(12-23-09) From Press Release - USA Cycling today announced that it has awarded the 2009 and 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships to Bend. The announcement comes on the heels of a recent site inspection and city tour by USA Cycling's national events manager Tom Vinson, and is the culmination of a yearlong effort led by Visit Bend and the Oregon Sports Authority to bring the event to Bend.
"While all of the bids received by USA Cycling to host this event were very impressive, Bend's competition venue, community wide support and commitment to producing a World-class event convinced us that Bend would be a very worthy host city for the 2009 and 2010 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships," said Tom Vinson, National Events Manager for USA Cycling.
In recent years, the Cyclo-cross National Championships have been held in Portland, Ore. (2003 & 2004), Providence, Rhode Island (2005 & 2006), and Kansas City, Missouri (2007 & 2008).
With 35 national titles on the line, the Cyclo-cross National Championships are expected to attract more than 2,000 competitors to Bend each year for four days of racing, and between 3,500 and 4,500 visitors including support staff, families and media. Because the championships are held during the second week in December - a traditionally slow tourism period that falls between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when occupancy levels at Bend lodging properties are well below 40 percent - the event is expected to provide a significant boost for the local economy.
Tentative dates for the Cyclo-cross National Championships in Bend are December 10-13, 2009, and December 9-12, 2010. With the US Grand Prix of Cyclo-cross being held in Portland the week prior, a large field of competitors is anticipated.
"Hosting the Cyclo-cross National Championships in Bend is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the community," said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend and co-chair of the local organizing committee. "Winning this competitive bid process was truly a community-wide effort and is strong testimony of what we can accomplish when the community comes together to support a cause."
Nationally-renown cyclo-cross race director Brad Ross, owner of Vivo Promotions and producer of the Cross Crusade race series in Portland - the largest cyclo-cross series in the country - will serve as race director for the National Championships. Ross previously managed the Cyclo-cross National Championships when they were held in Portland in 2003 and 2004.
"The awarding of the Cyclo-cross National Championships is a shining example of Bend's ability to host big-time sports events," said Drew Mahalic CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "We feel privileged to have worked closely with Visit Bend and all involved in bringing this outstanding national championship and its substantial economic impact to Bend."
Portland's Kara Goucher to Run Boston in 2009
(12-16-08) From Press Release - In its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the signing of Olympian and World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher for the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009.
Internationally accomplished on the track, Goucher's debut in the marathon this past November fulfilled all expectations. Her 2:25:53 third place performance in New York City, set a number of American women's marathon records: the fastest debut ever, the fastest time ever run on the course, and the fastest time of 2008. With those credentials, Goucher is poised for a top finish in Boston, where the last American winner was Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985, and before her Joan Benoit in 1983.
"I could not be more excited to participate in the 2009 Boston Marathon on the John Hancock Elite Team," said Goucher. "As an American, Boston is an incredible opportunity to run a Major Marathon. The race has a history like no other and it's legacy spans generations. I am so thankful to continue my journey toward my goal of becoming the best runner in the world here in the United States."
With Boston champion Alberto Salazar as her coach, Goucher is certain to learn how to manage the difficult course, as did Salazar in his famous 1982 course-record duel with Dick Beardsley.
"Coach Salazar will guide me to be ready to tackle the course, and the infamous Heartbreak Hill," added Goucher. "Winning Boston is my next big challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage."
The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials winner in the 5,000m and runner up in the 10,000m, Goucher went to the Beijing Olympic Games and in one of the hardest doubles on the track, finished ninth in the 5,000m and 10th in the 10,000m (30:55.16). At the 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, she won the bronze medal in the 10,000m, becoming the first American to ever medal in that event. On the roads, in her first half marathon, Goucher handed world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain a rare defeat by winning the 2007 Great North Run in 1:06:57, one of the fastest times in the world.
"Kara Goucher will add a new level of excitement to the 2009 Boston Marathon. Not only is she a dynamic competitor but her coach, Alberto Salazar, knows all about winning in Boston," said Executive Director Guy Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association. "With Kara joining Ryan Hall on the John Hancock Elite Team, the 113th Boston Marathon will feature not only two of America's finest athletes but two of our sport's top young stars. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside the best marathon runners from around the world."
A 2001 University of Colorado graduate and seven-time All American, the 30-year old Goucher grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. Married to professional runner and Olympian Adam Goucher for the past seven years, the couple trains with the Nike Oregon Project and resides in Portland, Oregon. The Gouchers continue to help support and promote running on the national youth level.
About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation
John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$385.3 billion (US$363.5 billion) as at September 30, 2007.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.
Internationally accomplished on the track, Goucher's debut in the marathon this past November fulfilled all expectations. Her 2:25:53 third place performance in New York City, set a number of American women's marathon records: the fastest debut ever, the fastest time ever run on the course, and the fastest time of 2008. With those credentials, Goucher is poised for a top finish in Boston, where the last American winner was Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985, and before her Joan Benoit in 1983.
"I could not be more excited to participate in the 2009 Boston Marathon on the John Hancock Elite Team," said Goucher. "As an American, Boston is an incredible opportunity to run a Major Marathon. The race has a history like no other and it's legacy spans generations. I am so thankful to continue my journey toward my goal of becoming the best runner in the world here in the United States."
With Boston champion Alberto Salazar as her coach, Goucher is certain to learn how to manage the difficult course, as did Salazar in his famous 1982 course-record duel with Dick Beardsley.
"Coach Salazar will guide me to be ready to tackle the course, and the infamous Heartbreak Hill," added Goucher. "Winning Boston is my next big challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage."
The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials winner in the 5,000m and runner up in the 10,000m, Goucher went to the Beijing Olympic Games and in one of the hardest doubles on the track, finished ninth in the 5,000m and 10th in the 10,000m (30:55.16). At the 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, she won the bronze medal in the 10,000m, becoming the first American to ever medal in that event. On the roads, in her first half marathon, Goucher handed world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain a rare defeat by winning the 2007 Great North Run in 1:06:57, one of the fastest times in the world.
"Kara Goucher will add a new level of excitement to the 2009 Boston Marathon. Not only is she a dynamic competitor but her coach, Alberto Salazar, knows all about winning in Boston," said Executive Director Guy Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association. "With Kara joining Ryan Hall on the John Hancock Elite Team, the 113th Boston Marathon will feature not only two of America's finest athletes but two of our sport's top young stars. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside the best marathon runners from around the world."
A 2001 University of Colorado graduate and seven-time All American, the 30-year old Goucher grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. Married to professional runner and Olympian Adam Goucher for the past seven years, the couple trains with the Nike Oregon Project and resides in Portland, Oregon. The Gouchers continue to help support and promote running on the national youth level.
About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation
John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$385.3 billion (US$363.5 billion) as at September 30, 2007.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.
Gift Ideas and Holiday Sale Presented by AA Sports
(12-10-08) From Press Release - AA Sports' annual triathlon and running Holiday Sale is Saturday, December 13. We will be partnering with Athletes Lounge, Fit Right NW and others to blow out merchandise and provide free samples just in time to fill holiday stockings! GIFT CERTIFICATES (available for purchase ONLINE) with discounts for AA Sports owned events and TRI NorthWest memberships will also be available to purchase.
Look for 50% off retail on new merchandise and liquidation of used equipment. The AA Sports lost and found closet will be open with $10 helmets, $50 wet suits, $20 running shirts, $22 triathlon shorts, $1 running gloves & much more.
Blow Out Sale
Saturday, December 13
9:00am - 1:00pm
NEW Athletes Lounge Store
2600 NW Vaughn
Portland, OR 97210
The new store is located Northwest Portland, on the southwest corner of 26th and Vaughn with parking located right behind the store.
Look for 50% off retail on new merchandise and liquidation of used equipment. The AA Sports lost and found closet will be open with $10 helmets, $50 wet suits, $20 running shirts, $22 triathlon shorts, $1 running gloves & much more.
Blow Out Sale
Saturday, December 13
9:00am - 1:00pm
NEW Athletes Lounge Store
2600 NW Vaughn
Portland, OR 97210
The new store is located Northwest Portland, on the southwest corner of 26th and Vaughn with parking located right behind the store.
Three Pacific NW Races Selected to be USA Trail Running Championships in 2009
(12-9-08) The Mountain, Ultra & Trail (MUT) Running Sport Council has selected three Pacific Northwest races to be 2009 USA Trail Running Championships.
These selections recognize the hard work by several local race directors and are an acknowledgment by USATF of the rich trail racing heritage present in Oregon and Washington.
First run in 1993, the White River 50 Mile (Crystal Mountain, WA) will be the 2009 USA 50 Mile Trail Running Championships. Featuring 17,400 feet of total climb and descent, this race is an epic challenge for even the most experienced trail runner. The 2009 race will take place on July 25 and is organized by Scott McCoubery; owner of the Seattle Running Company and winner of the USATF MUT Council's Contributor of the Year award. There will be $7500 in prize money awarded to the top runners of this race.
The Where's Waldo 100k (Willamette Pass, OR) started in 2002 as a low key event organized by Curt Ringstad and Craig Thornley. This race is on 97% single-track trail and features a one lap course that climbs and descends 11,000 feet. The 2009 event is on August 22 and will be the USA 100k Trail Championships with $3000 in prize money up for grabs.
Last but certainly not least is the newest race among this championship trio - the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon. The inaugural race took place this past November and was organized by ultra running phenom Hal Koerner. Hal and his crew at Rogue Valley Runners set up a great course that starts and ends in Downtown Ashland, OR climbing 4700' into the Siskiyou National Forest. The 2009 race will be the USA Trail Marathon Championships for open and master runners.
