(6-6-06) Submitted by Kirk Rose - Mid-Valley residents, Michelle Mills of Keizer, Bill Rupp of Salem, Kirk Rose of Albany and Jim Gulaskey of Lebanon Escape from Alcatraz! Sunday June 5th. Four am in the morning the four arise and plan their escape. Preparations are made, appropriate dress is donned and transitional gear is put in place. They are ready...well not quite.
5:00 am, bikes are racked, wet suits are zipped up, running and cycling shoes are laid out with helmet, energy bars and drink. Next step, off to the sternwheeler which sets sail at 7:15 (or so they say) for the trip to THE ROCK. Eight o'clock arrives and the pro's are sent off followed by 1500 age group athletes as fast as they can jump from the boat. Alcatraz is only 100 yds off the starboard side of the boat. They hit the water and gasp as the true temperature hits them in the face, a balmy 55 degrees... Okay, only 1.5 miles to shore with the current pushing them out to sea with each stroke, the water is a little choppy and the swells about two feet, but all in all, not too bad. Sighting is a little rough with the swells and so many bodies in the water at once.
All four survive the swim and make land in about 40-50 minutes. Next they remove (as fast as possible) the wetsuits they have donned for the occasion, put some temporary use shoes on and run 1/2 mile to their bikes. T1, as it is called (transition one) is the place to put on bike shoes a helmet and get ready for the 18 miles of hills, some a grade of 23 percent and lots of rough pavement. They are off!
Roughly five miles into the bike the pro athletes are witnessed whizzing by on the return trip. The age groupers continue on their trek dodging other cyclist, climbing hill after hill with sharp descents, 90 degree corners and other dangers amongst the fog that has now settled on the course. Whew, nobody was hurt or had a flat on the bike and they are back to T2 (transition two), now you are getting it.
Off with the bike helmet and shoes and on with the hat, bib number and running shoes, they are off. It is only eight miles, but two sets of stairs one known only as 'The Sand Ladder' (just a mere 400 stairs) two challenging hills and about a mile of sand running make it somewhat daunting. Dodging other runners, bushes, trudging thru the sand, ducking under the ledge into the tunnel, climbing the stairs and hitting the beach for the final two miles as the sun comes out and it gets hot is all part of the day. Three hours or so after the ordeal had begun THE ESCAPE is complete! What a great way to spend ones day.
Results of the Mid-Valley Foursome
Bill Rupp Male 2:59:06 - 64th of 223 men 40-49
Kirk Rose Male 3:04:02 - 7th of 42 men 55-59
Michelle Mills 3:09:04 - 14th of 94 women 35-39
Jim Gulaskey 3:17:05 runner up of 20 - 60-64 men who completed the event
Northwest Finishers
Nicholas Atkeson
Darrin Beek
Mike Bresson
David Burford
John Coffey
Michael Corrigan
Stephen Dilly
Maureen Eger
Hortense Everett
Rose Feliciano
Ed Goodman
John Grimme
Stuart Grundison
Joseph Gulaskey
Meredith Han
Karen LeFebre
Abby Majercik
Lewis McCoy
Rod McDowell
Jeanne McFall
Michelle Mills
Frank Mitchem
Edward Muelhaupt
Scott Muir
Jennifer Nerison-Morton
Wes Nichols
Mike Pritchard
Mike Rogoway
Kirk Rose
Bill Rupp
Lori Sabado
Elliot Schaffer
Michael Schimpf
Eric Schoen
Michael Schweiner
Michael Sinkula
Timothy Stone
Gregory Tollefson
Rick Trachok
Sean Truchard
Keith Walton
Jason Wix
Complete results and race information can be found at www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.
2006 Lilac Bloomsday Recap
(5-8-06) From Press Release - Okari Outpaces Kiama to Win 30th Bloomsday Run, Ochichi Survives Rally by Hladyr Over the Final Mile
Spokane, WA - Kenyans Gilbert Okari and Isabella Ochichi lived up to their billing as pre-race favorites, as the two withstood challenges from a strong field of contenders to win their respective divisions in the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
On a chilly, overcast morning, Okari and his training partner Charles Kiama broke away from the pack after the first uphill following Latah Creek, then ran stride for stride through the next two miles of the rolling Bloomsday course. Heading up the infamous Doomsday Hill, though, Okari broke away, emerging with a solid lead by the top. Kiama held on gamely over the final 2-1/2 miles of the 12-kilometer course (7.46 miles), but Okari nevertheless lengthened his lead, racing to the line in 34:14, over 30 seconds ahead of Kiama. Those two were followed by Ernest Meli Kimeli and Julius Kibet, as Kenyans captured the top eight places.
