(5-2-07) From Press Release - Spokane, Washington - 2006 champion Gilbert Okari will have his hands full this Sunday as he attempts to do what only two other runners in history have done, notch back-to-back victories in the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
Okari, who has a string of U.S. road wins to his credit, including the World's Best 10K earlier this year, will have to outrun a field that includes two-time Bloomsday champion and fellow Kenyan John Korir. Those two will battle 2007 Crescent City Classic winner George Misoi, 2007 Credit Union Cherry Blossom champion Tadesse Tola, 2007 Carlsbad 5000 winner Simon Ndirangu, two-time Olympic marathon fourth place finisher Jon Brown, and a host of others hoping to add their names to the list of champions in the 31st running of the hotly contested 12-kilometer race.
"We're very excited to have Gilbert Okari back to defend his title," said Bloomsday Elite Athlete Coordinator Jon Neill. "He's going to be tested by one of the deepest fields in Bloomsday history, and I know this is going to be a swift, exciting race."
The women's race should prove equally swift and exciting, as 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist Catherine Ndereba of Kenya battles Teyba Erkesso of Ethiopia, who set a world 10-mile best in winning the recent Credit Union Cherry Blossom in Washington, DC. Those two will also have to contend with Kathy Butler of Great Britain, who has finished second and fourth in recent Bloomsdays.
"Ndereba and Butler both have the advantage of having run here before," said Neill, "and experience is always helpful on this course. But Teyba Erkesso is running extremely well right now, and as a result you have to give her serious consideration as a potential champion."
In masters competition, 2006 Bloomsday champions Sylvia Mosqueda and Sean Wade will be back to defend their titles, and distance running legend Henry Rono will return for the first time since winning Bloomsday in 1982.
Open winners of this year's Lilac Bloomsday Run will advance to the PRRO Race of Champions at the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 4. If either Okari, Tola, or Erkesso win Bloomsday and then win Peachtree, they'll be eligible for the $25,000 bonus paid to any athlete who wins two PRRO Circuit races plus the Atlanta final.
This year's wheelchair competition also promises to be hotly contested, as 2006 winners Saul Mendoza of Mexico and Shirley Reilly return to defend their titles. In addition, Bloomsday this year launches its first collegiate team competition, with strong wheelchair fields from the University of Illinois and University of Arizona vying for the team victory. Each team will be scored based on its top two male and top two female finishers, plus one quad competitor.
While elite athletes are vying for top placings and over $56,000 in prize money, nearly 44,000 runners, joggers and walkers will make the 12-kilometer trek along streets filled with music and dance. There will be twenty-eight entertainment stations along the course, and participants will be able to vote for their favorite performers by logging on to the Bloomsday website after the run. Entrants will also spend a fair amount of time during the run wondering what the 2007 Bloomsday T-shirt will look like. The color and design of the shirt are kept secret until entrants reach the finish.
More Info: www.bloomsday.org
Lake Grove Elementary Partners With Hood To Coast Relay
(4-2-07) From Press Release - Lake Grove Elementary School PTA is excited to announce the Kick-off of their 2nd annual fitness program for its 1st - 6th graders.
Concerned with the growing trend of childhood obesity, the Lake Grove PTA felt they needed to create a program that allowed students to choose an active lifestyle. Chris VanLeeuwen, PTA member and long time runner, thought the Hood To Coast Relay was the ideal event to model their new program around. "Running in Hood To Coast is a unique experience. Its foundation is about running, but it's the fun and team camaraderie along the way that makes it special. Exactly what the kids need to stay interested in fitness". The Lake Grove PTA put their own spin on Hood To Coast, and last year organized the first ever Lake Grove To Coast Relay. VanLeeuwen says, "I hope the name similarity carries forward with the kids, and they'll choose to participate in events like Hood To Coast as adults." The PTA sponsored program was optional to those who choose to participate. Incredibly, 200 kids signed up to spend their lunch time to "relay" around the school track.
