(12-18-09) From Running USA Wire #104-12-09 - In celebration of its 25th anniversary as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial has announced the signing of top Americans, Meb Keflezighi and Ryan Hall, for the 114th running of the storied race on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Keflezighi and Hall have proven themselves as two of the best distance runners of all-time. The dynamic duo have the talent and credentials to challenge Boston's world class field as they each seek to become the first male American winner since Greg Meyer in 1983. At previous Boston Marathons, each has placed third: Hall in 2009 and Keflezighi in 2006.
Fresh from his historic marathon win in New York City is Keflezighi, a two-time Olympian and U.S. record holder in the 10,000m. Keflezighi, 34, won the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon and has won 20 national titles to-date.
"Boston has a great tradition not only to the running community but also to the rest of the world," said Keflezighi. "It has always been my ultimate goal to win the Boston Marathon."
This has been a banner year for Keflezighi who improved his personal best to 2:09:15 with his stirring New York City win and also claimed national titles in cross country, seven miles, half-marathon and the marathon.
"Winning in New York was a huge personal triumph and the victory belongs to my family and support team," said the UCLA grad. "I am glad I can help move the continued resurgence of U.S. distance running to the next level. I am living the American dream and feel blessed."
Hall, 27, carries his own impressive qualifications as the second fastest U.S. marathoner of all-time with a 2:06:17 personal record. Only former world record holder Khalid Khannouchi has posted a faster U.S. mark. The Stanford grad holds U.S. records in the half-marathon and 30K. He was first at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, shattering the event record by more than a minute, and went on to place 10th at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon.
"As soon as I finished the 2009 Boston Marathon, I knew I wanted to be back for the 2010 race," said Hall. "The energy of the crowds far exceeded my expectations, the course was even more challenging than I anticipated, I hurt more than I have hurt in any other race, yet participating in the Boston Marathon was thrilling beyond my greatest expectations."
Last year, Hall was the aggressive early leader taking a seasoned field through 5K in world record pace. He stayed with the leaders throughout the race, but Deriba Merga of Ethiopia prevailed as the winner.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to come back as part of the John Hancock Elite team and try to master the course that mastered me last year," added Hall. "I will be one year stronger this April and more importantly one year smarter."
Both men train with Mammoth Track Club in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. and have been long-time residents of the state. Hall is originally from Big Bear Lake and graduated from Stanford as a three-time All American in cross country and NCAA champion in the 5000m. Keflezighi is from San Diego and graduated from UCLA as a four-time NCAA champion. In head-to-head marathon competition, Hall has out run Keflezighi 2-1. In their respective third place podium finishes at Boston, Hall ran a 2:09:40 in 2009 and Keflezighi ran a 2:09:56 in 2006.
With necessary experience on the course and plenty of motivation to become the first U.S. men's champion in 27 years, the Keflezighi-Hall match up should prove exciting.
"Meb and Ryan are among the very best and brightest stars in U.S. distance running," said Guy Morse, executive director of the B.A.A. "Meb has led the resurging American men since he won the silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004, and Ryan's full potential at the marathon distance is yet to be realized. We look forward to providing the stage for both of them to continue their success and development."
"John Hancock is committed to securing the strongest fields of runners from around the world for the Boston Marathon each year. It is an added bonus to have Meb and Ryan, two outstanding U.S. runners, as top contenders in the field for the 2010 race," said Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial Services. "We know they will only add excitement to what is always a thrilling race. Marathoning is a global sport and the prominence of U.S. runners among the world's elite is a terrific development for fans and for the sport."
For more race information, go to: BostonMarathon.org
Bend, Oregon to host USATF 2010 50k Trail Running and Half Marathon Trail Running National Championships
(12-17-09) From Press Release - On the heels of the successful completion of the 2009 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, Bend has been awarded two additional national championship events for 2010 by USA Track & Field, the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. Both the Half Marathon and 50k Trail Running National Championships will be contested in Bend in 2010, joining a list of premiere national championship events that includes the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, USA Cycling Elite, Junior & U23 Road National Championships, and the XTERRA Trail Running National Championships.
The Half Marathon Trail National Championship will take place in Summer 2010. Event organizers will work with the USFS to identify a location that can accommodate the championships. The 50k Trail Running National Championship is currently scheduled for September 2010. Dave Thomason from Superfit Productions and FootZone will serve as race director for both events.
"Bend is quickly gaining a much deserved reputation as a venue for major national championship competitions, due in large part to the support of local businesses and the enthusiasm of the entire community," said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend, which managed the bid process. "Both of the USATF national championships fall outside of our high tourism season, and therefore will provide local businesses with a solid economic boost at a typically slower time of year."
Bend has been recognized by the editors of Outside magazine as America's Top Trail Running Town, an honor that helped attract the attention of XTERRA and USATF officials. Bend is also home to a number of elite endurance trail runners, including World 100k Champion Kami Semick, Trail Marathon National Champion Max King, Jeff Browning and Sean Meissner.
About Visit Bend:
Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. For more information or to order a complimentary Official Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.
About USA Track & Field:
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. USATF is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization with a staff of professional program administrators at the National Office in Indianapolis. www.usatf.org.
The Half Marathon Trail National Championship will take place in Summer 2010. Event organizers will work with the USFS to identify a location that can accommodate the championships. The 50k Trail Running National Championship is currently scheduled for September 2010. Dave Thomason from Superfit Productions and FootZone will serve as race director for both events.
"Bend is quickly gaining a much deserved reputation as a venue for major national championship competitions, due in large part to the support of local businesses and the enthusiasm of the entire community," said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend, which managed the bid process. "Both of the USATF national championships fall outside of our high tourism season, and therefore will provide local businesses with a solid economic boost at a typically slower time of year."
Bend has been recognized by the editors of Outside magazine as America's Top Trail Running Town, an honor that helped attract the attention of XTERRA and USATF officials. Bend is also home to a number of elite endurance trail runners, including World 100k Champion Kami Semick, Trail Marathon National Champion Max King, Jeff Browning and Sean Meissner.
About Visit Bend:
Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. For more information or to order a complimentary Official Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.
About USA Track & Field:
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. USATF is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization with a staff of professional program administrators at the National Office in Indianapolis. www.usatf.org.
Inaugural Crescent Lake Challenge XC Ski Tour Slated for January
(12-14-09) From Press Release - SportHill, Inc, a Eugene, Oregon based performance sports apparel company, announced today their sponsorship and support of the Crescent Lake Challenge, a 22-kilometer citizen ski tour and race circling scenic Crescent Lake, in the central Oregon Cascades on January 17.
Jim Hill, President, of SportHill and acting as the race director for the first year, believes it's the first ski race that's ever been held around the lake. "It's a beautiful location that my wife and I have been skiing around for years. The rolling terrain is ideal for a ski tour and race. The idea came to us last year and we hope to attract skiers of all abilities from throughout the Northwest. Our plan is to make it a yearly event."
Prize money is being offered for the top three male and female skiers and age group prizes and random drawing prizes will be given. Grooming and support is being provided by the Walker Rim Riders Snowmobile Club. Food and reduced cost lodging is being provided by Crescent Lake Resort. A portion of the proceeds will go towards future grooming and to benefit area High School cross country skiing. Complete details and sign up can be found at www.crescentlakechallenge.com or by contacting Mr. Hill at 800-622-8444.
Jim Hill, President, of SportHill and acting as the race director for the first year, believes it's the first ski race that's ever been held around the lake. "It's a beautiful location that my wife and I have been skiing around for years. The rolling terrain is ideal for a ski tour and race. The idea came to us last year and we hope to attract skiers of all abilities from throughout the Northwest. Our plan is to make it a yearly event."
Prize money is being offered for the top three male and female skiers and age group prizes and random drawing prizes will be given. Grooming and support is being provided by the Walker Rim Riders Snowmobile Club. Food and reduced cost lodging is being provided by Crescent Lake Resort. A portion of the proceeds will go towards future grooming and to benefit area High School cross country skiing. Complete details and sign up can be found at www.crescentlakechallenge.com or by contacting Mr. Hill at 800-622-8444.
Oregon's Max King Wins Second Consecutive XTERRA Trail Running World Championship
(12-6-09) From XTERRA Press Release - Max King, 29, from Bend, Oregon and Fiona Docherty, 34, from New Zealand won the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship at Kualoa Ranch this morning and each won $2,000, airfare from Hawaiian Airlines, and a host of other prizes for their efforts.
More than 1,000 runners from 35 states and nine countries participated in the day's 3.1-mile, 6.2-mile, and 12-mile races, which were a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Hawaii.
King won the men's 12-mile championship race in 1:14:26, nearly three-minutes ahead of runner-up Joe Gray, the reigning USA Track and Field Mountain Runner of the Year. It's the second straight year King has won the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship and just a month ago he won the USA Track and Field National Trail Marathon (six days after finishing 18th at the New York City Marathon).
"This course was a lot harder than last year, it felt like 20 miles, not 12" smiled King.
Epic conditions greeted runners for the 9am start - sunny and clear with cool island breezes coming in off the ocean. The undulating course 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 (#1) went out hard from the start followed in step by Gray (#6) and Ben Bruce (#2) though the early stages, but before the midway point it turned into a two-man race.
"Joe (Gray) was with me for quite a while and I was afraid of him on the hills because he's so good in the mountains. Both he and Ben are great runners and I knew I had my work cut out for me," said King.
It wasn't until about the 7-mile mark when King pulled away, and solidified his position as the "King of XTERRA Trail Running".
"This valley is really a grand stage for an event like this, the scenery is just amazing with the cliffs and the ocean and the ridgeline single track trails. Plus, I'm really happy to be in Hawaii right now, its 15-degrees in Bend."
DOCHERTY - ANDERSON - FUHR ... 1, 2, 3 IN THE WOMEN'S RACE
In the women's race Docherty (a Kiwi living in Boulder, Colorado) sprinted to the lead in the first mile and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 1:30:05, more than two-minutes ahead of last year's winner Cindy Anderson from Kailua, Hawaii.
"This was an amazing, tough and awesome course," said Docherty (pictured), the 2003 Duathlon World Champion and sister of two-time Olympic triathlon medalist Bevan Docherty. "This was my first XTERRA, but I've always loved trail running. Thankfully I am strong on the hills, so I was able to push it and hold on."
In the race for second Heather Fuhr, a 15-time Ironman Champ and the 1997 Ironman World Champ, was in front of Anderson until about the halfway point.
"I started out hard, but Fiona passed me within about a mile, and I wasn't able to catch up to Heather until about mile six," said Anderson. ""I'm not usually good on the downhills so that was tough for me along with the heat, but this year's race was fun and I ran six minutes faster than last year, so really psyched to take 2nd."
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.
The XTERRA Trail Running World Championship was presented by Paul Mitchell, Hawaiian Airlines, XTERRA.TV, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, and GU Energy Gel. Sponsors include Kualoa Ranch, Gatorade, Runner's World Magazine, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Zorrel, and the XTERRA Alliance - Gear, Footwear, Fitness, Wetsuits, and Cycling.
More than 1,000 runners from 35 states and nine countries participated in the day's 3.1-mile, 6.2-mile, and 12-mile races, which were a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Hawaii.
King won the men's 12-mile championship race in 1:14:26, nearly three-minutes ahead of runner-up Joe Gray, the reigning USA Track and Field Mountain Runner of the Year. It's the second straight year King has won the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship and just a month ago he won the USA Track and Field National Trail Marathon (six days after finishing 18th at the New York City Marathon).
"This course was a lot harder than last year, it felt like 20 miles, not 12" smiled King.
Epic conditions greeted runners for the 9am start - sunny and clear with cool island breezes coming in off the ocean. The undulating course 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 (#1) went out hard from the start followed in step by Gray (#6) and Ben Bruce (#2) though the early stages, but before the midway point it turned into a two-man race.
"Joe (Gray) was with me for quite a while and I was afraid of him on the hills because he's so good in the mountains. Both he and Ben are great runners and I knew I had my work cut out for me," said King.