"It was challenging and the hill was tough," Okari said later. "I know [Kiama] well, and he is a strong runner."
In the women's race Ochichi, the 2004 Olympic 5000 meter silver medalist, led the race with a first mile of 4:41, then moved steadily away from the pack. It looked like it might be a runaway, but Ochichi was in for a surprise. Farther back Ukrainian Tetyana Hladyr and Australian Benita Johnson were running stride for stride in pursuit. As those two climbed Doomsday Hill Hladyr broke away, and she began to close steadily on the leader. With less than a mile to go Hladyr finally closed the gap, but Ochichi suddenly responded, unleashing a powerful kick on the final downhill to post a 38:38 victory, two seconds ahead of Hladyr.
"It if was warm I would have been faster, but being cold it was tough," said Ochichi later, then added a nod of thanks to the crowd for spurring her to victory. "When you are running and they say 'Go Isabella, you look good' and then I think I look good, I'm out of here."
In the Men's Masters competition Sean Wade of Houston, Texas, took top honors with a time of 37:45, followed by Alan Newton of Boise, ID. Women's Masters winner Sylvia Mosqueda, 40, of Los Angeles posted a time of 41:37, good enough for 11th overall. Top Washington finishers were Uli Steidl from Shoreline, WA with a time of 37:55 and Janet Collar from Spokane, WA with time of 44:08.
Over 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers finished the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, which has now recorded close to 1.2 million finishers. Full results of the event are posted at www.bloomsdayrun.org
Next year's Bloomsday is Sunday, May 6, 2007.
Spokane, WA - Kenyans Gilbert Okari and Isabella Ochichi lived up to their billing as pre-race favorites, as the two withstood challenges from a strong field of contenders to win their respective divisions in the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
On a chilly, overcast morning, Okari and his training partner Charles Kiama broke away from the pack after the first uphill following Latah Creek, then ran stride for stride through the next two miles of the rolling Bloomsday course. Heading up the infamous Doomsday Hill, though, Okari broke away, emerging with a solid lead by the top. Kiama held on gamely over the final 2-1/2 miles of the 12-kilometer course (7.46 miles), but Okari nevertheless lengthened his lead, racing to the line in 34:14, over 30 seconds ahead of Kiama. Those two were followed by Ernest Meli Kimeli and Julius Kibet, as Kenyans captured the top eight places.
"It was challenging and the hill was tough," Okari said later. "I know [Kiama] well, and he is a strong runner."
In the women's race Ochichi, the 2004 Olympic 5000 meter silver medalist, led the race with a first mile of 4:41, then moved steadily away from the pack. It looked like it might be a runaway, but Ochichi was in for a surprise. Farther back Ukrainian Tetyana Hladyr and Australian Benita Johnson were running stride for stride in pursuit. As those two climbed Doomsday Hill Hladyr broke away, and she began to close steadily on the leader. With less than a mile to go Hladyr finally closed the gap, but Ochichi suddenly responded, unleashing a powerful kick on the final downhill to post a 38:38 victory, two seconds ahead of Hladyr.
"It if was warm I would have been faster, but being cold it was tough," said Ochichi later, then added a nod of thanks to the crowd for spurring her to victory. "When you are running and they say 'Go Isabella, you look good' and then I think I look good, I'm out of here."
In the Men's Masters competition Sean Wade of Houston, Texas, took top honors with a time of 37:45, followed by Alan Newton of Boise, ID. Women's Masters winner Sylvia Mosqueda, 40, of Los Angeles posted a time of 41:37, good enough for 11th overall. Top Washington finishers were Uli Steidl from Shoreline, WA with a time of 37:55 and Janet Collar from Spokane, WA with time of 44:08.
Over 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers finished the 30th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, which has now recorded close to 1.2 million finishers. Full results of the event are posted at www.bloomsdayrun.org
Next year's Bloomsday is Sunday, May 6, 2007.