Now in it's second year, the Lake Grove To Coast Relay is a popular event with the students. Parent organizers expect 300 kids to sign up for the program which will kick off on April 6. The kids form relay teams that run, walk, or jog laps on the playground during their recess three days a week. In true "Hood To Coast Relay" fashion, they relay around the track for 4 weeks until they reach their goal of 100 miles, equal to the trek from Lake Grove Elementary School to the Pacific Coast. Parent volunteers help track the teams' progress on a large map inside the school. Lake Grove Principal, Jonnie Shobaki, believes "it helps us emphasize to children that fitness goes beyond physical activity required at school and falls into the realm of habits individuals establish for a lifetime. This is a great way for kids to have fun, interact in teams, and learn how to incorporate fitness into their daily lives."
Hood To Coast Relay supports the event by giving the kids the feel of an authentic relay. The kids kick off their run or walk under the Hood To Coast Start Line Banner, hand off official wrist bands that serve as the team batons, and are given finisher medals at the completion of the event. Hood To Coast supplies the same batons and medals as they give their adult participants. Hood To Coast partners are also stepping up to support the Lake Grove to Coast program this year. Fred Meyer Stores' mascot, Fred Bear, will make an appearance on opening day; KINK fm 102 Morning Show hosts, Rebecca Webb & Les Sarnoff are scheduled as "guest runners"; and Hood To Coast’s Charity of Choice, the American Cancer Society, is providing the kids with water bottles.
Hood To Coast founder, Bob Foote says, "I'm excited about being an inspiration for this youth fitness program. My love for running has helped me to develop life long healthy habits. Lake Grove To Coast Relay is putting the kids on that path, and I hope they continue with it as adults."
The 2nd Annual Lake Grove To Coast kicks off April 6th at Lake Grove Elementary School, and will run for 4 weeks.
For information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, or visit www.hoodtocoast.com.
Concerned with the growing trend of childhood obesity, the Lake Grove PTA felt they needed to create a program that allowed students to choose an active lifestyle. Chris VanLeeuwen, PTA member and long time runner, thought the Hood To Coast Relay was the ideal event to model their new program around. "Running in Hood To Coast is a unique experience. Its foundation is about running, but it's the fun and team camaraderie along the way that makes it special. Exactly what the kids need to stay interested in fitness". The Lake Grove PTA put their own spin on Hood To Coast, and last year organized the first ever Lake Grove To Coast Relay. VanLeeuwen says, "I hope the name similarity carries forward with the kids, and they'll choose to participate in events like Hood To Coast as adults." The PTA sponsored program was optional to those who choose to participate. Incredibly, 200 kids signed up to spend their lunch time to "relay" around the school track.
Now in it's second year, the Lake Grove To Coast Relay is a popular event with the students. Parent organizers expect 300 kids to sign up for the program which will kick off on April 6. The kids form relay teams that run, walk, or jog laps on the playground during their recess three days a week. In true "Hood To Coast Relay" fashion, they relay around the track for 4 weeks until they reach their goal of 100 miles, equal to the trek from Lake Grove Elementary School to the Pacific Coast. Parent volunteers help track the teams' progress on a large map inside the school. Lake Grove Principal, Jonnie Shobaki, believes "it helps us emphasize to children that fitness goes beyond physical activity required at school and falls into the realm of habits individuals establish for a lifetime. This is a great way for kids to have fun, interact in teams, and learn how to incorporate fitness into their daily lives."
Hood To Coast Relay supports the event by giving the kids the feel of an authentic relay. The kids kick off their run or walk under the Hood To Coast Start Line Banner, hand off official wrist bands that serve as the team batons, and are given finisher medals at the completion of the event. Hood To Coast supplies the same batons and medals as they give their adult participants. Hood To Coast partners are also stepping up to support the Lake Grove to Coast program this year. Fred Meyer Stores' mascot, Fred Bear, will make an appearance on opening day; KINK fm 102 Morning Show hosts, Rebecca Webb & Les Sarnoff are scheduled as "guest runners"; and Hood To Coast’s Charity of Choice, the American Cancer Society, is providing the kids with water bottles.