For the latest information about these and other USA Track & Field Mountain, Ultra and Trail National Championships go to: http://usatforegonmut.blogspot.com/
These selections recognize the hard work by several local race directors and are an acknowledgment by USATF of the rich trail racing heritage present in Oregon and Washington.
First run in 1993, the White River 50 Mile (Crystal Mountain, WA) will be the 2009 USA 50 Mile Trail Running Championships. Featuring 17,400 feet of total climb and descent, this race is an epic challenge for even the most experienced trail runner. The 2009 race will take place on July 25 and is organized by Scott McCoubery; owner of the Seattle Running Company and winner of the USATF MUT Council's Contributor of the Year award. There will be $7500 in prize money awarded to the top runners of this race.
The Where's Waldo 100k (Willamette Pass, OR) started in 2002 as a low key event organized by Curt Ringstad and Craig Thornley. This race is on 97% single-track trail and features a one lap course that climbs and descends 11,000 feet. The 2009 event is on August 22 and will be the USA 100k Trail Championships with $3000 in prize money up for grabs.
Last but certainly not least is the newest race among this championship trio - the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon. The inaugural race took place this past November and was organized by ultra running phenom Hal Koerner. Hal and his crew at Rogue Valley Runners set up a great course that starts and ends in Downtown Ashland, OR climbing 4700' into the Siskiyou National Forest. The 2009 race will be the USA Trail Marathon Championships for open and master runners.
For the latest information about these and other USA Track & Field Mountain, Ultra and Trail National Championships go to: http://usatforegonmut.blogspot.com/
Oregon Runners Dominate XTERRA Trail Running World Championship
(12-8-08) From Press Release - Max King, 28, from Bend, Oregon and Cynthia Anderson, 25, from Kailua, Hawaii won the inaugural XTERRA Trail Running World Championship half-marathon at Kualoa Ranch this morning.
More than 800 runners from 32 states and eight countries participated in the 5, 10, and 21km events.
Near perfect running conditions with cool breezes, cloud cover, and temperatures in the mid-70's greeted runners for the 13.1 mile championship race that featured 3,000 feet of elevation gain while weaving up-and-down the verdant cliff faces in Ka'a'awa Valley and into the dense rainforest of Hakipu `u Valley at Kualoa Ranch.
King, a member of the Team USA cross country squad and the reigning XTERRA Trail Running USA Champ, led from start-to-finish and was the only runner to post sub 6-minute miles for a winning time of 1:18:23. Ben Bruce of Eugene, Oregon finished more than three minutes back in second place at 1:21:55, and Thomas Taylor of Phoenix, Arizona placed third in 1:29:33. Honolulu's Matt Stevens was the top local finisher just 17 seconds later.
"Ben (Bruce) is as good a runner as I am, and I am always afraid of him" said Max. "This race was a lot tougher than Nationals. The last 5 kilometers were definitely the most challenging. I just didn't want to do anymore hills. This was an awesome event."
His first time in Hawaii, Bruce said this terrain, and the course's elevation gain was quite different than what he is used to. "There was more climbing in the first two miles of this race than the entire Nationals race combined."
In the women's race Anderson, a former cross country and track stand-out at the University of Rhode Island, was in a tight duel with Canadian Danelle Kabush the entire way. Kabush, the race favorite, had the lead until about mile seven when Anderson passed on a steep uphill. Kabush stayed close the rest of the way and was right on Anderson's heel for much of the final six miles but ultimately finished 32 seconds back with a time of 1:40:10. Anderson's winning time was 1:39:38.
"Danelle and I were together most of the race especially when we were skating down the large ridge. She really kept me in the race," said Anderson, a research assistant for the University of Hawaii.
"Cynthia is tough" said Kabush after the race. "She was a great runner and the course was beautiful. I just wish I had been able to focus on the scenery more while I was running."
"The trails were nuts" according to Richard Burgunder of Astoria, NY. "I took a bad spill out there, but the course was even more amazing that I expected, especially the upper ridge section. I loved it, but it was really challenging."
Winner of the men's 55-59 division Francisco Rodriguez, of Bayonne, NJ, has a running resume that includes completing 157 marathons, at least one in every state. He is now working on a half-marathon in every state and chose the XTERRA Trail Run Worlds as his stop for Hawaii. "I obviously run a lot, but this was my first trail run. It was a tough course, but I definitely want to come back next year."
At just 12-years-old, Dakota Grossman of Pukalani, Hawaii finished the half-marathon test of endurance in just 2:01:05. The 5km winner at the XTERRA Makena Beach Trail Run back in October said "The course was a lot different from Maui. I had a lot of fun."
Ages for the 21km race spanned from 11-year old Mililani local Jakob DeWald to 74-year old George Taylor of Kelowna, British Columbia who said winning his age group "really made his day."
In the 10km race, it was Leo Rosenberg, 19, of Manhattan, KS who was crowned the men's winner with his time of 47:08, just 38 seconds ahead of Honolulu's Kevin Weng, 37. Jenny Selan, 27, made her hometown of Honolulu proud winning the women's race in 50:45, over 2 minutes ahead of Pearl City's Liz Ford.
A nurse at Kapiolani Medical Center, Selan is usually on the triathlon circuit but decided to come out today and run with a friend. "Hawaii has some pretty steep hills, and they made the course great."
Pierce Murphy, 15, of Hanalei, Hawaii and Brigid O'Connell, 26, of Honolulu took home the gold medals in the 5km men's and women's 5km division with their times of 19:19 and 29:23 respectively.
Not even knowing she won at first, Brigid said this was her very first running competition. "I had a lot of fun. I am used to running on the road, so this was very cool and different for me."
The XTERRA Trail Running World Championship was a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Hawaii Chapter. $10 from every entry went directly to the JDRF to help with their goal of finding a cure for type-1 diabetes. The organization helps tons of kids like 14-year old Devin Rettke, who must check his insulin level several times a day. After competing in the 10km event today, Devin said "The course was really fun, but that first hill was really tough. I usually do multi-sport events, but after this I am definitely going to start doing more trail running."
Today's event would not have been possible without the help of Kualoa Ranch and its President, John Morgan, who even competed in the 5km event. "The event turned out very well, and everyone had a great time. We were glad to be a part of it."
The race was filmed for a segment in the nationally syndicated XTERRA Adventures TV show and featured a $10,000 prize purse paid down to the top seven men and women. Highlights will be up soon at XTERRA.tv. Find complete results at xterratrailrun.com
| TOP 7 MEN | |||||
| Pl | Name | Age | Hometown | Time | Purse |
| 1 | Max King | 28 | Bend, Oregon | 1:18:23 | $2,000 |
| 2 | Ben Bruce | 26 | Eugene, Oregon | 1:21:55 | $1,000 |
| 3 | Thomas Taylor | 33 | Phoenix, Arizona | 1:29:33 | $750 |
| 4 | Matt Stevens | 30 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1:29:50 | $500 |
| 5 | Jimmy Davis | 31 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1:31:53 | $300 |
| 6 | Mark Speck | 38 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1:34:28 | $250 |
| 7 | Mark Mench | 33 | Kailua, Hawaii | 1:37:19 | $200 |
| TOP 7 WOMEN | |||||
| Pl | Name | Age | Hometown | Time | Purse |
| 1 | Cynthia Anderson | 25 | Kailua, Hawaii | 1:39:38 | $2,000 |
| 2 | Danelle Kabush | 33 | Calgary, Canada | 1:40:10 | $1,000 |
| 3 | Christina Castelanelli | 29 | Lodi, California | 1:47:16 | $750 |
| 4 | Heather Albert | 25 | Kaneohe, Hawaii | 1:51:30 | $500 |
| 5 | Jessica Tranchina | 31 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1:53:03 | $300 |
| 6 | Shannon Cutting | 44 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1:53:35 | $250 |
| 7 | Mary Castelanelli | 23 | Lodi, California | 1:55:30 | $200 |
2008 XTERRA TRAIL RUNNING WORLD CHAMPIONS (BY DIVISION)
| FEMALE | |||
| Division | Name | Hometown | Time |
| 10-14 | Dakota Grossman | Pukalani, HI | 2:01:05 |
| 15-19 | Hayley Ortman | Carlsbad, CA | 2:39:37 |
| 20-24 | Mary Castelanelli | Lodi, CA | 1:55:30 |
| 25-29 | Cynthia Anderson | Kailua, HI | 1:39:38 |
| 30-34 | Danelle Kabush | Calgary, Canada | 1:40:10 |
| 35-39 | Sarah Skimin | Kapolei, HI | 1:57:57 |
| 40-44 | Shannon Cutting | Honolulu, HI | 1:53:35 |
| 45-49 | Jodi Ruby | La Verne, CA | 1:59:10 |
| 50-54 | Judy Maguire | Idyllwild, CA | 1:58:25 |
| 55-59 | Lorenn Walker | Waialua, HI | 2:32:41 |
| 60-64 | Lee Saltonstall | Alpharetta, GA | 2:56:32 |
| MALE | |||
| Division | Name | Hometown | Time |
| 10-14 | Jakob Dewald | Mililani, HI | 2:02:46 |
| 15-19 | Adam Weaver | Mililani, HI | 1:56:30 |
| 20-24 | Michael Campbell | Haleiwa, HI | 1:51:04 |
| 25-29 | Max King | Bend, OR | 1:18:23 |
| 30-34 | Thomas Taylor | Phoenix, AZ | 1:29:33 |
| 35-39 | Mark Speck | Honolulu, HI | 1:34:28 |
| 40-44 | David Carlsson | Honolulu, HI | 1:46:36 |
| 45-49 | John Smith | Honolulu, HI | 1:46:06 |
| 50-54 | Ash Dustrow | Honolulu, HI | 1:44:30 |
| 55-59 | Francisco Rodriguez | Bayonne, NJ | 2:26:00 |
| 60-64 | Thomas Craven | Honolulu, HI | 2:16:41 |
| 65-69 | Peter Wood | La Jolla, CA | 2:08:15 |
| 70-74 | George Taylor | Kelowna, Canada | 3:20:49 |
| PC | Fouad Fattoumy | Honolulu, HI | 1:52:31 |
| *PC - Physically Challenged | |||
The XTERRA Trail Running World Championship was the final stop on the World Tour - a national and international series of 50+ trail races held in New Zealand, Italy, France, Switzerland, Japan and the U.S.