An April to Remember for U.S. Distance Running
(5-4-06) Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire - T.S. Eliot in his epic poem, The Waste Land, called April "the cruelest month", but for U.S. distance running, April 2006 was the best April on record as American distance runners distinguished themselves in three disciplines: cross country, road and track. Consider the following depth and breadth of achievement from this past month:
APRIL 1
Goucher 6th at World Cross
In the final edition of the World Cross Country 4K Championship, Adam Goucher worked his way thru the stellar short course field to finish 6th in Fukuoka, Japan. His finish was the highest U.S. Senior men's placing since Pat Porter took the same place in the 1986 long course (12K) race.
APRIL 2
Kastor's Four U.S. Records at Berlin
At the Vattenfall Berlin Half-Marathon, Deena Kastor finished second in 1:07:34 to Edith Masai's 1:07:16 and in the process, the Team Running USA athlete broke her U.S. record by 19 seconds. Additionally en route, the 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist set three more pending U.S. records: 12K in 38:24, 10 miles in 51:31 and 20K in 64:07.
APRIL 17
U.S. Men 3-4-5 at Boston
Led by 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, U.S. men made a statement at the 110th Boston Marathon. In his Boston debut, Keflezighi, a Team Running USA athlete, went for the win and placed third in 2:09:56, followed by Brian Sell 4th (2:10:55, PR) and Alan Culpepper 5th (2:11:02). In addition, Peter Gilmore (2:12:45, PR) and Clint Verran (2:14:12, PR) also finished in the top 10, 7th and 10th respectively. The U.S. also put 11 men in the top 20 - its best Boston showing in the prize money era (first year 1986) and its best showing overall since 1983.
APRIL 23
Deena Does It! Sub-2:20 Win at London
On April 23, Kastor impressively won the Flora London Marathon in a sterling 2:19:36, which broke her 2003 U.S. record (2:21:16) and made her the 4th fastest woman all-time and the 8th woman to break 2:20 (and first American woman). The Team Running USA athlete maintained a metronomic 5:20 pace throughout and split each half in 1:09:48.
APRIL 30
Webb, Ritzenhein, Famiglietti Sub-27:40 at Stanford
At the Cardinal Invite, Alan Webb and Dathan Ritzenhein, both 23, thrilled the rabid crowd over 25 laps as the miler Webb, in his 10,000 meter debut, sprinted to the narrow win, 27:33.72 to 27:35.65, the 8th and 9th fastest Americans all-time. Webb's time was a U.S. 10,000m debut record. Steeplechaser and fellow 2004 Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, also in his 10,000m debut, closed well to finish third in 27:37.74 (#12 U.S. individual).
The current U.S. distance "resurgence" did not happen and has not happened overnight, but started after the 2000 Olympics as a critical mass of people decided to stop talking about the limited success of U.S. distance running since the mid-80s and decided to do something about it by, in short, creating better training environments. Four years later in Athens, the Olympic Marathon medals won by Keflezighi and Kastor showed the value of group dynamics and training and that American distance runners could return to the highest podium.
The lion's share of the credit for this resurgence goes to the athletes and coaches who have been and are dedicated to improving the fortunes of U.S. distance running. In addition, Running USA, New York Road Runners, Nike, Hansons-Brooks, Atlanta Track Club, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Twin Cities Marathon, Chevron Houston Marathon and others have stepped up to help develop, support and promote more U.S. athletes. And together, the sport and its athletes are in a better place than 5 years ago.
Along with the veterans such as Keflezighi, Kastor, Goucher, Culpepper, Jen Rhines, Abdi Abdirahman, Carrie Tollefson and Khalid Khannouchi showing the way, there is a solid youth movement (under 25) with Webb, Ritzenhein, Ryan Hall, Ian Dobson, Galen Rupp, Shalane Flanagan, Lauren Fleshman and Sara Hall who collectively will inspire and lead the current generation as well as the next generation: the 54 million U.S. kids 18 and under (Echo Babies, the largest generation since the height of the Baby Boomers) in school today.
Yes, U.S. distance running has made noteworthy and laudable progress since 2000 and the future looks promising, but there is still more work to be done and more resources needed to produce more depth and top world class performances for Beijing 2008 and beyond, and April 2006 could prove to be a watershed moment for U.S. distance running.
For more information on Running USA, please visit RunningUSA.org
APRIL 1
Goucher 6th at World Cross
In the final edition of the World Cross Country 4K Championship, Adam Goucher worked his way thru the stellar short course field to finish 6th in Fukuoka, Japan. His finish was the highest U.S. Senior men's placing since Pat Porter took the same place in the 1986 long course (12K) race.