Hood To Coast founder, Bob Foote says, "I'm excited about being an inspiration for this youth fitness program. My love for running has helped me to develop life long healthy habits. Lake Grove To Coast Relay is putting the kids on that path, and I hope they continue with it as adults."
The 2nd Annual Lake Grove To Coast kicks off April 6th at Lake Grove Elementary School, and will run for 4 weeks.
For information about Hood To Coast events, call (503) 292-4626, or visit www.hoodtocoast.com.
Idaho to Host New Triathlon Festival
(2-26-07) From Press Release - The Dover Bay Weekend Sports Festival will be held Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 in Dover Bay, Idaho at the Dover Bay Resort. The Weekend will include the already popular Long Bridge Swim (1.76 miles) that takes place in Lake Pend Orielle on Saturday, along with a 5k and 10k run/walk as well as a kid's triathlon. Sunday will play host to four events including an Olympic-distance triathlon and duathlon, as well as a sprint distance triathlon and a novice "Tri-iT" triathlon. For more information about the Dover Bay Weekend Sports Festival, visit the Official Event Web site.
About the Dover Bay Resort
Dover Bay, a complete, new residential waterfront resort community on the shores of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, just 3.5 miles west of downtown Sandpoint, Idaho and a short drive to Schweitzer Mountain Resort. With almost 2 miles of lakefront plus inlets, streams, ponds and islands, this visionary planned real estate development respects the natural beauty of the area. Nature preserves and bike and walking trails wind amid cattail inlets and meadows from the lake to panoramic views atop Dover Point. There are real estate and home buying opportunities in a variety of price ranges, from condominiums to custom waterfront homes. A magnificent, pristine lake-and-mountain setting on Idaho's largest lake. Dover Bay. On the Lake two miles from Sandpoint, Idaho. Info: www.doverbayidaho.com
About the Dover Bay Resort
Dover Bay, a complete, new residential waterfront resort community on the shores of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, just 3.5 miles west of downtown Sandpoint, Idaho and a short drive to Schweitzer Mountain Resort. With almost 2 miles of lakefront plus inlets, streams, ponds and islands, this visionary planned real estate development respects the natural beauty of the area. Nature preserves and bike and walking trails wind amid cattail inlets and meadows from the lake to panoramic views atop Dover Point. There are real estate and home buying opportunities in a variety of price ranges, from condominiums to custom waterfront homes. A magnificent, pristine lake-and-mountain setting on Idaho's largest lake. Dover Bay. On the Lake two miles from Sandpoint, Idaho. Info: www.doverbayidaho.com
Heart of the Valley Triathlon Returns for 2007
(2-24-07) AA Sports, Ltd. is proud to have the opportunity to work with the City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation, as well as dedicated local athletes to produce the 2007 Heart of the Valley Triathlon & Duathlon. This event was well known to local athletes for many years as the HOTV, and for the last few years as the EOT (Equal Opportunity Triathlon). The swim takes place in a beautiful 50 meter pool, and the bike course takes place on quiet, challenging country roads. A Duathlon is being added to this years event. Also included is the Kid's Tri. The adult races are TRI NW Ranked events.
Info: www.racecenter.com/hotv
Info: www.racecenter.com/hotv
2007 Season Kickoff Expo Slated for Feb 16-17
(2-9-07) WHAT: SEASON KICKOFF EVENT EXPO, Presented by Foot Traffic; WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16th 5-8pm, Saturday, Feb. 17th 10am-5pm; WHERE: Foot Traffic - Northeast Portland, 4040 NE Fremont (corner of NE 41st & Fremont)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER
Kick off the new year with a party on Friday and get information on all the year's top multi-sport, running, and walking events.It's a great way to plan your 2007 events, talk to the race directors in person, and get lots of prizes in the process. Get excited! It's 2007 and the races have just begun!
