Goal Setting: Setting your sights on personal bests
Quick: What would Napoleon, Neil Armstrong, and the winner of a competitive eating contest have in common?
Here’s the answer: their focused determination towards a single task allowed them to be successful in what they set out to do. They had ambition, intent and a sense of meaning to what they were doing. They had GOALS that facilitated the success they were after.
Well-crafted goals offer you a road map for the months of training you will undertake—hour after hour—before your big event. These goals will enable you to achieve your highest level of performance on race day by ensuring that your training is focused and appropriate—your mind has honed in on exactly what you want to achieve in your goal race, and you know how to act out your performance to achieve this goal.
Goal setting, like any of the training you regularly do, has a process. To create goals that guide you towards your athletic dreams, make them S.M.A.R.T.:
Specific: Identify a specific action or event that will take place.
Measurable: The goal and its outcome should be measurable.
Achievable: The goal should be attainable given the time you have and your current fitness and experience.
Realistic: A well-founded goal is one that will require you to improve from where you are beginning, but also allow a strong likelihood of success.
Timely: The goal should include the date or time period by which it will be achieved.
Goal setting is a dynamic process. It is appropriate to set several goals in one session. Come up with five items that you would like to work on that relate to your main goal. Make sure to state your goals as a declaration of your intent and not a wimpy wish for an ideal outcome. “I will run 2:43:30 at the Chicago marathon in October of 2008” is a stronger statement of intent than, “I want to be a faster marathoner.”
Develop short-term and long-term goals. I have my athletes set short-term goals that will take them through the next 12 weeks, intermediate goals for the next 9-12 months, and then long-term goals for the next 24 months. This three-tier goal setting process encourages athletes to prioritize events they would like to participate in and determine what their goals are for those events over the short and intermediate time periods (1-12 months). Most importantly, the long-term goals set a course for us to follow in developing our strengths into even greater assets, improving on weaknesses, and encouraging continued education in our sport. These details make up the 1% difference between achieving great results and results that are merely good. These long-term goals tend to be more qualitative and may include a wider variety of ambitions like getting educated on nutrition, studying the lifestyles and training of great runners, or even something tangentially related, like learning a foreign language to use when traveling for a race.
Goal setting is best done with your coach or someone close to you who will be supportive AND objective about your endeavors. Sharing your intentions with others who are supportive of your training and racing will cement the bonds your share with them and promote your success in achieving these goals.
Make sure to write down your goals and put them in a place where you can see them. Many athletes will put their short-term declarations in a place where they will see them on a daily basis, like their mirror in the bathroom. From time to time revisit your goals and be comfortable reviewing and revising your list. Goals are not set in stone, and you are not a failure if you modify them. As with anything else, practice makes perfect, and your goal setting will improve the more you work with it.
For a complimentary worksheet to use in your goal setting visit Complete Running Programs at www.crpusa.com.
Long may you run,
Sean Coster
Complete Running Programs
About the Author
Sean Coster applies education in exercise physiology with his experience coaching runners to enable his athletes to realize their potential in running.
For more resources on improving your running subscribe to Sean’s blog at www.seancoster.org/runningportland or www.crpusa.com.
Copyright 2008 Complete Running Programs - May not be used without permission of the author.
POSTPONED: U.S. Olympic Hopeful Triathlete Mark Fretta to Speak in Portland
(1-2-08) This event has been postponed until further notice. Mark Fretta sustained an injury over the holidays and had to return to Colorado early. Please see the Portland Triathlon Club's Web site for future updates.
(12-20-07) From Press Release - Please join us in kicking off the 2008 season by welcoming Portland-native and 2008 Olympic hopeful Mark Fretta in an exclusive guest appearence for the Portland Triathlon Club.
Mark is one of 6 individuals competing for 2 remaining slots in the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing. Mark is also only second U.S. male athlete to hold the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World #1 ranking. With a sixth place finish at the Ishigaki ITU World Cup on April 16, 2006, he accumulated enough world cup points to take his place atop the triathlon world. held the #1 ITU ranking for 6 weeks and finished 2nd at the ITU Doha World Cup as well, before suffering a season ending injury in a subsequent race. A competitive runner and swimmer at Jesuit High School and College of the Holy Cross, Mark has spent the last 5 years as a resident on the USA national Triathlon at the National Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. More about Mark can be read on his profile from the ITU: HERE
We're very happy to host Mark in this speaking engagement which will occur on Thursday, January 3rd at 7:30pm at the Lucky Lab in NW Portland. Mark will speak for 20 minutes and then be available for Q&A for 20 minutes after that. Please come early for seating as triathletes outside the PTC in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area will be attending.
Topics to include:
- Summary of his story to date
- The differences between ITU racing and amateur racing
- Advice to athletes considering moving into ITU
- Beijing selection process
- Life in Coloardo Springs at the National training center--a typical day/week
We look forward to seeing you there.
When: Thursday, January 3rd, 7:30pm
Where: Lucky Lab, NW Portland, 1945 NW Quimby (Directions - click here)
(12-20-07) From Press Release - Please join us in kicking off the 2008 season by welcoming Portland-native and 2008 Olympic hopeful Mark Fretta in an exclusive guest appearence for the Portland Triathlon Club.
Mark is one of 6 individuals competing for 2 remaining slots in the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing. Mark is also only second U.S. male athlete to hold the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World #1 ranking. With a sixth place finish at the Ishigaki ITU World Cup on April 16, 2006, he accumulated enough world cup points to take his place atop the triathlon world. held the #1 ITU ranking for 6 weeks and finished 2nd at the ITU Doha World Cup as well, before suffering a season ending injury in a subsequent race. A competitive runner and swimmer at Jesuit High School and College of the Holy Cross, Mark has spent the last 5 years as a resident on the USA national Triathlon at the National Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. More about Mark can be read on his profile from the ITU: HERE
We're very happy to host Mark in this speaking engagement which will occur on Thursday, January 3rd at 7:30pm at the Lucky Lab in NW Portland. Mark will speak for 20 minutes and then be available for Q&A for 20 minutes after that. Please come early for seating as triathletes outside the PTC in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area will be attending.
Topics to include:
- Summary of his story to date
- The differences between ITU racing and amateur racing
- Advice to athletes considering moving into ITU
- Beijing selection process
- Life in Coloardo Springs at the National training center--a typical day/week
We look forward to seeing you there.
When: Thursday, January 3rd, 7:30pm
Where: Lucky Lab, NW Portland, 1945 NW Quimby (Directions - click here)
Eugene set to host 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and '09, '11 Championships
(12-12-07) - From USATF Press Release - USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced their intent to host the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field in Eugene, Oregon, USATF CEO Craig Masback announced Wednesday. The announcement was made at an afternoon press conference on the University of Oregon campus.
Eugene, which next year will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, also will host the 2009 and 2011 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Masback announced.
Site of the 1972, '76, '80 and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field and the 1999 and 2001 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the University of Oregon's Hayward Field will be the site of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, where the roster for Team USA will be selected for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2009, Team USA will select its roster for the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, and 2011 will see the selection of the American squad for the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Heading back to Track Town
The Oregon Track Club, along with its partners the University of Oregon, local and state government, corporate sponsors and the local community, is the official host for the three championship meets. In its successful bid for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, the Oregon Track Club and Eugene '08 local organizing committee put their focus on enhancing the experience for athletes and coaches, while providing a celebratory atmosphere for fans and the community. It is that approach that helped convince USATF to return to Track Town, USA, for four of the next five years.
"The commitment of Eugene, its local organizers and the entire community to track and field is unprecedented," Masback said. "Ticket packages for the 2008 Trials sold out months ago, and already you can feel a buzz in the air here about the event, from the banners at the airport to the construction going on at Hayward Field. There is no place quite like Track Town, USA, and we look forward to returning here as we move through the next Olympic Games cycle."
"The magnitude of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field deserves a host that is passionate about the sport and that can provide the best competitive environment," said Steve Roush, USOC Chief of Sport Performance. "The U.S. Olympic Committee is confident that the city of Eugene is ready to demonstrate that next year and we look forward to a continued partnership with USA Track & Field and Eugene in making the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials even better."
For 2008, Eugene is expanding seating at Hayward Field, upgrading the competition and warm-up areas, upgrading media facilities and staging expansive new athlete programs. The site of the most prestigious invitational track meet in the country, the Nike Prefontaine Classic, Eugene has long been dubbed "Track Town, USA" for its rich track and field history and the community's appreciation of the sport. The Nike Prefontaine Classic regularly draws standing-room-only crowds, while athletes consistently rate Hayward Field as having one of the most compelling atmospheres of any stadium in the world.
"We like to think that Eugene is the spiritual home for track and field in the United States, and we wanted to make it the physical home, as well," said Vin Lananna,associate athletic directorat the University of Oregon, which also will host the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships. "Bringing the USA Championships and U.S. Olympic Team Trials back to Hayward Field for multiple years was a huge priority for us. We are thrilled with the news announced today."
The largest national championship track meet in the world, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field hosts more than 1,000 athletes as they compete for the right to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games. More than 350,000 fans attended the last two U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, and at each edition of the meet, more than 1,000 members of the media from around the world cover the event while thousands of volunteers and officials provide support.
For more information check out USATF.org or Eugene08.com
Eugene, which next year will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, also will host the 2009 and 2011 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Masback announced.
Site of the 1972, '76, '80 and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field and the 1999 and 2001 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the University of Oregon's Hayward Field will be the site of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, where the roster for Team USA will be selected for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2009, Team USA will select its roster for the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, and 2011 will see the selection of the American squad for the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Heading back to Track Town
The Oregon Track Club, along with its partners the University of Oregon, local and state government, corporate sponsors and the local community, is the official host for the three championship meets. In its successful bid for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, the Oregon Track Club and Eugene '08 local organizing committee put their focus on enhancing the experience for athletes and coaches, while providing a celebratory atmosphere for fans and the community. It is that approach that helped convince USATF to return to Track Town, USA, for four of the next five years.
"The commitment of Eugene, its local organizers and the entire community to track and field is unprecedented," Masback said. "Ticket packages for the 2008 Trials sold out months ago, and already you can feel a buzz in the air here about the event, from the banners at the airport to the construction going on at Hayward Field. There is no place quite like Track Town, USA, and we look forward to returning here as we move through the next Olympic Games cycle."
"The magnitude of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field deserves a host that is passionate about the sport and that can provide the best competitive environment," said Steve Roush, USOC Chief of Sport Performance. "The U.S. Olympic Committee is confident that the city of Eugene is ready to demonstrate that next year and we look forward to a continued partnership with USA Track & Field and Eugene in making the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials even better."
For 2008, Eugene is expanding seating at Hayward Field, upgrading the competition and warm-up areas, upgrading media facilities and staging expansive new athlete programs. The site of the most prestigious invitational track meet in the country, the Nike Prefontaine Classic, Eugene has long been dubbed "Track Town, USA" for its rich track and field history and the community's appreciation of the sport. The Nike Prefontaine Classic regularly draws standing-room-only crowds, while athletes consistently rate Hayward Field as having one of the most compelling atmospheres of any stadium in the world.
"We like to think that Eugene is the spiritual home for track and field in the United States, and we wanted to make it the physical home, as well," said Vin Lananna,associate athletic directorat the University of Oregon, which also will host the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships. "Bringing the USA Championships and U.S. Olympic Team Trials back to Hayward Field for multiple years was a huge priority for us. We are thrilled with the news announced today."
The largest national championship track meet in the world, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field hosts more than 1,000 athletes as they compete for the right to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games. More than 350,000 fans attended the last two U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, and at each edition of the meet, more than 1,000 members of the media from around the world cover the event while thousands of volunteers and officials provide support.
For more information check out USATF.org or Eugene08.com
2007 TRI NorthWest Rankings Now Posted
(11-28-07) The 2007 TRI NorthWest 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 www.TRINW.com
Pacific Crest Ready to Roll for 2008
(11-5-2007) The popular Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival is slated for the weekend of June 27-29, 2008 and event organizer AA Sports, Ltd. expects another large field for next year's edition.
"We're very excited to have our old bike course back after a year off due to construction," remarks AA President Carol Atherton. Road construction forced the Beaverton-based company to create an "alternate route" for the 2007 event, which yielded some faster bike course times for some, especially in the half-iron distance triathlon, but also cut out much of the scenery on the course that the event is known for.
One major change that athletes will appreciate is the resurfacing of the longest downhill stretch of the half iron bike course. Highway 45, otherwise known as the "Sunriver cutoff", cuts down through the Deschutes National Forest, connecting the Cascade Lakes Highway to Highway 40, which feeds into the resort community of Sunriver where the event is staged. In addition to resurfacing, the highway (45) underwent a complete makeover including the straightening of several major corners on the road.
About the Event:
Nestled in the Central Cascades at an elevation of 4200 ft, Sunriver is known for being a scenic resort town. In fact, the race began as a way to draw in visitors over the last weekend in June which was historically slow for the tourism business. If you consider the original goal of attracting visitors to the area, the race is a huge success; thousands of people stay in Sunriver and the neighboring city ofBend
For more information, visit www.RaceCenter.com/pacificcrest
"We're very excited to have our old bike course back after a year off due to construction," remarks AA President Carol Atherton. Road construction forced the Beaverton-based company to create an "alternate route" for the 2007 event, which yielded some faster bike course times for some, especially in the half-iron distance triathlon, but also cut out much of the scenery on the course that the event is known for.