APRIL 2
Kastor's Four U.S. Records at Berlin
At the Vattenfall Berlin Half-Marathon, Deena Kastor finished second in 1:07:34 to Edith Masai's 1:07:16 and in the process, the Team Running USA athlete broke her U.S. record by 19 seconds. Additionally en route, the 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist set three more pending U.S. records: 12K in 38:24, 10 miles in 51:31 and 20K in 64:07.
APRIL 17
U.S. Men 3-4-5 at Boston
Led by 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, U.S. men made a statement at the 110th Boston Marathon. In his Boston debut, Keflezighi, a Team Running USA athlete, went for the win and placed third in 2:09:56, followed by Brian Sell 4th (2:10:55, PR) and Alan Culpepper 5th (2:11:02). In addition, Peter Gilmore (2:12:45, PR) and Clint Verran (2:14:12, PR) also finished in the top 10, 7th and 10th respectively. The U.S. also put 11 men in the top 20 - its best Boston showing in the prize money era (first year 1986) and its best showing overall since 1983.
APRIL 23
Deena Does It! Sub-2:20 Win at London
On April 23, Kastor impressively won the Flora London Marathon in a sterling 2:19:36, which broke her 2003 U.S. record (2:21:16) and made her the 4th fastest woman all-time and the 8th woman to break 2:20 (and first American woman). The Team Running USA athlete maintained a metronomic 5:20 pace throughout and split each half in 1:09:48.
APRIL 30
Webb, Ritzenhein, Famiglietti Sub-27:40 at Stanford
At the Cardinal Invite, Alan Webb and Dathan Ritzenhein, both 23, thrilled the rabid crowd over 25 laps as the miler Webb, in his 10,000 meter debut, sprinted to the narrow win, 27:33.72 to 27:35.65, the 8th and 9th fastest Americans all-time. Webb's time was a U.S. 10,000m debut record. Steeplechaser and fellow 2004 Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, also in his 10,000m debut, closed well to finish third in 27:37.74 (#12 U.S. individual).
The current U.S. distance "resurgence" did not happen and has not happened overnight, but started after the 2000 Olympics as a critical mass of people decided to stop talking about the limited success of U.S. distance running since the mid-80s and decided to do something about it by, in short, creating better training environments. Four years later in Athens, the Olympic Marathon medals won by Keflezighi and Kastor showed the value of group dynamics and training and that American distance runners could return to the highest podium.
The lion's share of the credit for this resurgence goes to the athletes and coaches who have been and are dedicated to improving the fortunes of U.S. distance running. In addition, Running USA, New York Road Runners, Nike, Hansons-Brooks, Atlanta Track Club, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Twin Cities Marathon, Chevron Houston Marathon and others have stepped up to help develop, support and promote more U.S. athletes. And together, the sport and its athletes are in a better place than 5 years ago.
Along with the veterans such as Keflezighi, Kastor, Goucher, Culpepper, Jen Rhines, Abdi Abdirahman, Carrie Tollefson and Khalid Khannouchi showing the way, there is a solid youth movement (under 25) with Webb, Ritzenhein, Ryan Hall, Ian Dobson, Galen Rupp, Shalane Flanagan, Lauren Fleshman and Sara Hall who collectively will inspire and lead the current generation as well as the next generation: the 54 million U.S. kids 18 and under (Echo Babies, the largest generation since the height of the Baby Boomers) in school today.
Yes, U.S. distance running has made noteworthy and laudable progress since 2000 and the future looks promising, but there is still more work to be done and more resources needed to produce more depth and top world class performances for Beijing 2008 and beyond, and April 2006 could prove to be a watershed moment for U.S. distance running.
For more information on Running USA, please visit RunningUSA.org
Powerhouse Mile Field at Pre Classic
(5-2-06) From Press Release - One of the strongest mile fields ever assembled in the
United States will take the track for the Bowerman Mile at the 32nd annual Prefontaine Classic on Sunday, May 28th.
Pre Classic favorite Alan Webb showed his strength at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on Sunday (April 30th), setting a personal best for 10,000 meters in his first attempt at the distance. His 27:34.72 is the fastest debut ever by an American, replacing Steve Prefontaine's then-American Record of 27:43.6 from 1974. The 23-year-old Virginian will need every bit of that strength to meet the challenges of presented by this field:
New American 1500 Meter Recordholder Bernard Lagat, ranked No. 2 in the world last year by Track & Field News. Lagat is the Olympic silver medalist from the Athens Games.