FEATURING:
Free entries to some of the top events in Portland.
Prizes and raffles for fitness packages, training programs, and more.
Booths from the top race directors in the area.
Booths from leading running and walking clubs.
Booths from charitable organizations.
Foot Traffic Spring Sale (Saturday & Sunday).
Grand Opening of Alameda Fitness Center.
Grand Opening of the Northeast Therapeutic Associates.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
FRIDAY, Feb. 16th 5-8pm
Free food, prizes, and...
Alameda Fitness Center Open House (win a full fitness package and complimentary one-month free memberships)
Therapeutic Associates Open House (free flexibility/injury screenings)
SATURDAY, Feb. 17th 10am-5pm
Foot Traffic Spring Sale Begins (10-60% off select shoes, apparel, & accessories)
Event Expo Begins.
Visit booths, get free stuff, have fun!
Tri Northwest (sign up for a season membership)
Team Red Lizard
Portland Triathlon Club
Wonders of Walking
Terrapin Events
AA Sports/RaceCenter
Team In Training
Foot Traffic ‘07 Training Program
Oregon Road Runners Club
12pm
Raffle for FREE entries to Portland events
Raffle for FREE full-fitness package at Alameda Fitness
2pm
FREE "full body fitness" or "slow kwan do" class at Alameda Fitness
5pm
Expo Ends
*Foot Traffic sale continues Sunday from 12-5pm.
Schedule all your ‘07 events at this Spring Kickoff Event!
Questions? Call 503.284.0345
RaceCenter Northwest is proud to be a sponsor of this event, please see our website for complete 2007 Season Calendar of Events www.racecenter.com
For TRI NW membership info, please go to: www.trinw.com
We look forward to seeing at the EXPO!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER
Kick off the new year with a party on Friday and get information on all the year's top multi-sport, running, and walking events.It's a great way to plan your 2007 events, talk to the race directors in person, and get lots of prizes in the process. Get excited! It's 2007 and the races have just begun!
FEATURING:
Free entries to some of the top events in Portland.
Prizes and raffles for fitness packages, training programs, and more.
Booths from the top race directors in the area.
Booths from leading running and walking clubs.
Booths from charitable organizations.
Foot Traffic Spring Sale (Saturday & Sunday).
Grand Opening of Alameda Fitness Center.
Grand Opening of the Northeast Therapeutic Associates.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
FRIDAY, Feb. 16th 5-8pm
Free food, prizes, and...
Alameda Fitness Center Open House (win a full fitness package and complimentary one-month free memberships)
Therapeutic Associates Open House (free flexibility/injury screenings)
SATURDAY, Feb. 17th 10am-5pm
Foot Traffic Spring Sale Begins (10-60% off select shoes, apparel, & accessories)
Event Expo Begins.
Visit booths, get free stuff, have fun!
Tri Northwest (sign up for a season membership)
Team Red Lizard
Portland Triathlon Club
Wonders of Walking
Terrapin Events
AA Sports/RaceCenter
Team In Training
Foot Traffic ‘07 Training Program
Oregon Road Runners Club
12pm
Raffle for FREE entries to Portland events
Raffle for FREE full-fitness package at Alameda Fitness
2pm
FREE "full body fitness" or "slow kwan do" class at Alameda Fitness
5pm
Expo Ends
*Foot Traffic sale continues Sunday from 12-5pm.
Schedule all your ‘07 events at this Spring Kickoff Event!
Questions? Call 503.284.0345
RaceCenter Northwest is proud to be a sponsor of this event, please see our website for complete 2007 Season Calendar of Events www.racecenter.com
For TRI NW membership info, please go to: www.trinw.com
We look forward to seeing at the EXPO!
U.S. Marathons Offer Incentives to U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifiers
(1-22-07) From Jim Estes, USATF LDR Programs Manager, courtesy Running USA wire #5-01-07 - As the countdown to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon marches on, several U.S. marathons are offering bonus incentives and special arrangements for athletes who are hoping to secure their Olympic Trials qualifying performances this coming spring.
