(9-10-08) Courtesy Running USA Wire #72-09-08 - United States Olympian and 2007 IAAF World Championships 10,000 meter bronze medalist Kara Goucher will make her much-anticipated marathon debut at the ING New York City Marathon 2008 on Sunday, November 2, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
"Last year when I watched the race first hand, I decided I wanted to run in New York," said Goucher. "The ING New York City Marathon is one of the most prestigious, and the course is challenging, so I'm excited for my first marathon to be this one. I have a strong emotional connection to New York, as it is where I was born, where my family lives, and where my father passed away. This one will be personal for me and my family."
Goucher, 30, of Portland, OR, is the latest in a line of stars to make their debuts in New York, including Grete Waitz (1978), Goucher's coach Alberto Salazar (1980), Liz McColgan (1991), Deena Kastor (2001), Marla Runyan (2002), Meb Keflezighi (2002) and Dathan Ritzenhein (2006).
"Our wish has been granted," said Wittenberg. "American track star Kara Goucher will make her much anticipated marathon debut in NYC following in the footsteps and with the help of her coach and mentor, the marathon's last great American star, three-time winner Alberto Salazar. This is a two-for-one deal. We get Kara and she comes with the benefit of Alberto's experience. I anticipate another milestone in American long distance running."
Goucher is the first athlete announced for the professional field in the 39th running of the famed 26.2-mile five-borough race, which is expected to feature a field of about 39,000 runners.
Goucher's breakout performance at last year's World Championships in Osaka, Japan, established her as one of America's finest distance runners. She was the first American woman since Lynn Jennings in 1992 to win a World Championships or Olympic medal at 10,000 meters. Goucher qualified for this year's U.S. Olympic team in both the 5000 and 10,000 meters, defeating U.S. record holder Shalane Flanagan in the 5000 meters at the Trials to win her first USA track title.
At the Olympic Games in Beijing, Goucher finished 10th in the 10,000 meters in a time of 30:55.16, setting a personal record and becoming the third-fastest 10,000 meter runner in U.S. history behind Flanagan and Deena Kastor. In the slow, tactical 5000 meter final, she placed ninth in a time of 15:49.39.
A bona-fide star on the track and in cross country, Goucher has run few road races, but in her most recent one, last September, she upset marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe to win the BUPA Great North Run, a half-marathon in England, in 1:06:57, the fastest-ever half-marathon by an American woman. The race was Goucher's first serious race longer than a 10K and only the third road race of her career.
This year's ING New York City Marathon will again be featured in more than six hours of television coverage, including five hours of local coverage on WNBC in the tri-state area and a one-hour national highlight show on NBC on Sunday afternoon.
Top Five Marathon Debuts by U.S. Women
2:26:58 Deena Kastor, New York City, 2001
2:27:10 Marla Runyan, New York City, 2002
2:29:01 Deeja Youngquist, Chicago, 2003
2:30:41 Blake Russell, Twin Cities, 2003
2:31:48 Elva Dryer, Chicago, 2006
For more information, visit: INGnycmarathon.org
Beijing Olympians to Compete at USA Triathlon Nationals
(9-4-08) From Press Release - USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that all six athletes who competed for the U.S. at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games last month, will be racing at Henry Hagg Lake just outside Portland at the USAT Elite National Championship on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The elite championship will take place on the same day as the 2008 Age Group National Championship that will feature close to 1,400 amateur triathletes from across the country. It's the second-straight year the amateur event has been held at the Hagg Lake venue.
"We are thrilled to be hosting triathletes from throughout the country and are especially excited this year to have some of the world's top professionals competing in the Elite National Championship at Hagg Lake," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "We invite Oregonians to come out and join the festivities by participating, volunteering and watching."
The amateurs, ranging from age 18 to 88, will be on the start line in the morning after qualifying at regional events throughout the past year. This select group of U.S. athletes will compete in a 1.5k swim, 40k bike, and 10k run with a goal of qualifying for the 2009 International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championship on the Gold Coast of Australia. The top 16 in each age group will earn a spot on Team USA.
The men's and women's elite races, featuring close to 100 of the top professionals in the U.S., will take place in the afternoon. These races are the same distance as the amateurs, but feature a spectator-friendly, multiple-loop course in a draft-legal format.
In addition to attending the races on Saturday, media and general public are invited to attend all of Friday's activities at the Lake, including the amateur athlete check-in and registration and the Vendor Expo with product demos, contests, and giveaways. Friday will be highlighted by autograph sessions with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, including Hunter Kemper, Laura Bennett, Jarrod Shoemaker, Sarah Haskins, Matt Reed, and Julie Swail Ertel.