Double World Champion Rachid Ramzi of Bahrain, ranked No. 3 in the world. Ramzi was untouchable in winning the Helsinki 800 and 1500 Meter titles last year.
Defending Bowerman Mile champion Alex Kipchirchir of Kenya, ranked No. 5 in the world. In March of this year, Kipchirchir won the Commonwealth Games 800 Meter gold medal.
All four of these headliners ran sub-3:50 miles, or the metric equivalent, in 2005.
Tickets for the 2006 Prefontaine Classic are available in person at the Casanova Center ticket office, by phone from 1-800-WEBFOOT, or online at www.goducks.com
copyright 2001-2006 Oregon Track Club. All rights reserved.
United States will take the track for the Bowerman Mile at the 32nd annual Prefontaine Classic on Sunday, May 28th.
Pre Classic favorite Alan Webb showed his strength at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on Sunday (April 30th), setting a personal best for 10,000 meters in his first attempt at the distance. His 27:34.72 is the fastest debut ever by an American, replacing Steve Prefontaine's then-American Record of 27:43.6 from 1974. The 23-year-old Virginian will need every bit of that strength to meet the challenges of presented by this field:
New American 1500 Meter Recordholder Bernard Lagat, ranked No. 2 in the world last year by Track & Field News. Lagat is the Olympic silver medalist from the Athens Games.
Double World Champion Rachid Ramzi of Bahrain, ranked No. 3 in the world. Ramzi was untouchable in winning the Helsinki 800 and 1500 Meter titles last year.
Defending Bowerman Mile champion Alex Kipchirchir of Kenya, ranked No. 5 in the world. In March of this year, Kipchirchir won the Commonwealth Games 800 Meter gold medal.
All four of these headliners ran sub-3:50 miles, or the metric equivalent, in 2005.
Tickets for the 2006 Prefontaine Classic are available in person at the Casanova Center ticket office, by phone from 1-800-WEBFOOT, or online at www.goducks.com
copyright 2001-2006 Oregon Track Club. All rights reserved.
Hood To Coast Relay to Auction off Team Spot for Sold-Out 2006 Race
(2-6-06) From Press Release - The Hood To Coast Relay is excited to announce it will be auctioning off one team spot into the sold-out 2006 race! 100% of proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, to help this devoted organization continue to do their important work.
To date, several hundred teams have been turned away for the sold-out event. "We're thrilled to be able to donate a team for auction in the 2006 race," says Robert Foote, President and Founder of the Hood To Coast Relay. "This is one way we can give the hundreds of great teams we turned away another chance to join us, and raise money for the American Cancer Society at the same time. That's a great combination!"
Not only will the highest bidder receive a spot in the sold-out race, but the package also includes other items from Hood To Coast Relay sponsors. Title sponsor Fred Meyer has donated gift cards, and the winner will also receive a running package from Nike valued at over $600, $375 worth of McCormick & Schmick's gift cards to be used by their team, and prizes from the American Cancer Society.
The auction will take place online at www.hoodtocoast.com beginning at 8am PST Monday, February 13th. Bidding will close at 5pm PST Friday, February 17th. The winning tax-deductible bid will be announced Friday Feb 17th.
Teams, companies and individuals are all encouraged to participate and bid.
"We are extremely pleased to be in partnership with the Hood to Coast Relay," says Dave Rogers, Metro Market Vice President for the American Cancer Society." We really appreciate all the efforts that the staff and participants have shown in helping to raise funds for the fight against cancer through Hood To Coast. We hope that auctioning off this spot will not only appeal to a team who wants to participate in an amazing event, but also wants to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem," he added.
The 25th anniversary Hood To Coast Relay kicks off Friday, August 25th 2006 at Mt. Hood. Over 18,000 participants are expected, with upwards of 95,000 more at the finish line. Attendees can expect live music, sponsor booths, merchandise and more at the annual finish line beach party in Seaside. In addition to the relay, the Portland To Coast Walk and the Nationwide Insurance Portland to Coast High School Challenge will also take place simultaneously.
For additional information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, email office@htcrelay.com or visit the website at www.hoodtocoast.com.
To date, several hundred teams have been turned away for the sold-out event. "We're thrilled to be able to donate a team for auction in the 2006 race," says Robert Foote, President and Founder of the Hood To Coast Relay. "This is one way we can give the hundreds of great teams we turned away another chance to join us, and raise money for the American Cancer Society at the same time. That's a great combination!"