One major change that athletes will appreciate is the resurfacing of the longest downhill stretch of the half iron bike course. Highway 45, otherwise known as the "Sunriver cutoff", cuts down through the Deschutes National Forest, connecting the Cascade Lakes Highway to Highway 40, which feeds into the resort community of Sunriver where the event is staged. In addition to resurfacing, the highway (45) underwent a complete makeover including the straightening of several major corners on the road.
About the Event:
Nestled in the Central Cascades at an elevation of 4200 ft, Sunriver is known for being a scenic resort town. In fact, the race began as a way to draw in visitors over the last weekend in June which was historically slow for the tourism business. If you consider the original goal of attracting visitors to the area, the race is a huge success; thousands of people stay in Sunriver and the neighboring city of
For more information, visit www.RaceCenter.com/pacificcrest
Men's Marathon Trials Recap: Hall Wins U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, Sets Trials Record in Dominant Performance
(11-3-07) Jill Geer, USATF, Courtesy Running USA Wire #89-11-07 - All the chatter about the resurgence of American distance running came to fruition in powerful fashion Saturday, with Ryan Hall leading Dathan Ritzenhein and Brian Sell onto the 2008 Olympic Team. Competing at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon in Central Park, Hall tamed what had been thought of as a slow and very difficult course, breaking the Olympic Trials record with his winning time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 2 seconds. Ritzenhein was second in a personal record time of 2:11:06, with Sell third in 2:11:40.
A 25-year-old Californian, Hall has been looked to as a future star since high school, and in 2007, the Team Running USA athlete broke the U.S. record in the half-marathon (59:43) and posted the fastest American debut marathon in history in placing eighth at the Flora London Marathon (2:08:24) last April.
But Hall on Saturday served notice to the world that he is not just a star of American distance running, he has the capacity to be a major player on the global scene. After leisurely opening miles in which the main pack came through 2 miles in 11:00, the pack finally caught up with earlier leader Michael Wardian at 7 miles, after a 5:19 mile split. From that point on, however, the hammer was down, and Hall made it look frighteningly easy.
In the lead
A lead pack of Hall, 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, Ritzenhein, two-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman and, for a short time, Fasil Bizuneh then began to click off sub-5:00 miles. After the 7 mile mark, mile splits were 4:56, 4:54 and 4:43 as Hall, Meb, Abdi, Ritz and Dan Browne came through 10 miles as the leaders in 51:04. 2004 Olympic Trials champion Alan Culpepper led the chase back, but he was to drop out a few miles later.
After a 4:55 11th mile, U.S. marathon record holder Khalid Khannouchi left the chase pack to take off after the leaders, but he never was to close the gap. After a 12th mile in 4:59, Hall began to up the pace. At the 20K mark, passed in 1:03:04, Hall doffed the cap he had been wearing for warmth on this cool, overcast day, and the Mammoth Lakes resident began his stunning display of what looked like an easy run in the park.
Hall tamed a Central Park course that has virtually no flat stretch and is a constant stream of bends and curves. His mile splits tell the story once he left the pack. Starting with the 13th mile, they were 4:46, 4:53, 4:53, 4:59, 4:56, 4:32, 4:41, 4:34, 4:40, 4:51, 4:42, 4:52, 4:47 and 4:49, before he crossed the finish line in 2:09:02. The Stanford grad ran the first half of the race in 1:06:17 and the second half in 1:02:45, a negative split.
The race for third
The race for second also was fairly quickly resolved after the break. A 2004 Olympian at 10,000m with just one marathon under his belt, Ritzenhein, 24, ran with Hall when he started to move at 13 miles. At 25K, just past 15 miles, Browne briefly took the lead. By 17 miles, it was Hall's race as he strode effortlessly through the 5-loop course. Ritzenhein separated himself from Browne and moved permanently into second, leaving Browne and Keflezighi in an apparent battle for the coveted third spot.
Therein lay the drama. Keflezighi began to drop back, leaving Browne, a 2004 Olympian in the marathon and 10,000m, apparently alone and in control of third. But 1:42:05 into the race, Browne suddenly pulled up with an apparent calf cramp and stopped very briefly to stretch his leg. A little more than a minute later, Sell starting making his climb into third.
Sell was 40 seconds back of Browne, then 17, and then 15 seconds back, all in short order. The 2007 USA 25K champion, Sell, 29, passed Browne 1:51:45 into the race, with Khannouchi also moving closer to the front.
Ritzenhein crossed the finish line second in 2:11:07, followed by Sell in 2:11:40. Having boldly taken the lead at the 2004 Olympic Trials only to fall out of contention, Sell has always been known for his tenacity and guts. On Saturday, he also became known for making the 2008 Olympic Team.
Deep field
Khannouchi finished fourth in 2:12:34, with Jason Lehmkuhle 5th in 2:12:54, PR, Browne sixth in 2:13:23, Nathaniel Jenkins seventh in 2:14:56 (PR) and Keflezighi eighth in 2:15:09. Josh Rohatinsky was ninth in his marathon debut in 2:15:22, with Jason Hartmann 10th in 2:15:27, PR.
Ryan Shay, a five-time national champion on the roads, died Saturday at the Trials. Shortly past the 5-mile mark of the race, Shay collapsed and was immediately given CPR. An ambulance transported him to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:46am.
U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon
New York, NY, Saturday, November 3, 2007
1) Ryan Hall (CA), 2:09:02*, $60,000
2) Dathan Ritzenhein (OR), 2:11:07, $40,000
3) Brian Sell (MI), 2:11:40, $30,000
4) Khalid Khannouchi (NY), 2:12:34, $20,000
5) Jason Lehmkuhle (MN), 2:12:54, $12,000
6) Dan Browne (OR), 2:13:23, $10,000
7) Nathaniel Jenkins (MA), 2:14:56, $8000
8) Meb Keflezighi (CA), 2:15:09, $5000
9) Josh Rohatinsky (OR), 2:15:22, $3000
10) Jason Hartmann (CO), 2:15:27, $2000
11) Matt Gonzales (NM), 2:16:14
12) Mike Morgan (MI), 2:16:28
13) Fasil Bizuneh (AZ), 2:16:47
14) James Carney (CO), 2:16:54
15) Steve Sundell (CA), 2:16:54
*Trials and USA Championship record (previous Trials record, 2:10:19, Tony Sandoval, 1980 and USA Championship record, 2:10:41, Bill Donakowski, 1986)
Complete results at: www.usatf.org/events/2008/OlympicTrials-Marathon-Men/results.asp
FAST FACTS
U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon
New York, NY, Saturday, November 3, 2007
Central Park
Weather: overcast
Temperature, 47 degrees
Wind, NE 14-20 mph
Qualifiers = 179
Declared = 131
Starters = 130
Finishers = 104
Ryan Hall, 2:09:02, Olympic Trials record (and the first sub-2:10 at the Trials)
Previous record, 2:10:19, Tony Sandoval (1980)
Hall ran each successive 5K after the first 5K faster than the previous one.
On the challenging Central Park course, Hall also produced a huge negative split: 1:06:17 (first half) vs. 1:02:45 (second half).
This race produced the #1, #5 and #6 all-time Olympic Trials performances:
2:09:02 Ryan Hall
2:11:07 Dathan Ritzenhein
2:11:40 Brian Sell
Second youngest U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials winner:
Ryan Hall, 25 years, 20 days (youngest Frank Shorter, 1972)
Third youngest Olympic Marathon team member for the U.S.:
Dathan Ritzenhein, 24 years, 10 months, 4 days (Kenny Moore-1968 and Frank Shorter-1972)
Second youngest Olympic Marathon team for the U.S.:
79 years, 168 days (youngest, 1984 team)
Brian Sell became the first Olympic Marathon team member from Michigan (current resident).
Deepest OMT top 10 since 1980.
Most sub-2:20 performances (39) at the Trials since 1980.
25 personal records set by:
Dathan Ritzenhein, 2:11:07
Jason Lehmkuhle, 2:12:54
Nathaniel Jenkins, 2:14:56
Josh Rohatinsky, 2:15:22, debut
Jason Hartmann, 2:15:27
Matt Gonzales, 2:16:14, debut
Fasil Bizuneh, 2:16:47
James Carney, 2:16:54
Steve Sundell, 2:16:54
Chris Raabe, 2:17:01
Matt Pelletier, 2:17:17
Joe Driscoll, 2:18:22
John Mentzer, 2:18:23
Allen Wagner, 2:18:25
Pat Rizzo, 2:18:30
Sergio Reyes, 2:18:31
Mikhail Sayenko, 2:18:35
Donovan Fellows, 2:18:45
Macharia Yuot, 2:18:56
Eric Post, 2:19:25
Matt Folk, 2:19:47
Michael Cox, 2:20:12
Greg Costello, 2:20:28
J.T. Service, 2:21:12
Adam Tribble, 2:21:21
SOURCE: Running USA
Men's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials: Triumph and Tragedy
(11-3-07) In an amazing performance, California's Ryan Hall pulled away from the competition at the 18-mile mark and let the rest of the field fight for the remaining two spots on the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Team. Today's Olympic Team Trials were held on a circuit course around New York City's Central Park. Hall's time of 2:09:02 for the 26.2-mile distance was a marathon trials record eclipsing the former record by over a minute. Dathan Ritzenhein, and Brian Sell rounded out the top three with Portland's Dan Browne sixth place.
Triumph turned to tragedy as word spread that fellow competitor Ryan Shay, who collapsed just over five miles into the race, had died after being taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. No additional details have been released, but stay tuned to coverage of the event HERE.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shay family at this time.
Triumph turned to tragedy as word spread that fellow competitor Ryan Shay, who collapsed just over five miles into the race, had died after being taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. No additional details have been released, but stay tuned to coverage of the event HERE.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shay family at this time.
2007 USAT Pacific Northwest Multisport Club Champions Announced
(10-31-07) From Press Release - Alaska Triathlon Club of Anchorage, AK and Ironheads Multisport Racing of Portland, Oregon Each Win $1500 Prize Purse
Cheryl Iseberg and Gary Wallesen of the USA Triathlon Pacific Northwest region are thrilled to announce that Alaska Triathlon Club of Anchorage, AK and the Ironheads Multisport Racing Team of Portland, Oregon are the 2007 USAT Pacific Northwest Club Competition champions. As regional champions, each club will receive the $1,500 T3 Athletic Recovery Products cash prize and regional challenge trophy. Runners-up Raise the Bar of Seattle, Washington and Oregon State University Triathlon Club of Corvallis, OR each receive $500 and trophies.
The USAT regional championship was split into two competitions. The Participation competition was based on the number of club members racing at USAT sanctioned triathlons and duathlons. The Results competition focused on the success of athletes at individual races - strength of the team.
Participation champions Alaska Triathlon Club attended 18 USA Triathlon sanctioned events, including a few races where all 36 members competed in the event. Ironheads Multisport Racing is a smaller team, but at over 75% of the races attended, their members won their age group or were overall event champions.
Finals results for Participation:
1st Place: Alaska Triathlon Club
2nd Place: Raise the Bar
Honorable Mention: Seattle Triathlon Club
Final results Overall Results category:
1st Place: Ironheads Multisport Racing Team
2nd Place: Oregon State University Triathlon Club
Honorable Mention: Bellingham Triathlon Club
The 2007 USAT Pacific Northwest Regional Championships are sponsored by T3 Athletic Recovery Products, a division of Sunrise Mattress Company of Spokane, WA. Cash awards were provided by T3 and USA Triathlon.
About T3 Athletic Recovery Products
T3 Athletic Recovery Products is a division of Sunrise Mattress Company, Inc., located in Spokane Valley, WA. The company manufactures a wide variety of innerspring and foam mattresses for a variety of dealers located throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. T3, T3 Athletic Recovery Products, and T3 Athletic Recovery Mattress are trademarks of Sunrise Mattress Company, Inc. Energia is a trademark of Foamex L.P., All rights reserved. www.t3recovery.com
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for multisport athletics. The Pacific Northwest region is one of 10 regional federations that provide benefits to multisport athletes in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The primary objective of the Pacific Northwest
Region is to assist in the development and growth of the multisport lifestyle within our region and the USA. There are over 30 clubs sanctioned by USAT in the Pacific Northwest region. www.usatriathlon.org
Cheryl Iseberg and Gary Wallesen of the USA Triathlon Pacific Northwest region are thrilled to announce that Alaska Triathlon Club of Anchorage, AK and the Ironheads Multisport Racing Team of Portland, Oregon are the 2007 USAT Pacific Northwest Club Competition champions. As regional champions, each club will receive the $1,500 T3 Athletic Recovery Products cash prize and regional challenge trophy. Runners-up Raise the Bar of Seattle, Washington and Oregon State University Triathlon Club of Corvallis, OR each receive $500 and trophies.
The USAT regional championship was split into two competitions. The Participation competition was based on the number of club members racing at USAT sanctioned triathlons and duathlons. The Results competition focused on the success of athletes at individual races - strength of the team.
Participation champions Alaska Triathlon Club attended 18 USA Triathlon sanctioned events, including a few races where all 36 members competed in the event. Ironheads Multisport Racing is a smaller team, but at over 75% of the races attended, their members won their age group or were overall event champions.
Finals results for Participation:
1st Place: Alaska Triathlon Club
2nd Place: Raise the Bar
Honorable Mention: Seattle Triathlon Club
Final results Overall Results category:
1st Place: Ironheads Multisport Racing Team
2nd Place: Oregon State University Triathlon Club
Honorable Mention: Bellingham Triathlon Club
The 2007 USAT Pacific Northwest Regional Championships are sponsored by T3 Athletic Recovery Products, a division of Sunrise Mattress Company of Spokane, WA. Cash awards were provided by T3 and USA Triathlon.