Champions Crowned at Nike Cross Nationals in Portland
(12-6-08) From Press Release - Nike today announced the winners of the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN), a competition crowning the fastest high school-aged cross country club teams and individuals in the United States.
Manlius XC Club from Manlius, New York, captured this year's girls' club team crown for a third time. The North Spokane XC Club from Spokane, Washington, took home the boys club team championship honors. Chelsey Sveinsson from Addison, Texas won the individual girl's title with a course record time of 17:26.9. Reed Connor from The Woodlands, Texas won the boy's title with a time of 15:13.6.
"This year Nike Cross Nationals added an individual championship to the event, making it a race experience unlike any other for youth cross country runners," said Amy White, Nike's vice president of U.S. Running. "We were founded by runners and it's a sport that is part of our DNA."
Individuals along with club teams competed at regional qualifying events across the country throughout November in the lead up to the Nike Cross Nationals championship to determine the country's top individual and club teams in the sport.
People across the country were able to tune in to the live webcast of the championship held at Portland Meadows in Portland, Oregon. The webcast, which is available on www.nikecrossnationals.com, features 2000 Olympian Adam Goucher with running broadcasters Toni Reavis and Rich Gonzalez in the booth, and five-time NCAA champion Chris Solinsky and 2008 Olympian Kara Goucher on the ground.
Nike elite athletes also represented teams from each region, providing support and insight throughout the weekend. 2008 Olympian Kara Goucher (Northwest), 2008 Olympian Abdi Abdirahman (Southwest), 2008 Olympian Matt Tegenkamp (Heartland), 2008 Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein (Midwest), 2008 Olympian Shalane Flanagan (Northeast), 2004 Olympian Alan Webb (Southeast), 2000 Olympian Adam Goucher (South), 2008 Olympian Bernard Lagat (New York) and 2008 Olympian Shannon Rowbury (California) all served as captains.
For more complete results and to view the webcast, visit www.nikecrossnationals.com.
Manlius XC Club from Manlius, New York, captured this year's girls' club team crown for a third time. The North Spokane XC Club from Spokane, Washington, took home the boys club team championship honors. Chelsey Sveinsson from Addison, Texas won the individual girl's title with a course record time of 17:26.9. Reed Connor from The Woodlands, Texas won the boy's title with a time of 15:13.6.
"This year Nike Cross Nationals added an individual championship to the event, making it a race experience unlike any other for youth cross country runners," said Amy White, Nike's vice president of U.S. Running. "We were founded by runners and it's a sport that is part of our DNA."
Individuals along with club teams competed at regional qualifying events across the country throughout November in the lead up to the Nike Cross Nationals championship to determine the country's top individual and club teams in the sport.
People across the country were able to tune in to the live webcast of the championship held at Portland Meadows in Portland, Oregon. The webcast, which is available on www.nikecrossnationals.com, features 2000 Olympian Adam Goucher with running broadcasters Toni Reavis and Rich Gonzalez in the booth, and five-time NCAA champion Chris Solinsky and 2008 Olympian Kara Goucher on the ground.
Nike elite athletes also represented teams from each region, providing support and insight throughout the weekend. 2008 Olympian Kara Goucher (Northwest), 2008 Olympian Abdi Abdirahman (Southwest), 2008 Olympian Matt Tegenkamp (Heartland), 2008 Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein (Midwest), 2008 Olympian Shalane Flanagan (Northeast), 2004 Olympian Alan Webb (Southeast), 2000 Olympian Adam Goucher (South), 2008 Olympian Bernard Lagat (New York) and 2008 Olympian Shannon Rowbury (California) all served as captains.
For more complete results and to view the webcast, visit www.nikecrossnationals.com.
Rupp leads Oregon to second consecutive NCAA Team Title
(11-24-08) From USATF Press Release - 2008 Olympian Galen Rupp (Portland, Ore.) out-dueled Samuel Chelanga of Liberty University to win his first NCAA individual title Monday at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. Running the 10 km course in 29:04, Rupp lead the University of Oregon to their second consecutive team title at the meet.
In cold, breezy conditions, Chelanga took the lead from the gun and led the field by five seconds at the mile, passing in 4:21. Rupp closed the gap and briefly ran alongside Chelanga, but the pair exchanged a few elbows before Chelanga surged to another five second lead. Rupp patiently made his way to rejoin Chelanga by 5 km.
Over the final loop of the course, Rupp was content to let Chelanga lead until the pair hit the final straight away. With about 400 meters to go, Rupp made his final push and pulled clear for the title.
"My coaches told me to sit back, be smart and stay focused," Rupp said. "It was going to come down to a sprint and I relaxed until I was ready to go. I was more patient than last year, and when I made my move it was decisive. With about 800m to go I heard someone say 'Remember last year,' and that helped me win."
On the women's side, Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech won her third consecutive individual title, running 19:29 over the women's 6 km course to become the winningest women's cross country runner in Division I history. Susan Kuijen of Florida State managed to stay within striking distance through half-way, but Kipyego easily pulled away for a six-second win. The University of Washington won the women's team title over Oregon with 79 points.
"It was cold and windy and the hardest of my three wins," Kipyego said. "I tried to stay positive and run my best race. It's an amazing feeling and a wonderful opportunity."
Adams State sweeps D-II Championships
Adams State College swept the national team titles while Scott Bauhs won the men's individual title Saturday at the NCAA Division II Men's Cross Country Championships at Cooper's Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, Pa.
2008 World XC team member Scott Bauhs of Chico State led the men's 10 km race from start to finish, cruising to the win in 30:23 with runner-up Aaron Braun of Adams State finishing 13 seconds back in 30:36. Bauhs is the Wildcats' first cross country national champion.
The Adams State men won over rival Western State by 21 points (67 points to 88) with Chico State (Calif.) finishing third with 120 points. Two-time defending champion Abilene Christian finished fourth with 128 points.
The Adams State women won their sixth straight and 14th overall NCAA Division II National title, finishing with 79 points, ahead of runner-up Grand Valley State (102) and third-place Western State (183).
Middlebury, Cortland win D-III titles
The SUNY Cortland men's cross country team won its first NCAA Division III title while the Middlebury College women's team picked up their fifth crown, outdistancing 32-team fields Saturday at the 2008 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships at the L.S. Ayers Complex in Hanover, Ind.
Middlebury ended the race with 179 points, 59 points ahead of second-place Calvin (237). Williams (240), Wartburg (284) and Wisconsin-Eau Claire (310) rounded out the top five. SUNY Cortland won the men's title with 80 points, while North Central of Illinois was second with 115 points and Williams College finished third with 129 points.
Hamilton College's Peter Kosgei, the 2007 runner-up, won the men's individual title, covering the 8 km course in a season best 24:22.03. He is the first cross country national champion in school history. Willy Kaul of Wisconsin-Oshkosh took runner-up honors, finishing in 24:32.67, and Wartburg's Brian Chenoweth was third in 24:34.04.
Bethel junior Marie Borner brought home the women's individual title, finishing the 6 km race in 20:43.91, more than nine seconds ahead of her nearest competitor and more than a minute faster than her performance at the national meet a year ago in Northfield, Minn. Amherst's Elise Tropiano was second in 20:52.96 and Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Ayla Mitchell was third in 21:02.91.
For more information on the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships, visit www.ncaa.com.
Azusa Pacific, Malone win NAIA title
Azusa Pacific placed three runners in the top 10 to capture its first NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championship Saturday at Dr. Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Alissa McKaig of Indiana Tech captured the individual women's title after crossing the finish line in a meet record 16:41.4, breaking the old mark of 16:43 set by Emile Mondor of Simon Fraser (B.C.) in 2002. 2007 runner-up Jacky Kimwambok of Azusa Pacific was again second in 17:02.1 and Shorter's Justyna Mudy was third in 17:06.1.
Azusa Pacific senior Aron Rono won the men's individual race for the second straight year with a season-best 8 km time of 23:46, leading the Cougar men to their finest showing ever at the national meet, finishing second with 118 points. But it was #1 ranked Malone who successfully defended their title by winning the meet with 61 points, 57 points ahead of Azusa Pacific. Malone's Nikolaus Schweikert (24:03) finished second and Abednego Magut of Azusa Pacific was third in 24:31.3.
With its women's national championship and men's runner-up finish, Azusa Pacific won the NAIA team award for compiling the lowest combined score at 184 points (66 women, 118 men). Malone was second at 221 and Indiana Tech was third with 468.