Not only will the highest bidder receive a spot in the sold-out race, but the package also includes other items from Hood To Coast Relay sponsors. Title sponsor Fred Meyer has donated gift cards, and the winner will also receive a running package from Nike valued at over $600, $375 worth of McCormick & Schmick's gift cards to be used by their team, and prizes from the American Cancer Society.
The auction will take place online at www.hoodtocoast.com beginning at 8am PST Monday, February 13th. Bidding will close at 5pm PST Friday, February 17th. The winning tax-deductible bid will be announced Friday Feb 17th.
Teams, companies and individuals are all encouraged to participate and bid.
"We are extremely pleased to be in partnership with the Hood to Coast Relay," says Dave Rogers, Metro Market Vice President for the American Cancer Society." We really appreciate all the efforts that the staff and participants have shown in helping to raise funds for the fight against cancer through Hood To Coast. We hope that auctioning off this spot will not only appeal to a team who wants to participate in an amazing event, but also wants to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem," he added.
The 25th anniversary Hood To Coast Relay kicks off Friday, August 25th 2006 at Mt. Hood. Over 18,000 participants are expected, with upwards of 95,000 more at the finish line. Attendees can expect live music, sponsor booths, merchandise and more at the annual finish line beach party in Seaside. In addition to the relay, the Portland To Coast Walk and the Nationwide Insurance Portland to Coast High School Challenge will also take place simultaneously.
For additional information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, email office@htcrelay.com or visit the website at www.hoodtocoast.com.
Gebrselassie Shatters World Half-Marathon Record at P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona
(1-16-06) Courtesy of Running USA wire, Ryan Lamppa - In an impressive display of running, two-time Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia shattered the world half-marathon record by 21 seconds at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona on Sunday morning in the Valley of the Sun. The four-time world 10,000 meter champion ran 58 minutes, 55 seconds to break the previous record of 59:16 set by Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya last September in Rotterdam. En route to his 20th world record, Gebrselassie also set the 20K world road record with his 55:48.
In a special professional race set-up for his world record attempt, six athletes including four of his countrymen were entered. Under near ideal racing conditions - sunny and cool with a west wind, Gebrselassie, 32, needed to average approximately 4:30 a mile to put the record in reach. The pack of four men which included Gebrselassie hit 5K (3.1 miles) in 14:05 just over record pace.
Between 7K and 8K, Gebrselassie pulled away from his pacers to regain the lost time. After hitting the 10K in 28:01, the fluid Ethiopian rattled off a series of sub-2:45 kilometers as he rocketed the next 5K in 13:44 - 15K in 41:45 (a U.S. All-Comers record) - to get ahead of record pace and later, passed 10 miles in 44:53, another U.S. All-Comers record.
With near effortless precision, the diminutive Gebrselassie passed the 20K mark in 55:48 and with just over 1000 meters left, the question now was by how much he would break the world half-marathon record.
"That was my plan (to negative split)," said Gebrselassie. "Our plan was the second part. I told them (the pacesetters) not to worry about it. Keep the first part going. I will do my best for the second part."
As he entered the Arizona State University campus, the crowds grew larger and louder and as he turned the last corner for his final sprint, the crowd roared like a jet engine to pull him to the finish line in 58:55, the first man under 59 minutes for the half-marathon.
"This is so fantastic," added the smiling Gebrselassie. "I did not train here in America. This is my first record in America and it is really something special. I'm so happy.
"You can see from today, the record, I'll be ready in London (Marathon in April). London is going to be something different; I'm okay just to win. To win in London is something special."
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe, AZ, Sunday, January 15, 2006
1) Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia, 58:55, $25,000 world record bonus
2) Tessema Abshiro, Ethiopia, 1:02:57
3) Habte Jifar, Ethiopia, 1:04:40
4) Abiyote Guta, Ethiopia, 1:05:58
5) Fidele Barangsabe, Ethiopia, 1:08:44
6) John Little, USA/AZ, 1:10:35
En route records World 20K, 55:48 previous record, 56:18, Paul Tergat (KEN), Stramilano Half-Marathon split, ITA, 04/04/98 U.S. All-Comers including the above 15K, 41:45 previous record, 42:22, Todd Williams (USA/TN), Gate River Run, FL, 03/11/95 10 mile, 44:53 previous record, 45:37, Ondoro Osoro (KEN), First of America, FL, 10/18/97
For more information, visit www.RnRAZ.com.
