From Press Release - The Hood To Coast Relay is excited to announce it will be auctioning off one team spot into the sold-out 2006 race! 100% of proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, to help this devoted organization continue to do their important work.
To date, several hundred teams have been turned away for the sold-out event. "We're thrilled to be able to donate a team for auction in the 2006 race," says Robert Foote, President and Founder of the Hood To Coast Relay. "This is one way we can give the hundreds of great teams we turned away another chance to join us, and raise money for the American Cancer Society at the same time. That's a great combination!"
Not only will the highest bidder receive a spot in the sold-out race, but the package also includes other items from Hood To Coast Relay sponsors. Title sponsor Fred Meyer has donated gift cards, and the winner will also receive a running package from Nike valued at over $600, $375 worth of McCormick & Schmick's gift cards to be used by their team, and prizes from the American Cancer Society.
The auction will take place online at www.hoodtocoast.com beginning at 8am PST Monday, February 13th. Bidding will close at 5pm PST Friday, February 17th. The winning tax-deductible bid will be announced Friday Feb 17th.
Teams, companies and individuals are all encouraged to participate and bid.
"We are extremely pleased to be in partnership with the Hood to Coast Relay," says Dave Rogers, Metro Market Vice President for the American Cancer Society." We really appreciate all the efforts that the staff and participants have shown in helping to raise funds for the fight against cancer through Hood To Coast. We hope that auctioning off this spot will not only appeal to a team who wants to participate in an amazing event, but also wants to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem," he added.
The 25th anniversary Hood To Coast Relay kicks off Friday, August 25th 2006 at Mt. Hood. Over 18,000 participants are expected, with upwards of 95,000 more at the finish line. Attendees can expect live music, sponsor booths, merchandise and more at the annual finish line beach party in Seaside. In addition to the relay, the Portland To Coast Walk and the Nationwide Insurance Portland to Coast High School Challenge will also take place simultaneously.
For additional information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, email office@htcrelay.com or visit the website at www.hoodtocoast.com.
To date, several hundred teams have been turned away for the sold-out event. "We're thrilled to be able to donate a team for auction in the 2006 race," says Robert Foote, President and Founder of the Hood To Coast Relay. "This is one way we can give the hundreds of great teams we turned away another chance to join us, and raise money for the American Cancer Society at the same time. That's a great combination!"
Not only will the highest bidder receive a spot in the sold-out race, but the package also includes other items from Hood To Coast Relay sponsors. Title sponsor Fred Meyer has donated gift cards, and the winner will also receive a running package from Nike valued at over $600, $375 worth of McCormick & Schmick's gift cards to be used by their team, and prizes from the American Cancer Society.
The auction will take place online at www.hoodtocoast.com beginning at 8am PST Monday, February 13th. Bidding will close at 5pm PST Friday, February 17th. The winning tax-deductible bid will be announced Friday Feb 17th.
Teams, companies and individuals are all encouraged to participate and bid.
"We are extremely pleased to be in partnership with the Hood to Coast Relay," says Dave Rogers, Metro Market Vice President for the American Cancer Society." We really appreciate all the efforts that the staff and participants have shown in helping to raise funds for the fight against cancer through Hood To Coast. We hope that auctioning off this spot will not only appeal to a team who wants to participate in an amazing event, but also wants to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem," he added.
The 25th anniversary Hood To Coast Relay kicks off Friday, August 25th 2006 at Mt. Hood. Over 18,000 participants are expected, with upwards of 95,000 more at the finish line. Attendees can expect live music, sponsor booths, merchandise and more at the annual finish line beach party in Seaside. In addition to the relay, the Portland To Coast Walk and the Nationwide Insurance Portland to Coast High School Challenge will also take place simultaneously.
For additional information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, email office@htcrelay.com or visit the website at www.hoodtocoast.com.
Gebrselassie Shatters World Half-Marathon Record at P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona
(1-16-06) Courtesy of Running USA wire, Ryan Lamppa - In an impressive display of running, two-time Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia shattered the world half-marathon record by 21 seconds at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona on Sunday morning in the Valley of the Sun. The four-time world 10,000 meter champion ran 58 minutes, 55 seconds to break the previous record of 59:16 set by Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya last September in Rotterdam. En route to his 20th world record, Gebrselassie also set the 20K world road record with his 55:48.
In a special professional race set-up for his world record attempt, six athletes including four of his countrymen were entered. Under near ideal racing conditions - sunny and cool with a west wind, Gebrselassie, 32, needed to average approximately 4:30 a mile to put the record in reach. The pack of four men which included Gebrselassie hit 5K (3.1 miles) in 14:05 just over record pace.
Between 7K and 8K, Gebrselassie pulled away from his pacers to regain the lost time. After hitting the 10K in 28:01, the fluid Ethiopian rattled off a series of sub-2:45 kilometers as he rocketed the next 5K in 13:44 - 15K in 41:45 (a U.S. All-Comers record) - to get ahead of record pace and later, passed 10 miles in 44:53, another U.S. All-Comers record.
With near effortless precision, the diminutive Gebrselassie passed the 20K mark in 55:48 and with just over 1000 meters left, the question now was by how much he would break the world half-marathon record.
"That was my plan (to negative split)," said Gebrselassie. "Our plan was the second part. I told them (the pacesetters) not to worry about it. Keep the first part going. I will do my best for the second part."
As he entered the Arizona State University campus, the crowds grew larger and louder and as he turned the last corner for his final sprint, the crowd roared like a jet engine to pull him to the finish line in 58:55, the first man under 59 minutes for the half-marathon.