In cold, breezy conditions, Chelanga took the lead from the gun and led the field by five seconds at the mile, passing in 4:21. Rupp closed the gap and briefly ran alongside Chelanga, but the pair exchanged a few elbows before Chelanga surged to another five second lead. Rupp patiently made his way to rejoin Chelanga by 5 km.
Over the final loop of the course, Rupp was content to let Chelanga lead until the pair hit the final straight away. With about 400 meters to go, Rupp made his final push and pulled clear for the title.
"My coaches told me to sit back, be smart and stay focused," Rupp said. "It was going to come down to a sprint and I relaxed until I was ready to go. I was more patient than last year, and when I made my move it was decisive. With about 800m to go I heard someone say 'Remember last year,' and that helped me win."
On the women's side, Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech won her third consecutive individual title, running 19:29 over the women's 6 km course to become the winningest women's cross country runner in Division I history. Susan Kuijen of Florida State managed to stay within striking distance through half-way, but Kipyego easily pulled away for a six-second win. The University of Washington won the women's team title over Oregon with 79 points.
"It was cold and windy and the hardest of my three wins," Kipyego said. "I tried to stay positive and run my best race. It's an amazing feeling and a wonderful opportunity."
Adams State sweeps D-II Championships
Adams State College swept the national team titles while Scott Bauhs won the men's individual title Saturday at the NCAA Division II Men's Cross Country Championships at Cooper's Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, Pa.
2008 World XC team member Scott Bauhs of Chico State led the men's 10 km race from start to finish, cruising to the win in 30:23 with runner-up Aaron Braun of Adams State finishing 13 seconds back in 30:36. Bauhs is the Wildcats' first cross country national champion.
The Adams State men won over rival Western State by 21 points (67 points to 88) with Chico State (Calif.) finishing third with 120 points. Two-time defending champion Abilene Christian finished fourth with 128 points.
The Adams State women won their sixth straight and 14th overall NCAA Division II National title, finishing with 79 points, ahead of runner-up Grand Valley State (102) and third-place Western State (183).
Middlebury, Cortland win D-III titles
The SUNY Cortland men's cross country team won its first NCAA Division III title while the Middlebury College women's team picked up their fifth crown, outdistancing 32-team fields Saturday at the 2008 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships at the L.S. Ayers Complex in Hanover, Ind.
Middlebury ended the race with 179 points, 59 points ahead of second-place Calvin (237). Williams (240), Wartburg (284) and Wisconsin-Eau Claire (310) rounded out the top five. SUNY Cortland won the men's title with 80 points, while North Central of Illinois was second with 115 points and Williams College finished third with 129 points.
Hamilton College's Peter Kosgei, the 2007 runner-up, won the men's individual title, covering the 8 km course in a season best 24:22.03. He is the first cross country national champion in school history. Willy Kaul of Wisconsin-Oshkosh took runner-up honors, finishing in 24:32.67, and Wartburg's Brian Chenoweth was third in 24:34.04.
Bethel junior Marie Borner brought home the women's individual title, finishing the 6 km race in 20:43.91, more than nine seconds ahead of her nearest competitor and more than a minute faster than her performance at the national meet a year ago in Northfield, Minn. Amherst's Elise Tropiano was second in 20:52.96 and Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Ayla Mitchell was third in 21:02.91.
For more information on the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships, visit www.ncaa.com.
Azusa Pacific, Malone win NAIA title
Azusa Pacific placed three runners in the top 10 to capture its first NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championship Saturday at Dr. Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Alissa McKaig of Indiana Tech captured the individual women's title after crossing the finish line in a meet record 16:41.4, breaking the old mark of 16:43 set by Emile Mondor of Simon Fraser (B.C.) in 2002. 2007 runner-up Jacky Kimwambok of Azusa Pacific was again second in 17:02.1 and Shorter's Justyna Mudy was third in 17:06.1.
Azusa Pacific senior Aron Rono won the men's individual race for the second straight year with a season-best 8 km time of 23:46, leading the Cougar men to their finest showing ever at the national meet, finishing second with 118 points. But it was #1 ranked Malone who successfully defended their title by winning the meet with 61 points, 57 points ahead of Azusa Pacific. Malone's Nikolaus Schweikert (24:03) finished second and Abednego Magut of Azusa Pacific was third in 24:31.3.
With its women's national championship and men's runner-up finish, Azusa Pacific won the NAIA team award for compiling the lowest combined score at 184 points (66 women, 118 men). Malone was second at 221 and Indiana Tech was third with 468.
Rupp Named USATF Athlete of the Week
(11-18-08) From USATF Press Release - Galen Rupp has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning his second straight NCAA West Regional title Saturday in Stanford, Calif.
A 2008 Olympic 10,000 meter finalist, Rupp crossed the line in 27 minutes 41.24 seconds on a course that was just 85m shy of 10,000 meters. His closest competitor, teammate and runner-up Shadrack Kiptoo-Biwott, was over 50 seconds back. Rupp became the third Oregon runner to win back-to-back Regional titles, joining Jim Hill in 1982-83 and Karl Keska in 1995-96.
Now in its seventh year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
Article from the Oregonian about Rupp - www.oregonlive.com
A 2008 Olympic 10,000 meter finalist, Rupp crossed the line in 27 minutes 41.24 seconds on a course that was just 85m shy of 10,000 meters. His closest competitor, teammate and runner-up Shadrack Kiptoo-Biwott, was over 50 seconds back. Rupp became the third Oregon runner to win back-to-back Regional titles, joining Jim Hill in 1982-83 and Karl Keska in 1995-96.
Now in its seventh year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
Article from the Oregonian about Rupp - www.oregonlive.com
Northwest Runners Dominant at 100km World Cup
(11-10-08) From USATF Press Release - Kami Semick (Bend, Ore.), finished second Saturday at the IAU 100 km World Cup in Tarquinial, Italy, leading an outstanding American team performance. Semick's time of 7:33:58 was the second-fastest time ever for a U.S. woman to lead Team USA to the team silver medal.
Meghan Arbogast (Corvallis, Ore.) finished sixth in 7:52:21, while Devon Crosby-Helms (San Francisco, Calif.), rounded out the team scoring, finishing tenth in 8:01:52.
In the men's race, first-time Team USA member Michael Wardian (Arlington, Va.) led American men, finishing ninth in 7:06:35. Adam Lint (Seattle, Wash.) finished in 50th-place in 8:06:35.
For more information on the IAU 100 km World Cup visit www.usatf.org.
Meghan Arbogast (Corvallis, Ore.) finished sixth in 7:52:21, while Devon Crosby-Helms (San Francisco, Calif.), rounded out the team scoring, finishing tenth in 8:01:52.
In the men's race, first-time Team USA member Michael Wardian (Arlington, Va.) led American men, finishing ninth in 7:06:35. Adam Lint (Seattle, Wash.) finished in 50th-place in 8:06:35.
For more information on the IAU 100 km World Cup visit www.usatf.org.
USA Triathlon Winter National Championship Returns to the Northwest in January
(10-24-08) From Press Release - The USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championship will return to Mt. Bachelor on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.
The event features a mass start run followed by a mountain bike portion on snow and finishes with a Nordic ski leg. Even though this is a national championship, there are no pre-qualifying races so all athletes are encouraged to participate in winter triathlon's premiere event. USAT will offer a $3,000 cash purse to age group and overall winners along with many other prizes from our sponsors. Best of all, this event will qualify the top three male and female American finishers for the Elite World Championship in Gaishorn, Austria, in February 2009. Qualified athletes will receive a $1,000 travel stipend, reimbursed uniform costs and paid entry. Athletes do not have to be a USAT Elite Member but must have a current USAT Membership - Elite, Amateur. One-day licenses are also available. The top three age group athletes also qualify but are fully responsible for their own costs if they choose to attend the World Championship.
Last year's competitors loved the trails and course at Mt. Bachelor. Planned improvements are aimed at providing a faster riding surface on the bike course. The total event distance will be 25-30k for elites, while some age groups may race on shorter courses. This race is designed to be fun, exciting and challenging but in no way daunting. The course will be open for practice for the week prior to the event and skills clinics will be offered through local and national coaches.
Registration begins Nov. 15 with entry fees starting at $45. Participants can enter as individuals, pairs or relay teams. For those traveling to Bend for the weekend, the Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is holding the Patagonia Pursuit 12k Nordic ski race on Saturday, Jan. 10. This event will feature a 6k classic leg followed by a 6k skate leg; this will be a great warm up for the triathlon. Participants who do both races will receive a discounted entry. More details about the weekend and suggestions for lodging and travel will be available from the event's page at usatriathlon.org when registration opens.
New for 2009 is a partnership with the Council for Responsible Sport. They will work with USAT and Winter Triathlon officials to minimize waste, raise awareness of environmental issues related to sporting events and help offset carbon emissions from grooming, participant travel and energy used for the event. Mt. Bachelor already purchases 100 percent of their electricity from clean sources like wind and geothermal.
Mark your calendars now for the Winter Triathlon National Championships - a great way to kick off your 2009 racing season!
The event features a mass start run followed by a mountain bike portion on snow and finishes with a Nordic ski leg. Even though this is a national championship, there are no pre-qualifying races so all athletes are encouraged to participate in winter triathlon's premiere event. USAT will offer a $3,000 cash purse to age group and overall winners along with many other prizes from our sponsors. Best of all, this event will qualify the top three male and female American finishers for the Elite World Championship in Gaishorn, Austria, in February 2009. Qualified athletes will receive a $1,000 travel stipend, reimbursed uniform costs and paid entry. Athletes do not have to be a USAT Elite Member but must have a current USAT Membership - Elite, Amateur. One-day licenses are also available. The top three age group athletes also qualify but are fully responsible for their own costs if they choose to attend the World Championship.