In a special professional race set-up for his world record attempt, six athletes including four of his countrymen were entered. Under near ideal racing conditions - sunny and cool with a west wind, Gebrselassie, 32, needed to average approximately 4:30 a mile to put the record in reach. The pack of four men which included Gebrselassie hit 5K (3.1 miles) in 14:05 just over record pace.
Between 7K and 8K, Gebrselassie pulled away from his pacers to regain the lost time. After hitting the 10K in 28:01, the fluid Ethiopian rattled off a series of sub-2:45 kilometers as he rocketed the next 5K in 13:44 - 15K in 41:45 (a U.S. All-Comers record) - to get ahead of record pace and later, passed 10 miles in 44:53, another U.S. All-Comers record.
With near effortless precision, the diminutive Gebrselassie passed the 20K mark in 55:48 and with just over 1000 meters left, the question now was by how much he would break the world half-marathon record.
"That was my plan (to negative split)," said Gebrselassie. "Our plan was the second part. I told them (the pacesetters) not to worry about it. Keep the first part going. I will do my best for the second part."
As he entered the Arizona State University campus, the crowds grew larger and louder and as he turned the last corner for his final sprint, the crowd roared like a jet engine to pull him to the finish line in 58:55, the first man under 59 minutes for the half-marathon.
"This is so fantastic," added the smiling Gebrselassie. "I did not train here in America. This is my first record in America and it is really something special. I'm so happy.
"You can see from today, the record, I'll be ready in London (Marathon in April). London is going to be something different; I'm okay just to win. To win in London is something special."
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe, AZ, Sunday, January 15, 2006
1) Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia, 58:55, $25,000 world record bonus
2) Tessema Abshiro, Ethiopia, 1:02:57
3) Habte Jifar, Ethiopia, 1:04:40
4) Abiyote Guta, Ethiopia, 1:05:58
5) Fidele Barangsabe, Ethiopia, 1:08:44
6) John Little, USA/AZ, 1:10:35
En route records World 20K, 55:48 previous record, 56:18, Paul Tergat (KEN), Stramilano Half-Marathon split, ITA, 04/04/98 U.S. All-Comers including the above 15K, 41:45 previous record, 42:22, Todd Williams (USA/TN), Gate River Run, FL, 03/11/95 10 mile, 44:53 previous record, 45:37, Ondoro Osoro (KEN), First of America, FL, 10/18/97
For more information, visit www.RnRAZ.com.
Pro Triathlete Desiree Ficker to Speak in Portland
(1-12-06) From Press Release - The Portland Triathlon Club is pleased to announce that announce that Professional Triathlete Desiree Ficker will be speaking to the Portland Triathlon Club on Feburary 6, 2006. Desiree is one of the sport's rising stars, posting tremendous performances at Ironman races during the 2005 season. She was professional Duathlete of the Year from 2002-2004 and USAT Professional Rookie of the year in 2001. This special event is open to anyone interested in this rare opportunity. The cost of admission will be a $5.00 for dues-paying Portland Triathlon Club Members and $15 for all other attendees. Bring along your copy of Triathlete Magazine (October 2005) with Desiree's picture on the cover and she will autograph it for you after the session.
In addition, Desiree Ficker will be teaching an eight hour clinic on February 5th, 2006, to focus on individual triathlon disciplines, transitions and common ways to improve race performance. Again, this is open to triathletes of all levels, but there is only room for 25 people, so please RSVP to coachjoeenglish@yahoo.com as soon as possible. The cost is $180 for Portland Triathlon Club Team Members and $200 for non-members.
The time and location of both the February 5 clinic and the February 6 event will be posted on the Portland Triathlon Club's website (www.pdxtriclub.org) as those details become available. Please contact info@pdxtriclub.org with any questions.
In addition, Desiree Ficker will be teaching an eight hour clinic on February 5th, 2006, to focus on individual triathlon disciplines, transitions and common ways to improve race performance. Again, this is open to triathletes of all levels, but there is only room for 25 people, so please RSVP to coachjoeenglish@yahoo.com as soon as possible. The cost is $180 for Portland Triathlon Club Team Members and $200 for non-members.
The time and location of both the February 5 clinic and the February 6 event will be posted on the Portland Triathlon Club's website (www.pdxtriclub.org) as those details become available. Please contact info@pdxtriclub.org with any questions.
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