About T3 Athletic Recovery Products
T3 Athletic Recovery Products is a division of Sunrise Mattress Company, Inc., located in Spokane Valley, WA. The company manufactures a wide variety of innerspring and foam mattresses for a variety of dealers located throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. T3, T3 Athletic Recovery Products, and T3 Athletic Recovery Mattress are trademarks of Sunrise Mattress Company, Inc. Energia is a trademark of Foamex L.P., All rights reserved. www.t3recovery.com
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for multisport athletics. The Pacific Northwest region is one of 10 regional federations that provide benefits to multisport athletes in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The primary objective of the Pacific Northwest
Region is to assist in the development and growth of the multisport lifestyle within our region and the USA. There are over 30 clubs sanctioned by USAT in the Pacific Northwest region. www.usatriathlon.org
More Details Announced Winter Triathlon National Championship
(10-18-07) From Press Release - On February 9, 2008, the top winter triathletes in the country will emerge in Central Oregon as Mt. Bachelor will host the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championship. The sport involves running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing - all performed on snow.
"USA Triathlon is excited about coming to the Pacific Northwest and Mt. Bachelor for the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship," said Jeff Dyrek, USAT Nationals Events Director. "The support that the Oregon Sports Authority has provided for our 2007 and 2008 Triathlon National Championships in Portland has only solidified what Oregon has to offer for winter triathletes and the development of the sport."
The National Championship will feature both an age group race and elite race. The age group race will qualify the top five athletes per age group and the elite race will qualify the top three men and top three women to compete in the world championships, February 22, 2008 in Freudenstadt, Germany.
"We are very enthusiastic about bringing this growing sport to Central Oregon," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "Mt. Bachelor is one of the premier ski resorts in the world, and the amazing terrain and breathtaking scenery will provide the perfect setting for these winter triathletes."
The USAT Winter Triathlon marks the second major event announcement this week for the non-profit Oregon Sports Authority, which is launching its first model chapter in Central Oregon for the purpose of enhancing the region's economy and quality of life by attracting sports events, and supporting area youth sports programs
The International Triathlon Union has been holding winter triathlon world championship races since 1997. The United States has hosted several winter triathlons in the past 10 years, and the number is increasing. The 2008 event will be the first national championship held outside Colorado.
Minutes from Bend, Redmond, Sunriver and Sisters, Oregon, Mt. Bachelor is one of the largest resorts in the country, offering nearly 3,700 acres of varied terrain. Located in the high desert of the Central Cascades, the mountain is known for dry snow and the best skiing and riding in the West.
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions more than 2,000 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.
Please visit USA Triathlon's web site at usatriathlon.org.
The mission of the Oregon Sports Authority is to position the state of Oregon as the preferred location for select amateur and professional sports events, franchises and related activities in order to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians and to stimulate the state's economy. For more information, visit oregonsports.org.
"USA Triathlon is excited about coming to the Pacific Northwest and Mt. Bachelor for the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship," said Jeff Dyrek, USAT Nationals Events Director. "The support that the Oregon Sports Authority has provided for our 2007 and 2008 Triathlon National Championships in Portland has only solidified what Oregon has to offer for winter triathletes and the development of the sport."
The National Championship will feature both an age group race and elite race. The age group race will qualify the top five athletes per age group and the elite race will qualify the top three men and top three women to compete in the world championships, February 22, 2008 in Freudenstadt, Germany.
"We are very enthusiastic about bringing this growing sport to Central Oregon," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "Mt. Bachelor is one of the premier ski resorts in the world, and the amazing terrain and breathtaking scenery will provide the perfect setting for these winter triathletes."
The USAT Winter Triathlon marks the second major event announcement this week for the non-profit Oregon Sports Authority, which is launching its first model chapter in Central Oregon for the purpose of enhancing the region's economy and quality of life by attracting sports events, and supporting area youth sports programs
The International Triathlon Union has been holding winter triathlon world championship races since 1997. The United States has hosted several winter triathlons in the past 10 years, and the number is increasing. The 2008 event will be the first national championship held outside Colorado.
Minutes from Bend, Redmond, Sunriver and Sisters, Oregon, Mt. Bachelor is one of the largest resorts in the country, offering nearly 3,700 acres of varied terrain. Located in the high desert of the Central Cascades, the mountain is known for dry snow and the best skiing and riding in the West.
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions more than 2,000 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.
Please visit USA Triathlon's web site at usatriathlon.org.
The mission of the Oregon Sports Authority is to position the state of Oregon as the preferred location for select amateur and professional sports events, franchises and related activities in order to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians and to stimulate the state's economy. For more information, visit oregonsports.org.
Race Report: 2007 Portland Marathon
(10-8-07) This year's 36th annual running of the Portland Marathon was another huge success with nearly 8,000 finishers in the full marathon. In his marathon debut Californian Carlos Siqueiros from San Jose nabbed the men's title with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, 25 seconds averaging a 5:33 pace for the 26.2-mile distance. Andy Martin of Bend, OR was the first Northwest finisher with a time of 2:30:36.
The women's field had one of the closest finishes in Portland Marathon history as Japan's Mayu Horiki edged out Laurie Porter of Brush Prairie, WA by three seconds. Horiki captured the title with a time of 2 hours, 53 minutes, 44 seconds with Porter crossing the line in 2:53:47.
Complete results are posted HERE
Next year's 37th Annual Portland Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Visit www.portlandmarathon.org for more information.
The women's field had one of the closest finishes in Portland Marathon history as Japan's Mayu Horiki edged out Laurie Porter of Brush Prairie, WA by three seconds. Horiki captured the title with a time of 2 hours, 53 minutes, 44 seconds with Porter crossing the line in 2:53:47.
Complete results are posted HERE
Next year's 37th Annual Portland Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Visit www.portlandmarathon.org for more information.
Bend's Mt Bachelor to Host Winter Triathlon National Championship
(10-4-2007) From Press Release - Just because the duathlon and triathlon seasons are winding down in the colder climates, doesn't mean you have to let your competitive juices hibernate.
Get outside and find out what winter triathlon is all about.
To get you involved USA Triathlon is proud to announce three brand new winter triathlon events that will kick-off the 2008 racing season.
Durango, Colo. and Weston, Mass. will play host to world qualifying winter triathlons on January 26, 2008, and Bend, Ore. will host to the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship on February 9, 2008.
Each event will feature running, mountain biking and cross country skiing on hard packed, groomed snow trails.
The National Championship, hosted at Mt. Bachelor ski resort, will feature both an age group race and elite race. The age group race will qualify the top five athletes per age group and the elite race will qualify the top three men and top three women to compete in the world championships, February 22, 2008 in Freudenstadt, Germany.
In Durango and Weston two athletes per age group will qualify for the world championship.
Not sure what winter triathlon is all about? Check this out.
Or contact USAT National Events.
Get outside and find out what winter triathlon is all about.
To get you involved USA Triathlon is proud to announce three brand new winter triathlon events that will kick-off the 2008 racing season.
Durango, Colo. and Weston, Mass. will play host to world qualifying winter triathlons on January 26, 2008, and Bend, Ore. will host to the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship on February 9, 2008.
Each event will feature running, mountain biking and cross country skiing on hard packed, groomed snow trails.
The National Championship, hosted at Mt. Bachelor ski resort, will feature both an age group race and elite race. The age group race will qualify the top five athletes per age group and the elite race will qualify the top three men and top three women to compete in the world championships, February 22, 2008 in Freudenstadt, Germany.
In Durango and Weston two athletes per age group will qualify for the world championship.
Not sure what winter triathlon is all about? Check this out.
Or contact USAT National Events.
Eugene to Host Cross Country Race for Kids
(9-24-07) From Press Release - The Eugene Challenge Cross Country for Kids race will kick off Friday, October 5, 2007 at 4 p.m. in front of Autzen Stadium near the bridge next to Pre's Trail.
Hosted by the Eugene Running Company, the race if free for everyone that registers before the race and $10 for everyone that registers the day of the race. Pre-registration is due by October 3, 2007.
Boys and Girls, ages 10 through 18, are invited to run a 2 kilometer (1.25 miles) cross country race designed for runners and non-runners alike.
Prizes will be awarded for age group winners. Nike "Go Pre Tee Shirts" will be provided to the kids or parents when they pick up advance race packets. Coldstone Creamery will provide free ice cream for all race participants.
Packet pickup will be available all day on Thursday, October 4, at the Eugene Running Company, located at 116 Oakway Center. Maps of the course and parking will be available in the race packet.
Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 3:45 pm. at the race grounds. The girls race will start at 4 p.m. The boys race will start at 4:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 4:30 p.m.
About the Eugene Running Company
The Eugene Running Company strives to energizing the running and walking community by building upon the proud history of Eugene as Track Town USA. Staffed by experienced runners, the Eugene Running Company specializes in educating customers about technical footwear, apparel, and equipment.
For more information about the Eugene Running Company, please visit www.eugenerunningcompany.com
Hosted by the Eugene Running Company, the race if free for everyone that registers before the race and $10 for everyone that registers the day of the race. Pre-registration is due by October 3, 2007.
Boys and Girls, ages 10 through 18, are invited to run a 2 kilometer (1.25 miles) cross country race designed for runners and non-runners alike.
Prizes will be awarded for age group winners. Nike "Go Pre Tee Shirts" will be provided to the kids or parents when they pick up advance race packets. Coldstone Creamery will provide free ice cream for all race participants.
Packet pickup will be available all day on Thursday, October 4, at the Eugene Running Company, located at 116 Oakway Center. Maps of the course and parking will be available in the race packet.
Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 3:45 pm. at the race grounds. The girls race will start at 4 p.m. The boys race will start at 4:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 4:30 p.m.
About the Eugene Running Company
The Eugene Running Company strives to energizing the running and walking community by building upon the proud history of Eugene as Track Town USA. Staffed by experienced runners, the Eugene Running Company specializes in educating customers about technical footwear, apparel, and equipment.
For more information about the Eugene Running Company, please visit www.eugenerunningcompany.com
New Eugene 08 Track and Field Trials Web site Launched
(9-18-07) From Press Release - Eugene08.com, the official site for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track and Field is now live.
Eugene08.com is the primary source for key information for coaches, spectators, and volunteers, as well as plenty of photos and feature stories. Viewers can click on links to the competition schedule, qualifying standards, housing and transportation information as well as community links to discover more about Track Town, USA, and amenities of Eugene and the surrounding area.
A link to the Eugene 08 Festival offers information on the dynamic center adjacent to Hayward Field that will connect to the U.S. Olympic Trials competition inside the track and field venue. The Festival will be the focal attraction for fans, visitors and community members prior to, during and following each competition session. The Festival area will feature a jumbo video screen with simulcasts and highlights of the competition, interactive exhibits, live entertainment, sports bar, food court, vendors, expo booths, merchandise and a kids' track and field activity area. Open to the public and free of charge, it will also provide a way for anyone, with or without competition tickets, to experience and participate in Eugene 08.
"We are thrilled about this new website. It looks great, has intriguing background on Track Town, USA, and provides all the information people will need to get involved in the Olympic Trials and Eugene 08," said Greg Erwin, co-chair of the LOC Steering Committee.
Eugene08.com was designed and built by a team of developers led by Michael Allioti from Feynman Group, Inc. Since 1995, Feynman Group's core team of business and technology professionals has been dedicated to establishing long-term relationships within the local community. Feynman Group, Inc provides stable and reliable connectivity to medium and small businesses as well as network consulting, custom programming, web design services, and Voice Over IP. Feynman Group, Inc is honored to host www.Eugene08.com the official site for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track and Field.
Eugene08.com is the primary source for key information for coaches, spectators, and volunteers, as well as plenty of photos and feature stories. Viewers can click on links to the competition schedule, qualifying standards, housing and transportation information as well as community links to discover more about Track Town, USA, and amenities of Eugene and the surrounding area.
A link to the Eugene 08 Festival offers information on the dynamic center adjacent to Hayward Field that will connect to the U.S. Olympic Trials competition inside the track and field venue. The Festival will be the focal attraction for fans, visitors and community members prior to, during and following each competition session. The Festival area will feature a jumbo video screen with simulcasts and highlights of the competition, interactive exhibits, live entertainment, sports bar, food court, vendors, expo booths, merchandise and a kids' track and field activity area. Open to the public and free of charge, it will also provide a way for anyone, with or without competition tickets, to experience and participate in Eugene 08.
"We are thrilled about this new website. It looks great, has intriguing background on Track Town, USA, and provides all the information people will need to get involved in the Olympic Trials and Eugene 08," said Greg Erwin, co-chair of the LOC Steering Committee.
Eugene08.com was designed and built by a team of developers led by Michael Allioti from Feynman Group, Inc. Since 1995, Feynman Group's core team of business and technology professionals has been dedicated to establishing long-term relationships within the local community. Feynman Group, Inc provides stable and reliable connectivity to medium and small businesses as well as network consulting, custom programming, web design services, and Voice Over IP. Feynman Group, Inc is honored to host www.Eugene08.com the official site for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track and Field.