Last year's competitors loved the trails and course at Mt. Bachelor. Planned improvements are aimed at providing a faster riding surface on the bike course. The total event distance will be 25-30k for elites, while some age groups may race on shorter courses. This race is designed to be fun, exciting and challenging but in no way daunting. The course will be open for practice for the week prior to the event and skills clinics will be offered through local and national coaches.
Registration begins Nov. 15 with entry fees starting at $45. Participants can enter as individuals, pairs or relay teams. For those traveling to Bend for the weekend, the Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is holding the Patagonia Pursuit 12k Nordic ski race on Saturday, Jan. 10. This event will feature a 6k classic leg followed by a 6k skate leg; this will be a great warm up for the triathlon. Participants who do both races will receive a discounted entry. More details about the weekend and suggestions for lodging and travel will be available from the event's page at usatriathlon.org when registration opens.
New for 2009 is a partnership with the Council for Responsible Sport. They will work with USAT and Winter Triathlon officials to minimize waste, raise awareness of environmental issues related to sporting events and help offset carbon emissions from grooming, participant travel and energy used for the event. Mt. Bachelor already purchases 100 percent of their electricity from clean sources like wind and geothermal.
Mark your calendars now for the Winter Triathlon National Championships - a great way to kick off your 2009 racing season!
Training: XC Skiing Tips for Season Ahead
(10-23-08) by Jason Jablonski - Well, the weather is changing and we are all starting to think of our winter activity schedule. When the snow falls and we start to get out and enjoy the various cross country ski trails and events that our area has to provide, we tend to jump the gun a little and injuries can occur. Cross country skiing, both racing and recreational, takes a lot of endurance, strength, and fitness. In this newsletter we are going to talk about steps we can all take to prepare ourselves for the upcoming snow season.
There are quite a few types of training that you can do in order to prepare your body for the stress that Nordic skiing places on it. For the purpose of simplicity, are going to break it into two categories: balance and stability exercises, and strength and endurance exercises. Because of the tremendous amount of balance that Nordic skiing demands, it is very important to work on your skills before you get on snow. Therapist Mark Stockman has developed what he believes are the most important exercises you can do to help prevent injuries, while increasing your overall ability to train and ski properly.
1. Butt Burners: Place surgical tubing or a resistive band around your ankles so that it is tight when your feet are shoulder width apart. Keeping your feet pointed forward, step sideways 15 steps in each direction. Repeat for 2 to 4 sets progressing as the season gets closer.
2. Balance: Stand on a soft or unstable surface on one foot with your shoes off. (An old pillow will work) Stand for 1 minute on each foot. Repeat twice with each side.
3. Balance Reach: Balance on the right foot on a stable surface. Bending the right knee, reach as far as you can straight out to the left with your left foot keeping your left foot as close to the ground as you can without touching the ground. Return to the starting position without touching the ground. Reach out to the left and back at a 45 degree angle, then return. Now reach straight back behind you with the left foot. Repeat these three positions 3 to 5 times, then do the same routine while balancing on the left foot.
4. Balance reach to the floor. Balance on the right foot and allow the left foot to act as a counterbalance. Bend at the waist and at the knee and reach out with your fingertips in front of you keeping your fingertips as close to the ground without touching, then return to the starting position. Now rotate your trunk 45 degrees to the left and repeat. Repeat 3 to 5 times in each position and on each leg.
5. One foot high lat pulls: Balance on one foot with resistive tubing or pulleys above your head. Keeping your arms straight, start with your arms at shoulder height and pull down until your hands extend behind your body.
6. Ab pulls: Same starting position as the previous exercise-keep arms at shoulder height - flex at your trunk using your abs to pull your trunk down.
After a couple of months of repeating the above exercises you will be setting yourself up for a better and more effective training this winter. You will also be ready to incorporate more specific endurance and strength work into your training routine before the snow flies.
About the Author
Jason Jablonski is a professional athlete and coach. He is a nationally and regionally recognized professional mountain biker with a host of state, regional and national titles to his name, Jablonski set his sights on the sport of triathlon in 2005. By October of that year, Jablonski became the reigning XTERRA Amateur World Champion.
This winter, Jablonski will once again take his talents to the ski trails as the head coach of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Jablonski is also the owner of SET Coaching where he works with athletes to provide sport-specific coaching and biomechanical expertise. He is a certified USA Cycling Coach and maintains a strong commitment to remaining on the cutting-edge of his field. Because of this commitment, he works with the Retul and Dartfish sport-specific fitting and analysis systems to ensure athletes are training and competing at optimum levels.
For more information, contact Jason Jablonski at: (509) 679-6793 or email setcoaching@msn.com
There are quite a few types of training that you can do in order to prepare your body for the stress that Nordic skiing places on it. For the purpose of simplicity, are going to break it into two categories: balance and stability exercises, and strength and endurance exercises. Because of the tremendous amount of balance that Nordic skiing demands, it is very important to work on your skills before you get on snow. Therapist Mark Stockman has developed what he believes are the most important exercises you can do to help prevent injuries, while increasing your overall ability to train and ski properly.
1. Butt Burners: Place surgical tubing or a resistive band around your ankles so that it is tight when your feet are shoulder width apart. Keeping your feet pointed forward, step sideways 15 steps in each direction. Repeat for 2 to 4 sets progressing as the season gets closer.
2. Balance: Stand on a soft or unstable surface on one foot with your shoes off. (An old pillow will work) Stand for 1 minute on each foot. Repeat twice with each side.
3. Balance Reach: Balance on the right foot on a stable surface. Bending the right knee, reach as far as you can straight out to the left with your left foot keeping your left foot as close to the ground as you can without touching the ground. Return to the starting position without touching the ground. Reach out to the left and back at a 45 degree angle, then return. Now reach straight back behind you with the left foot. Repeat these three positions 3 to 5 times, then do the same routine while balancing on the left foot.
4. Balance reach to the floor. Balance on the right foot and allow the left foot to act as a counterbalance. Bend at the waist and at the knee and reach out with your fingertips in front of you keeping your fingertips as close to the ground without touching, then return to the starting position. Now rotate your trunk 45 degrees to the left and repeat. Repeat 3 to 5 times in each position and on each leg.
5. One foot high lat pulls: Balance on one foot with resistive tubing or pulleys above your head. Keeping your arms straight, start with your arms at shoulder height and pull down until your hands extend behind your body.
6. Ab pulls: Same starting position as the previous exercise-keep arms at shoulder height - flex at your trunk using your abs to pull your trunk down.
After a couple of months of repeating the above exercises you will be setting yourself up for a better and more effective training this winter. You will also be ready to incorporate more specific endurance and strength work into your training routine before the snow flies.
About the Author
Jason Jablonski is a professional athlete and coach. He is a nationally and regionally recognized professional mountain biker with a host of state, regional and national titles to his name, Jablonski set his sights on the sport of triathlon in 2005. By October of that year, Jablonski became the reigning XTERRA Amateur World Champion.
This winter, Jablonski will once again take his talents to the ski trails as the head coach of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Jablonski is also the owner of SET Coaching where he works with athletes to provide sport-specific coaching and biomechanical expertise. He is a certified USA Cycling Coach and maintains a strong commitment to remaining on the cutting-edge of his field. Because of this commitment, he works with the Retul and Dartfish sport-specific fitting and analysis systems to ensure athletes are training and competing at optimum levels.
For more information, contact Jason Jablonski at: (509) 679-6793 or email setcoaching@msn.com
Oregonians Sweep Portland Marathon
(10-6-08) John Ngigi of Glide, OR captured the 2008 Portland Marathon title on Sunday, October 5 with a time of 2 hours 31 minutes and 22 seconds. On the women's side, ultramarathoner Kami Semick of Bend bested the field with an overall finish time of 2:45:24.
Complete results can be found HERE.
Video news segment HERE.
Complete results can be found HERE.
Video news segment HERE.
Corvallis Triathlete Killed in Bicycle Accident
(10-3-08) Triathlete Ed Bomber of Corvallis was killed Thursday in a bicycle accident. Ed was one of the owners of Northwest MultiSports, a triathlon retail store that was opened in April in Corvallis. Ed was active athlete in the Northwest community and will be missed. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. Read the full article in the Corvallis Gazette Times.
Haile Breaks World Record in Berlin!
(9-28-08) From Press Release - Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia shattered his own marathon record in the real-Berlin Marathon on Sunday morning, running 2:03:59, to become the first man in history under 2.04 for the distance. It is Gebrselassie's 26th world record, and improves by almost half a minute the world record of 2.04.26 that he set in Berlin one year ago. It is exactly five years ago, in this same race that Gebrselassie's great rival, Paul Tergat of Kenya ran 2.04.55, becoming the first man under 2.05. Thus in two stages in successive years, Gebrselassie, 35 has taken almost a minute off that record, and taken it into new territory.
"I'm so happy," said Gebrselassie immediately afterwards. "Everything was perfect, the weather (10-12C and sunny), the pacemakers. Two weeks ago, I had a little problem, I ran 20k 40 seconds faster than in my preparation last year. But I had some cramps, and missed a week's training. I started again a week ago, and had some doubts today, but in the end, everything was fine. This really is my lucky city".