Following is the autograph session schedule for Friday, Sept. 19 at the Lake:
Noon to 1pm - Matt Reed and Laura Bennett
1pm to 2pm - Sarah Haskins and Jarrod Shoemaker
(break for the 2pm elite meeting to be held at the lake)
3pm to 4pm - Julie Ertel and Hunter Kemper
Shuttles from parking lots outside the park will take athletes and spectators to and from the race venue at Boat Ramp C on Saturday.
Find out more about the event: http://triathlon.teamusa.org/event/event/47
Race Report: 2008 Scoggins Valley Triathlon
(9-2-08) Submitted by Dave Campbell - Autumn is here and precious few multisport racing opportunities remain! Nonetheless, nearly three hundred kindred spirits gathered Saturday at Henry Hagg Lake outside of Forest Grove, OR for the Scoggins Valley Triathlon which would also serve as a preview of sorts for those hoping to end their season with a bang on the same course at USAT Age Group Nationals September 20. The water level was fairly low, the skies cloudy, and the air quite chilly as the athletes prepared to compete in Tri-iT (novice tri), Sprint, and Olympic Triathlons as well as an Olympic Duathlon.
19-year-old Alycia Hill of Tacoma, WA posted the fastest swim time (22:21), but due to separate male/female wave starts, the first out were actually 21-year-old Damon Burnett from Snohomish, WA and 27-year-old Daniel Hough of Talent, OR both swimming 22:29 before beginning the long lumpy run up the carpet into the transition zone.
The Hagg Lake course is one of the most difficult to be found anywhere with a relentless series of hills in the second half of the bike. Many of Hagg's hills are about momentum and gear selection and so knowing the course and planning ahead, as well as really letting it rip on the descents is key. The bike is my specialty and as such I love this course and quickly moved into the lead, ultimately posting a 1:04:13 on the day, fastest by over two minutes. Many athletes found changing shoes slow due to their cold fingers and toes, as the temps were only in the low 50s and the sun mostly hidden by clouds. I started the run with a near four-minute lead but with some high-quality runners in the field it was far from safe.
Coming back from the turnaround, my gap was down to about a minute and a half and the writing was on the wall. With two miles to go, 25-year-old uber-runner Rusty Pruden of Marysville, WA went by me like a train. The Hagg run course is 10k out-and-back on those same vicious steep climbs that conclude the bike and Pruden was going over them like he was on the flat and was soon out of sight. He posted a 36:53, far and away the best run of the day, a 5:56 pace on a very difficult course. He broke the tape in 2:11:10 and when his swim and bike improve, he is going to be force to be reckoned with on the Northwest tri scene. I, meanwhile staggered home in 2:12:19 (Top Master) and decided it was time to call it a season. The ageless Patrick Wallace (50 from Lake Oswego) ran well to claim third overall, 2:30 back.
On the women's side, swim leader Hill gave way to the incredible Lauren Binder (61 from Portland) with a 1:14:03 (26th fastest overall) bike split, which moved her into second behind 53-year-old Jan Acuff from Seattle with Deborah Potts of Bellevue close behind. Hill was the best runner on the day (45:11) but her bike left her a minute and a half down at the line behind the consistent and now victorious Potts who finished in 2:31:23 with Acuff, third and Top Master.
Not all of the top athletes contested the Olympic with some opting to do the Sprint Triathlon as the first piece of a big training weekend in preparation for Nationals. 19-year-old phenom Eric Lagerstrom of Portland stormed to a wire-to-wire win in 1:03:31. The sophomore at Cascade College in Portland earned a bronze medal this spring in his age group at Worlds in Vancouver, BC and is aiming to peak for Nationals and improve on last years silver medal. With four overall regional wins to his credit this year and an 8:40 swim (1st), 35:04 bike (4th), and a blazing 17:21 run (1st) today, he will definitely be a favorite. Perennial top NW triathlete Ignacio Rodriguez-Lopez has returned to the scene strongly and was second, also with a strong run of 18:40. 55-year-old Jess Hickerson, 6th overall, was the top Master in 1:12:53.
28 year-old Anne Davis of Portland dominated the women's sprint event in 1:12:36 (5th overall) with Kimberly Pancoast from Kirkland second two minutes back and the amazing Bridget Dawson, age 50, was third another 19 seconds back and top Master.