Portland's Browne on Streak, Wins 5k Title
(9-16-07) From Jim Estes, USATF - U.S. Olympians Dan Browne (Portland, Ore.) and Shalane Flanagan (Pittsboro, N.C.) took home the respective men's and women's titles at the USA 5K Championship Sunday morning. Browne's time of 13 minutes, 48 seconds was good for third overall in the Open men's race at the 18th CVS Caremark Downtown 5K, while Flanagan ran 15:26 to become the first U.S. woman to win the Open race at this event since USA Track & Field Hall of Fame member Lynn Jennings in 1994.
Eventual Open winner Simon Ndirangu of Kenya and countrymen Nelson Kiplagat, Boaz Cheboiywo and Richard Kiplagat led a pack of about 15 men through the first mile in 4:22. Approaching half-way, Pat Tarpy (Providence, R.I.) and Rod Koborsi (Washington, D.C.), moved to the front of the lead pack with Browne and Andrew Carlson (Minneapolis, Minn.) only a few steps behind.
Shortly after two miles, Browne, 32, began to make his way to the front of the pack and positioned himself for the win, but as the group made the final turn just before three miles Ndirangu and Richard Kiplagat made their break for the finish. Ndirangu pulled clear of Kiplagat to win by one second in 13:46. Browne's third place finish was good for his second USA 5K road title (also 1998) and his second USA title in two weeks. He won his third USA 20K title in New Haven, Conn. on Labor Day.
Following Browne as national runner-up was Koborsi in 13:50. Tarpy took third in 13:54, while Carlson and Jonathon Riley finished fourth and fifth in 13:57 and 13:59 respectively.
The women's race saw favorite Flanagan, in control from the start, motor through the first mile in 4:43. Passing two miles in 9:40, only Sara Slattery (Lafayette, Colo.), a 10,000 meter gold medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games, was within striking distance, but over the final mile, Flanagan, 26, continued to press to the finish for a 16 second win over Slattery.
2007 Notre Dame graduate Molly Huddle (Elmira, N.Y.) finished third, running 15:48 in her USA Running Circuit debut. Rounding out the top five were Rebecca Donaghue (State College, Pa.) and Amy Mortimer (Providence, R.I.) in 15:54 and 16:04 respectively.
The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K featured $30,000 in national championship prize money with $5000 to each U.S. champion and was the sixth stop on the 2007 USARC.
18th CVS Caremark Downtown 5K: USA Championship
Providence, RI, Sunday, September 16, 2007
MEN
1) Simon Ndirangu (KEN), 13:46, $3000
2) Richard Kiplagat (KEN), 13:47, $2000
3) Dan Browne (USA / OR), 13:48, $6000*
4) Rod Koborsi (USA / DC), 13:50, $3000
5) Nelson Kiplagat (KEN), 13:52
6) Boaz Cheboiywo (KEN), 13:53
7) Pat Tarpy (USA / RI), 13:54, $2000
8) Andrew Carlson (USA / MN), 13:57, $1500
9) Jonathon Riley (USA / WI), 13:59, $1000
10) Josh Moen (USA / IA), 14:03, $900
11) Max King (USA / OR), 14:03, $700
12) Aaron Aguayo (USA / AZ), 14:14, $500
13) Chris Swisher (USA / IN), 14:16, $300
14) Ryan Sheehan (USA / MI), 14:18, $100
*includes Open prize money
WOMEN
1) Shalane Flanagan (USA / NC), 15:26, $8000*
2) Sara Slattery (USA / CO), 15:42, $5000*
3) Meskerem Legesse (ETH), 15:45, $1000
4) Molly Huddle (USA / RI), 15:48, $2000
5) Rebecca Donaghue (USA / PA), 15:54, $1500
6) Amy Mortimer (USA / MA), 16:04, $1000
7) Sara Hall (USA / CA), 16:08, $900
8) Amane Gobena (ETH), 16:14
9) Emily McCabe (USA / NC), 16:15, $700
10) Melissa Cook (USA / TX), 16:16, $500
11) Kathy Newberry (USA / VA), 16:23, $300
12) Carrie Messner-Vickers (USA / CO), 16:24, $100
*includes Open prize money
More results at: CVSdowntown5K.com
Eventual Open winner Simon Ndirangu of Kenya and countrymen Nelson Kiplagat, Boaz Cheboiywo and Richard Kiplagat led a pack of about 15 men through the first mile in 4:22. Approaching half-way, Pat Tarpy (Providence, R.I.) and Rod Koborsi (Washington, D.C.), moved to the front of the lead pack with Browne and Andrew Carlson (Minneapolis, Minn.) only a few steps behind.
Shortly after two miles, Browne, 32, began to make his way to the front of the pack and positioned himself for the win, but as the group made the final turn just before three miles Ndirangu and Richard Kiplagat made their break for the finish. Ndirangu pulled clear of Kiplagat to win by one second in 13:46. Browne's third place finish was good for his second USA 5K road title (also 1998) and his second USA title in two weeks. He won his third USA 20K title in New Haven, Conn. on Labor Day.
Following Browne as national runner-up was Koborsi in 13:50. Tarpy took third in 13:54, while Carlson and Jonathon Riley finished fourth and fifth in 13:57 and 13:59 respectively.
The women's race saw favorite Flanagan, in control from the start, motor through the first mile in 4:43. Passing two miles in 9:40, only Sara Slattery (Lafayette, Colo.), a 10,000 meter gold medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games, was within striking distance, but over the final mile, Flanagan, 26, continued to press to the finish for a 16 second win over Slattery.
2007 Notre Dame graduate Molly Huddle (Elmira, N.Y.) finished third, running 15:48 in her USA Running Circuit debut. Rounding out the top five were Rebecca Donaghue (State College, Pa.) and Amy Mortimer (Providence, R.I.) in 15:54 and 16:04 respectively.
The CVS Caremark Downtown 5K featured $30,000 in national championship prize money with $5000 to each U.S. champion and was the sixth stop on the 2007 USARC.
18th CVS Caremark Downtown 5K: USA Championship
Providence, RI, Sunday, September 16, 2007
MEN
1) Simon Ndirangu (KEN), 13:46, $3000
2) Richard Kiplagat (KEN), 13:47, $2000
3) Dan Browne (USA / OR), 13:48, $6000*
4) Rod Koborsi (USA / DC), 13:50, $3000
5) Nelson Kiplagat (KEN), 13:52
6) Boaz Cheboiywo (KEN), 13:53
7) Pat Tarpy (USA / RI), 13:54, $2000
8) Andrew Carlson (USA / MN), 13:57, $1500
9) Jonathon Riley (USA / WI), 13:59, $1000
10) Josh Moen (USA / IA), 14:03, $900
11) Max King (USA / OR), 14:03, $700
12) Aaron Aguayo (USA / AZ), 14:14, $500
13) Chris Swisher (USA / IN), 14:16, $300
14) Ryan Sheehan (USA / MI), 14:18, $100
*includes Open prize money
WOMEN
1) Shalane Flanagan (USA / NC), 15:26, $8000*
2) Sara Slattery (USA / CO), 15:42, $5000*
3) Meskerem Legesse (ETH), 15:45, $1000
4) Molly Huddle (USA / RI), 15:48, $2000
5) Rebecca Donaghue (USA / PA), 15:54, $1500
6) Amy Mortimer (USA / MA), 16:04, $1000
7) Sara Hall (USA / CA), 16:08, $900
8) Amane Gobena (ETH), 16:14
9) Emily McCabe (USA / NC), 16:15, $700
10) Melissa Cook (USA / TX), 16:16, $500
11) Kathy Newberry (USA / VA), 16:23, $300
12) Carrie Messner-Vickers (USA / CO), 16:24, $100
*includes Open prize money
More results at: CVSdowntown5K.com
Portland's Dan Browne Wins 20k Title
(9-4-07) From USATF press release (by Jim Estes) - 2004 Olympian Dan Browne (Portland, Ore.) returned to New Haven for the first time since 2003 to lead the men's field at the 2007 USA 20K Championships, winning his third national title (2001-02) at that distance in 59:19. Two-time NCAA 10,000 meter champion Alicia Shay, formerly Craig, (Flagstaff, Ariz.), claimed her first USA women's title in 1:06:56. Each national champion took home $7500 and produced personal records and the #7 and #6 all-time U.S. 20K times, respectively. The race was hosted by the 30th Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K.
A group of about 12 men cruised through the first 10K in 30:10 before Browne, Jason Lehmkuhle (Minneapolis, Minn.), James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) and Ryan Sheehan (Rochester Hills, Mich.) made their break from the pack with a 4:31 mile.
Shortly after eight miles, Sheehan fell off the pace while Browne, Carney and Lehmkuhle each took their shot at breaking away. As the trio passed 11 miles, Browne made one more move, covering the 12th mile in 4:31 and bringing him to the finish 19 seconds up on Carney (59:38). Lehmkuhle finished third in 59:42, with Sheehan and 2004 USA 20K champion Ryan Shay (Flagstaff, Ariz.) rounding out the top five in 1:00:33 and 1:01:21 respectively.
In the women's race, Shay, Kate O'Neill (Milton, Mass.) and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.) ran together through four miles when 2004 Olympians O'Neill and Dryer opened a small gap on Shay. Never letting the pair out of her sight, Shay rejoined them at six miles before dropping a sub-five minute mile to make her bid for the title.
At 11 miles, Dryer made an attempt to cut-down the 200 meter lead held by Shay, pulling away from O' Neill in the process; however, she would see her second consecutive year as national runner-up, finishing 22 seconds behind Shay.
O'Neill placed third in 1:08:04, while Tara Storage (Dayton, Ohio) finished fourth in 1:09:39 and Desiree Davila (Rochester Hills, Mich.) fifth in 1:10:08.
In addition to nearly $40,000 in prize money, athletes were competing for a berth on the U.S. team that will compete at the IAAF World Road Running Championships in Udine, Italy on Sunday, October 14. The Team USA squad for the global championships will be named the week of September 10.
This marks the 15th year that the Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K has hosted the USA 20K Championships for men and the seventh for women and was the fifth stop on the 2007 USA Running Circuit (USARC).
30th Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K: USA Championship New Haven, CT, Monday, September 3, 2007
MEN
1) Dan Browne (OR), 59:19, $7500
2) James Carney (CO), 59:38, $4000
3) Jason Lehmkuhle (MN), 59:42, $2000
4) Ryan Sheehan (MI), 1:00:33, $1250
5) Ryan Shay (MI), 1:01:21, $1000
6) Justin Young (CO), 1:01:31, $600
7) Peter Gilmore (CA), 1:01:40, $400
8) Sergio Reyes (CA), 1:01:46, $300
9) Steve Sundell (CA), 1:02:45, $250
10) Jeff Eggleston (VA), 1:02:54, $200
WOMEN
1) Alicia Shay (AZ), 1:06:56, $7500
2) Elva Dryer (CO), 1:07:18, $4000
3) Kate O'Neill (CA), 1:08:04, $2000
4) Tara Storage (OH), 1:09:39, $1250
5) Desiree Davila (MI), 1:10:08, $1000
6) Tera Moody (CO), 1:11:02, $600
7) Melissa White (MI), 1:11:12, $400
8) Dot McMahan (MI), 1:11:25, $300
9) Paige Higgins (CO), 1:11:35, $250
10) Janelle Kraus (RI), 1:11:42, $200
Complete results: NewHavenRoadRace.org
A group of about 12 men cruised through the first 10K in 30:10 before Browne, Jason Lehmkuhle (Minneapolis, Minn.), James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) and Ryan Sheehan (Rochester Hills, Mich.) made their break from the pack with a 4:31 mile.
Shortly after eight miles, Sheehan fell off the pace while Browne, Carney and Lehmkuhle each took their shot at breaking away. As the trio passed 11 miles, Browne made one more move, covering the 12th mile in 4:31 and bringing him to the finish 19 seconds up on Carney (59:38). Lehmkuhle finished third in 59:42, with Sheehan and 2004 USA 20K champion Ryan Shay (Flagstaff, Ariz.) rounding out the top five in 1:00:33 and 1:01:21 respectively.
In the women's race, Shay, Kate O'Neill (Milton, Mass.) and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.) ran together through four miles when 2004 Olympians O'Neill and Dryer opened a small gap on Shay. Never letting the pair out of her sight, Shay rejoined them at six miles before dropping a sub-five minute mile to make her bid for the title.
At 11 miles, Dryer made an attempt to cut-down the 200 meter lead held by Shay, pulling away from O' Neill in the process; however, she would see her second consecutive year as national runner-up, finishing 22 seconds behind Shay.
O'Neill placed third in 1:08:04, while Tara Storage (Dayton, Ohio) finished fourth in 1:09:39 and Desiree Davila (Rochester Hills, Mich.) fifth in 1:10:08.
In addition to nearly $40,000 in prize money, athletes were competing for a berth on the U.S. team that will compete at the IAAF World Road Running Championships in Udine, Italy on Sunday, October 14. The Team USA squad for the global championships will be named the week of September 10.
This marks the 15th year that the Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K has hosted the USA 20K Championships for men and the seventh for women and was the fifth stop on the 2007 USA Running Circuit (USARC).