James Kwambai of Kenya, who stayed with Gebrselassie until 36 kilometres was second in 2.05.36, taking close to five minutes off his best, and his colleague, Charles Kamathi was third in 2.07.48.
Irina Mikitenko of Germany won the women's race in 2.19.19, improving her best by over four minutes, breaking the national record and becoming the first German woman under 2.20. Irina Mikitenko is equal first in World Marathon Majors 2007-2008 series with Gete Wami of Ethiopia they have 65 points each
Oregon Runners Win XTERRA Trail Run Nationals
(9-27-08) From Press Release - Several hundred athletes from 21 states gathered at the upscale Old Mill District in Bend today for the fourth annual XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on an incredibly beautiful, crisp and clear morning along the Deschutes River.
Outside Magazine called this the best trail running town in America, and some of the fastest runners from around the state of Oregon and across the nation came to put its reputation to the test.
Ultimately the king of XTERRA trail running turned out to be none-other than Bend's very own Max King. The local favorite set the standard high turning out close to five-minute miles for a winning 21km course time of 1:08:01. After just winning a six-day 125 mile race through the Rockies earlier this month and coming in second at the 2008 World Mountain Running Championship last weekend, King was able to use his hometown advantage to edge out steeplechase star Ben Bruce, 26, of Eugene, Oregon by just over a minute. Ryan Bak, 27, also from Eugene and King's teammate on the 2008 USA World Cross Country Team, took third in 1:09:41.
"When I spoke to Ryan, he said he was just coming to do the race for fun. Both he and Ben entered the race at the last minute, but I knew they would be tough competition" King said.
Being from Bend, King was familiar with the course and was able to run part of the upper track last night giving him a good feel for the twists and turns. "I love to run a course with tight curves. It might be because of my low center of gravity" he joked. It was a close race for the first section, but at mile 3 Max took the lead and never looked back. When talking to Bruce and Bak, they said that as primarily track racers, "The course was more technical than they were used to. Max was able to take the sharp turns and really open up his lead."
"It's a great course and nice to show all these runners from out of town what we have here in Bend and how you can go from this really cool downtown-type setting to forested single track in just miles," said King. "Today was beautiful in Bend, the trails weren't dusty, just perfect. Bend is really a great place for XTERRA to be, and I think that showed today."
Overall Top 5 Men
Max King, 28 (Bend, OR) 1:08:01
Ben Bruce, 26 (Eugene, OR) 1:09:04
Ryan Bak, 27 (Eugene, OR) 1:09:41
Joseph Gray, 24 (Lakewood, WA) 1:13:53
Rich Skorczewski, 31 (Portland, OR) 1:15:01
In the women's race it was marathon specialist Susannah Beck, 40, who took home the women's top prize with her time of 1:23:07. This Eugene native "duked it out" for first place with Bend local Kami Semick, 42, who finished just 19 seconds later. These two ultra trail runners battled each other just six weeks ago at the USATF 50 Mile Trail Championship in Crystal Mountain, Washington where Beck and Semick also took the first and second place respectively.
This morning, it was an all out tug of war as Beck took the lead from the start giving way to Semick at mile six, and then regaining the lead at mile ten to take the women's title. 2008 World Mountain Running Champion Lisa Nye, 40, of Bend, who was under the weather and only made it to the race by her children's urging, came in an impressive third at 1:25:11.
Runners for the championship 21km distance ranged in age from 16 to 84. John Keston, the race's most senior participant from Sunriver, Oregon, is originally from England and honored the event by singing a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem at the awards ceremony. "I have only been racing competitively since I was 55" said Keston after completing the event in just 2:19:16.
After a 50+ event XTERRA Trail Run Series, 22 regional champions went head to head at this morning's race to see how they stacked up against the competition. Usually behind the scenes instead of the starting line, Philly Series race director Don Morrison said, "This was a great, fast race. The rolling hills were beautiful but not too technical. Everyone had a great time."
Overall Top 5 Women
Susannah Beck, 40 (Eugene, OR) 1:23:07
Kami Semick, 42 (Bend, OR) 1:23:26
Lisa Nye, 40 (Bend, OR) 1:25:11
Katie Caba, 37 (Bend, OR) 1:25:18
Lisa Goldsmith, 44 (Colo Springs, CO) 1:27:52
Five Bend runners won national titles today, along with several other Oregon-based athletes and out-of-state champions from California, Pennsylvania, Washington, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada.
| 2008 XTERRA Trail Running National Champions - Women | |||
| Division | Name | Hometown | Time |
| 15 - 19 | Amanda Root | Bend, OR | 1:59:36 |
| 20 - 24 | Ixel Sanchez | Ashland, OR | 1:33:31 |
| 25 - 29 | Jenn Shelton | Ashland, OR | 1:30:04 |
| 30 - 34 | Holly Hight | Wilsonville, OR | 1:32:30 |
| 35 - 39 | Katie Caba | Bend, OR | 1:25:18 |
| 40 - 44 | Susannah Beck | Eugene, OR | 1:23:07 |
| 45 - 49 | Jodi Ruby | La Verne, CA | 1:37:08 |
| 50 - 54 | Maureen Schlerf | Bend, OR | 2:01:22 |
| 55 - 59 | Leah Whipple | Kimberton, PA | 1:47:26 |
| 60 - 64 | Jessie Stratton | Redding, CA | 2:04:05 |
| 65 - 69 | Amy Galbraith | Venice, CA | 2:21:35 |
| 2008 XTERRA Trail Running National Champions - Men | |||
| Division | Name | Hometown | Time |
| 15 - 19 | Eddie Lacy | Bend, OR | 1:48:20 |
| 20 - 24 | Joseph Gray | Lakewood, WA | 1:13:53 |
| 25 - 29 | Max King | Bend, OR | 1:08:01 |
| 30 - 34 | Rich Skorczewski | Portland, OR | 1:15:01 |
| 35 - 39 | Richard Bolt | Portland, OR | 1:15:32 |
| 40 - 44 | Mark Ryan | Redmond, OR | 1:19:21 |
| 45 - 49 | Bernie Boettcher | Silt, CO | 1:16:16 |
| 50 - 54 | 2 Kevin Tuck | Salt Lake City, UT | 1:21:53 |
| 55 - 59 | Don Morrison | Brandywine, PA | 1:36:18 |
| 60 - 64 | Phil Rossi | Lake Oswego, OR | 1:40:06 |
| 65 - 69 | Steven Humphrey | Reno, NV | 1:57:48 |
| 75 - 79 | Don Hildebrand | Sisters, OR | 2:33:14 |
| 80+ | John Keston | Sunriver, OR | 2:19:16 |
More than 400 runners from 21 states registered for today's trail races and the beneficiary, the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, received $10 from every paid entry.
In addition to the main event there were 5km and 10km trail runs, nearly 100 kids enjoying the XTERRA Kids Zone obstacle courses, running races and agility drills, the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon was six stylists deep creating cool hairdo's as a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation all day, and an enormous crowd of spectators, friends and family enjoying an epic day in Bend.
All the day's action was filmed by the award-winning TEAM TV crew and will be edited into a segment for a future nationally syndicated XTERRA Adventures TV show that will be seen by millions of viewers across the country.
ON TO OKTOBERFEST: The official post-race party is the Bend Oktoberfest, where the National Champs will be recognized onstage and a highlight video and slideshow from the race will be shown.
BEND LOCALS DOMINATE 5KM/10KM RACES: Bend natives Andy Martin and Becky Bjork won the men's and women's 10km races while Mike Olson and Nicole Smith took top honors in the 5km race. Martin crushed the 10km in 35:29, more than six minutes ahead of Dennis Durling (41:36) who is also from Bend. Bjork's winning time was 43:53, more than a minute ahead of fellow local Leah Shirley. Olson finished the 5km in 16:54, exactly two minutes ahead of La Pine, OR runner Scott Abrams and Smith was nearly two minutes quicker than Linda English (Bend) with a winning time of 21:18. The most inspiring story of the day came during the 5km event as Tudor Gilmour, 36, crossed the finish line. While previewing the course for the Honolulu Marathon six years ago, she was hit by a car while riding her moped. Gilmour has been training to work her way back up to competing in another marathon ever sense, just one step at a time. "I usually run on paved roads, so I'm getting used to running on trails. This was a fun, beautiful course" she said.UP NEXT: The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is December 7 at Kualoa Ranch on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, and many of today's runners have already signed-up to take on the world. Read more at xterratrailrun.com.
Age Group National Champions Crowned in Oregon
(9-20-08) From USAT Press Release - More than 1,000 triathletes competed in the pinnacle event of the season - the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship on Saturday, September 20 at Hagg Lake.
The age groupers shared the spotlight with the elites, who competed in the USA Triathlon Elite National Championship later Saturday. Click here for the elite recap.
The first of 17 waves jumped into Hagg Lake at 7:15 a.m. and the action didn't stop all day. The weather was ideal for endurance sports with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s with cloudy skies and little to no wind. Jason Schott, 37, of Dahlonega, Ga., was the overall male winner with a time of 1:54:08. Brooke Davison, 37, of Boulder, Colo., finished in 2:05:52 to win the women's overall championship.
The athletes soaked up the atmosphere in the post- race zone and later in the expo tent for vendor presentations and contests, the awards ceremony and the post-race dinner.
The event, USA Triathlon's version of the "Super Bowl," attracted athletes from 45 states ranging in age from 18 to 78. Many of these athletes have trained all season in preparation for the event, some hoping to earn a spot on Team USA by finishing in the top 16 in their age group.