I look forward to concluding a busy 2008 racing year with my "local" triathlon, the Lincoln City Sprint Triathlon, a very fun and low-key event Sunday on the coast. September and October are beautiful months in the Northwest and many running events as well as Cyclocross beckon those of us who have had our fill of multisport. The hardier souls will continue to train hard to peak for Age Group Nationals and the first 16 in each age group will get a chance to represent the U.S. next November on the Gold Coast of Australia. Whatever you are doing, enjoy it and stay active! I will look forward to seeing all my multisport friends and competitors out training in the coming months and on start lines again soon!
19-year-old Alycia Hill of Tacoma, WA posted the fastest swim time (22:21), but due to separate male/female wave starts, the first out were actually 21-year-old Damon Burnett from Snohomish, WA and 27-year-old Daniel Hough of Talent, OR both swimming 22:29 before beginning the long lumpy run up the carpet into the transition zone.
The Hagg Lake course is one of the most difficult to be found anywhere with a relentless series of hills in the second half of the bike. Many of Hagg's hills are about momentum and gear selection and so knowing the course and planning ahead, as well as really letting it rip on the descents is key. The bike is my specialty and as such I love this course and quickly moved into the lead, ultimately posting a 1:04:13 on the day, fastest by over two minutes. Many athletes found changing shoes slow due to their cold fingers and toes, as the temps were only in the low 50s and the sun mostly hidden by clouds. I started the run with a near four-minute lead but with some high-quality runners in the field it was far from safe.
Coming back from the turnaround, my gap was down to about a minute and a half and the writing was on the wall. With two miles to go, 25-year-old uber-runner Rusty Pruden of Marysville, WA went by me like a train. The Hagg run course is 10k out-and-back on those same vicious steep climbs that conclude the bike and Pruden was going over them like he was on the flat and was soon out of sight. He posted a 36:53, far and away the best run of the day, a 5:56 pace on a very difficult course. He broke the tape in 2:11:10 and when his swim and bike improve, he is going to be force to be reckoned with on the Northwest tri scene. I, meanwhile staggered home in 2:12:19 (Top Master) and decided it was time to call it a season. The ageless Patrick Wallace (50 from Lake Oswego) ran well to claim third overall, 2:30 back.
On the women's side, swim leader Hill gave way to the incredible Lauren Binder (61 from Portland) with a 1:14:03 (26th fastest overall) bike split, which moved her into second behind 53-year-old Jan Acuff from Seattle with Deborah Potts of Bellevue close behind. Hill was the best runner on the day (45:11) but her bike left her a minute and a half down at the line behind the consistent and now victorious Potts who finished in 2:31:23 with Acuff, third and Top Master.
Not all of the top athletes contested the Olympic with some opting to do the Sprint Triathlon as the first piece of a big training weekend in preparation for Nationals. 19-year-old phenom Eric Lagerstrom of Portland stormed to a wire-to-wire win in 1:03:31. The sophomore at Cascade College in Portland earned a bronze medal this spring in his age group at Worlds in Vancouver, BC and is aiming to peak for Nationals and improve on last years silver medal. With four overall regional wins to his credit this year and an 8:40 swim (1st), 35:04 bike (4th), and a blazing 17:21 run (1st) today, he will definitely be a favorite. Perennial top NW triathlete Ignacio Rodriguez-Lopez has returned to the scene strongly and was second, also with a strong run of 18:40. 55-year-old Jess Hickerson, 6th overall, was the top Master in 1:12:53.
28 year-old Anne Davis of Portland dominated the women's sprint event in 1:12:36 (5th overall) with Kimberly Pancoast from Kirkland second two minutes back and the amazing Bridget Dawson, age 50, was third another 19 seconds back and top Master.
I look forward to concluding a busy 2008 racing year with my "local" triathlon, the Lincoln City Sprint Triathlon, a very fun and low-key event Sunday on the coast. September and October are beautiful months in the Northwest and many running events as well as Cyclocross beckon those of us who have had our fill of multisport. The hardier souls will continue to train hard to peak for Age Group Nationals and the first 16 in each age group will get a chance to represent the U.S. next November on the Gold Coast of Australia. Whatever you are doing, enjoy it and stay active! I will look forward to seeing all my multisport friends and competitors out training in the coming months and on start lines again soon!