30th Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K: USA Championship New Haven, CT, Monday, September 3, 2007
MEN
1) Dan Browne (OR), 59:19, $7500
2) James Carney (CO), 59:38, $4000
3) Jason Lehmkuhle (MN), 59:42, $2000
4) Ryan Sheehan (MI), 1:00:33, $1250
5) Ryan Shay (MI), 1:01:21, $1000
6) Justin Young (CO), 1:01:31, $600
7) Peter Gilmore (CA), 1:01:40, $400
8) Sergio Reyes (CA), 1:01:46, $300
9) Steve Sundell (CA), 1:02:45, $250
10) Jeff Eggleston (VA), 1:02:54, $200
WOMEN
1) Alicia Shay (AZ), 1:06:56, $7500
2) Elva Dryer (CO), 1:07:18, $4000
3) Kate O'Neill (CA), 1:08:04, $2000
4) Tara Storage (OH), 1:09:39, $1250
5) Desiree Davila (MI), 1:10:08, $1000
6) Tera Moody (CO), 1:11:02, $600
7) Melissa White (MI), 1:11:12, $400
8) Dot McMahan (MI), 1:11:25, $300
9) Paige Higgins (CO), 1:11:35, $250
10) Janelle Kraus (RI), 1:11:42, $200
Complete results: NewHavenRoadRace.org
Industry News: Eugene Marathon Nominated for 2008 Sports Travel Award
(8-29-2007) From Press Release - SportsTravel magazine has announced that the 2007 Eugene Marathon has been nominated for a SportsTravel Award. Events are nominated and then voted upon by readers of SportsTravel, the sports world's event magazine. Criteria for nomination and voting include superior organization of and attendance at the event, a superior experience for the competitors and/or spectators at the event, and how the site or venue served to enhance the event. Final balloting is open through September 15, 2007. Winners will be announced at the TEAMS 2007 Conference & Expo, October 23-27, 2007, in Louisville.
"Events such as the Eugene Marathon are a prime example of the achievement of excellence in the organization and management of sporting events," said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference and Expo. "SportsTravel readers are the leaders of the sports-event industry and they really know what it takes to execute a high-quality event," said Schneider. "The SportsTravel Awards program is an opportunity for them to honor their peers for a job well done."
The TEAMS 2007 Conference and Expo is the world's largest annual gathering for the sports event and sports-related travel industry. For further information or to register, visit www.TEAMSconference.com.
TEAMS and SportsTravel are owned by Schneider Publishing Company, Inc., the Los Angeles-based company that also publishes Association News magazine. The group travel markets served by Schneider Publishing Company generate 106 million room nights annually.
Readers may find more information and vote online at www.SportsTravelMagazine.com.
For more information about The Eugene Marathon visit www.EugeneMarathon.com.
"Events such as the Eugene Marathon are a prime example of the achievement of excellence in the organization and management of sporting events," said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference and Expo. "SportsTravel readers are the leaders of the sports-event industry and they really know what it takes to execute a high-quality event," said Schneider. "The SportsTravel Awards program is an opportunity for them to honor their peers for a job well done."
The TEAMS 2007 Conference and Expo is the world's largest annual gathering for the sports event and sports-related travel industry. For further information or to register, visit www.TEAMSconference.com.
TEAMS and SportsTravel are owned by Schneider Publishing Company, Inc., the Los Angeles-based company that also publishes Association News magazine. The group travel markets served by Schneider Publishing Company generate 106 million room nights annually.
Readers may find more information and vote online at www.SportsTravelMagazine.com.
For more information about The Eugene Marathon visit www.EugeneMarathon.com.
At The Races: Missoula Marathon Post-Race Report
(8-27-07) From Press Release - More than 1,300 runners made history at the inaugural Missoula Marathon on Sunday, July 15, 2007. Thousands of Missoula residents lined the streets with sprinklers, spray bottles and cow bells to cheer the runners as they made their way up the Clark Fork River valley from Frenchtown to the center of town.
In the half marathon, almost 700 runners began their journey on Blue Mountain Road south of Missoula, then joined the marathon course at Maclay Bridge and followed it into the heart of Missoula. And nearly 500 racers committed to the full marathon. All racers crossed the finish line under a rainbow of balloons on the Orange Street Bridge in Missoula.
While hundreds of out-of-towners lace up their shoes for the races, it was the hometown crowd that took top honors at the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon. With just one exception, the top three finishers, both male and female, in the 13.1-miler and the full marathon were all from Missoula. Top marathon finisher Kiefer Hahn (2:43:30) did not even decide to run until the evening before the race. Local runner Jenny Newton took the women's title, finishing in 3:21:29.
Ralph Egger completed the full marathon in 2:27:01 as Missoula's first wheelchair competitor.
Two-hundred children also took part in the festivities. They logged 25 miles prior to race day, then ran the final 1. 2 miles along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail and up to the official finish line on Orange Street.
High temperatures slowed some runners as the mercury climbed in the late morning. Race director Jennifer Boyer said racers were urged to take their time and stay hydrated. A golf cart followed some the final finishers in, supplying icy-cold beverages along the way. The Missoula Marathon medical staff was on hand to treat injured runners and reported only a handful of heat-related conditions.
Hundreds of volunteers donated their time to make the first-ever Missoula Marathon a success. They handed out water, biked the course, ran as pacers, administered first aid to runners, stuffed race bags and worked at the expo.
Another two dozen members of the race committee also worked tirelessly to put on the Missoula Marathon. They came from all over western Montana and worked together for more than a year to create a new community event for all to enjoy.
Photos and race results from the 2007 Missoula Marathon are available at www.missoulamarathon.org. Join the fun next year on Sunday, July 13, 2008.
In the half marathon, almost 700 runners began their journey on Blue Mountain Road south of Missoula, then joined the marathon course at Maclay Bridge and followed it into the heart of Missoula. And nearly 500 racers committed to the full marathon. All racers crossed the finish line under a rainbow of balloons on the Orange Street Bridge in Missoula.
While hundreds of out-of-towners lace up their shoes for the races, it was the hometown crowd that took top honors at the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon. With just one exception, the top three finishers, both male and female, in the 13.1-miler and the full marathon were all from Missoula. Top marathon finisher Kiefer Hahn (2:43:30) did not even decide to run until the evening before the race. Local runner Jenny Newton took the women's title, finishing in 3:21:29.
Ralph Egger completed the full marathon in 2:27:01 as Missoula's first wheelchair competitor.
Two-hundred children also took part in the festivities. They logged 25 miles prior to race day, then ran the final 1. 2 miles along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail and up to the official finish line on Orange Street.
High temperatures slowed some runners as the mercury climbed in the late morning. Race director Jennifer Boyer said racers were urged to take their time and stay hydrated. A golf cart followed some the final finishers in, supplying icy-cold beverages along the way. The Missoula Marathon medical staff was on hand to treat injured runners and reported only a handful of heat-related conditions.
Hundreds of volunteers donated their time to make the first-ever Missoula Marathon a success. They handed out water, biked the course, ran as pacers, administered first aid to runners, stuffed race bags and worked at the expo.
Another two dozen members of the race committee also worked tirelessly to put on the Missoula Marathon. They came from all over western Montana and worked together for more than a year to create a new community event for all to enjoy.
Photos and race results from the 2007 Missoula Marathon are available at www.missoulamarathon.org. Join the fun next year on Sunday, July 13, 2008.
Industry News: Las Vegas Marathon Lands Title Sponsor
(8-27-2007) From Press Release - Devine Sports, organizers of the Las Vegas Marathon, announced today that it attracted the first major sponsors in its three-year history to help further its position as the fastest growing "destination marathon" in the world. Earlier today, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and County Commissioner Rory Reid announced Zappos.com as the title sponsor of the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon. The announcement was made in front of the "only in Vegas" Run-Thru Wedding Chapel, one of the defining features of the race which will be sponsored for the first time by FTD. The race also attracted a significant grant from Las Vegas Events to attract out-of-market participants.
Dr. William A. Burke, President of the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon, said that "In the first two years, our event grew by 50% participants. We are thrilled to have the support of both the world's leading online shoe retailer and flower delivery service, as well as Las Vegas Events, to take this event to the next level."
Mayor Goodman said: "As we welcome Zappos and FTD as the first sponsors of the Marathon, we'd also like to recognize Las Vegas Events for providing support to create awareness of this great event across the nation and around the world. This is a momentous occasion because it brings together three local organizations that are having an impact worldwide."
For more information about the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon, visit www.lvmarathon.com.
Dr. William A. Burke, President of the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon, said that "In the first two years, our event grew by 50% participants. We are thrilled to have the support of both the world's leading online shoe retailer and flower delivery service, as well as Las Vegas Events, to take this event to the next level."
Mayor Goodman said: "As we welcome Zappos and FTD as the first sponsors of the Marathon, we'd also like to recognize Las Vegas Events for providing support to create awareness of this great event across the nation and around the world. This is a momentous occasion because it brings together three local organizations that are having an impact worldwide."
For more information about the Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon, visit www.lvmarathon.com.
USA Triathlon Crowns Amateur National Champions
(6-30-07) From Press Release - Collins, Garrison claim overall age group titles in Portland. Ben Collins (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) and Jennifer Garrison (Naperville, Ill.) topped all competitors by earning the overall male and female titles at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship at Henry Hagg Lake outside Portland, Ore., on Saturday.
Garrison, 29, defended her title from a year ago, while Collins, 24, improved on his second-place finish from 2006 in Kansas City, Mo.
The pair was also among 27 athletes to win national titles in their age groups after completing the 1.5k swim, 40k bike, and 10k run event.
More than 1,100 competitors -- representing 48 states -- took part in the race, which served as a qualifier for the 2007 and 2008 World Championships. The top-16 athletes in each age group earned a spot on Team USA at this fall's ITU World Championship in Hamburg, Germany and the top-8 in each group also qualified for the 2008 World Championship in Vancouver, Canada.
Below is the complete list of award winners from Saturday's race:
Overall male: Ben Collins (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) (1:57:08)
Overall female: Jennifer Garrison (Naperville, Ill.) (2:09:36)
Male Master: Brian Bich (Duluth, Minn.) (1:58:48)
Female Master: Tracy Orcutt (Seattle, Wash.) (2:13:06)
Male Grandmaster: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.) (2:19:46)
Female Grandmaster: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.) (2:38:05)
M18-19: Shea Wilfong (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (2:02:39)
F18-19: Ashley Morgan (West Point, N.Y.) (2:23:43)
M20-24: Ben Collins (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) (1:57:08)
F20-24: Leah Larson (Boulder, Colo.) (2:13:23)
M25-29: Jesse Thomas (Eugene, Ore.) (1:57:25)
F25-29: Jennifer Garrison (Naperville, Ill.) (2:09:36)
M30-34: Chuck Sloan (Oklahoma, Okla.) (1:57:34)
F30-34: Rachel Ross (Honolulu, Hawaii) (2:13:40)
M35-39: Craig Greenslit (Berthoud, Colo.) (1:58:56)
F35-39: Stacey Richardson (Chapel Hill, N.C.) (2:12:41)
M40-44: Brian Bich (Duluth, Minn.) (1:58:48)
F40-44: Tracy Orcutt (Seattle, Wash.) (2:13:06)
M45-49: Tony Schiller (Chanhassen, Minn.) (2:02:24)
F45-49: Holly Nybo (Portola Valley, Calif.) (2:17:23)
M50-54: Kevin Moats (Atlanta, Ga.) (2:08:57)
F50-54: Bridget Dawson (Portland, Ore.) (2:22:57)
M55-59: Jim Bruskewitz (Madison, Wis.) (2:12:05)
F55-59: Sandi Wiebe (Vancouver, Wash.) (2:38:27)
M60-64: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.) (2:19:46)
F60-64: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.) (2:38:05)
M65-69: Ted Pierce (Post Falls, Idaho) (2:33:57)
F65-69: Jan Miller (Green Valley, Ariz.) 3:00:02)
M70-74: Jon Adamson (Alpharetta, Ga.) (2:35:07)
F70-74: Susan Bradley Cox (Lexington, Ky.) (3:11:23)
M75-79: Lew Hollander (Bend, Ore.) (3:01:20)
F75-79: Madonna Buder (Spokane, Wash.) (3:50:37)
M80+: Charley French (Ketchum, Idaho) (3:03:32)
Clydesdale 39 and Under: Brandon Bartell (2:26:20)
Athena 39 and Under: Erika Binger (Minneapolis, Minn.) (2:37:28)
Clydesdale 40 and Over: Mike Shaffer (Ventura, Calif.) (2:11:41)
Athena 40 and Over: Kerry Deputy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) (2:53:24)
Overall Results by Gender - CLICK HERE (PDF)
Results by Age Group - CLICK HERE (PDF)
Garrison, 29, defended her title from a year ago, while Collins, 24, improved on his second-place finish from 2006 in Kansas City, Mo.
The pair was also among 27 athletes to win national titles in their age groups after completing the 1.5k swim, 40k bike, and 10k run event.
More than 1,100 competitors -- representing 48 states -- took part in the race, which served as a qualifier for the 2007 and 2008 World Championships. The top-16 athletes in each age group earned a spot on Team USA at this fall's ITU World Championship in Hamburg, Germany and the top-8 in each group also qualified for the 2008 World Championship in Vancouver, Canada.