With the top talent present at Hagg Lake, prestigious age group and overall honors were on the athletes' minds.
"This is the best of the best - that's why it's nationals, said Adam Webber, who finished second overall. "I put a lot of focus into preparing for this race, and the goal was to be the national champion overall."
Steven Smith of Granger, Ind., defended his grandmasters title with a win in the 60-64 age group. Though he had a substantial gap on second place, Smith said there was nothing easy about the race.
"This is the most challenging Olympic distance course I've ever done. There's nothing flat on it - it's just one hill right after another."
Despite winning another national title, Smith isn't ready to rest - yet. He'll compete at Kona and in Clearwater and says that the challenge is what keeps him going.
"Seeing if you can beat the calendar is part of the challenge. Every October the calendar clicks over another year and I'm just trying to get my times back to what they were the year before."
Former elite marathoners Lauren Binder (F60-64) and Ellen Hart (F50-54) knew from experience what type of effort it would take to be successful. The two know a lot about being successful on the national stage. After all, they finished second and third to Joan Benoit- Samuelson when she set an American record in the marathon.
Now, they've embraced a new sport."To give us the opportunity to race competitively at this level at this time in our lives is the greatest gift," Hart said. "Even though we're so into the competitive part, there were times out there that I was just plain old having fun."
Hart also talked about the draw of triathlon.
"I'm new to the sport and I just feel so lucky to have this second chance at trying to push my limits as an athlete and pushing my comfort zone - I don't like being wet and I don't like being cold," Hart said. "Some aspects of the sport are not that comfortable, but it makes me try to be more brave."
Click here for full results
Men's overall
1. Jason Schott 1:54:08
2. Adam Webber 1:54:58
3. Nathan White 1:56:03
Women's overall
1. Brooke Davison 2:05:52
2. Cathy Yndestad 2:09:37
3. Stacey Richardson 2:09:51
Age Group Winners
F19 Under: Kelsey Markham (Collierville, Tenn.)
M19 Under: Eric Lagerstrom (Gresham, Ore.)
F20-24: Chris Tommerdahl (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
M20-24: Brian Duffy, Jr. (West Chester, Pa.)
F25-29: Lindsey Whalen (Chicago, Ill.)
M25-29: Adam Webber (Denver, Pa.)
F30-34: Cathy Yndestad (St. Paul, Minn.)
M30-34: Mark Harms (Madison, Wis.)
F35-39: Brooke Davison (Boulder, Colo.)
M35-39: Jason Schott (Dahlonega, Ga.)
F40-44: Steph Popelar (Parker, Colo.)
M40-44: Doug Clark (Morristown, N.J.)
F45-49: Judyann Cummings (Denver, Colo.)
M45-49: Pete Kain (Cupertino, Calif.)
F50-54: Kelly Molaski (Bellingham, Wash.)
M50-54: Steve Pyle (Boulder, Colo.)
F55-59: Karen McKeachie (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
M55-59: Dean Harper (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
F60-64: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.)
M60-64: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.)
F65-69: Elizabeth Brackett (Chicago, Ill.)
M65-69: Robert Plant (Woodside, Calif.)
F70-74: Jan Miller (Green Valley, Ariz.)
M70-74: Jon Adamson (Alpharetta, Ga.)
F75-79: Madonna Buder (Spokane, Wash.)
Masters
Female: Steph Popelar
Male: Doug Clark
Grandmasters
Female: Lauren Binder
Male: Steven Smith
CEO Challenge: Aaron Wallen (Honolulu, Hawaii)
The age groupers shared the spotlight with the elites, who competed in the USA Triathlon Elite National Championship later Saturday. Click here for the elite recap.
The first of 17 waves jumped into Hagg Lake at 7:15 a.m. and the action didn't stop all day. The weather was ideal for endurance sports with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s with cloudy skies and little to no wind. Jason Schott, 37, of Dahlonega, Ga., was the overall male winner with a time of 1:54:08. Brooke Davison, 37, of Boulder, Colo., finished in 2:05:52 to win the women's overall championship.
The athletes soaked up the atmosphere in the post- race zone and later in the expo tent for vendor presentations and contests, the awards ceremony and the post-race dinner.
The event, USA Triathlon's version of the "Super Bowl," attracted athletes from 45 states ranging in age from 18 to 78. Many of these athletes have trained all season in preparation for the event, some hoping to earn a spot on Team USA by finishing in the top 16 in their age group.
With the top talent present at Hagg Lake, prestigious age group and overall honors were on the athletes' minds.
"This is the best of the best - that's why it's nationals, said Adam Webber, who finished second overall. "I put a lot of focus into preparing for this race, and the goal was to be the national champion overall."
Steven Smith of Granger, Ind., defended his grandmasters title with a win in the 60-64 age group. Though he had a substantial gap on second place, Smith said there was nothing easy about the race.
"This is the most challenging Olympic distance course I've ever done. There's nothing flat on it - it's just one hill right after another."
Despite winning another national title, Smith isn't ready to rest - yet. He'll compete at Kona and in Clearwater and says that the challenge is what keeps him going.
"Seeing if you can beat the calendar is part of the challenge. Every October the calendar clicks over another year and I'm just trying to get my times back to what they were the year before."
Former elite marathoners Lauren Binder (F60-64) and Ellen Hart (F50-54) knew from experience what type of effort it would take to be successful. The two know a lot about being successful on the national stage. After all, they finished second and third to Joan Benoit- Samuelson when she set an American record in the marathon.
Now, they've embraced a new sport."To give us the opportunity to race competitively at this level at this time in our lives is the greatest gift," Hart said. "Even though we're so into the competitive part, there were times out there that I was just plain old having fun."
Hart also talked about the draw of triathlon.
"I'm new to the sport and I just feel so lucky to have this second chance at trying to push my limits as an athlete and pushing my comfort zone - I don't like being wet and I don't like being cold," Hart said. "Some aspects of the sport are not that comfortable, but it makes me try to be more brave."
Click here for full results
Men's overall
1. Jason Schott 1:54:08
2. Adam Webber 1:54:58
3. Nathan White 1:56:03
Women's overall
1. Brooke Davison 2:05:52
2. Cathy Yndestad 2:09:37
3. Stacey Richardson 2:09:51
Age Group Winners
F19 Under: Kelsey Markham (Collierville, Tenn.)
M19 Under: Eric Lagerstrom (Gresham, Ore.)
F20-24: Chris Tommerdahl (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
M20-24: Brian Duffy, Jr. (West Chester, Pa.)
F25-29: Lindsey Whalen (Chicago, Ill.)
M25-29: Adam Webber (Denver, Pa.)
F30-34: Cathy Yndestad (St. Paul, Minn.)
M30-34: Mark Harms (Madison, Wis.)
F35-39: Brooke Davison (Boulder, Colo.)
M35-39: Jason Schott (Dahlonega, Ga.)
F40-44: Steph Popelar (Parker, Colo.)
M40-44: Doug Clark (Morristown, N.J.)
F45-49: Judyann Cummings (Denver, Colo.)
M45-49: Pete Kain (Cupertino, Calif.)
F50-54: Kelly Molaski (Bellingham, Wash.)
M50-54: Steve Pyle (Boulder, Colo.)
F55-59: Karen McKeachie (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
M55-59: Dean Harper (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
F60-64: Lauren Binder (Portland, Ore.)
M60-64: Steven Smith (Granger, Ind.)
F65-69: Elizabeth Brackett (Chicago, Ill.)
M65-69: Robert Plant (Woodside, Calif.)
F70-74: Jan Miller (Green Valley, Ariz.)
M70-74: Jon Adamson (Alpharetta, Ga.)
F75-79: Madonna Buder (Spokane, Wash.)
Masters
Female: Steph Popelar
Male: Doug Clark
Grandmasters
Female: Lauren Binder
Male: Steven Smith
CEO Challenge: Aaron Wallen (Honolulu, Hawaii)
The Future Is Bright For Northwest XC Skiing
(9-17-08) by J.D. Downing - With today's headlines crowded with gloomy news and forecasts related to climate change, a troubled economic picture, and energy prices -- it can be hard to be upbeat about active outdoor sports. When one considers the logistical challenges of winter sports compared to "out the door" activities such as running, the outlook for the coming decade could be downright dismal.
Despite this dark backdrop, the future for one winter outdoor sport in the Pacific Northwest -- cross country skiing -- is much brighter than the global headlines would otherwise suggest. Since many RaceCenter readers are cross country skiers, it's worthwhile to see how the future looks for the world's premier on-snow endurance sport.
2010 Winter Olympic "Bounce"
In both good and bad times, the sporting world loves the Olympics. Now that the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics are history, world-wide attention has already shifted to Vancouver, B.C. and the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Vancouver/Whistler Games will be the first time the Pacific Northwest region has hosted either a Winter or Summer Olympics not to mention 22 years since Canada last was an Olympic host (1988 Calgary, Alberta Winter Olympics). Suffice it to say, 2010 will be anything but a normal winter throughout the region!
International ski teams are expected to increase their presence in Oregon, Washington, western Idaho, and B.C. over the next 18 months as they try and adjust to everything from travel logistics, altitude, weather patterns, and course profiles. Even if your local ski area isn't a training locale for one of these teams, the excitement will be building throughout the Northwest as we all realize how close the Games are both in time and distance.
For cross country skiing the Olympics provide a huge attention boost. As with most endurance sports, the best (often only) U.S. television coverage of cross country skiing is found during the Winter Games. Mass market print, radio, web, and regional/local television also ramp up their coverage. With the 2010 Winter Olympics actually in our region, it is easy to see how media attention for cross country skiing may never be better than the next two years.