Run Smarter: A Training Progression for Optimal Performance in a Daily Running Routine - RCNW September eNewsletter
(8-25-08) Information abounds as to the many ways a runner can improve herself with auxiliary training. No longer is it acceptable to lace up the shoes and go out the door for a run if you want to find out how fast you can become in your sport. It can be overwhelming to try and make sense of how everything from strength training to stretching should best be folded into a runner's routine. The following progression provides a daily training routine for competitive runners to maximize performance and minimize injury in the most time efficient manner. It was developed based on the applications of basic physiological principles and current research studies related to performance in middle distance/distance runners.
I encourage all runners who want to maximize their potential and minimize the chance for injury to adhere to the following routine for each days training. Estimated time spent on each phase is indicated to give the athlete and coach an idea of the scope of time involved for the entire training routine.
I. Warm - Increase core body temperature, blood flow to major muscle groups and cardiovascular condition to facilitate the lengthening and activation of muscle groups associated with running. 3-5 min of running or cycling.
II. Lengthen - Most competitive runners involved in training programs of moderate to high volume still need to isolate muscle groups through a focused stretching program, although I believe some lower mileage runners can safely and successfully train with out this aspect of their daily training routine before running. Therefore this is a very individual aspect to training. For best results prior to a workout stretch using the concept of Active Isolated Stretching done on appropriate muscle groups. Stretching currently gets a negative association by those who do not understand the muscles stretch (myotic) reflex and how to properly affect this. (3-10 min)
III. Activate - Recruiting motor units ('parts' or sections of muscles) is essential to not only performing at a high intensity with running, but to do so at ANY intensity injury free day in and day out. The most effective and time efficient way of activating muscles is to engage in a running specific dynamic warm up. An example of this is available at (5-8 min)
IV. Insulate - Or protect your self against common lower back injuries by doing a routine of pelvic or core stability exercises BEFORE heading out the door for your run. This will activate the small muscle groups used to support the pelvis during running and ensure a solid hip complex while running. (2-3 min)
V. Bounce - Running form drills take the muscles that are ready for running and continue to improve their elasticity or 'bounce'. They also serve to remind the CNS of how to properly engage major and muscle groups whilst running for the most efficient running mechanics. Examples of these available at www.crpusa.com (5-10 min)
VI. Run - Yes its time to run. If you think of running as the work that primarily trains the metabolism of your body to fuel you while running at various intensities, then it makes sense to follow the previous five steps even before an 'easy' or recovery run. Be specific about the intensity you are going to run at each day to get the most out of your training. (15-120 min)
VII. Neuromuscular or Brain Training - Challenging the CNS to improve the coordination, balance and range of motion while the body is tired after a run is a small amount of time well invested. This will improve the range of motion, greatly improving running efficiency and reduces the risk of injury through motor unit recruitment of running specific muscle groups while tired. Examples of this can include a variety of activities depending on the day and training phase. Activities appropriate for this include: resistance training with traditional weighted lifts, plyometric exercises specific to running, and certain hurdle form drills. (5-45 min)
VIII. Recovery - This is the time to actively recover by refueling the body within the first 30-60 minutes post activity with carbohydrate rich fuels. Stretching, foam rolling and icing are also important at this time. (15-60 min). Although the list may look like a lot to embark on each day with your training, like other aspects of training in your sport, it will soon become a simple and positive habit.
Long may you run,
Sean Coster
Complete Running Programs offers lactate threshold performance tests for runners and cyclists of various abilities. For more information check out this information on lactate testing.
For more writings on training, motivation and philosophies in distance running visit Sean's blog at www.seancoster.org/runningportland or www.crpusa.com
Copyright 2008 Complete Running Programs - May not be used without permission of the author.
I encourage all runners who want to maximize their potential and minimize the chance for injury to adhere to the following routine for each days training. Estimated time spent on each phase is indicated to give the athlete and coach an idea of the scope of time involved for the entire training routine.
I. Warm - Increase core body temperature, blood flow to major muscle groups and cardiovascular condition to facilitate the lengthening and activation of muscle groups associated with running. 3-5 min of running or cycling.