It wasn't until about the 7-mile mark when King pulled away, and solidified his position as the "King of XTERRA Trail Running".
"This valley is really a grand stage for an event like this, the scenery is just amazing with the cliffs and the ocean and the ridgeline single track trails. Plus, I'm really happy to be in Hawaii right now, its 15-degrees in Bend."
DOCHERTY - ANDERSON - FUHR ... 1, 2, 3 IN THE WOMEN'S RACE
In the women's race Docherty (a Kiwi living in Boulder, Colorado) sprinted to the lead in the first mile and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 1:30:05, more than two-minutes ahead of last year's winner Cindy Anderson from Kailua, Hawaii.
"This was an amazing, tough and awesome course," said Docherty (pictured), the 2003 Duathlon World Champion and sister of two-time Olympic triathlon medalist Bevan Docherty. "This was my first XTERRA, but I've always loved trail running. Thankfully I am strong on the hills, so I was able to push it and hold on."
In the race for second Heather Fuhr, a 15-time Ironman Champ and the 1997 Ironman World Champ, was in front of Anderson until about the halfway point.
"I started out hard, but Fiona passed me within about a mile, and I wasn't able to catch up to Heather until about mile six," said Anderson. ""I'm not usually good on the downhills so that was tough for me along with the heat, but this year's race was fun and I ran six minutes faster than last year, so really psyched to take 2nd."
2009 XTERRA TRAIL RUN WORLD CHAMP MONEY WINNERS
| MALE | ||||||
| PLACE | FIRST NAME | LAST NAME | AGE | HOMETOWN | TIME | PURSE |
| 1st | Max | King | 29 | Bend, OR | 1:14:26 | $2,000 |
| 2nd | Joseph | Gray | 25 | Lakewood, WA | 1:17:21 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | Ben | Bruce | 27 | Eugene, OR | 1:20:43 | $750 |
| 4th | John | Tribbia | 27 | Boulder, CO | 1:25:47 | $500 |
| 5th | Fujio | Miyachi | 31 | Tokyo, Japan | 1:26:12 | $300 |
| 6th | Jeff | Campbell | 38 | Atlanta, GA | 1:26:45 | $250 |
| 7th | Andy | Ames | 46 | Boulder, CO | 1:28:53 | $200 |
| FEMALE | ||||||
| PLACE | FIRST NAME | LAST NAME | AGE | HOMETOWN | TIME | PURSE |
| 1st | Fiona | Docherty | 34 | Boulder, CO/NZ | 1:30:05 | $2,000 |
| 2nd | Cynthia | Anderson | 26 | Kailua, HI | 1:33:01 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | Heather | Fuhr | 41 | Encinitas, CA | 1:38:01 | $750 |
| 4th | Ady | Ngawati | 32 | Whangarei, NZ | 1:38:53 | $500 |
| 5th | Jenny | Tobin | 41 | Boise, ID | 1:40:29 | $300 |
| 6th | Jessica | Tranchina | 32 | Honolulu, HI | 1:41:36 | $250 |
| 7th | Rachel | Cieslewicz | 29 | Salt Lake City, UT | 1:42:13 | $200 |
THE CHAMPIONS
In addition to the elite runners, dozens of amateur trail runners earned the title of XTERRA World Champion in their age division. Here's a look at this year's title winners...
| MALE | ||||
| Division | First Name | Last Name | Hometown | Time |
| 10-14 | Jarrell | Hibler | Honolulu, HI | 1:59:35 |
| 15-19 | Jesse | Story | Pearl Harbor, HI | 1:51:18 |
| 20-24 | Vaughn | Harber | Honolulu, HI | 1:35:29 |
| 25-29 | Max | King | Bend, OR | 1:14:26 |
| 30-34 | Fujio | Miyachi | Tokyo, Japan | 1:26:12 |
| 35-39 | Jeff | Campbell | Atlanta, GA | 1:26:45 |
| 40-44 | Scott | Dunlap | Woodside, CA | 1:35:23 |
| 45-49 | Andy | Ames | Boulder, CO | 1:28:53 |
| 50-54 | Ash | Dustow | Honolulu, HI | 1:36:10 |
| 55-59 | Edward | Bugarin | Honolulu, HI | 1:49:09 |
| 60-64 | Justin | Costa | Makawao, HI | 2:09:02 |
| 65-69 | Steven | Humphrey | Reno, NV | 2:26:28 |
| PC | Fouad | Fattoumy | Honolulu, HI | 1:45:29 |
| FEMALE | ||||
| Division | First Name | Last Name | Hometown | Time |
| 15-19 | Samantha | Blanch | Pukekohe, New Zealand | 1:58:47 |
| 20-24 | Antonietta | Iosue | Kailua, HI | 2:08:36 |
| 25-29 | Cynthia | Anderson | Kailua, HI | 1:33:01 |
| 30-34 | Fiona | Docherty | Boulder, CO/New Zealand | 1:30:05 |
| 35-39 | Cristina | Begy | Honolulu, HI | 1:44:54 |
| 40-44 | Heather | Fuhr | Encinitas, CA | 1:38:01 |
| 45-49 | Maureen | Lyell | Auckland, New Zealand | 1:51:48 |
| 50-54 | Christine | Crooks | Auckland, New Zealand | 2:23:10 |
| 55-59 | Lorenn | Walker | Waialua, HI | 2:24:03 |
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.
The XTERRA Trail Running World Championship was presented by Paul Mitchell, Hawaiian Airlines, XTERRA.TV, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, and GU Energy Gel. Sponsors include Kualoa Ranch, Gatorade, Runner's World Magazine, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Zorrel, and the XTERRA Alliance - Gear, Footwear, Fitness, Wetsuits, and Cycling.
Missoula Marathon Chosen Best Overall Marathon by Runner's World Readers
(12-04-09) From Press Release - The readers of Runner's World have selected the Missoula Marathon in Missoula, Mont., the best marathon in the magazine's January issue, which hit newsstands this week.
Runner's World Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso traveled to Missoula to deliver the news with Missoula Marathon Race Director Jennifer Straughan on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Straughan and Yasso revealed the results of the survey and the magazine to a room full of event volunteers and supporters who had gathered for the annual race planning meeting. Readers were asked to rank marathons they have run based on scenery, course, aid station support and more. Marathons of all sizes were considered, and Missoula beat out several large events such as New York, London and Boston.
Straughan was thrilled when she heard readers had bestowed her race with the "best marathon" title.
"To think that the Missoula Marathon earned such a distinction from the readers of Runner's World Magazine is an amazing honor. Everyone in our community cares very much about this event, and this is a testament to everyone's involvement and dedication to the Missoula Marathon."
The first Missoula Marathon was held in July 2007. Since then the race has doubled in size. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, marathon relay, and kids' marathon, plus a 5K held the day prior. In 2009, more than 2,300 people raced in one of the weekend's events.
Straughan expects to see a significant jump in registration for the 2010 event on Sunday, July 11, after Runner's World's 2.8 million readers see what the Missoula Marathon has to offer.
"We look forward to providing the same great event to runners from all over the country and the world, who because of the runners and readers of Runner's World, now know about our race and our community."
The Missoula Marathon begins west of town and follows paved roads through rural neighborhoods before routing runners through Missoula's picturesque neighborhoods and to the finish line on Higgins Avenue Bridge in downtown above the Clark Fork River. Each year, hundreds of local residents staff aid stations and while hundreds more line the course to cheer racers on as they make their way toward the finish line and the post-race party in Caras Park.
The Missoula Marathon is put on by the non-profit 501(c)3 running club, Run Wild Missoula. Visit the Missoula Marathon Web site for additional information at www.missoulamarathon.org.
Runner's World Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso traveled to Missoula to deliver the news with Missoula Marathon Race Director Jennifer Straughan on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Straughan and Yasso revealed the results of the survey and the magazine to a room full of event volunteers and supporters who had gathered for the annual race planning meeting. Readers were asked to rank marathons they have run based on scenery, course, aid station support and more. Marathons of all sizes were considered, and Missoula beat out several large events such as New York, London and Boston.
Straughan was thrilled when she heard readers had bestowed her race with the "best marathon" title.
"To think that the Missoula Marathon earned such a distinction from the readers of Runner's World Magazine is an amazing honor. Everyone in our community cares very much about this event, and this is a testament to everyone's involvement and dedication to the Missoula Marathon."
The first Missoula Marathon was held in July 2007. Since then the race has doubled in size. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, marathon relay, and kids' marathon, plus a 5K held the day prior. In 2009, more than 2,300 people raced in one of the weekend's events.
Straughan expects to see a significant jump in registration for the 2010 event on Sunday, July 11, after Runner's World's 2.8 million readers see what the Missoula Marathon has to offer.
"We look forward to providing the same great event to runners from all over the country and the world, who because of the runners and readers of Runner's World, now know about our race and our community."
The Missoula Marathon begins west of town and follows paved roads through rural neighborhoods before routing runners through Missoula's picturesque neighborhoods and to the finish line on Higgins Avenue Bridge in downtown above the Clark Fork River. Each year, hundreds of local residents staff aid stations and while hundreds more line the course to cheer racers on as they make their way toward the finish line and the post-race party in Caras Park.
The Missoula Marathon is put on by the non-profit 501(c)3 running club, Run Wild Missoula. Visit the Missoula Marathon Web site for additional information at www.missoulamarathon.org.
Eugene to Host Women's Half Marathon on Labor Day Weekend in 2010
(12-3-09) From Press Release - Let yourself be pampered before, during and after your 13.1 ... The new event will take place September 5th, 2010 and will be capped at 2500 runners and walkers. The event is presented by the same team that produced the Eugene Marathon.
"We want to have the best schwag for our runners and walkers of any event in the Northwest," says event director and two time Olympian Nicole Teter, "Stylish gifts, champagne and a spa at the finish line."
The fast course starts in downtown Eugene and finishes at the 5th Street Market. Finishers will be greeted with wine tasting, chocolates, a yoga studio and a Gervais Spa experience to unwind after their half marathon.
This event will be a fund raising platform for the American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
2010 event sponsors include: Pepsi, Gatorade, Earth2O, GloryBee Foods, Krusteaz, Gervais and the Fifth Street Market.
Runners can register today at www.eugenewomenshalf.com.
"We want to have the best schwag for our runners and walkers of any event in the Northwest," says event director and two time Olympian Nicole Teter, "Stylish gifts, champagne and a spa at the finish line."
The fast course starts in downtown Eugene and finishes at the 5th Street Market. Finishers will be greeted with wine tasting, chocolates, a yoga studio and a Gervais Spa experience to unwind after their half marathon.
This event will be a fund raising platform for the American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
2010 event sponsors include: Pepsi, Gatorade, Earth2O, GloryBee Foods, Krusteaz, Gervais and the Fifth Street Market.
Runners can register today at www.eugenewomenshalf.com.
Salazar named Nike Coach of the Year by USA Track & Field
(11-25-09) From USATF Press Release - Alberto Salazar, who led Galen Rupp, Dathan Ritzenhein and Kara Goucher to career best performances this past season, has been named the 2009 Nike Coach of the Year by USA Track & Field. Salazar will be honored Saturday, December 5 at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with USA Track & Field's 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
A three-time New York City Marathon winner and National Track & Field Hall of Famer as an athlete, Salazar in recent years has led The Oregon Project, sponsored by Nike, which is dedicated to providing the means for U.S. distance runners to be successful. Located at the Nike World Campus in Beaverton, Ore., Salazar utilizes Nike's state of the art facilities and sports scientists in working with his athletes.
Within the last 12 months, Salazar prodigy Galen Rupp completed his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in fine fashion by first winning the NCAA Cross Country men's individual title in the fall of 2008. In 2009, Rupp was a triple winner at the NCAA Indoor Championships, in the mile, 5,000 and distance medley relay, captured the NCAA 10,000m and 5000m outdoor titles and also won the 10,000 for the first time in his career at the USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene in his final race in an Oregon Ducks singlet. Rupp finished his season with an eighth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany.