"This is so fantastic," added the smiling Gebrselassie. "I did not train here in America. This is my first record in America and it is really something special. I'm so happy.
"You can see from today, the record, I'll be ready in London (Marathon in April). London is going to be something different; I'm okay just to win. To win in London is something special."
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe, AZ, Sunday, January 15, 2006
1) Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia, 58:55, $25,000 world record bonus
2) Tessema Abshiro, Ethiopia, 1:02:57
3) Habte Jifar, Ethiopia, 1:04:40
4) Abiyote Guta, Ethiopia, 1:05:58
5) Fidele Barangsabe, Ethiopia, 1:08:44
6) John Little, USA/AZ, 1:10:35
En route records World 20K, 55:48 previous record, 56:18, Paul Tergat (KEN), Stramilano Half-Marathon split, ITA, 04/04/98 U.S. All-Comers including the above 15K, 41:45 previous record, 42:22, Todd Williams (USA/TN), Gate River Run, FL, 03/11/95 10 mile, 44:53 previous record, 45:37, Ondoro Osoro (KEN), First of America, FL, 10/18/97
For more information, visit www.RnRAZ.com.
In a special professional race set-up for his world record attempt, six athletes including four of his countrymen were entered. Under near ideal racing conditions - sunny and cool with a west wind, Gebrselassie, 32, needed to average approximately 4:30 a mile to put the record in reach. The pack of four men which included Gebrselassie hit 5K (3.1 miles) in 14:05 just over record pace.
Between 7K and 8K, Gebrselassie pulled away from his pacers to regain the lost time. After hitting the 10K in 28:01, the fluid Ethiopian rattled off a series of sub-2:45 kilometers as he rocketed the next 5K in 13:44 - 15K in 41:45 (a U.S. All-Comers record) - to get ahead of record pace and later, passed 10 miles in 44:53, another U.S. All-Comers record.
With near effortless precision, the diminutive Gebrselassie passed the 20K mark in 55:48 and with just over 1000 meters left, the question now was by how much he would break the world half-marathon record.
"That was my plan (to negative split)," said Gebrselassie. "Our plan was the second part. I told them (the pacesetters) not to worry about it. Keep the first part going. I will do my best for the second part."
As he entered the Arizona State University campus, the crowds grew larger and louder and as he turned the last corner for his final sprint, the crowd roared like a jet engine to pull him to the finish line in 58:55, the first man under 59 minutes for the half-marathon.
"This is so fantastic," added the smiling Gebrselassie. "I did not train here in America. This is my first record in America and it is really something special. I'm so happy.
"You can see from today, the record, I'll be ready in London (Marathon in April). London is going to be something different; I'm okay just to win. To win in London is something special."
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe, AZ, Sunday, January 15, 2006
1) Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia, 58:55, $25,000 world record bonus
2) Tessema Abshiro, Ethiopia, 1:02:57
3) Habte Jifar, Ethiopia, 1:04:40
4) Abiyote Guta, Ethiopia, 1:05:58
5) Fidele Barangsabe, Ethiopia, 1:08:44
6) John Little, USA/AZ, 1:10:35
En route records World 20K, 55:48 previous record, 56:18, Paul Tergat (KEN), Stramilano Half-Marathon split, ITA, 04/04/98 U.S. All-Comers including the above 15K, 41:45 previous record, 42:22, Todd Williams (USA/TN), Gate River Run, FL, 03/11/95 10 mile, 44:53 previous record, 45:37, Ondoro Osoro (KEN), First of America, FL, 10/18/97
For more information, visit www.RnRAZ.com.
Pro Triathlete Desiree Ficker to Speak in Portland
(1-12-06) From Press Release - The Portland Triathlon Club is pleased to announce that announce that Professional Triathlete Desiree Ficker will be speaking to the Portland Triathlon Club on Feburary 6, 2006. Desiree is one of the sport's rising stars, posting tremendous performances at Ironman races during the 2005 season. She was professional Duathlete of the Year from 2002-2004 and USAT Professional Rookie of the year in 2001. This special event is open to anyone interested in this rare opportunity. The cost of admission will be a $5.00 for dues-paying Portland Triathlon Club Members and $15 for all other attendees. Bring along your copy of Triathlete Magazine (October 2005) with Desiree's picture on the cover and she will autograph it for you after the session.
In addition, Desiree Ficker will be teaching an eight hour clinic on February 5th, 2006, to focus on individual triathlon disciplines, transitions and common ways to improve race performance. Again, this is open to triathletes of all levels, but there is only room for 25 people, so please RSVP to coachjoeenglish@yahoo.com as soon as possible. The cost is $180 for Portland Triathlon Club Team Members and $200 for non-members.
The time and location of both the February 5 clinic and the February 6 event will be posted on the Portland Triathlon Club's website (www.pdxtriclub.org) as those details become available. Please contact info@pdxtriclub.org with any questions.
In addition, Desiree Ficker will be teaching an eight hour clinic on February 5th, 2006, to focus on individual triathlon disciplines, transitions and common ways to improve race performance. Again, this is open to triathletes of all levels, but there is only room for 25 people, so please RSVP to coachjoeenglish@yahoo.com as soon as possible. The cost is $180 for Portland Triathlon Club Team Members and $200 for non-members.
The time and location of both the February 5 clinic and the February 6 event will be posted on the Portland Triathlon Club's website (www.pdxtriclub.org) as those details become available. Please contact info@pdxtriclub.org with any questions.
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