Below is the complete list of award winners from Saturday's race:
Overall male: Ben Collins (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) (1:57:08)
Overall female: Jennifer Garrison (Naperville, Ill.) (2:09:36)
Male Master: Brian Bich (Duluth, Minn.) (1:58:48)
Female Master: Tracy Orcutt (Seattle, Wash.) (2:13:06)
Male Grandmaster: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.) (2:19:46)
Female Grandmaster: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.) (2:38:05)
M18-19: Shea Wilfong (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (2:02:39)
F18-19: Ashley Morgan (West Point, N.Y.) (2:23:43)
M20-24: Ben Collins (Lake Forest Park, Wash.) (1:57:08)
F20-24: Leah Larson (Boulder, Colo.) (2:13:23)
M25-29: Jesse Thomas (Eugene, Ore.) (1:57:25)
F25-29: Jennifer Garrison (Naperville, Ill.) (2:09:36)
M30-34: Chuck Sloan (Oklahoma, Okla.) (1:57:34)
F30-34: Rachel Ross (Honolulu, Hawaii) (2:13:40)
M35-39: Craig Greenslit (Berthoud, Colo.) (1:58:56)
F35-39: Stacey Richardson (Chapel Hill, N.C.) (2:12:41)
M40-44: Brian Bich (Duluth, Minn.) (1:58:48)
F40-44: Tracy Orcutt (Seattle, Wash.) (2:13:06)
M45-49: Tony Schiller (Chanhassen, Minn.) (2:02:24)
F45-49: Holly Nybo (Portola Valley, Calif.) (2:17:23)
M50-54: Kevin Moats (Atlanta, Ga.) (2:08:57)
F50-54: Bridget Dawson (Portland, Ore.) (2:22:57)
M55-59: Jim Bruskewitz (Madison, Wis.) (2:12:05)
F55-59: Sandi Wiebe (Vancouver, Wash.) (2:38:27)
M60-64: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.) (2:19:46)
F60-64: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.) (2:38:05)
M65-69: Ted Pierce (Post Falls, Idaho) (2:33:57)
F65-69: Jan Miller (Green Valley, Ariz.) 3:00:02)
M70-74: Jon Adamson (Alpharetta, Ga.) (2:35:07)
F70-74: Susan Bradley Cox (Lexington, Ky.) (3:11:23)
M75-79: Lew Hollander (Bend, Ore.) (3:01:20)
F75-79: Madonna Buder (Spokane, Wash.) (3:50:37)
M80+: Charley French (Ketchum, Idaho) (3:03:32)
Clydesdale 39 and Under: Brandon Bartell (2:26:20)
Athena 39 and Under: Erika Binger (Minneapolis, Minn.) (2:37:28)
Clydesdale 40 and Over: Mike Shaffer (Ventura, Calif.) (2:11:41)
Athena 40 and Over: Kerry Deputy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) (2:53:24)
Overall Results by Gender - CLICK HERE (PDF)
Results by Age Group - CLICK HERE (PDF)
Pacific Crest Wraps Up 11th Year
(6-25-07) From AA Sports Press Release
Saturday Events Recap
Half Iron Triathlon
In the half-iron triathlon, Matt Lieto of Bend, Ore. captured his second consecutive men's title, while Robyn Wangberg of Corvallis, Ore. captured the women's half-iron title to win the Northwest Regional Long Course Championship. Lieto, 29, grabbed the win in 3:58:59 after battling second place finisher Kelly Williamson of Boise throughout the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run segments.
Lieto emerged first from the water in the swimming event, then dueled the 37-year-old Williamson throughout the remaining two segments. "I passed (Williamson) in the swim and he caught me on the bike," said Lieto who then passed Williamson in the run to bring home to victory. Williamson was second in 4:06:23 while Scott Young of Reno, Nev. was third clocking a 4:14:32.
In women's competition, Robyn Wangberg of Corvallis Ore. captured first with a 4:40:01. Shannon Rahlves of Truckee, Calif. was second in 4:43.46, while Rachel Sears of Richmond, Virginia was third, clocking a 4:46:51.
Endurance Duathlon
Ryan Rau of Brighton, Mich. and Laura Matsen of Portland, Ore. captured the men's and women's duathlon titles on the first day of competition Saturday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Oregon. With the wins, Rau and Matsen were among 38 duathletes to qualify for the 2007 ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championships this fall in Virginia.
Coming from behind, Rau, 26, captured the title by completing the 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run segments in 3:42:18. "I'm very excited to compete in this one," said Rau, who will be entering just his second world event after having qualified for eight duathlon/triathlon world championship in four years.
In the cycling event, Rau passed every cyclist but two to set the stage for the win. "With the time-trial start, my strategy was to start as far behind as possible and pass as many (competitors) as possible," said Rau. "It's so much easier to have a carrot in front of you than to have people come by you," Brian Schur, 33, of Kennewick, Wash. was second in 3:55:03, while Wayne Tonning, 43, of Willsonville, Ore. was third in 3:56:18.
In women's duathlon competition Matsen clocked a 4:12:44 for the win and 10th place overall. "It was a really great course," said Matsen, 25, a fourth year medical student at OHSU in Portland. Angela Thatcher, 39 of Sherwood, Ore. was second in 4:17:17, while Laura Woolf, 32, of Kelly Wyo. was third in 4:19:35.
Half Marathon
In the half marathon, Steve Andersen of Portland, Ore. and Cheryl Tronson of Bend, Ore. captured the men's and women's overall titles. Andersen, 36, led from start to finish, covering the 13.1 miles around Sunriver Village in 1:15:37 for the win. "It hurt trying to say on pace," said Andersen, a former cross country and track athlete at the University of Washington. "The other guys weren't too far behind. Once I settled down to pace I was fine. The win was his second Pacific Crest half-marathon title. He last won in 2004. The men's event was rounded-out by Jeremy Bloom of Huntington, West Virginia, who clocked a 1:18:39 for second. Marcia Soto, 54, of Eugene, Ore. was third in 1:19:19.
In the women's event, Tronson, 49, completed the course in 1:28:02 for her first overall win at Sun River. "I felt like 20 (years old) today," said Tronson, the 2006 masters (ages 40 years and over) winner. "I tried to keep a strong pace and was hoping to build on it. When you're 49, you don't always know if you'll have a great day or not. I got off to a good start and it was a great day." Laura Fritz, 39, of Bend, Ore. was second in 1:30.33 while Heather Culig, 37, of Boise, Idaho was third in 1:32.35.
Marathon
In the marathon, Ruslan Tkebuchava of Vancouver, Wash and Becky Hacker of Ashland, Ore. won the men's and women's titles. The two were among 16 qualifiers for the 2008 Boston Marathon.
In men's competition, Tkebuchava, 26, overtook Henk Moorleg, 44, of West Minster, Col. in the final mile of the 26.2-mile Sunriver course to seal the victory in 2:56:32. "I knew I had a chance to win it," said Tkebuchava, who was second to John VanSteenbergh of Flowery Branch, Georgia at the half-way mark. "My hope was to have someone push me under a 2:50 pace," he said. "Going into the last mile, I felt strong, so I picked it up," he said. "It's as much of a mental victory as a physical victory." Moorlag finished in 2:57:55 for second, while VanSteenbergh was third in 3:02:56.
In women's competition Becky Hacker of Ashland, Ore. captured the women's title in 3:22:47. Hacker, 37, who was second to Charlotte Crotty of Houston, Tex. at the midway point. "Honestly, I didn't think I would get her," said Hacker, who was treating the event as training run for a 50-mile Ultra Marathon early next month. "I was a woman ahead at (24-mile-mark) and thought 'that can't be the first place female. I didn't really set in that I was in the lead until the last mile. I'm shocked." Crotty clocked a 3:25:04 for second, while M'Lissa Solis of Olympia, Wash. was third in 3:31:34.
Sunday Events Recap
Olympic Triathlon
In the international-distance triathlon, Jason Jablonski, 33, of Wenatchee, Wash. finished three minutes, 23-seconds ahead of Timothy Valley, 38, of Madison, Wisc. to win the overall and men's title. Valley clocked-in at 2:04:49 while Scott Steinman, 36, of Bend, Ore. was third in 2:07:31.
Karen Oppenheimer, 39, of Bend clocked a 2:19:12, finishing 7-minutes, 13-seconds ahead of Kory Bright, 36, also of Bend for the women's triathlon title. Bright finished in 2:26:25. Jessica Cutler, 27, of Bainbridge Island, Wash. was third in 2:26:39.
Olympic Duathlon
Sean Campbell of Klamath Falls, Ore. and Lisa Magness of Bend, Ore. captured the men's and women's international-distance duathlon titles on Sunday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Oregon.
Campbell, 40, who serves with the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon National Guard in Klamath Falls, covered the 25.2-mile bike and 10-kilometer run in 1:38:53. After starting in the 21st pair, Campbell passed 41 riders, transitioning to the running leg with only Bend's Mike Olson ahead of him.
"It took me a couple of miles to get my breathing under control," said Campbell who has finished as high as sixth in world competition in the event. "I kept (Mike) insight through the five-mile mark. I knew that my run was suffering, but I was close enough to Mike that my chances of finishing first were good," said Campbell, who finished just 32-seconds ahead of Olson for the title. Olson, 32, clocked a 1:39:25 for second, while Dave Florence, 40, of Canby, Ore. was third in 1:42:03.
In women's competition, Magness, 47, finished 7-minutes, 54-seconds ahead of second place finisher Mary McCormick, 41, of Tulatin, Ore. McCormick clocked a 1:51:43, while Heather Leach, 49, of Seattle finished third in 1:55:41.
10k
In other Pacific Crest Sports Festival action on Sunday, Kristopher Houghton of Albuquerque, NM outran Dan Rhodes of Half Moon Bay, Calif. by 6-minutes, 19-seconds to capture the men's 10k title. Houghton, 26, finished in 32:29, while Rhodes, 39, clocked-in at 38:48. Jason Townsend, 31, of Bend, Ore. was third in 41:22.
Michelle Born of San Francisco grabbed the top time in the women's 10k with a 40:22 finish. Stefanie Rimel, 27 of Eugene, Ore. was second in 43:11, while Leah Jeske, 43, of Eugene, Ore. was third in 44:39.
5k
Jason Towery of Nampa, Idaho outran Christopher Gassner Bend, Ore. by 1-minute, 49-seconds to capture the overall and men's 5k road race title on Sunday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Ore.
Towery established a 5-minute, 46-second per-mile pace to outrun over 386 runners in the annual event which brought some 3,500 competitors to the Bend area. Towery completed the 5k course around Sunriver Village in 17:54. Gassner was second in 19:43, while James Pulse, 15, of Woodinville, Wash. was third in 20:25.
Stephanie Matson of Portland, Ore. outran Susan Osborn of Spokane, Wash. by 1-minute, 46-seconds to capture the women's 5k title. Matson, 27, clocked a 20:55 while Osborn, 34, finished in 22:41. Malia Carr, 16, of Battle Ground, Wash. was third in 22:48. One-hundred thirty-eight kids participated in the kid's mile and half-mile dashes. The event was not timed.
About the Event
Sunriver's Pacific Coast Sports Festival is the largest multi-sport competition in the Northwest with over 3,500 people ages 3 to 78 from 36 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada participating in the annual three-day festival. Sunday's events included over 1,612 competitors in the Olympic duathlon (bike, run), Olympic triathlon (swim, bike, run), 10k and 5k runs and kid's one-mile and half-mile dash.
For more information on the Pacific Crest Sports Festival please visit www.racecenter.com/pacificcrest.
Complete event results can be found at RaceCenter.com
Saturday Events Recap
Half Iron Triathlon
In the half-iron triathlon, Matt Lieto of Bend, Ore. captured his second consecutive men's title, while Robyn Wangberg of Corvallis, Ore. captured the women's half-iron title to win the Northwest Regional Long Course Championship. Lieto, 29, grabbed the win in 3:58:59 after battling second place finisher Kelly Williamson of Boise throughout the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run segments.
Lieto emerged first from the water in the swimming event, then dueled the 37-year-old Williamson throughout the remaining two segments. "I passed (Williamson) in the swim and he caught me on the bike," said Lieto who then passed Williamson in the run to bring home to victory. Williamson was second in 4:06:23 while Scott Young of Reno, Nev. was third clocking a 4:14:32.
In women's competition, Robyn Wangberg of Corvallis Ore. captured first with a 4:40:01. Shannon Rahlves of Truckee, Calif. was second in 4:43.46, while Rachel Sears of Richmond, Virginia was third, clocking a 4:46:51.
Endurance Duathlon
Ryan Rau of Brighton, Mich. and Laura Matsen of Portland, Ore. captured the men's and women's duathlon titles on the first day of competition Saturday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Oregon. With the wins, Rau and Matsen were among 38 duathletes to qualify for the 2007 ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championships this fall in Virginia.
Coming from behind, Rau, 26, captured the title by completing the 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run segments in 3:42:18. "I'm very excited to compete in this one," said Rau, who will be entering just his second world event after having qualified for eight duathlon/triathlon world championship in four years.
In the cycling event, Rau passed every cyclist but two to set the stage for the win. "With the time-trial start, my strategy was to start as far behind as possible and pass as many (competitors) as possible," said Rau. "It's so much easier to have a carrot in front of you than to have people come by you," Brian Schur, 33, of Kennewick, Wash. was second in 3:55:03, while Wayne Tonning, 43, of Willsonville, Ore. was third in 3:56:18.
In women's duathlon competition Matsen clocked a 4:12:44 for the win and 10th place overall. "It was a really great course," said Matsen, 25, a fourth year medical student at OHSU in Portland. Angela Thatcher, 39 of Sherwood, Ore. was second in 4:17:17, while Laura Woolf, 32, of Kelly Wyo. was third in 4:19:35.
Half Marathon
In the half marathon, Steve Andersen of Portland, Ore. and Cheryl Tronson of Bend, Ore. captured the men's and women's overall titles. Andersen, 36, led from start to finish, covering the 13.1 miles around Sunriver Village in 1:15:37 for the win. "It hurt trying to say on pace," said Andersen, a former cross country and track athlete at the University of Washington. "The other guys weren't too far behind. Once I settled down to pace I was fine. The win was his second Pacific Crest half-marathon title. He last won in 2004. The men's event was rounded-out by Jeremy Bloom of Huntington, West Virginia, who clocked a 1:18:39 for second. Marcia Soto, 54, of Eugene, Ore. was third in 1:19:19.