Also in 2009, Rupp set the American and collegiate indoor 5,000m record at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., with his time of 13:18.12, and at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games he set the American collegiate 3,000m record of 7:44.69. He also joined fellow Oregon teammates Matt Centrowitz, Andrew Wheating and Shadrack Kiptoo-Biwott in setting the outdoor collegiate 4x1-mile relay record of 16:03.24.
Two-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein announced that Salazar would be his new coach shortly after finishing second to Rupp in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships, and it didn't take long for them to produce incredible results.
Ritzenhein finished sixth in the 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, which is the highest finish ever by an American in that event, and his time of 27:22:28 is the best ever by an American in the 10,000m at a World Outdoor Championships. Shortly after leaving Berlin, Ritzenhein set the American men's 5,000m record of 12 minutes 56.27 seconds at the August 28 Weltklasse Zurich meeting. Ritzenhein's performance bettered Bob Kennedy's 13-year old standard of 12 minutes 58.21 seconds. It was an almost 20-second personal best for Ritzenhein, which makes him the third-fastest non-African in history, and only the third American ever to run under 13 minutes.
Ritzenhein capped off his 2009 campaign by finishing third and capturing the bronze medal at the World Half-Marathon Championships in Birmingham, GBR, in the personal best time of 60 minutes. Ritzenhein's performance led Team USA to an overall fourth-place finish.
2007 World Outdoor Championships women's 10,000m bronze medalist Kara Goucher also enjoyed a stellar season under Salazar's tutelage. Goucher took third in the women's race at the Boston Marathon in 2 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds, which is the highest finish by an American woman since Kim Jones finished second in 1993.
Later that summer, Goucher finished 10th in the women's marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, which was the highest individual finish for an American woman since Linda Somers placed seventh in 1995. Goucher's performance led the U.S. to a fifth-place finish in the World Marathon Cup team competition, which is the best ever placing for a Team USA women's squad.
Other Oregon Project athletes with career-best years in 2009 included national 10,000m champion Amy Yoder Begley and men's 5,000m champion Matt Tegenkamp, who like Ritzenhein broke 13:00 for 5,000 meters this summer.
"I am very honored and grateful for this great honor that I've been presented," said Salazar. "However I do so humbly as I know there are many other coaches out there that have done an equal or better job in helping their athletes achieve their goals. I am especially proud of the resurgence in American Distance running that is occurring and thank all those athletes and coaches that have worked so hard for the last ten years to make this possible. The next three years will hopefully see American distance runners on the podium more than ever before."
"Alberto is one of the leaders of the recent resurgence in American long distance running, and his contributions are immeasurable," said USATF CEO Doug Logan. "His ability to get athletes to break through barriers is the mark of a great coach. We have no doubt that all his athletes who had great years have far more greatness to come."
"I am excited for Alberto as he has worked extremely hard for this honor," said John Capriotti, Global Sports Marketing Director for Nike. "He has come a long way as a Coach since the mid 90's. He is a descendent of the Great Oregon Coaching Lineage of Hayward, Bowerman, Dillenger and now Salazar. At the same, he has stayed incredibly humble, passionate, and works endlessly to help his athletes become the best they can be. Congratulations to Alberto for this hard earned and well deserved Award."
For more information on USA Track & Field and the organization's 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, visit: www.usatf.org.
A three-time New York City Marathon winner and National Track & Field Hall of Famer as an athlete, Salazar in recent years has led The Oregon Project, sponsored by Nike, which is dedicated to providing the means for U.S. distance runners to be successful. Located at the Nike World Campus in Beaverton, Ore., Salazar utilizes Nike's state of the art facilities and sports scientists in working with his athletes.
Within the last 12 months, Salazar prodigy Galen Rupp completed his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in fine fashion by first winning the NCAA Cross Country men's individual title in the fall of 2008. In 2009, Rupp was a triple winner at the NCAA Indoor Championships, in the mile, 5,000 and distance medley relay, captured the NCAA 10,000m and 5000m outdoor titles and also won the 10,000 for the first time in his career at the USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene in his final race in an Oregon Ducks singlet. Rupp finished his season with an eighth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany.
Also in 2009, Rupp set the American and collegiate indoor 5,000m record at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., with his time of 13:18.12, and at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games he set the American collegiate 3,000m record of 7:44.69. He also joined fellow Oregon teammates Matt Centrowitz, Andrew Wheating and Shadrack Kiptoo-Biwott in setting the outdoor collegiate 4x1-mile relay record of 16:03.24.
Two-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein announced that Salazar would be his new coach shortly after finishing second to Rupp in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships, and it didn't take long for them to produce incredible results.
Ritzenhein finished sixth in the 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, which is the highest finish ever by an American in that event, and his time of 27:22:28 is the best ever by an American in the 10,000m at a World Outdoor Championships. Shortly after leaving Berlin, Ritzenhein set the American men's 5,000m record of 12 minutes 56.27 seconds at the August 28 Weltklasse Zurich meeting. Ritzenhein's performance bettered Bob Kennedy's 13-year old standard of 12 minutes 58.21 seconds. It was an almost 20-second personal best for Ritzenhein, which makes him the third-fastest non-African in history, and only the third American ever to run under 13 minutes.
Ritzenhein capped off his 2009 campaign by finishing third and capturing the bronze medal at the World Half-Marathon Championships in Birmingham, GBR, in the personal best time of 60 minutes. Ritzenhein's performance led Team USA to an overall fourth-place finish.
2007 World Outdoor Championships women's 10,000m bronze medalist Kara Goucher also enjoyed a stellar season under Salazar's tutelage. Goucher took third in the women's race at the Boston Marathon in 2 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds, which is the highest finish by an American woman since Kim Jones finished second in 1993.
Later that summer, Goucher finished 10th in the women's marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, which was the highest individual finish for an American woman since Linda Somers placed seventh in 1995. Goucher's performance led the U.S. to a fifth-place finish in the World Marathon Cup team competition, which is the best ever placing for a Team USA women's squad.
Other Oregon Project athletes with career-best years in 2009 included national 10,000m champion Amy Yoder Begley and men's 5,000m champion Matt Tegenkamp, who like Ritzenhein broke 13:00 for 5,000 meters this summer.
"I am very honored and grateful for this great honor that I've been presented," said Salazar. "However I do so humbly as I know there are many other coaches out there that have done an equal or better job in helping their athletes achieve their goals. I am especially proud of the resurgence in American Distance running that is occurring and thank all those athletes and coaches that have worked so hard for the last ten years to make this possible. The next three years will hopefully see American distance runners on the podium more than ever before."
"Alberto is one of the leaders of the recent resurgence in American long distance running, and his contributions are immeasurable," said USATF CEO Doug Logan. "His ability to get athletes to break through barriers is the mark of a great coach. We have no doubt that all his athletes who had great years have far more greatness to come."
"I am excited for Alberto as he has worked extremely hard for this honor," said John Capriotti, Global Sports Marketing Director for Nike. "He has come a long way as a Coach since the mid 90's. He is a descendent of the Great Oregon Coaching Lineage of Hayward, Bowerman, Dillenger and now Salazar. At the same, he has stayed incredibly humble, passionate, and works endlessly to help his athletes become the best they can be. Congratulations to Alberto for this hard earned and well deserved Award."
For more information on USA Track & Field and the organization's 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, visit: www.usatf.org.
Foot Traffic University Preparing for Biggest Season Yet
(11-23-09) From Press Release - Foot Traffic University prepares over 200 participants to complete either the Foot Traffic Flat Half on July 4, 2010 or the Run Like Hell Half in October in a fully-coached, fully-paced, fun environment. The goal of the program is to keep members motivated by bringing together a large group with all different abilities of walkers and runners to complete the goal of completing or competing in a half marathon. Throw in the fact that we provide experienced pace mentors, weekly emails, and fully marked, scenic courses and you'll be well on your way to one of the best seasons ever!
FTU FAQS
- First day is Jan. 30th, 2010 at the NE Foot Traffic.
- Meets three Saturdays per month at 8am.
- Locations vary between Lake Oswego, North/Northeast Portland, Downtown Portland, and a few surprises!
- For runners & walkers of all abilities. Coaches for both groups!
- Pace Mentors for 7 to 20 min. miles!
- Beautiful marked courses and maps.
- Free tech fabric "member" tshirt
- $15 registration discount for the Foot Traffic Flat for FTU members only!
- Free Smartwool Socks!
- Informational seminars with physical therapists, nutritionists, and more!
- Weekly emails and schedules listing both weekday and weekend workouts.
- Optional conditioning program
- Relaxed, no-pressure environment with over 200 people of ALL abilities.
- FUN, FUN, FUN!
- Cost: $85 (plus a $15 race fee discount!).
Questions/Contact: Email info@foottraffic.us, call 503.284.0345 or visit www.foottraffic.us/ftu.
FTU FAQS
- First day is Jan. 30th, 2010 at the NE Foot Traffic.
- Meets three Saturdays per month at 8am.
- Locations vary between Lake Oswego, North/Northeast Portland, Downtown Portland, and a few surprises!
- For runners & walkers of all abilities. Coaches for both groups!
- Pace Mentors for 7 to 20 min. miles!
- Beautiful marked courses and maps.
- Free tech fabric "member" tshirt
- $15 registration discount for the Foot Traffic Flat for FTU members only!
- Free Smartwool Socks!
- Informational seminars with physical therapists, nutritionists, and more!
- Weekly emails and schedules listing both weekday and weekend workouts.
- Optional conditioning program
- Relaxed, no-pressure environment with over 200 people of ALL abilities.
- FUN, FUN, FUN!
- Cost: $85 (plus a $15 race fee discount!).
Questions/Contact: Email info@foottraffic.us, call 503.284.0345 or visit www.foottraffic.us/ftu.
Oregon's Max King named USATF Athlete of the Week
(11-11-09) From USATF Press Release - Max King has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the USA Marathon Trail Championships on Saturday in Ashland, Ore.
Only six days after finishing 18th in the ING NYC Marathon, King won his first national title in completing the Lithia Loop Marathon in 2 hours 40 minutes 23 seconds. His time broke Jeff Caba's course record by two minutes. King's finishing time in New York City was 2:19:11.
Now in its eighth 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.
Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 26, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay; Jamie Donaldson; October 7, Meb Keflezighi; October 14, Dathan Ritzenhein; October 21, Amy Palmiero-Winters; October 27, Sean Quigley; November 3 Meb Keflezighi; November 11, Max King.
Only six days after finishing 18th in the ING NYC Marathon, King won his first national title in completing the Lithia Loop Marathon in 2 hours 40 minutes 23 seconds. His time broke Jeff Caba's course record by two minutes. King's finishing time in New York City was 2:19:11.
Now in its eighth 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.
Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 26, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay; Jamie Donaldson; October 7, Meb Keflezighi; October 14, Dathan Ritzenhein; October 21, Amy Palmiero-Winters; October 27, Sean Quigley; November 3 Meb Keflezighi; November 11, Max King.
Meb Wins ING New York City Marathon, Leads Six Americans in Top 10
(11-1-09) 
From USATF Press Release - Proudly pointing to the bold "USA" written across his singlet and giving thumbs up to the Central Park crowd, Meb Keflezighi on Sunday became the first American man since 1982 to cross the finish line first at the ING New York City Marathon. He was joined by five additional American men in the top 10 in a banner day for US. men's distance running.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist ran a brilliant strategic race, pulling away from four-time Boston Marathon Champion Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya in the final two miles to win in a personal-best time of 2:09:15. After finishing, he dropped down for a push-up and broke into tears before being greeted by his mother, wife and two daughters. "The memory of Ryan Shay is what I cried for," Meb said, referring to his American teammate who died in Central Park while running the Olympic Trials two years ago, the last time Meb ran in New York.