II. Lengthen - Most competitive runners involved in training programs of moderate to high volume still need to isolate muscle groups through a focused stretching program, although I believe some lower mileage runners can safely and successfully train with out this aspect of their daily training routine before running. Therefore this is a very individual aspect to training. For best results prior to a workout stretch using the concept of Active Isolated Stretching done on appropriate muscle groups. Stretching currently gets a negative association by those who do not understand the muscles stretch (myotic) reflex and how to properly affect this. (3-10 min)
III. Activate - Recruiting motor units ('parts' or sections of muscles) is essential to not only performing at a high intensity with running, but to do so at ANY intensity injury free day in and day out. The most effective and time efficient way of activating muscles is to engage in a running specific dynamic warm up. An example of this is available at (5-8 min)
IV. Insulate - Or protect your self against common lower back injuries by doing a routine of pelvic or core stability exercises BEFORE heading out the door for your run. This will activate the small muscle groups used to support the pelvis during running and ensure a solid hip complex while running. (2-3 min)
V. Bounce - Running form drills take the muscles that are ready for running and continue to improve their elasticity or 'bounce'. They also serve to remind the CNS of how to properly engage major and muscle groups whilst running for the most efficient running mechanics. Examples of these available at www.crpusa.com (5-10 min)
VI. Run - Yes its time to run. If you think of running as the work that primarily trains the metabolism of your body to fuel you while running at various intensities, then it makes sense to follow the previous five steps even before an 'easy' or recovery run. Be specific about the intensity you are going to run at each day to get the most out of your training. (15-120 min)
VII. Neuromuscular or Brain Training - Challenging the CNS to improve the coordination, balance and range of motion while the body is tired after a run is a small amount of time well invested. This will improve the range of motion, greatly improving running efficiency and reduces the risk of injury through motor unit recruitment of running specific muscle groups while tired. Examples of this can include a variety of activities depending on the day and training phase. Activities appropriate for this include: resistance training with traditional weighted lifts, plyometric exercises specific to running, and certain hurdle form drills. (5-45 min)
VIII. Recovery - This is the time to actively recover by refueling the body within the first 30-60 minutes post activity with carbohydrate rich fuels. Stretching, foam rolling and icing are also important at this time. (15-60 min). Although the list may look like a lot to embark on each day with your training, like other aspects of training in your sport, it will soon become a simple and positive habit.
Long may you run,
Sean Coster
Complete Running Programs offers lactate threshold performance tests for runners and cyclists of various abilities. For more information check out this information on lactate testing.
For more writings on training, motivation and philosophies in distance running visit Sean's blog at www.seancoster.org/runningportland or www.crpusa.com
Copyright 2008 Complete Running Programs - May not be used without permission of the author.
Nike Hood to Coast Wrap-up, Videos + Answers About the Film Crew on Course
(8-25-08) Nearly 900 teams took part in this year's 197-mile Nike Hood to Coast Relay, held August 23-24. The event, which celebrated its 27th year in 2008, fielded teams from across the globe and many from the Pacific Northwest.
The men's overall win went to Bowerman AC of Portland with a finish time of 16:58:30. On the women's side, ATC Women of Atlanta, GA trumped the field in 21:36:24.
Our friends at RunnerSpace.com have posted some great videos from this weekend's event and are in the process of posting over 700 finish videos. Check out RunnerSpace.com for more great Hood to Coast footage.
And if you were one of the fortunate participants in this year's event, but were bewildered by all of the film crews out on the course, check out www.hoodtocoastdocumentary.com for information about a film that's in production about the race.
The men's overall win went to Bowerman AC of Portland with a finish time of 16:58:30. On the women's side, ATC Women of Atlanta, GA trumped the field in 21:36:24.
Our friends at RunnerSpace.com have posted some great videos from this weekend's event and are in the process of posting over 700 finish videos. Check out RunnerSpace.com for more great Hood to Coast footage.
And if you were one of the fortunate participants in this year's event, but were bewildered by all of the film crews out on the course, check out www.hoodtocoastdocumentary.com for information about a film that's in production about the race.
XTERRA Trail Running National Championship Bend Bound
(8-19-08) From Press Release - Since October of last year thousands have taken part in the XTERRA U.S. Trail Run Series and through the trials of these 50 races, spanning 15 states from coast-to-coast, some of the country's top trail runners have emerged and are headed to Bend to race for the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship. Having been called "America's Best Trail Running Town" by the editors of Outside Magazine, Bend is certainly worthy of hosting the nation's top harriers.
The main event is an off-road half-marathon (13.1 mile/21km) that starts in the historic Old Mill District. While the Series best runners have already proven their worth in rollicking races around the nation, one and all are welcome to take them on and race for the championship as no qualification is necessary.
The Course
Under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from Downtown to pristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend's finest scenery. Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first 1/2-mile or so is on a paved urban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto west side dirt trails.
Prize Money and Awards
The fastest runners will be racing for $5,000 in prize money - awarded to the top five men and women as follows: $1,000, $600, $400, $300, $200. XTERRA will also be crowning national champs in age groups starting at 9 & under, then every five years (ex. 10-14, 15-19, etc...) up to 80+. Champs win a commemorative long-sleeve winners T and all racers get a short sleeve shirt and goody bag.