In the women's event, Tronson, 49, completed the course in 1:28:02 for her first overall win at Sun River. "I felt like 20 (years old) today," said Tronson, the 2006 masters (ages 40 years and over) winner. "I tried to keep a strong pace and was hoping to build on it. When you're 49, you don't always know if you'll have a great day or not. I got off to a good start and it was a great day." Laura Fritz, 39, of Bend, Ore. was second in 1:30.33 while Heather Culig, 37, of Boise, Idaho was third in 1:32.35.
Marathon
In the marathon, Ruslan Tkebuchava of Vancouver, Wash and Becky Hacker of Ashland, Ore. won the men's and women's titles. The two were among 16 qualifiers for the 2008 Boston Marathon.
In men's competition, Tkebuchava, 26, overtook Henk Moorleg, 44, of West Minster, Col. in the final mile of the 26.2-mile Sunriver course to seal the victory in 2:56:32. "I knew I had a chance to win it," said Tkebuchava, who was second to John VanSteenbergh of Flowery Branch, Georgia at the half-way mark. "My hope was to have someone push me under a 2:50 pace," he said. "Going into the last mile, I felt strong, so I picked it up," he said. "It's as much of a mental victory as a physical victory." Moorlag finished in 2:57:55 for second, while VanSteenbergh was third in 3:02:56.
In women's competition Becky Hacker of Ashland, Ore. captured the women's title in 3:22:47. Hacker, 37, who was second to Charlotte Crotty of Houston, Tex. at the midway point. "Honestly, I didn't think I would get her," said Hacker, who was treating the event as training run for a 50-mile Ultra Marathon early next month. "I was a woman ahead at (24-mile-mark) and thought 'that can't be the first place female. I didn't really set in that I was in the lead until the last mile. I'm shocked." Crotty clocked a 3:25:04 for second, while M'Lissa Solis of Olympia, Wash. was third in 3:31:34.
Sunday Events Recap
Olympic Triathlon
In the international-distance triathlon, Jason Jablonski, 33, of Wenatchee, Wash. finished three minutes, 23-seconds ahead of Timothy Valley, 38, of Madison, Wisc. to win the overall and men's title. Valley clocked-in at 2:04:49 while Scott Steinman, 36, of Bend, Ore. was third in 2:07:31.
Karen Oppenheimer, 39, of Bend clocked a 2:19:12, finishing 7-minutes, 13-seconds ahead of Kory Bright, 36, also of Bend for the women's triathlon title. Bright finished in 2:26:25. Jessica Cutler, 27, of Bainbridge Island, Wash. was third in 2:26:39.
Olympic Duathlon
Sean Campbell of Klamath Falls, Ore. and Lisa Magness of Bend, Ore. captured the men's and women's international-distance duathlon titles on Sunday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Oregon.
Campbell, 40, who serves with the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon National Guard in Klamath Falls, covered the 25.2-mile bike and 10-kilometer run in 1:38:53. After starting in the 21st pair, Campbell passed 41 riders, transitioning to the running leg with only Bend's Mike Olson ahead of him.
"It took me a couple of miles to get my breathing under control," said Campbell who has finished as high as sixth in world competition in the event. "I kept (Mike) insight through the five-mile mark. I knew that my run was suffering, but I was close enough to Mike that my chances of finishing first were good," said Campbell, who finished just 32-seconds ahead of Olson for the title. Olson, 32, clocked a 1:39:25 for second, while Dave Florence, 40, of Canby, Ore. was third in 1:42:03.
In women's competition, Magness, 47, finished 7-minutes, 54-seconds ahead of second place finisher Mary McCormick, 41, of Tulatin, Ore. McCormick clocked a 1:51:43, while Heather Leach, 49, of Seattle finished third in 1:55:41.
10k
In other Pacific Crest Sports Festival action on Sunday, Kristopher Houghton of Albuquerque, NM outran Dan Rhodes of Half Moon Bay, Calif. by 6-minutes, 19-seconds to capture the men's 10k title. Houghton, 26, finished in 32:29, while Rhodes, 39, clocked-in at 38:48. Jason Townsend, 31, of Bend, Ore. was third in 41:22.
Michelle Born of San Francisco grabbed the top time in the women's 10k with a 40:22 finish. Stefanie Rimel, 27 of Eugene, Ore. was second in 43:11, while Leah Jeske, 43, of Eugene, Ore. was third in 44:39.
5k
Jason Towery of Nampa, Idaho outran Christopher Gassner Bend, Ore. by 1-minute, 49-seconds to capture the overall and men's 5k road race title on Sunday at the 11th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival near Bend, Ore.
Towery established a 5-minute, 46-second per-mile pace to outrun over 386 runners in the annual event which brought some 3,500 competitors to the Bend area. Towery completed the 5k course around Sunriver Village in 17:54. Gassner was second in 19:43, while James Pulse, 15, of Woodinville, Wash. was third in 20:25.
Stephanie Matson of Portland, Ore. outran Susan Osborn of Spokane, Wash. by 1-minute, 46-seconds to capture the women's 5k title. Matson, 27, clocked a 20:55 while Osborn, 34, finished in 22:41. Malia Carr, 16, of Battle Ground, Wash. was third in 22:48. One-hundred thirty-eight kids participated in the kid's mile and half-mile dashes. The event was not timed.
About the Event
Sunriver's Pacific Coast Sports Festival is the largest multi-sport competition in the Northwest with over 3,500 people ages 3 to 78 from 36 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada participating in the annual three-day festival. Sunday's events included over 1,612 competitors in the Olympic duathlon (bike, run), Olympic triathlon (swim, bike, run), 10k and 5k runs and kid's one-mile and half-mile dash.
For more information on the Pacific Crest Sports Festival please visit www.racecenter.com/pacificcrest.
Complete event results can be found at RaceCenter.com
Pacific Crest Participant On the Road to Recovery
(6-25-07) From AA Sports Release - 59-year-old Gerald Balaban of Dallas, OR was a participant at the 2007 Pacific Crest Olympic distance triathlon on Sunday, June 24 in Sunriver, OR. After finishing the event in just over three hours, Balaban collapsed at the finish line. Trained medical personnel were on hand and immediately rushed to his aid.
Balaban had suffered what was later determined to be a stress-induced heart attack and did not have a pulse, nor was he breathing. Participants continued to stream across the finish line and onlookers watched in horror as a defibrillator was used and CPR administered to resuscitate Balaban. After several long minutes, one of the medical staff exclaimed, "We've got a pulse!". The crowd immediately erupted with applause.
Balaban's nephew watched the event unfold and was in contact with race officials during the 24 hours that followed the tragic event. According to the nephew, all tests conducted on his uncle show that he is well on the road to recovery and he is once again speaking.
The entire AA Sports staff wishes Gerald a speedy recovery, and we can speak on behalf of all participants and all members of the triathlon community when we say we are all looking forward to more good news from Balaban's family about his continually improving condition.
You can EMAIL GERALD directly and send your well wishes along to him.
Balaban had suffered what was later determined to be a stress-induced heart attack and did not have a pulse, nor was he breathing. Participants continued to stream across the finish line and onlookers watched in horror as a defibrillator was used and CPR administered to resuscitate Balaban. After several long minutes, one of the medical staff exclaimed, "We've got a pulse!". The crowd immediately erupted with applause.
Balaban's nephew watched the event unfold and was in contact with race officials during the 24 hours that followed the tragic event. According to the nephew, all tests conducted on his uncle show that he is well on the road to recovery and he is once again speaking.
The entire AA Sports staff wishes Gerald a speedy recovery, and we can speak on behalf of all participants and all members of the triathlon community when we say we are all looking forward to more good news from Balaban's family about his continually improving condition.
You can EMAIL GERALD directly and send your well wishes along to him.
Nautilus Announces Plans For Third-Annual FITJAM Celebration
(6-20-07) From Press Release - The region's first-ever marathon relay, team and individual challenges, and a collection of fitness-related celebrities will anchor the third-annual FITJAM celebration July 14-15 at the world headquarters of Vancouver-based Nautilus, Inc.
The July 15 marathon relay involves five-member teams who begin near the Portland airport, cross the I-205 Bridge on the pedestrian path, and finish at the Nautilus campus in east Vancouver. Meanwhile, the campus will host a 5k walk/run, softball, flag football and 3-on-3 basketball challenges, a cheer and dance clinic, health and fitness exhibits, youth activities, food, entertainment, and a giant truckload sale of closeout-priced fitness equipment and apparel.
"The entire FITJAM weekend is an opportunity to encourage people to embrace physical activity in whatever form they like and regardless of their fitness level," said Ron Arp, who heads corporate communications for the fitness company. "We want to make fitness fun and enjoyable, helping more people enjoy the quality of life and self-esteem that comes from more physical activity."
A cadre of notable fitness-related celebrities will join in the celebration by meeting the community and signing autographs. Among them: football legend and NFL Hall of Fame honoree Dick Butkus; Portland Trail Blazer and Clark County native Dan Dickau; the Trail Blazers' Bowflex Stunt Team and Blazer Dancers; and a foursome from the legendary Harlem Globetrotters including Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, Hollywood Brown and Pee Wee Harrison.
Nautilus also will host Jim Campbell, an Indianapolis firefighter and hot-sauce entrepreneur who set a world record on a Nautilus StairMaster step mill, climbing 106,000 steps in a 24-hour period for charity. Michael Polinko, who appears in Bowflex ads living his dream leading a band, will be performing throughout the weekend. The company's latest line of fitness products for the club and home will be available to test.
The weekend is kicked off with a reception Friday, July 13 hosted by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce with special guest Dan Dickau. Tickets are available at www.vancouverusa.com or by calling 360-694-2588. A full slate of activities are scheduled Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. There is no admission or parking fee.
Registration for the marathon relay and 5k walk/run can occur at www.nautilusfitjam.com. In-store registrations are available for the 5K events at the Nautilus Retail Store, Fit Right Northwest, Foot Traffic and Joe's Ticketmaster (Vancouver only). Marathon relay registrations can only be done on-line.
Some of the team challenges will be staged in the Nautilus Back Yard, a full-size football field and softball diamond with artificial turf, three half-court hoops and a 1/4 mile walking surface that Nautilus makes available every day to the public. Team event brackets are limited.
Those who participate in the marathon relay, 5k walk/run or corporate competitions will be provided a Pearl iZUMi performance apparel top, while supplies last.
FITJAM is supported by a number of health and fitness minded organizations in the area. They include: Bank of Clark County, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian, Southwest Washington Medical Center, Hannah Honda, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Nationwide Insurance. Other area business are exhibiting, supplying goods, or providing raffle items for drawings.
Proceeds from the event are reinvested in health and fitness activities in the region. Last year, beneficiaries included six area school districts, Clark County Youth Football, Vancouver Police Activities League, and various not-for-profit agencies.
Questions about FITJAM can be emailed to fitjam@nautilus.com
The July 15 marathon relay involves five-member teams who begin near the Portland airport, cross the I-205 Bridge on the pedestrian path, and finish at the Nautilus campus in east Vancouver. Meanwhile, the campus will host a 5k walk/run, softball, flag football and 3-on-3 basketball challenges, a cheer and dance clinic, health and fitness exhibits, youth activities, food, entertainment, and a giant truckload sale of closeout-priced fitness equipment and apparel.
"The entire FITJAM weekend is an opportunity to encourage people to embrace physical activity in whatever form they like and regardless of their fitness level," said Ron Arp, who heads corporate communications for the fitness company. "We want to make fitness fun and enjoyable, helping more people enjoy the quality of life and self-esteem that comes from more physical activity."
A cadre of notable fitness-related celebrities will join in the celebration by meeting the community and signing autographs. Among them: football legend and NFL Hall of Fame honoree Dick Butkus; Portland Trail Blazer and Clark County native Dan Dickau; the Trail Blazers' Bowflex Stunt Team and Blazer Dancers; and a foursome from the legendary Harlem Globetrotters including Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, Hollywood Brown and Pee Wee Harrison.
Nautilus also will host Jim Campbell, an Indianapolis firefighter and hot-sauce entrepreneur who set a world record on a Nautilus StairMaster step mill, climbing 106,000 steps in a 24-hour period for charity. Michael Polinko, who appears in Bowflex ads living his dream leading a band, will be performing throughout the weekend. The company's latest line of fitness products for the club and home will be available to test.
The weekend is kicked off with a reception Friday, July 13 hosted by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce with special guest Dan Dickau. Tickets are available at www.vancouverusa.com or by calling 360-694-2588. A full slate of activities are scheduled Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. There is no admission or parking fee.
Registration for the marathon relay and 5k walk/run can occur at www.nautilusfitjam.com. In-store registrations are available for the 5K events at the Nautilus Retail Store, Fit Right Northwest, Foot Traffic and Joe's Ticketmaster (Vancouver only). Marathon relay registrations can only be done on-line.
Some of the team challenges will be staged in the Nautilus Back Yard, a full-size football field and softball diamond with artificial turf, three half-court hoops and a 1/4 mile walking surface that Nautilus makes available every day to the public. Team event brackets are limited.
Those who participate in the marathon relay, 5k walk/run or corporate competitions will be provided a Pearl iZUMi performance apparel top, while supplies last.