The win gave Keflezighi the USA marathon championship and his fourth national title of 2009, and he became the first American man to win in New York since Alberto Salazar's 1982 victory in 2:09:29. He earned a total prize-money payday of $170,000, including $130,000 for the overall win and an additional $40,000 for the U.S. title. He also finished atop the USA Running Series rankings for 2009, earning an additional $6,000.
In one of the strongest men's fields ever in New York, Cheruiyot placed second, 41 seconds back in 2:09:56, with Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco third in 2:10:25. In total, Sunday's field included 14 men with personal bests under 2:10, including two-time New York champion Marilson Gomes dos Santos and 2004 champion Hendrick Ramaala.
Ryan Hall placed fourth overall in 2:10:36 to take second in the USA championship race, with Jorge Torres 7th overall in his marathon debut, in 2:13:00. Among Americans, Nick Arciniaga was eighth overall in 2:13:46, Abdi Abdirahman ninth in 2:14:00 and Jason Lehmkuhle 10th in 2:14:39, putting six Americans in the top 10 for the first time since 1979.
"It's a great day for American running and for USA Track & Field," said USATF CEO Doug Logan. "Based on the consistent upswing in our long-distance performances, we knew it would only be a matter of time until our men won another major marathon. We applaud Meb, and all our athletes today, for a great race. I promise that we will not have to wait 27 years for another victory."
Late-race surge
The men's lead pack went out at a modest pace, running a roughly 5:10 per mile for the first two miles. As the pace gradually quickened, five Americans stayed with the lead pack - Meb, Hall, Torres, Abdirahman and Bolota Asmerom. Meb and Hall led the pack through 11 miles in 54:38 as Abderrahime Bouramdane of Morocco, the 2008 Boston Marathon runner-up, threw in periodic surges that eventually were covered by the pack.
Coming onto Manhattan's First Avenue, at 16 miles, Ramaala led a break of four men that quickly returned to a 10-man pack. Abdirahman briefly took the lead in the 17th mile, after which point the lead pack began to string out.
A 4:37 split for mile 18 whittled the lead group to six, with Meb the lone American as Abdi, Hall and Torres fell back to eighth, ninth and 10th. Past 30 km, it became a four-man race, with Cheruiyot, Bouramdane, Meb and James Kwambai of Kenya, Cheruiyot's training partner and a past runner-up at Berlin, Boston and Rotterdam.
Meb made his move at 35 km, covered in 1:47:20, with only Cheruiyuot following him. The two men first ran shoulder-to-shoulder before Meb tucked in behind the tall Kenyan. A few minutes later, Cheruiyot motioned for Meb to take leading duties, but the experienced American wasn't having it.
Having placed second in New York in 2004 and third in 2005, Meb was running for the win.
When he moved to the lead at mile 24, reached in 1:58:23, he intended not to relinquish it. He had four seconds on Cheruiyot, and that margin only increased as the finish neared.
Running alone for the final stretch in Central Park, Keflezighi celebrated his first career victory at the marathon distance, paid tribute to Shay, and celebrated the return of Americans to the top of the podium.
Tulu wins women's race
In a race that was expected to be little more than another coronation for world record holder Paula Radcliffe, Ethiopia's Derartu Tulu emerged a surprise winner. With a conservative pace from the gun, the women's lead pack eventually whittled down to Christelle Daunay of France, Ludmila Petrova of Russia, Radcliffe and Tulu. It was a quartet of experience, with all four women over 34: Daunay is 34, Radcliffe 35, Tulu 37 and Petrova 41.
Struggling with tendonitis behind her knee , Radcliffe began to flag in the final miles, and it came down to a two-woman race between Petrova and Tulu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist at 10,000 meters. Shortly before turning into Central Park, with about 600 meters remaining, Tulu pulled away to win in 2:28:52, with Petrova second in 2:29:00 and Daunay third in 2:19:16. Radcliffe was fourth in 2:29:27. Magdalena Lewy Boulet was the top American woman, placing sixth in 2:32:17.
Joan Benoit Samuelson on Sunday became the fastest female marathoner over age 50, finishing in 2:49:09. The 52-year-old's performance came 25 years after she became the first women's Olympic marathon gold medalist at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
For complete results from the ING New York City Marathon, visit www.nycmarathon.org.
For more on USATF and the USA Running Circuit, visit www.usatf.org.
About the USA Running Circuit
The USA Men's Marathon Championships was the final race on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC). The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series, featuring USA Championships from 5 km to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners.
The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships were doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
From USATF Press Release - Proudly pointing to the bold "USA" written across his singlet and giving thumbs up to the Central Park crowd, Meb Keflezighi on Sunday became the first American man since 1982 to cross the finish line first at the ING New York City Marathon. He was joined by five additional American men in the top 10 in a banner day for US. men's distance running.The 2004 Olympic silver medalist ran a brilliant strategic race, pulling away from four-time Boston Marathon Champion Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya in the final two miles to win in a personal-best time of 2:09:15. After finishing, he dropped down for a push-up and broke into tears before being greeted by his mother, wife and two daughters. "The memory of Ryan Shay is what I cried for," Meb said, referring to his American teammate who died in Central Park while running the Olympic Trials two years ago, the last time Meb ran in New York.
The win gave Keflezighi the USA marathon championship and his fourth national title of 2009, and he became the first American man to win in New York since Alberto Salazar's 1982 victory in 2:09:29. He earned a total prize-money payday of $170,000, including $130,000 for the overall win and an additional $40,000 for the U.S. title. He also finished atop the USA Running Series rankings for 2009, earning an additional $6,000.
In one of the strongest men's fields ever in New York, Cheruiyot placed second, 41 seconds back in 2:09:56, with Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco third in 2:10:25. In total, Sunday's field included 14 men with personal bests under 2:10, including two-time New York champion Marilson Gomes dos Santos and 2004 champion Hendrick Ramaala.
Ryan Hall placed fourth overall in 2:10:36 to take second in the USA championship race, with Jorge Torres 7th overall in his marathon debut, in 2:13:00. Among Americans, Nick Arciniaga was eighth overall in 2:13:46, Abdi Abdirahman ninth in 2:14:00 and Jason Lehmkuhle 10th in 2:14:39, putting six Americans in the top 10 for the first time since 1979.
"It's a great day for American running and for USA Track & Field," said USATF CEO Doug Logan. "Based on the consistent upswing in our long-distance performances, we knew it would only be a matter of time until our men won another major marathon. We applaud Meb, and all our athletes today, for a great race. I promise that we will not have to wait 27 years for another victory."
Late-race surge
The men's lead pack went out at a modest pace, running a roughly 5:10 per mile for the first two miles. As the pace gradually quickened, five Americans stayed with the lead pack - Meb, Hall, Torres, Abdirahman and Bolota Asmerom. Meb and Hall led the pack through 11 miles in 54:38 as Abderrahime Bouramdane of Morocco, the 2008 Boston Marathon runner-up, threw in periodic surges that eventually were covered by the pack.
Coming onto Manhattan's First Avenue, at 16 miles, Ramaala led a break of four men that quickly returned to a 10-man pack. Abdirahman briefly took the lead in the 17th mile, after which point the lead pack began to string out.
A 4:37 split for mile 18 whittled the lead group to six, with Meb the lone American as Abdi, Hall and Torres fell back to eighth, ninth and 10th. Past 30 km, it became a four-man race, with Cheruiyot, Bouramdane, Meb and James Kwambai of Kenya, Cheruiyot's training partner and a past runner-up at Berlin, Boston and Rotterdam.
Meb made his move at 35 km, covered in 1:47:20, with only Cheruiyuot following him. The two men first ran shoulder-to-shoulder before Meb tucked in behind the tall Kenyan. A few minutes later, Cheruiyot motioned for Meb to take leading duties, but the experienced American wasn't having it.
Having placed second in New York in 2004 and third in 2005, Meb was running for the win.
When he moved to the lead at mile 24, reached in 1:58:23, he intended not to relinquish it. He had four seconds on Cheruiyot, and that margin only increased as the finish neared.
Running alone for the final stretch in Central Park, Keflezighi celebrated his first career victory at the marathon distance, paid tribute to Shay, and celebrated the return of Americans to the top of the podium.
Tulu wins women's race
In a race that was expected to be little more than another coronation for world record holder Paula Radcliffe, Ethiopia's Derartu Tulu emerged a surprise winner. With a conservative pace from the gun, the women's lead pack eventually whittled down to Christelle Daunay of France, Ludmila Petrova of Russia, Radcliffe and Tulu. It was a quartet of experience, with all four women over 34: Daunay is 34, Radcliffe 35, Tulu 37 and Petrova 41.
Struggling with tendonitis behind her knee , Radcliffe began to flag in the final miles, and it came down to a two-woman race between Petrova and Tulu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist at 10,000 meters. Shortly before turning into Central Park, with about 600 meters remaining, Tulu pulled away to win in 2:28:52, with Petrova second in 2:29:00 and Daunay third in 2:19:16. Radcliffe was fourth in 2:29:27. Magdalena Lewy Boulet was the top American woman, placing sixth in 2:32:17.
Joan Benoit Samuelson on Sunday became the fastest female marathoner over age 50, finishing in 2:49:09. The 52-year-old's performance came 25 years after she became the first women's Olympic marathon gold medalist at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
For complete results from the ING New York City Marathon, visit www.nycmarathon.org.
For more on USATF and the USA Running Circuit, visit www.usatf.org.
About the USA Running Circuit
The USA Men's Marathon Championships was the final race on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC). The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series, featuring USA Championships from 5 km to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners.
The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships were doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
Preliminary 2009 TRI NorthWest Triathlon and Duathlon Rankings Now Posted
(10-30-09) The preliminary TRI NorthWest Triathlon and Duathlon rankings for the 2009 season are now posted online. Congratulations to the athletes from across the Pacific Northwest who competed in this year's rankings.
If you have any questions or feel that your overall rankings score is incorrect, please email jon@racecenter.com prior to November 20. Once all revisions have been made, the final rankings will be posted. The complete 2009 rankings, as well as a lineup of all of the 2010 events included in the rankings will appear in the February/March 2010 EVENT GUIDE issue of RaceCenter Northwest Magazine. Subscribe by December 31, 2009 to ensure you get your copy in the mail in January.
If you have any questions or feel that your overall rankings score is incorrect, please email jon@racecenter.com prior to November 20. Once all revisions have been made, the final rankings will be posted. The complete 2009 rankings, as well as a lineup of all of the 2010 events included in the rankings will appear in the February/March 2010 EVENT GUIDE issue of RaceCenter Northwest Magazine. Subscribe by December 31, 2009 to ensure you get your copy in the mail in January.
2009 Oregon Fall XC Ski Camp Set for December
(10-23-09) From Press Release - The ninth annual edition of the Oregon Fall XC Ski Camp is enjoying steady advance registration and is ready to go for 2009 featuring an expanded schedule stretching from Friday, December 4 until Sunday, December 13.
As with the past eight seasons, the Oregon Fall Camp features on-snow morning sessions at the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center -- a short, all-weather drive away from beautiful Bend, Oregon. Selected afternoon and evening programs such as training plan workshops, XC ski strength demos, wax clinics, and social events will be added as the 2009 schedule is finalized in early November. Also returning in 2009 is the option to include full ski-specific physiology testing at the Central Oregon Community College Physiology Lab (a very popular camp add-on suitable for all abilities and interests).
The focus of each Fall Camp session is on a progression of skill development developed specifically for high beginner thru advanced adult skiers. Both classic and freestyle technique sessions are available with video analysis offered as often as snow/weather conditions allow. Past campers have raved about the innovative and fun-filled approach of the Oregon Fall Camp with specific attention to individual needs.
Camp Director/Founder J.D. Downing says that the new expanded schedule should only improve what has proved to be one of the most popular camps for master XC skiers found anywhere. "The new schedule allows folks to select from two consecutive weekend options plus any number of weekday combinations in between. Campers can choose any number of days to attend and skiers within easy driving distance can even arrange a non-consecutive schedule if they wish. We are going to set the schedule as of November 6 based on enrollment to that point. So, literally, our early-bird campers will actively determine how exactly the schedule shapes up!"