5k/10k and Kids Sprint
Although not considered national championship races, XTERRA will also host a pair of fun and beautiful 5km and 10km trail runs (and the 5km is stroller friendly). There's also a free kids sprint and "XTERRA Kids Zone" filled with obstacle courses, a climbing net, balance beam and mor
For more information, check out www.xterraplanet.com.
The main event is an off-road half-marathon (13.1 mile/21km) that starts in the historic Old Mill District. While the Series best runners have already proven their worth in rollicking races around the nation, one and all are welcome to take them on and race for the championship as no qualification is necessary.
The Course
Under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from Downtown to pristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend's finest scenery. Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first 1/2-mile or so is on a paved urban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto west side dirt trails.
Prize Money and Awards
The fastest runners will be racing for $5,000 in prize money - awarded to the top five men and women as follows: $1,000, $600, $400, $300, $200. XTERRA will also be crowning national champs in age groups starting at 9 & under, then every five years (ex. 10-14, 15-19, etc...) up to 80+. Champs win a commemorative long-sleeve winners T and all racers get a short sleeve shirt and goody bag.
5k/10k and Kids Sprint
Although not considered national championship races, XTERRA will also host a pair of fun and beautiful 5km and 10km trail runs (and the 5km is stroller friendly). There's also a free kids sprint and "XTERRA Kids Zone" filled with obstacle courses, a climbing net, balance beam and mor
For more information, check out www.xterraplanet.com.
Bend Skiers Power Up Mt. Ashland Hillclimb
(8-6-08) Snow may be months away, but Bend-based XC Oregon cross country skiers Evelyn Dong and Zach Violett showed they will be ready when it comes by finishing 1st and 2nd in the women's and men's races at the 2008 Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run in Ashland, Oregon on Saturday, August 2.
The 13.3 mile Mt Ashland Hillclimb climbs 5,600 feet on largely dirt trails and roads from downtown Ashland's Lythia Park to the top of the Mt. Ashland ski area. A sold-out field of 250 participants took part in the 2008 event which organizers said featured the deepest elite field in the 32-year history of the event.
Dong shattered the women's course record by nearly 5 minutes winning in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The previous women's course record of 2:13:39 (Dolores Bergman) was set in 2004. Second place in the 2008 Hillclimb women's race went to Ashland's Jenn Shelton in 2:29:45.
This past April, Dong also set the Corvallis MacDonald Forest 50km trail run record by over 9 minutes.
On the men's side, XC Oregon's Zach Violett finished second in 1:57:23, 4:22 behind race winner and professional ultra runner Erik Skaggs. Skaggs ended up with the second fastest men's Hillclimb time ever run.
XC Oregon's Brayton Osgood, the 2007 Hillclimb champion, finished 7th (2:06:02). XC Oregon athletes Colin Mahood and Jason Tedrow finished 12th and 16th in the men's race.
Both Dong and Violett will be getting an early taste of winter when they compete in the 2008 Australian XC Ski National Championships and Australian Kangaroo Hoppet ski marathon later in August.
For complete results, visit www.mtashlandrun.com
The 13.3 mile Mt Ashland Hillclimb climbs 5,600 feet on largely dirt trails and roads from downtown Ashland's Lythia Park to the top of the Mt. Ashland ski area. A sold-out field of 250 participants took part in the 2008 event which organizers said featured the deepest elite field in the 32-year history of the event.
Dong shattered the women's course record by nearly 5 minutes winning in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The previous women's course record of 2:13:39 (Dolores Bergman) was set in 2004. Second place in the 2008 Hillclimb women's race went to Ashland's Jenn Shelton in 2:29:45.
This past April, Dong also set the Corvallis MacDonald Forest 50km trail run record by over 9 minutes.
On the men's side, XC Oregon's Zach Violett finished second in 1:57:23, 4:22 behind race winner and professional ultra runner Erik Skaggs. Skaggs ended up with the second fastest men's Hillclimb time ever run.
XC Oregon's Brayton Osgood, the 2007 Hillclimb champion, finished 7th (2:06:02). XC Oregon athletes Colin Mahood and Jason Tedrow finished 12th and 16th in the men's race.
Both Dong and Violett will be getting an early taste of winter when they compete in the 2008 Australian XC Ski National Championships and Australian Kangaroo Hoppet ski marathon later in August.
For complete results, visit www.mtashlandrun.com
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