FITJAM is supported by a number of health and fitness minded organizations in the area. They include: Bank of Clark County, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian, Southwest Washington Medical Center, Hannah Honda, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Nationwide Insurance. Other area business are exhibiting, supplying goods, or providing raffle items for drawings.
Proceeds from the event are reinvested in health and fitness activities in the region. Last year, beneficiaries included six area school districts, Clark County Youth Football, Vancouver Police Activities League, and various not-for-profit agencies.
Questions about FITJAM can be emailed to fitjam@nautilus.com
Woman to Run 14 Marathons in 14 Weeks for Charity
(6-19-07) From Press Release - Some people find the passion of running in high school or college but not many people can say they loved this sport from childhood or would even think about signing up for 14 Marathons in 14 weeks! Charlotte Crotty is not like many people and on June 23rd she will be running in Sunriver's Pacific Crest Marathon, her 5th Marathon to date. Charlotte's five year old son Mavric will also run, attempting one mile at each of her races to build toward his goal of a collective marathon.
"As a little girl, my mother and I went from one Marathon to another, watching my father run. This seemed like the norm, and best way to spend a weekend," says Crotty, "and I always wondered what other kids did!"
At the age of 9, she and her father began to run on weekends. Beginning in the sixth grade, she found an interest of her own in track running. Years later, when Mavric, her son, was just three years old, they signed up and ran their first 5k as a Team and won! Marathon running, however, was still not part of her personal goal. So the question still remains; why is Crotty planning 14 Marathons over the next 14 weeks?
"It is not a long story", begins Charlotte, "just a strangely magical one. This summer is the 14th anniversary of my mother's death. She died of brain cancer. The magic is that she lived 14 years after being diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade 3, and was told she had no more than 6 months. The final magic to this number is that I was 14 when she disappeared from my life."
"I have always wanted to be able to do something to honor my Mom's life and in the process be able to help other people dealing with brain cancer. I want to recognize and give thanks to each one of these years and give hope to everyone who is facing the same sad and tragic news. No race, No Marathon can compare to the amount of faith, energy and strength it takes to fight a brain tumor, and I am in awe of all who can."
To help Charlotte raise dollars for the National Brain Tumor Foundation's patient and research programs and to see a photo of her son's first race, visit her site: www.firstgiving.com/CharCrotty
The National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) is a non-profit organization that serves people whose lives are affected by brain tumors. NBTF is dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding meaningful research and providing patient resources, timely information and education.
For more information contact the National Brain Tumor Foundation at 800.934.CURE (2873) or visit their website at www.braintumor.org.
"As a little girl, my mother and I went from one Marathon to another, watching my father run. This seemed like the norm, and best way to spend a weekend," says Crotty, "and I always wondered what other kids did!"
At the age of 9, she and her father began to run on weekends. Beginning in the sixth grade, she found an interest of her own in track running. Years later, when Mavric, her son, was just three years old, they signed up and ran their first 5k as a Team and won! Marathon running, however, was still not part of her personal goal. So the question still remains; why is Crotty planning 14 Marathons over the next 14 weeks?
"It is not a long story", begins Charlotte, "just a strangely magical one. This summer is the 14th anniversary of my mother's death. She died of brain cancer. The magic is that she lived 14 years after being diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade 3, and was told she had no more than 6 months. The final magic to this number is that I was 14 when she disappeared from my life."
"I have always wanted to be able to do something to honor my Mom's life and in the process be able to help other people dealing with brain cancer. I want to recognize and give thanks to each one of these years and give hope to everyone who is facing the same sad and tragic news. No race, No Marathon can compare to the amount of faith, energy and strength it takes to fight a brain tumor, and I am in awe of all who can."
To help Charlotte raise dollars for the National Brain Tumor Foundation's patient and research programs and to see a photo of her son's first race, visit her site: www.firstgiving.com/CharCrotty
The National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) is a non-profit organization that serves people whose lives are affected by brain tumors. NBTF is dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding meaningful research and providing patient resources, timely information and education.
For more information contact the National Brain Tumor Foundation at 800.934.CURE (2873) or visit their website at www.braintumor.org.
The Road to Eugene 08 Returns to Hayward Field
(5-3-07) From Press Release - Eugene, OR - Hayward Field welcomes the return of the Road to Eugene 08 meet, an elite high performance invitational, on Sunday, May 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Some of the world's best athletes will compete in 15 events for over $150,000 in prize money. Athletes already confirmed include:
Maria Mutola 800 meters, Olympic gold medalist, 12 time world champion
Tianna Madison long jump, reigning World Champion
Tim Mack pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Toby Stevenson pole vault, Olympic silver medalist
Stacy Dragila pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Nick Symmonds 800m Oregon Track Club
The meet will also feature innovative ways to bring the fans and athletes closer together, including special opportunities for youth to connect with their track and field heroes. Young athletes will have the chance to race in front of thousands of fans at Hayward Field in the Kids' Half-Lapper during the meet and practice their skills at the KidZone sponsored by City of Eugene Recreation, River Road Park and Recreation, and KidSports.
Additionally, there will be a men's and a women¹s 5,000 meter race on Saturday, May 26, paced to allow athletes to chase the IAAF "A" standard for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Hosted by the Eugene Local Organizing Committee for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track & Field (Eugene 08), the meet is a part of the committee's focus to advance the sport of track and field in the United States. The meet will benefit the Professional Athletics Association (PAA), which was established to provide organized support for track and field athletes.
"We had a great crowd last year and anticipate that our community will again show its love of the sport and excitement for the Olympic Trials by filling the stands," said Vin Lananna, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. "The athletes return to Hayward Field again and again because of our fans‹they feel inspired, they feel welcomed, and they know that nothing compares to the experience of competing in Track Town, USA."
Last year, more than 5,600 spectators watched Olympic medalists, world champions, and American record holders running, jumping, and throwing, a preview of the drama and excitement that will fill Hayward Field during the Olympic Trials, to be held June 27 through July 6, 2008.
NIKE, Inc., and Eugene 08 are sponsoring the meet with the assistance of the PAA, USA Track & Field and its Athletes Advisory and High Performances Committees, the University of Oregon, and the Oregon Track Club.
Tickets are $15 for reserved seating/$10 for general admission and will be available beginning May 4 at GoDucks.com or 1-800-WEBFOOT.
Maria Mutola 800 meters, Olympic gold medalist, 12 time world champion
Tianna Madison long jump, reigning World Champion
Tim Mack pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Toby Stevenson pole vault, Olympic silver medalist
Stacy Dragila pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Nick Symmonds 800m Oregon Track Club
The meet will also feature innovative ways to bring the fans and athletes closer together, including special opportunities for youth to connect with their track and field heroes. Young athletes will have the chance to race in front of thousands of fans at Hayward Field in the Kids' Half-Lapper during the meet and practice their skills at the KidZone sponsored by City of Eugene Recreation, River Road Park and Recreation, and KidSports.
Additionally, there will be a men's and a women¹s 5,000 meter race on Saturday, May 26, paced to allow athletes to chase the IAAF "A" standard for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Hosted by the Eugene Local Organizing Committee for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track & Field (Eugene 08), the meet is a part of the committee's focus to advance the sport of track and field in the United States. The meet will benefit the Professional Athletics Association (PAA), which was established to provide organized support for track and field athletes.
"We had a great crowd last year and anticipate that our community will again show its love of the sport and excitement for the Olympic Trials by filling the stands," said Vin Lananna, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. "The athletes return to Hayward Field again and again because of our fans‹they feel inspired, they feel welcomed, and they know that nothing compares to the experience of competing in Track Town, USA."
Last year, more than 5,600 spectators watched Olympic medalists, world champions, and American record holders running, jumping, and throwing, a preview of the drama and excitement that will fill Hayward Field during the Olympic Trials, to be held June 27 through July 6, 2008.
NIKE, Inc., and Eugene 08 are sponsoring the meet with the assistance of the PAA, USA Track & Field and its Athletes Advisory and High Performances Committees, the University of Oregon, and the Oregon Track Club.
Tickets are $15 for reserved seating/$10 for general admission and will be available beginning May 4 at GoDucks.com or 1-800-WEBFOOT.
Bloomsday Champ Returns to Defend Title
(5-2-07) From Press Release - Spokane, Washington - 2006 champion Gilbert Okari will have his hands full this Sunday as he attempts to do what only two other runners in history have done, notch back-to-back victories in the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
Okari, who has a string of U.S. road wins to his credit, including the World's Best 10K earlier this year, will have to outrun a field that includes two-time Bloomsday champion and fellow Kenyan John Korir. Those two will battle 2007 Crescent City Classic winner George Misoi, 2007 Credit Union Cherry Blossom champion Tadesse Tola, 2007 Carlsbad 5000 winner Simon Ndirangu, two-time Olympic marathon fourth place finisher Jon Brown, and a host of others hoping to add their names to the list of champions in the 31st running of the hotly contested 12-kilometer race.
"We're very excited to have Gilbert Okari back to defend his title," said Bloomsday Elite Athlete Coordinator Jon Neill. "He's going to be tested by one of the deepest fields in Bloomsday history, and I know this is going to be a swift, exciting race."
The women's race should prove equally swift and exciting, as 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist Catherine Ndereba of Kenya battles Teyba Erkesso of Ethiopia, who set a world 10-mile best in winning the recent Credit Union Cherry Blossom in Washington, DC. Those two will also have to contend with Kathy Butler of Great Britain, who has finished second and fourth in recent Bloomsdays.
"Ndereba and Butler both have the advantage of having run here before," said Neill, "and experience is always helpful on this course. But Teyba Erkesso is running extremely well right now, and as a result you have to give her serious consideration as a potential champion."
In masters competition, 2006 Bloomsday champions Sylvia Mosqueda and Sean Wade will be back to defend their titles, and distance running legend Henry Rono will return for the first time since winning Bloomsday in 1982.
Open winners of this year's Lilac Bloomsday Run will advance to the PRRO Race of Champions at the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 4. If either Okari, Tola, or Erkesso win Bloomsday and then win Peachtree, they'll be eligible for the $25,000 bonus paid to any athlete who wins two PRRO Circuit races plus the Atlanta final.
This year's wheelchair competition also promises to be hotly contested, as 2006 winners Saul Mendoza of Mexico and Shirley Reilly return to defend their titles. In addition, Bloomsday this year launches its first collegiate team competition, with strong wheelchair fields from the University of Illinois and University of Arizona vying for the team victory. Each team will be scored based on its top two male and top two female finishers, plus one quad competitor.
While elite athletes are vying for top placings and over $56,000 in prize money, nearly 44,000 runners, joggers and walkers will make the 12-kilometer trek along streets filled with music and dance. There will be twenty-eight entertainment stations along the course, and participants will be able to vote for their favorite performers by logging on to the Bloomsday website after the run. Entrants will also spend a fair amount of time during the run wondering what the 2007 Bloomsday T-shirt will look like. The color and design of the shirt are kept secret until entrants reach the finish.
More Info: www.bloomsday.org
Okari, who has a string of U.S. road wins to his credit, including the World's Best 10K earlier this year, will have to outrun a field that includes two-time Bloomsday champion and fellow Kenyan John Korir. Those two will battle 2007 Crescent City Classic winner George Misoi, 2007 Credit Union Cherry Blossom champion Tadesse Tola, 2007 Carlsbad 5000 winner Simon Ndirangu, two-time Olympic marathon fourth place finisher Jon Brown, and a host of others hoping to add their names to the list of champions in the 31st running of the hotly contested 12-kilometer race.
"We're very excited to have Gilbert Okari back to defend his title," said Bloomsday Elite Athlete Coordinator Jon Neill. "He's going to be tested by one of the deepest fields in Bloomsday history, and I know this is going to be a swift, exciting race."
The women's race should prove equally swift and exciting, as 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist Catherine Ndereba of Kenya battles Teyba Erkesso of Ethiopia, who set a world 10-mile best in winning the recent Credit Union Cherry Blossom in Washington, DC. Those two will also have to contend with Kathy Butler of Great Britain, who has finished second and fourth in recent Bloomsdays.
"Ndereba and Butler both have the advantage of having run here before," said Neill, "and experience is always helpful on this course. But Teyba Erkesso is running extremely well right now, and as a result you have to give her serious consideration as a potential champion."
In masters competition, 2006 Bloomsday champions Sylvia Mosqueda and Sean Wade will be back to defend their titles, and distance running legend Henry Rono will return for the first time since winning Bloomsday in 1982.
Open winners of this year's Lilac Bloomsday Run will advance to the PRRO Race of Champions at the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 4. If either Okari, Tola, or Erkesso win Bloomsday and then win Peachtree, they'll be eligible for the $25,000 bonus paid to any athlete who wins two PRRO Circuit races plus the Atlanta final.
This year's wheelchair competition also promises to be hotly contested, as 2006 winners Saul Mendoza of Mexico and Shirley Reilly return to defend their titles. In addition, Bloomsday this year launches its first collegiate team competition, with strong wheelchair fields from the University of Illinois and University of Arizona vying for the team victory. Each team will be scored based on its top two male and top two female finishers, plus one quad competitor.
While elite athletes are vying for top placings and over $56,000 in prize money, nearly 44,000 runners, joggers and walkers will make the 12-kilometer trek along streets filled with music and dance. There will be twenty-eight entertainment stations along the course, and participants will be able to vote for their favorite performers by logging on to the Bloomsday website after the run. Entrants will also spend a fair amount of time during the run wondering what the 2007 Bloomsday T-shirt will look like. The color and design of the shirt are kept secret until entrants reach the finish.
More Info: www.bloomsday.org
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