Downing adds that it is possible that certain dates will completely fill by November 6 based on coach availability. Lab testing slots are also very limited. Thus, early camp registration is strongly encouraged.
Staff for 2009 will once again include Camp Director J.D. Downing (National Director of the American XC Skiers U.S. masters association as well as Coach/Director of the XC Oregon elite race team) joined by members of the XC Oregon team plus talented guest coaches from the Central Oregon ski community.
Mt Bachelor offers spectacularly reliable early December ski conditions with 30-56km of trails open at an modest elevation of 6,300ft groomed daily (trail fee required). For skiers and families that need more than XC trails, Mt Bachelor offers great riding on the alpine side with plentiful back-country options available towards the amazing Three Sisters Wilderness.
Most campers stay in Bend which is reached by daily flights (Bend/Redmond airport, RDM) from six major western hubs. By car, Bend is 7-9 hours from the Sacramento/Bay Area, 5-7 hours from Seattle, 5-6 hours from Boise, and 10-12 hours from the SLC region. Bend is a major regional tourist destination with an array of local attractions including shopping, dining, nightly entertainment, museums, brewery pubs, and incredible outdoor recreation options in any season. As a bonus the next two years, the National Cyclocross Championships will also be held in the heart of Bend (December 10-13 in 2009).
Full information and registration materials for the 2009 Oregon Fall Camp can be found on www.xcoregon.org. Updates will follow weekly until the camp starts.
As with the past eight seasons, the Oregon Fall Camp features on-snow morning sessions at the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center -- a short, all-weather drive away from beautiful Bend, Oregon. Selected afternoon and evening programs such as training plan workshops, XC ski strength demos, wax clinics, and social events will be added as the 2009 schedule is finalized in early November. Also returning in 2009 is the option to include full ski-specific physiology testing at the Central Oregon Community College Physiology Lab (a very popular camp add-on suitable for all abilities and interests).
The focus of each Fall Camp session is on a progression of skill development developed specifically for high beginner thru advanced adult skiers. Both classic and freestyle technique sessions are available with video analysis offered as often as snow/weather conditions allow. Past campers have raved about the innovative and fun-filled approach of the Oregon Fall Camp with specific attention to individual needs.
Camp Director/Founder J.D. Downing says that the new expanded schedule should only improve what has proved to be one of the most popular camps for master XC skiers found anywhere. "The new schedule allows folks to select from two consecutive weekend options plus any number of weekday combinations in between. Campers can choose any number of days to attend and skiers within easy driving distance can even arrange a non-consecutive schedule if they wish. We are going to set the schedule as of November 6 based on enrollment to that point. So, literally, our early-bird campers will actively determine how exactly the schedule shapes up!"
Downing adds that it is possible that certain dates will completely fill by November 6 based on coach availability. Lab testing slots are also very limited. Thus, early camp registration is strongly encouraged.
Staff for 2009 will once again include Camp Director J.D. Downing (National Director of the American XC Skiers U.S. masters association as well as Coach/Director of the XC Oregon elite race team) joined by members of the XC Oregon team plus talented guest coaches from the Central Oregon ski community.
Mt Bachelor offers spectacularly reliable early December ski conditions with 30-56km of trails open at an modest elevation of 6,300ft groomed daily (trail fee required). For skiers and families that need more than XC trails, Mt Bachelor offers great riding on the alpine side with plentiful back-country options available towards the amazing Three Sisters Wilderness.
Most campers stay in Bend which is reached by daily flights (Bend/Redmond airport, RDM) from six major western hubs. By car, Bend is 7-9 hours from the Sacramento/Bay Area, 5-7 hours from Seattle, 5-6 hours from Boise, and 10-12 hours from the SLC region. Bend is a major regional tourist destination with an array of local attractions including shopping, dining, nightly entertainment, museums, brewery pubs, and incredible outdoor recreation options in any season. As a bonus the next two years, the National Cyclocross Championships will also be held in the heart of Bend (December 10-13 in 2009).
Full information and registration materials for the 2009 Oregon Fall Camp can be found on www.xcoregon.org. Updates will follow weekly until the camp starts.
Portland Runner Ritzenhein Named USATF Athlete of the Week
(10-14-09) From USATF Press Release - Dathan Ritzenhein has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the bronze medal Sunday at the 18th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, in Birmingham, UK.
The men's 5,000 meter American record holder, Ritzenhein clocked 1 hour flat to finish in third place. It is the second fastest U.S. time in history and the first time an American male has medaled at these Championships. Ritzenhein's finish also helped lead the Team USA men to a fourth-place team finish. Ritzenhein was last named Athlete of the Week on September 1, when he broke Bob Kennedy's 13-year-old American record in the 5,000m by almost two seconds, crossing the line in 12:56.27.
Now in its eighth 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.
Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 26, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay; Jamie Donaldson; October 7, Meb Keflezighi; October 14, Dathan Ritzenhein.
About USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.
For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org.
The men's 5,000 meter American record holder, Ritzenhein clocked 1 hour flat to finish in third place. It is the second fastest U.S. time in history and the first time an American male has medaled at these Championships. Ritzenhein's finish also helped lead the Team USA men to a fourth-place team finish. Ritzenhein was last named Athlete of the Week on September 1, when he broke Bob Kennedy's 13-year-old American record in the 5,000m by almost two seconds, crossing the line in 12:56.27.
Now in its eighth 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.
Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 26, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay; Jamie Donaldson; October 7, Meb Keflezighi; October 14, Dathan Ritzenhein.
About USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.
For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org.
Portland's Ritzenhein Takes Bronze at World Half Marathon Championships
(10-11-09) From USATF Press Release - 2008 Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein (Portland, Ore.) ran the second fastest U.S. time in history to finish third Sunday at the 18th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, in Birmingham, UK. Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea won his fourth world title in 59:35 while Bernard Kipyego of Kenya just outkicked Ritzenhein for the runner-up position, running 59:59. Ritzenhein's 1:00:00, led the Team USA men to a fourth-place team finish.
Other Team USA finishers included a 20th-place finish by Andrew Carlson (Flagstaff, Ariz.) in 1:02:50; James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) 38th in 1:04:00; Brett Gotcher (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 64th in 1:05:43; and Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.) in 1:06:07.
Kenya won the team competition with a total time of 3:01:06, Eritrea was second in 3:02:39 and Ethiopia edged out the U.S. for third 3:06:42 to 3:06:50.
Amy Yoder Begley (Portland, Ore.) finished 11th in 1:10:09 to lead the Team USA women to a fifth-place team finish. Begley was followed by teammates Serena Burla (Baldwin, Mo.), who finished 17th in 1:10:55; Amy Hastings (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) finished 33rd in 1:13:20; Heidi Westerling (Acworth, N.H.) was 38th in 1:14:22: and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.) finished 48th in 1:16:42. Mary Keitany of Kenya dominated the women's field, running 1:06:36.
Kenya also won the women's team competition with a combined time of 3:22:30.
For more information on Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, visit www.usatf.org.
Other Team USA finishers included a 20th-place finish by Andrew Carlson (Flagstaff, Ariz.) in 1:02:50; James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) 38th in 1:04:00; Brett Gotcher (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 64th in 1:05:43; and Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.) in 1:06:07.
Kenya won the team competition with a total time of 3:01:06, Eritrea was second in 3:02:39 and Ethiopia edged out the U.S. for third 3:06:42 to 3:06:50.
Amy Yoder Begley (Portland, Ore.) finished 11th in 1:10:09 to lead the Team USA women to a fifth-place team finish. Begley was followed by teammates Serena Burla (Baldwin, Mo.), who finished 17th in 1:10:55; Amy Hastings (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) finished 33rd in 1:13:20; Heidi Westerling (Acworth, N.H.) was 38th in 1:14:22: and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.) finished 48th in 1:16:42. Mary Keitany of Kenya dominated the women's field, running 1:06:36.
Kenya also won the women's team competition with a combined time of 3:22:30.
For more information on Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, visit www.usatf.org.
Matthew Sheeks of Woodinville, WA Brings Home Gold at Duathlon World Championship
(10-7-09) From ITU Press Release - Members of Team USA took home 49 medals from the 2009 ITU Duathlon World Championship at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, September 26.
The total includes 13 gold, 18 silver and 18 bronze medals as USA athletes swept gold, silver and bronze in five different age groups.
The weather was rainy all day, but the mist that was present for the elites early in the day turned into downpours as the age groupers took to the course in the afternoon. That didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the more than 750 competitors from across the globe, including more than 400 U.S. athletes.
Lowe's Speedway provided a unique setting for the event. Athletes started the 10k run on the track's start/finish line, made their way onto pit row and out into the streets surrounding the stadium. Portions of the 40k bike actually circled the track and cut through the infield, with the final 5k run bringing athletes back to the finish along pit row.
Two U.S. athletes produced the day's fastest times overall. Team USA veteran Suzanne Huelster (Riverton, N.J.) turned in a 1:57:09 for the women, while Matthew Sheeks (Woodinville, Wash.) led the men home in 1:43:30.
The total includes 13 gold, 18 silver and 18 bronze medals as USA athletes swept gold, silver and bronze in five different age groups.
The weather was rainy all day, but the mist that was present for the elites early in the day turned into downpours as the age groupers took to the course in the afternoon. That didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the more than 750 competitors from across the globe, including more than 400 U.S. athletes.
Lowe's Speedway provided a unique setting for the event. Athletes started the 10k run on the track's start/finish line, made their way onto pit row and out into the streets surrounding the stadium. Portions of the 40k bike actually circled the track and cut through the infield, with the final 5k run bringing athletes back to the finish along pit row.
Two U.S. athletes produced the day's fastest times overall. Team USA veteran Suzanne Huelster (Riverton, N.J.) turned in a 1:57:09 for the women, while Matthew Sheeks (Woodinville, Wash.) led the men home in 1:43:30.
Portland Marathon Hosts Largest Event Ever, Gears Up for Half Marathon in 2010
(10-5-09) Jason Finch of River Falls, WI won the 2009 Portland Marathon in a time of 2:24:13 with Yuri Yoshizumi of Osaka, Japan taking the women's crown in 2:55:59. Top Northwest finishers were Greg Mitchell (36) from McMinnville, OR in 2:26:02, and 37-year-old Danita Erickson of Tacoma, WA who clocked 2:56:08 for the 26.2-mile distance in the Rose City. Complete results from this year's event can be found HERE.
For the first time in the event's history, the Portland Marathon will be holding a half marathon in conjunction with next year's event on 10-10-10. Registration for this limited-entry event opened at the Portland Marathon expo this past weekend, and the event is expected to fill quickly. Check the Portland Marathon Web site for additional information - www.portlandmarathon.org.
For the first time in the event's history, the Portland Marathon will be holding a half marathon in conjunction with next year's event on 10-10-10. Registration for this limited-entry event opened at the Portland Marathon expo this past weekend, and the event is expected to fill quickly. Check the Portland Marathon Web site for additional information - www.portlandmarathon.org.
Olympic Swimmer/Triathlete Sheila Taormina to Headline Oct 17 Swim Clinic in Portland
(9-30-09) From Press Release - SpeedSHOT Racing & Coaching Services and the Multnomah Athletic Club are proud to welcome Gold Medalist and 4-TIME OLYMPIAN Sheila Taormina to Portland, Oregon on the 17th of October. Sheila will headline a two-part event that will include a 2-hour swim clinic followed by a 1-hour presentation with ample opportunity for question and answer. Sheila brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to Portland to share what it took to succeed at the Olympic-level for triathlon and swimming.