For the average Northwest skier, the benefits of all this attention may not be readily obvious -- but I assure you, it's all good!
One immediate boost is that your local ski areas, retailers, and clubs will almost certainly benefit from millions of dollars in free publicity provided by the build-up to 2010 Vancouver. The XC ski industry has documented this positive "bounce" from past Games, all the more so in areas within a day's drive of Olympic venues.
In turn, ski businesses and non-profit groups that are doing well economically are in a better position to expand programs such as learn-to-ski packages, dryland XC ski fitness programs, weekly educational clinics for all ages, point-to-point tour packages, and race events.
Even if you prefer all save all your competitive juices for dryland activities, every RaceCenter reader that plans on cross country skiing in the next few years is very likely to benefit from the 2010 Winter Olympics being in the Pacific Northwest.
Climate Change: A Tiny Bit Of Good News
For those of us in the ski world, there's a whole lot to be scared about when it comes to climate change. Computer models generated by researchers in the Northwest are showing wetter and warmer winters in coming years with rising snow lines that may very well imperil several of the more popular resorts in our region. (this isn't the good news!)
Whereas the 07/08 Pacific NW winter was just about as good as it gets with plentiful snow from Thanksgiving to Easter, upcoming winters may or may not be as generous.
The one big positive for Northwest cross country skiing lies in the historical origins of the sport. Scandinavians originally used to XC ski for survival in the harsh northern winters and they most certainly didn't depend on ski resorts to provide a manicured experience.
Although I've spent the past quarter century encouraging people to experience XC skiing on groomed trails with professional instruction and the most modern equipment -- the reality is that XC skiing has the ability to adapt to marginal snow wherever it does fall in coming years. I've spent hours XC skiing on no more than a few inches of snow on dirt roads and grass parks that typically are never thought of as "ski trails".
This versatility may even mean that XC skiing sees a certain level of growth if lift assisted snow sports become too inconsistent. After all, climate change or not, people will still want to go out and play in the winter whenever and wherever snow does fall.
Too Far To Drive at $4 A Gallon?
Pretty much the same reasons that may allow XC skiing to thrive when other winter sports are riding the ragged edge, also give XC skiing an advantage when it comes to increased costs with winter transportation.
In the Northwest, almost all of us have to travel at least a few miles to be in consistent snow during the winter. The further any of us have to travel to participate in winter sports, the worse the bite of increased fuel prices will be.
But even with likely rising snow levels in coming years, the ability to XC ski right on the edge of the snowline -- as opposed to the heart of winter where ski resorts are located -- represents a huge future savings in gasoline. This, in turn, may allow XC skiing to remain very economical compared to other winter sports that are "stuck" at remote resorts that get ever more expensive to reach.
Baby Boom = Boom For XC Skiing?
The final positive trend that could very well work in favor of XC skiing in coming years is the appeal of XC skiing over lift-assisted snow sport to retiring Baby Boomers. As health care spirals upwards in cost, seniors are seeing the advantages of staying active year round and keeping themselves as fit as possible. However, big air at the snowboard half pipe or 70mph alpine downhills are unlikely to attract a lot of novice seniors. XC skiing on the other hand is a near perfect fit.
With a short learning curve, very low injury risk, and unbeatable fitness benefits XC skiing is a proven winner with retirees looking for a way to enjoy the winter wilderness.
The Northwest has a very active senior population compared to many regions of the country and increasing numbers of Northwest seniors are undoubtedly going to start picking up XC skis over the coming decade. This increase in new skiers will again pay big dividends for skiers at younger ages as the industry stays healthy and support grows for increased public and private support for XC ski resorts and trails.
There may be a few potentially dark clouds on the horizon, but all things considered -- the future is indeed looking bright for XC skiing in the Northwest.
About the Author
J.D. Downing is the Coach/Director of the XC Oregon elite XC ski race team. Several members of the XC Oregon team are hoping to qualify to compete in the 2009 Nordic World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics. RaceCenter NW is a proud sponsor of XC Oregon. Find out more about the team and special public events at xcoregon.org.
Despite this dark backdrop, the future for one winter outdoor sport in the Pacific Northwest -- cross country skiing -- is much brighter than the global headlines would otherwise suggest. Since many RaceCenter readers are cross country skiers, it's worthwhile to see how the future looks for the world's premier on-snow endurance sport.
2010 Winter Olympic "Bounce"
In both good and bad times, the sporting world loves the Olympics. Now that the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics are history, world-wide attention has already shifted to Vancouver, B.C. and the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Vancouver/Whistler Games will be the first time the Pacific Northwest region has hosted either a Winter or Summer Olympics not to mention 22 years since Canada last was an Olympic host (1988 Calgary, Alberta Winter Olympics). Suffice it to say, 2010 will be anything but a normal winter throughout the region!
International ski teams are expected to increase their presence in Oregon, Washington, western Idaho, and B.C. over the next 18 months as they try and adjust to everything from travel logistics, altitude, weather patterns, and course profiles. Even if your local ski area isn't a training locale for one of these teams, the excitement will be building throughout the Northwest as we all realize how close the Games are both in time and distance.
For cross country skiing the Olympics provide a huge attention boost. As with most endurance sports, the best (often only) U.S. television coverage of cross country skiing is found during the Winter Games. Mass market print, radio, web, and regional/local television also ramp up their coverage. With the 2010 Winter Olympics actually in our region, it is easy to see how media attention for cross country skiing may never be better than the next two years.
For the average Northwest skier, the benefits of all this attention may not be readily obvious -- but I assure you, it's all good!
One immediate boost is that your local ski areas, retailers, and clubs will almost certainly benefit from millions of dollars in free publicity provided by the build-up to 2010 Vancouver. The XC ski industry has documented this positive "bounce" from past Games, all the more so in areas within a day's drive of Olympic venues.
In turn, ski businesses and non-profit groups that are doing well economically are in a better position to expand programs such as learn-to-ski packages, dryland XC ski fitness programs, weekly educational clinics for all ages, point-to-point tour packages, and race events.
Even if you prefer all save all your competitive juices for dryland activities, every RaceCenter reader that plans on cross country skiing in the next few years is very likely to benefit from the 2010 Winter Olympics being in the Pacific Northwest.
Climate Change: A Tiny Bit Of Good News
For those of us in the ski world, there's a whole lot to be scared about when it comes to climate change. Computer models generated by researchers in the Northwest are showing wetter and warmer winters in coming years with rising snow lines that may very well imperil several of the more popular resorts in our region. (this isn't the good news!)
Whereas the 07/08 Pacific NW winter was just about as good as it gets with plentiful snow from Thanksgiving to Easter, upcoming winters may or may not be as generous.
The one big positive for Northwest cross country skiing lies in the historical origins of the sport. Scandinavians originally used to XC ski for survival in the harsh northern winters and they most certainly didn't depend on ski resorts to provide a manicured experience.
Although I've spent the past quarter century encouraging people to experience XC skiing on groomed trails with professional instruction and the most modern equipment -- the reality is that XC skiing has the ability to adapt to marginal snow wherever it does fall in coming years. I've spent hours XC skiing on no more than a few inches of snow on dirt roads and grass parks that typically are never thought of as "ski trails".
This versatility may even mean that XC skiing sees a certain level of growth if lift assisted snow sports become too inconsistent. After all, climate change or not, people will still want to go out and play in the winter whenever and wherever snow does fall.
Too Far To Drive at $4 A Gallon?
Pretty much the same reasons that may allow XC skiing to thrive when other winter sports are riding the ragged edge, also give XC skiing an advantage when it comes to increased costs with winter transportation.
In the Northwest, almost all of us have to travel at least a few miles to be in consistent snow during the winter. The further any of us have to travel to participate in winter sports, the worse the bite of increased fuel prices will be.
But even with likely rising snow levels in coming years, the ability to XC ski right on the edge of the snowline -- as opposed to the heart of winter where ski resorts are located -- represents a huge future savings in gasoline. This, in turn, may allow XC skiing to remain very economical compared to other winter sports that are "stuck" at remote resorts that get ever more expensive to reach.
Baby Boom = Boom For XC Skiing?
The final positive trend that could very well work in favor of XC skiing in coming years is the appeal of XC skiing over lift-assisted snow sport to retiring Baby Boomers. As health care spirals upwards in cost, seniors are seeing the advantages of staying active year round and keeping themselves as fit as possible. However, big air at the snowboard half pipe or 70mph alpine downhills are unlikely to attract a lot of novice seniors. XC skiing on the other hand is a near perfect fit.
With a short learning curve, very low injury risk, and unbeatable fitness benefits XC skiing is a proven winner with retirees looking for a way to enjoy the winter wilderness.
The Northwest has a very active senior population compared to many regions of the country and increasing numbers of Northwest seniors are undoubtedly going to start picking up XC skis over the coming decade. This increase in new skiers will again pay big dividends for skiers at younger ages as the industry stays healthy and support grows for increased public and private support for XC ski resorts and trails.
There may be a few potentially dark clouds on the horizon, but all things considered -- the future is indeed looking bright for XC skiing in the Northwest.
About the Author
J.D. Downing is the Coach/Director of the XC Oregon elite XC ski race team. Several members of the XC Oregon team are hoping to qualify to compete in the 2009 Nordic World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics. RaceCenter NW is a proud sponsor of XC Oregon. Find out more about the team and special public events at xcoregon.org.
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