The swim clinic, held from 1:00-3:00pm, will give local triathletes and swimmers the chance to learn skills and training techniques that Sheila used in preparation for her Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympics and her competitions in the first two Olympic Triathlons (in 2000 and 2004). The clinic will provide participants the opportunity to learn and practice drills and techniques, both on the deck and in the water, under the watchful eyes of Sheila and SpeedSHOT Racing Head Coach Mark Kendall. The swim clinic will be available to the first 25 people on a first-come basis and the cost is $20 (to be paid on site). Proceeds from the clinic will be donated to the Multnomah Athletic Foundation and used to support local youth athletes in their sport participation.
After the swim clinic, from 3:30pm-4:30pm, Sheila will discuss her experiences in training for her four Olympics. She will reveal tips that she learned competing at the pinnacle of the sport of triathlon and as a pioneer in that sport. The presentation is free and open to the public. However an RSVP is required to reserve your space and guarantee entry to the Multnomah Athletic Club.
To Register or RSVP, please go to SpeedSHOT Racing (www.speedshotracing.com) and using the provided link.
For more information or questions on the presentation and clinic, please contact Mark Kendall of SpeedSHOT Racing | Coaching Services at 503-332-8710 or by email at info@speedshotracing.com.
The swim clinic, held from 1:00-3:00pm, will give local triathletes and swimmers the chance to learn skills and training techniques that Sheila used in preparation for her Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympics and her competitions in the first two Olympic Triathlons (in 2000 and 2004). The clinic will provide participants the opportunity to learn and practice drills and techniques, both on the deck and in the water, under the watchful eyes of Sheila and SpeedSHOT Racing Head Coach Mark Kendall. The swim clinic will be available to the first 25 people on a first-come basis and the cost is $20 (to be paid on site). Proceeds from the clinic will be donated to the Multnomah Athletic Foundation and used to support local youth athletes in their sport participation.
After the swim clinic, from 3:30pm-4:30pm, Sheila will discuss her experiences in training for her four Olympics. She will reveal tips that she learned competing at the pinnacle of the sport of triathlon and as a pioneer in that sport. The presentation is free and open to the public. However an RSVP is required to reserve your space and guarantee entry to the Multnomah Athletic Club.
To Register or RSVP, please go to SpeedSHOT Racing (www.speedshotracing.com) and using the provided link.
For more information or questions on the presentation and clinic, please contact Mark Kendall of SpeedSHOT Racing | Coaching Services at 503-332-8710 or by email at info@speedshotracing.com.
2010 Eugene Marathon to Finish at Historic Hayward Field
(9-29-09) From Press Release - We are thrilled to announce that the 2010 Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon will culminate in a finish experience running fans cannot miss. Finally runners and walkers will feel the rush of entering historic Hayward Field through the arches of Powell Plaza and finish down the home stretch - where so many record breaking races have been decided.
"It has been a goal of ours since the initial planning in 2005 to finish on Hayward Field" says Richard Maher, Eugene Marathon Race Director, "We feel this is going to make it an even more momentous experience for the participants."
This will be the first time a major road race has finished on the country's most recognizable track and field facility since the early 1980's. Hayward Field has been host to four Olympic Trials, six USA Track Championships, nine NCAA Championships and an IAAF Diamond League event, the Prefontaine Classic.
As in years past, the marathon and half marathon will run on Sunday, May 2nd, taking runners and walkers through Eugene and Springfield, along city streets and several parks. The 2009 Eugene Marathon had a record year, attracting over 6,300 runners and walkers from 46 states and 8 countries. It received the Destination Award from Travel Lane County, for recognition of its ability to draw runners and walkers to Eugene and Springfield. The Eugene Marathon truly turned into one of the country's fastest growing destination marathons, with over 30% of all registrants from out-of-state. The Health and Fitness Expo will again be at the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center on Friday, April 30th and Saturday May 1st.
Proceeds from this event will benefit over 50 local charities, teams and partners.
2010 event sponsors include: Krusteaz, Nike, The Sports Authority, Wells Fargo, Pepsi, Gatorade, Earth2O, Nesquik, Clif, Gorilla Capital, Kool 99.1, KVAL, Register Guard, Market of Choice, Canterbury Naturals, Subway, Eugene Running Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Beppe and Gianni's.
Runners can register today at www.eugenemarathon.com.
"It has been a goal of ours since the initial planning in 2005 to finish on Hayward Field" says Richard Maher, Eugene Marathon Race Director, "We feel this is going to make it an even more momentous experience for the participants."
This will be the first time a major road race has finished on the country's most recognizable track and field facility since the early 1980's. Hayward Field has been host to four Olympic Trials, six USA Track Championships, nine NCAA Championships and an IAAF Diamond League event, the Prefontaine Classic.
As in years past, the marathon and half marathon will run on Sunday, May 2nd, taking runners and walkers through Eugene and Springfield, along city streets and several parks. The 2009 Eugene Marathon had a record year, attracting over 6,300 runners and walkers from 46 states and 8 countries. It received the Destination Award from Travel Lane County, for recognition of its ability to draw runners and walkers to Eugene and Springfield. The Eugene Marathon truly turned into one of the country's fastest growing destination marathons, with over 30% of all registrants from out-of-state. The Health and Fitness Expo will again be at the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center on Friday, April 30th and Saturday May 1st.
Proceeds from this event will benefit over 50 local charities, teams and partners.
2010 event sponsors include: Krusteaz, Nike, The Sports Authority, Wells Fargo, Pepsi, Gatorade, Earth2O, Nesquik, Clif, Gorilla Capital, Kool 99.1, KVAL, Register Guard, Market of Choice, Canterbury Naturals, Subway, Eugene Running Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Beppe and Gianni's.
Runners can register today at www.eugenemarathon.com.
Portland Marathon and Troops Prepare for Iraq Half Marathons
(9-25-09) From Press Release - This September, the Portland Marathon will host three inaugural half-marathon events to support Oregon and Washington-based troops stationed in Iraq. Over eight hundred troops will participate as runners and volunteers. These 13.1-mile events will be held in Iraq and at the following military bases:
- Victory Base Camp in Baghdad, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Lewis, Washington.
- Warrior Unit, Iraq/Iran border, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Riley, Kansas.
- Camp COBB/Adder at Tallil Airbase, Southern Iraq, 10/3/09. U.S. home base is ONG Salem, Oregon.
These events were created by the Oregon National Guard Brigade and the Portland Marathon. The Portland Marathon cares about the health and well-being of troops whether they are at home or abroad. The half marathons are positive ways family members and loved ones in Oregon and Washington can stay connected to their troops in Iraq, as well as ways for troops to stay connected to an annual event happening in their hometown.
The Portland Marathon event director, Les Smith, has a service background and is passionate about supporting and thanking troops. He fused this, with his love for running to create the Iraq half marathons.
"The Portland Marathon is proud to help and assist those in Iraq who are now serving, and also do so for all of those who have served," said Smith.
Friends and family members of participating troops plan to run, walk, and volunteer at the Portland Marathon events on October 4th to honor those in Iraq. Their donations, and funds donated by the Portland Marathon, will go to the Wound Warrior Project, one of the event's official charities.
For the half marathons, the Portland Marathon will provide finisher and volunteer shirts, medals, pins, and bibs. The organization also donated the time and costs associated with producing these events. There is no charge for these events to Army, Marines, Air Force, DOD Civilians, and Contractors.
The Portland Marathon will be held Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7AM in downtown Portland. The event includes a 26.2 walk/run, 5-miler walk/run, a 10k Mayor's Walk, and a kids' Marafun. The Sports and Fitness Expo will be held on Oct. 2 and 3rd at the Hilton Hotel, 921 SW 6th Ave. The Portland Marathon, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the health and wellness of its participants and community. More than 12,000 people run, walk, or volunteer with the event each year. Proceeds from event go to help local schools, charities, and non-profits. The event has been called the "best-organized marathon in North America" and has received national attention for being one of the first eco-friendly, "green" marathons. Sponsors for the 2009 Portland Marathon include: Sports Authority, exclusive sponsor Sports & Fitness Expo sponsor; Kaiser Permanente, 5-miler title sponsor. For more information, visit www.portlandmarathon.org, call (503) 226-1111, or e-mail info@portlandmarathon.org.
- Victory Base Camp in Baghdad, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Lewis, Washington.
- Warrior Unit, Iraq/Iran border, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Riley, Kansas.
- Camp COBB/Adder at Tallil Airbase, Southern Iraq, 10/3/09. U.S. home base is ONG Salem, Oregon.
These events were created by the Oregon National Guard Brigade and the Portland Marathon. The Portland Marathon cares about the health and well-being of troops whether they are at home or abroad. The half marathons are positive ways family members and loved ones in Oregon and Washington can stay connected to their troops in Iraq, as well as ways for troops to stay connected to an annual event happening in their hometown.
The Portland Marathon event director, Les Smith, has a service background and is passionate about supporting and thanking troops. He fused this, with his love for running to create the Iraq half marathons.
"The Portland Marathon is proud to help and assist those in Iraq who are now serving, and also do so for all of those who have served," said Smith.
Friends and family members of participating troops plan to run, walk, and volunteer at the Portland Marathon events on October 4th to honor those in Iraq. Their donations, and funds donated by the Portland Marathon, will go to the Wound Warrior Project, one of the event's official charities.
For the half marathons, the Portland Marathon will provide finisher and volunteer shirts, medals, pins, and bibs. The organization also donated the time and costs associated with producing these events. There is no charge for these events to Army, Marines, Air Force, DOD Civilians, and Contractors.
The Portland Marathon will be held Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7AM in downtown Portland. The event includes a 26.2 walk/run, 5-miler walk/run, a 10k Mayor's Walk, and a kids' Marafun. The Sports and Fitness Expo will be held on Oct. 2 and 3rd at the Hilton Hotel, 921 SW 6th Ave. The Portland Marathon, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the health and wellness of its participants and community. More than 12,000 people run, walk, or volunteer with the event each year. Proceeds from event go to help local schools, charities, and non-profits. The event has been called the "best-organized marathon in North America" and has received national attention for being one of the first eco-friendly, "green" marathons. Sponsors for the 2009 Portland Marathon include: Sports Authority, exclusive sponsor Sports & Fitness Expo sponsor; Kaiser Permanente, 5-miler title sponsor. For more information, visit www.portlandmarathon.org, call (503) 226-1111, or e-mail info@portlandmarathon.org.
Portland's Tegenkamp, Yoder Begley win USA 5 km Championships
(9-20-09) From USATF Press Release - Matt Tegenkamp (Portland, Ore.) and Amy Yoder Begley (Portland, Ore.) won the respective men's and women's titles Sunday at the USA 5 km Championships in Providence, R.I. Tegenkamp, the U.S. champion at 5,000 meters on the track won his first U.S. road title in 13:57, as Begley, the 2009 USA 10,000 meter champion on the track and USA 15 km champion ran 15:27 to add the 5 km title to her collection of 2009 crowns.
As a field of more than 10,000 runners toured downtown Providence for the 20th annual CVS/Caremark Downtown 5K, the lead men's pack passed the first mile in 4:30 with Ben Bruce (Eugene, Ore.) leading defending champion Anthony Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.), Tegenkamp, Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), Jordan Horn (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Ian Burrell (Flagstaff, Ariz.).
By two miles, the lead group had thinned to about ten men with Asmerom assuming the lead ahead of Famiglietti and Tegenkamp.
Making the final turn off Canal Street and up the only major hill on the course, Tegenkamp made his move around Famiglietti and Asmerom to kick to a one-second win over Asmerom. Famiglietti was timed in 13:59 for third as Horn and Burrell captured fourth and fifth in 13:59 and 14:01 respectively.
In the women's race, Jen Rhines (Mammoth Lakes Calif.) led a deep field of women through the first mile in 4:54. As the lead women passed two miles in 9:50, the contenders were narrowed down to Begley, Rhines, Rebecca Donaghue (State College, Pa.) and Sara Hall (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.).
With about 800 meters to go, Begley made her move but Donaghue and Rhines held on until Begley made one last push at three miles to pull clear for the title. Donaghue managed to hold off Rhines by one second for the runner-up position, running 15:30. Hall took fourth in 15:33 as Katie McGregor (Saint Louis Park, Minn.) finished fifth in 15:50.
About the USARC
The USA 5 km Championships was the eighth stop on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC) and will pay $30,000 in U.S. prize money with Tegenkamp and Begley taking home $5,000 for the respective men's and women's wins.
The 2009 USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Magdalena Lewy Boulet currently leads the women's standings with 49 points, while Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.) leads the men with 49 points.
The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
For more information on the 2009 USA 5 km Championships visit www.usatf.org.
As a field of more than 10,000 runners toured downtown Providence for the 20th annual CVS/Caremark Downtown 5K, the lead men's pack passed the first mile in 4:30 with Ben Bruce (Eugene, Ore.) leading defending champion Anthony Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.), Tegenkamp, Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), Jordan Horn (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Ian Burrell (Flagstaff, Ariz.).
By two miles, the lead group had thinned to about ten men with Asmerom assuming the lead ahead of Famiglietti and Tegenkamp.
Making the final turn off Canal Street and up the only major hill on the course, Tegenkamp made his move around Famiglietti and Asmerom to kick to a one-second win over Asmerom. Famiglietti was timed in 13:59 for third as Horn and Burrell captured fourth and fifth in 13:59 and 14:01 respectively.
In the women's race, Jen Rhines (Mammoth Lakes Calif.) led a deep field of women through the first mile in 4:54. As the lead women passed two miles in 9:50, the contenders were narrowed down to Begley, Rhines, Rebecca Donaghue (State College, Pa.) and Sara Hall (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.).
With about 800 meters to go, Begley made her move but Donaghue and Rhines held on until Begley made one last push at three miles to pull clear for the title. Donaghue managed to hold off Rhines by one second for the runner-up position, running 15:30. Hall took fourth in 15:33 as Katie McGregor (Saint Louis Park, Minn.) finished fifth in 15:50.
About the USARC
The USA 5 km Championships was the eighth stop on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC) and will pay $30,000 in U.S. prize money with Tegenkamp and Begley taking home $5,000 for the respective men's and women's wins.
The 2009 USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Magdalena Lewy Boulet currently leads the women's standings with 49 points, while Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.) leads the men with 49 points.
The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
For more information on the 2009 USA 5 km Championships visit www.usatf.org.
Oregon Olympians lead fields at USA 5 km Championships
(9-17-09) From USATF Press Release - U.S. Olympians Anthony Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.), Matt Tegenkamp (Portland, Ore.) and Amy Yoder Begley (Beaverton, Ore.) will headline the entries for the 2009 USA 5 km Championships Sunday in Providence, R.I.
Defending men's champion Famiglietti will be going for his second U.S. road title of 2009, but will face fierce competition from Tegenkamp who just became the fourth American ever to break 13 minutes for 5,000 meters. Also in the mix for the title will be 2004 Olympian Jonathan Riley (Portland, Ore.) and Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), the fourth-place finisher at this year's USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 5,000 meters.
Begley, the 2009 USA Outdoor 10,000 meter champion, leads the women's field that also includes local favorite Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.), the 2009 champion at 7 and 10 miles. Also in the mix for the title will be Renee Metivier-Baillie (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Katie McGregor (St. Louis Park, Minn.).
About the USARC
The USA 5 km Championships is the eighth stop on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC) and will pay $30,000 in U.S. prize money with $5,000 going to the respective champions.
The 2009 USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Magdalena Lewy Boulet currently leads the women's standings with 49 points, while Anthony Famiglietti leads the men with 39 points.
The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
For more information on the 2009 USA 5 km Championships visit www.usatf.org.
Defending men's champion Famiglietti will be going for his second U.S. road title of 2009, but will face fierce competition from Tegenkamp who just became the fourth American ever to break 13 minutes for 5,000 meters. Also in the mix for the title will be 2004 Olympian Jonathan Riley (Portland, Ore.) and Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), the fourth-place finisher at this year's USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 5,000 meters.
Begley, the 2009 USA Outdoor 10,000 meter champion, leads the women's field that also includes local favorite Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.), the 2009 champion at 7 and 10 miles. Also in the mix for the title will be Renee Metivier-Baillie (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Katie McGregor (St. Louis Park, Minn.).
About the USARC
The USA 5 km Championships is the eighth stop on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC) and will pay $30,000 in U.S. prize money with $5,000 going to the respective champions.
The 2009 USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Magdalena Lewy Boulet currently leads the women's standings with 49 points, while Anthony Famiglietti leads the men with 39 points.
The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.
The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.
For more information on the 2009 USA 5 km Championships visit www.usatf.org.
Strands.com Announces Inaugural Strands 5K in Corvallis
(9-14-09) Courtesy Running USA Wire 75-09-09 - Strands.com will host the inaugural edition of the Strands 5K in Corvallis on Saturday, October 24. The race will feature a community 5K, a children's race, post-race party and a prize purse totaling $13,000.
All race proceeds benefit Childhelp, an organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp's mission is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children through advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach. Find more ways to get involved or information on how to donate directly through the Childhelp.org website.
Prize money is only available to U.S. citizens and will be distributed 6-deep as follows for the men's and women's Open field: $3000, $1500, $750, $600, $400 and $250.
The 5K race will begin at 9:00am PST on October 24. The children's race will begin at 10:00am, followed by an awards ceremony and post-race party outside Strands headquarters at Central Park in Corvallis.
Online registration is $15, while mail-in and race day registration is $20. The first 100 people to register online will receive free entry. Online registration will begin on Monday, September 14. For more information and a race registration link, visit the race website at www.strands5k.com, call the race hotline at (541) 740-5306, or email strands5k@strands.com.
All race proceeds benefit Childhelp, an organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp's mission is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children through advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach. Find more ways to get involved or information on how to donate directly through the Childhelp.org website.
Prize money is only available to U.S. citizens and will be distributed 6-deep as follows for the men's and women's Open field: $3000, $1500, $750, $600, $400 and $250.
The 5K race will begin at 9:00am PST on October 24. The children's race will begin at 10:00am, followed by an awards ceremony and post-race party outside Strands headquarters at Central Park in Corvallis.
Online registration is $15, while mail-in and race day registration is $20. The first 100 people to register online will receive free entry. Online registration will begin on Monday, September 14. For more information and a race registration link, visit the race website at www.strands5k.com, call the race hotline at (541) 740-5306, or email strands5k@strands.com.
King, Fleshman win XTERRA Trail Run Nationals Half-Marathon in Bend, OR
(9-14-09) From XTERRA Press Release - A pair of professional runners from the Beaver State - 29-year-old Max King and 27-year-old Lauren Fleshman - dominated the men's and women's races at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship half-marathon in Bend, Oregon on Sunday morning.
King, a Bend local, won in 1:06:46, a full six minutes ahead of runner-up Ben Bruce (1:12:58) and more than a minute faster than his own record time from last year's race. Fleshman won in 1:19:10, placed 5th overall, and finished more than two minutes ahead of the women's runner-up and last year's National Champ, Susannah Beck.
The victory is King's third straight XTERRA Trail Running Championship win (he also won Nationals and Worlds last year) and it also marks the third straight time Bruce has finished 2nd.
The race started at 9am with several hundred athletes from 25 states lined up under Bend's signature smoke stacks at the upscale Old Mill District on an incredibly beautiful, crisp and clear morning - then quickly transitioned onto the scenic trails that line the Deschutes River.
"Ben (Bruce) went out really hard from the gun so it set a good pace for me, and from there I just tried to go really hard the whole time and be smooth through the technical sections," said King, a former steeplechase All-American at Cornell University who has established himself as one of the most versatile runners in the country (he's also an accomplished ultra marathoner and will compete in the New York City Marathon on November 1).
Bruce was able to stay with King (pictured) through about the first 2.5 miles but by mile five King had put a minute on Bruce and by the 8-mile turnaround he was leading by nearly two-and-a-half minutes. That's about when the trail gets truly technical, zigzagging on narrow singletrack along the river, and where King put even more distance on his long-time rival from Eugene.
"Max was just in great form today and he pulled away from me pretty early," said Bruce, a member of the prestigious Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team. "By about mile six he was gone and I looked back and didn't see anyone behind me so I just settled in, relaxed, and had a good time out there."
Jesse Thomas, husband to the women's winner Lauren Fleshman, finished a little more than a minute behind Bruce, and was followed a minute-later by marathon specialist Andy Martin from Bend.
"I've been training pretty hard this summer and this was my first real big race back so I wanted it go really well," said King, who was enthusiastically greeted by his wife, one-month old son Micah, and dog at the finish line. "It's great that this race is in Bend and I can strap on my shoes and run down to the start line, and even better that I get to live here year-round and enjoy these trails."
Enjoying the trails and this "Central Oregon mountain town that has it all" was a common theme, especially from the large collection of out-of-state runners.
"It was an awesome course, just beautiful," said Richard Burgunder, a 30-year-old from Astoria, New York. "The venue is amazing and the river trail is epic. Plus, the people in Bend are awesome and the spectators that lined the course were so supportive. There were a couple guys on bikes that rode alongside me for a little bit and really motivated me. It was neat, a real breath of fresh air."
Scott Dunlap, an author of a popular trail running blog and winner of the 40-44 division, echoed the sentiment. "The river was so beautiful it made it kind of hard to concentrate on the course," he joked.
FLESHMAN - BECK - SEMICK ... 1, 2, 3 IN THE WOMEN'S RACE
Lauren Fleshman from Eugene (originally from California) is a bona-fide superstar - a 5-time NCAA Champion and 15-time All-American at Stanford University, 3-time Olympic trials qualifier, owner of a 14:58 5k, and a member of the Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team.
"It was a tough course, my best distances are the mile and 5k so this is pretty long for me, and I'll run this distance for a long run once a week but I never try to run it hard and I never try to run over crazy rocks and roots too often so it was fun just letting it rip and hanging it all out there and running with some really good trail runners," said Fleshman, who missed the Olympics by one spot in 2008.
"I have great respect for the athletes that compete over these distances and any race longer than about 15-miles and I think they eat me for lunch so this is about my upper limit. For me it's a confidence booster knowing that I can compete against runners that can handle these trails really well and have a lot of experience so I'm as pleased as I can be."
Fleshman led from just about start-to-finish even though Susannah Beck, last year's champ, ran nearly two minutes faster than last year. "It was tough again and I really just tried to think about how pretty the course was," smiled Beck.
Ultra running World Champion Kami Semick was also pleased and finished 40-seconds behind Beck in third place, followed by Katie Caba of Bend and Rachel Cieslewicz of Salt Lake City.
THE CHAMPIONS
The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship was the last race in a 50-stop U.S. Tour that hosts races in 15 states ranging from 5km to 22km. There were 25 regional series champions from Southern California to Georgia, Virginia and beyond that took part in today's races, and here's a look at the 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Champs:
Male
Division Name Hometown Time
15-19 Dmitry Ponder, Prineville, OR 1:37:40
20-24 Sean Stafford, Reno, NV 1:22:01
25-29 Max King, Bend, OR 1:06:46
30-34 Andy Martin, Bend, OR 1:15:07
35-39 Mark Robins, Aumsville, OR 1:25:12
40-44 Scott Dunlap, Woodside, CA 1:23:09
45-49 Jim Bendis, Palm Springs, CA 1:27:24
50-54 Jeff Spangler, Bend, OR 1:27:15
55-59 Dave Webster, Bend, OR 1:28:14
60-64 Kenneth Geljack, Bristol, IN 1:52:52
65-69 Jerry Graham, Spokane, WA 1:41:28
75-79 Don Hildebrand, Sisters, OR 2:56:03
80+ Charles Hoover, Bend, OR 3:57:04
Female
Division Name Hometown Time
15-19 Kristen Reichardt, Foresthill, CA 1:58:53
20-24 Kristiann Vlieger, Sunnyside, WA 1:47:41
25-29 Lauren Fleshman, Eugene, OR 1:19:10
30-34 Rachel Cieslewicz, Salt Lake City, UT 1:31:18
35-39 Katie Caba, Bend, OR 1:26:58
40-44 Susannah Beck, Brunswick, MA 1:21:37
45-49 Tawnie McDonald, Bend, OR 1:39:21
50-54 Sue Dougherty, Bend, OR 1:50:20
55-59 Suzanne Ray, Medford, OR 1:37:55
60-64 Jessie Stratton, Redding, CA 2:11:22
65-69 Amy Galbraith, Venice, CA 2:44:01
Today's trail races were a benefit for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, a non-profit whose guiding philosophy is to encourage academic achievement and promote the positive values of competitive Alpine, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cycling. Many of the young adults the foundation services showed up in costumes and made for a great atmosphere at the aid stations (check out the photo gallery - image 29).
In addition to the main event there were 5km and 10km trail runs, more than 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 enjoyed an epic day in Bend.
BEND LOCALS DOMINATE 5KM/10KM RACES: Not to be overshadowed by the main event, the 5 and 10 kilometer races posted some blazing fast times as well. One of Bend's Mountain View High School cross country coaches, Mike Condon, 23, stole the show in the 5K with his winning time of 16:49. He was originally signed up for the 21K, but with a lingering foot injury, he wasn't even sure if he could race at all today. He came planning on a nice leisurely run this morning, however "when the gun went off, it was impossible for me not to run fast" he said. Taking second in the men's 5K was another Bend local Andrew Jensen, 20, coming in just 34 seconds later. In the women's 5K local Piper McDonald of Bend had the fastest time -19:33- which was also amazing enough to place 4th overall. At just 12-years-old, this pink and blue streaked hair running prodigy just missed her personal record by 14 seconds but was still able to edge out 36-year-old Eugene resident Nicole Teter by 27 seconds.
In the 10K, the locally loved runner Flap Jack, 36, ran without his typical pancake costume and was able to take home the overall men's title with his time of 37:22, which was good enough to best Bend's Samual Burris, 19, by 41 seconds. Julie Leasure, 38, coming down from Portland, won the women's 10K in 42:48 after a friendly back and forth battle with Bend's Lindsay Peters, 29. According to Julie, "Lindsay really pushed me, and it was great to have such a strong competitor to run against. She was ahead for the first half of the race, and I was lucky enough to lead for the second half."
The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship was presented by Paul Mitchell and XTERRA.TV. National sponsors included GU Energy Gel, Gatorade, Zorrel, John Paul Pet, Hawaiian Airlines, XTERRAGear.com, and Runner's World Magazine. The destination sponsor was Visit Bend, and local sponsors included the Old Mill District, Riverhouse Hotel, Footzone, Earth2o Water, Cafe Yumm!, Strictly Organic Coffee, and Fleet Feet Bend.
A special thanks to Doug La Placa at Visit Bend, Bend Parks and Rec, Deschutes National Forest, the great volunteers from the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, and the entire Bend community for embracing the event and making it a world-class atmosphere for athletes from around the country.
UP NEXT: The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is December 6 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.
TEAM Unlimited, a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, owns and produces XTERRA. In 2009 there are more than 150 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running events held in 15 countries. There are 30,000+ competitors, ages 13-71, from all 50 states and more than 40 countries competing in XTERRA events. TEAM TV also produces more than a dozen adventure TV shows each year and you can see some of them right now at www.XTERRA.tv.
King, a Bend local, won in 1:06:46, a full six minutes ahead of runner-up Ben Bruce (1:12:58) and more than a minute faster than his own record time from last year's race. Fleshman won in 1:19:10, placed 5th overall, and finished more than two minutes ahead of the women's runner-up and last year's National Champ, Susannah Beck.
The victory is King's third straight XTERRA Trail Running Championship win (he also won Nationals and Worlds last year) and it also marks the third straight time Bruce has finished 2nd.
The race started at 9am with several hundred athletes from 25 states lined up under Bend's signature smoke stacks at the upscale Old Mill District on an incredibly beautiful, crisp and clear morning - then quickly transitioned onto the scenic trails that line the Deschutes River.
"Ben (Bruce) went out really hard from the gun so it set a good pace for me, and from there I just tried to go really hard the whole time and be smooth through the technical sections," said King, a former steeplechase All-American at Cornell University who has established himself as one of the most versatile runners in the country (he's also an accomplished ultra marathoner and will compete in the New York City Marathon on November 1).
Bruce was able to stay with King (pictured) through about the first 2.5 miles but by mile five King had put a minute on Bruce and by the 8-mile turnaround he was leading by nearly two-and-a-half minutes. That's about when the trail gets truly technical, zigzagging on narrow singletrack along the river, and where King put even more distance on his long-time rival from Eugene.
"Max was just in great form today and he pulled away from me pretty early," said Bruce, a member of the prestigious Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team. "By about mile six he was gone and I looked back and didn't see anyone behind me so I just settled in, relaxed, and had a good time out there."
Jesse Thomas, husband to the women's winner Lauren Fleshman, finished a little more than a minute behind Bruce, and was followed a minute-later by marathon specialist Andy Martin from Bend.
"I've been training pretty hard this summer and this was my first real big race back so I wanted it go really well," said King, who was enthusiastically greeted by his wife, one-month old son Micah, and dog at the finish line. "It's great that this race is in Bend and I can strap on my shoes and run down to the start line, and even better that I get to live here year-round and enjoy these trails."
Enjoying the trails and this "Central Oregon mountain town that has it all" was a common theme, especially from the large collection of out-of-state runners.
"It was an awesome course, just beautiful," said Richard Burgunder, a 30-year-old from Astoria, New York. "The venue is amazing and the river trail is epic. Plus, the people in Bend are awesome and the spectators that lined the course were so supportive. There were a couple guys on bikes that rode alongside me for a little bit and really motivated me. It was neat, a real breath of fresh air."
Scott Dunlap, an author of a popular trail running blog and winner of the 40-44 division, echoed the sentiment. "The river was so beautiful it made it kind of hard to concentrate on the course," he joked.
FLESHMAN - BECK - SEMICK ... 1, 2, 3 IN THE WOMEN'S RACE
Lauren Fleshman from Eugene (originally from California) is a bona-fide superstar - a 5-time NCAA Champion and 15-time All-American at Stanford University, 3-time Olympic trials qualifier, owner of a 14:58 5k, and a member of the Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team.
"It was a tough course, my best distances are the mile and 5k so this is pretty long for me, and I'll run this distance for a long run once a week but I never try to run it hard and I never try to run over crazy rocks and roots too often so it was fun just letting it rip and hanging it all out there and running with some really good trail runners," said Fleshman, who missed the Olympics by one spot in 2008.
"I have great respect for the athletes that compete over these distances and any race longer than about 15-miles and I think they eat me for lunch so this is about my upper limit. For me it's a confidence booster knowing that I can compete against runners that can handle these trails really well and have a lot of experience so I'm as pleased as I can be."
Fleshman led from just about start-to-finish even though Susannah Beck, last year's champ, ran nearly two minutes faster than last year. "It was tough again and I really just tried to think about how pretty the course was," smiled Beck.
Ultra running World Champion Kami Semick was also pleased and finished 40-seconds behind Beck in third place, followed by Katie Caba of Bend and Rachel Cieslewicz of Salt Lake City.
THE CHAMPIONS
The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship was the last race in a 50-stop U.S. Tour that hosts races in 15 states ranging from 5km to 22km. There were 25 regional series champions from Southern California to Georgia, Virginia and beyond that took part in today's races, and here's a look at the 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Champs:
Male
Division Name Hometown Time
15-19 Dmitry Ponder, Prineville, OR 1:37:40
20-24 Sean Stafford, Reno, NV 1:22:01
25-29 Max King, Bend, OR 1:06:46
30-34 Andy Martin, Bend, OR 1:15:07
35-39 Mark Robins, Aumsville, OR 1:25:12
40-44 Scott Dunlap, Woodside, CA 1:23:09
45-49 Jim Bendis, Palm Springs, CA 1:27:24
50-54 Jeff Spangler, Bend, OR 1:27:15
55-59 Dave Webster, Bend, OR 1:28:14
60-64 Kenneth Geljack, Bristol, IN 1:52:52
65-69 Jerry Graham, Spokane, WA 1:41:28
75-79 Don Hildebrand, Sisters, OR 2:56:03
80+ Charles Hoover, Bend, OR 3:57:04
Female
Division Name Hometown Time
15-19 Kristen Reichardt, Foresthill, CA 1:58:53
20-24 Kristiann Vlieger, Sunnyside, WA 1:47:41
25-29 Lauren Fleshman, Eugene, OR 1:19:10
30-34 Rachel Cieslewicz, Salt Lake City, UT 1:31:18
35-39 Katie Caba, Bend, OR 1:26:58
40-44 Susannah Beck, Brunswick, MA 1:21:37
45-49 Tawnie McDonald, Bend, OR 1:39:21
50-54 Sue Dougherty, Bend, OR 1:50:20
55-59 Suzanne Ray, Medford, OR 1:37:55
60-64 Jessie Stratton, Redding, CA 2:11:22
65-69 Amy Galbraith, Venice, CA 2:44:01
Today's trail races were a benefit for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, a non-profit whose guiding philosophy is to encourage academic achievement and promote the positive values of competitive Alpine, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cycling. Many of the young adults the foundation services showed up in costumes and made for a great atmosphere at the aid stations (check out the photo gallery - image 29).
In addition to the main event there were 5km and 10km trail runs, more than 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 enjoyed an epic day in Bend.
BEND LOCALS DOMINATE 5KM/10KM RACES: Not to be overshadowed by the main event, the 5 and 10 kilometer races posted some blazing fast times as well. One of Bend's Mountain View High School cross country coaches, Mike Condon, 23, stole the show in the 5K with his winning time of 16:49. He was originally signed up for the 21K, but with a lingering foot injury, he wasn't even sure if he could race at all today. He came planning on a nice leisurely run this morning, however "when the gun went off, it was impossible for me not to run fast" he said. Taking second in the men's 5K was another Bend local Andrew Jensen, 20, coming in just 34 seconds later. In the women's 5K local Piper McDonald of Bend had the fastest time -19:33- which was also amazing enough to place 4th overall. At just 12-years-old, this pink and blue streaked hair running prodigy just missed her personal record by 14 seconds but was still able to edge out 36-year-old Eugene resident Nicole Teter by 27 seconds.
In the 10K, the locally loved runner Flap Jack, 36, ran without his typical pancake costume and was able to take home the overall men's title with his time of 37:22, which was good enough to best Bend's Samual Burris, 19, by 41 seconds. Julie Leasure, 38, coming down from Portland, won the women's 10K in 42:48 after a friendly back and forth battle with Bend's Lindsay Peters, 29. According to Julie, "Lindsay really pushed me, and it was great to have such a strong competitor to run against. She was ahead for the first half of the race, and I was lucky enough to lead for the second half."
The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship was presented by Paul Mitchell and XTERRA.TV. National sponsors included GU Energy Gel, Gatorade, Zorrel, John Paul Pet, Hawaiian Airlines, XTERRAGear.com, and Runner's World Magazine. The destination sponsor was Visit Bend, and local sponsors included the Old Mill District, Riverhouse Hotel, Footzone, Earth2o Water, Cafe Yumm!, Strictly Organic Coffee, and Fleet Feet Bend.
A special thanks to Doug La Placa at Visit Bend, Bend Parks and Rec, Deschutes National Forest, the great volunteers from the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, and the entire Bend community for embracing the event and making it a world-class atmosphere for athletes from around the country.
UP NEXT: The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is December 6 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.
TEAM Unlimited, a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, owns and produces XTERRA. In 2009 there are more than 150 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running events held in 15 countries. There are 30,000+ competitors, ages 13-71, from all 50 states and more than 40 countries competing in XTERRA events. TEAM TV also produces more than a dozen adventure TV shows each year and you can see some of them right now at www.XTERRA.tv.
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