Enticements ranging from free entry to bonus money are available to U.S. athletes wishing to take advantage of a variety of qualifying opportunities in 2007.
The National Marathon, Washington, D.C.
The second annual National Marathon produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Starting and finishing at RFK Stadium, the course will be certified as an official qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
The National Marathon is pleased to offer the following non-cumulative incentives for runners with U.S. citizenship:
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials "A" standard of 2:20:00 or better will receive a cash bonus of $1000.
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the "B" standard of 2:22:00 or better will receive $500.
* The same cash incentive is offered to U.S. women who achieve the "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.
Interested athletes should contact race director, Keith Dowling at: racedirector@nationalmarathon.com or for more information, visit: NationalMarathon.com
The Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY
Held in conjunction with the Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, its companion Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2007. The course is scenic, yet challenging, including segments through Iroquois and Cherokee Parks and historic Churchill Downs, legendary site of the Kentucky Derby.
In the 2002 and 2003 events, three men and two women each qualified for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. 2007 will once again see an American-only time bonus structure, which will allow U.S. athletes to win prize money for finish place and outstanding performances. Limited travel and lodging is available for invited athletes.
U.S. men and women will receive non-cumulative qualifying bonuses of:
* $2000 for achieving the "A" standard of 2:20:00 (men) or 2:39 (women)
* $750 for achieving the "B" standard of 2:22:00 (men) or 2:47 (women)
For more detailed information on the race, visit the event website at: DerbyFestivalMarathon.com or contact: camille@fleetfeetlouisville.com
The Inaugural Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
The first major marathon in Eugene since the early 1980s is set to take place on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the city that many runners consider the mecca of the sport. The course itself is a runner-designed, fast, flat, scenic course that many feel will be an ideal place to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
The marathon will offer up to $7000 in prize money between the men's and women's races. The structured prize money is based on the qualifying marks for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon. There is also a limited travel budget for athletes interested in trying to attain a qualifying mark. More information is available at EugeneMarathon.com.
Interested athletes should contact Andy Downin at: andydownin@eugenemarathon.com
U.S. men will have until October 7, 2007 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, which will be hosted by the New York Road Runners on Saturday, November 3, 2007.
U.S. women will have until March 20, 2008 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon, which will be hosted by the Boston Athletic Association on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
For more information on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, visit: USATF.org
Enticements ranging from free entry to bonus money are available to U.S. athletes wishing to take advantage of a variety of qualifying opportunities in 2007.
The National Marathon, Washington, D.C.
The second annual National Marathon produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Starting and finishing at RFK Stadium, the course will be certified as an official qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
The National Marathon is pleased to offer the following non-cumulative incentives for runners with U.S. citizenship:
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials "A" standard of 2:20:00 or better will receive a cash bonus of $1000.
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the "B" standard of 2:22:00 or better will receive $500.
* The same cash incentive is offered to U.S. women who achieve the "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.
Interested athletes should contact race director, Keith Dowling at: racedirector@nationalmarathon.com or for more information, visit: NationalMarathon.com
The Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY
Held in conjunction with the Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, its companion Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2007. The course is scenic, yet challenging, including segments through Iroquois and Cherokee Parks and historic Churchill Downs, legendary site of the Kentucky Derby.
In the 2002 and 2003 events, three men and two women each qualified for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. 2007 will once again see an American-only time bonus structure, which will allow U.S. athletes to win prize money for finish place and outstanding performances. Limited travel and lodging is available for invited athletes.
U.S. men and women will receive non-cumulative qualifying bonuses of:
* $2000 for achieving the "A" standard of 2:20:00 (men) or 2:39 (women)
* $750 for achieving the "B" standard of 2:22:00 (men) or 2:47 (women)
For more detailed information on the race, visit the event website at: DerbyFestivalMarathon.com or contact: camille@fleetfeetlouisville.com
The Inaugural Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
The first major marathon in Eugene since the early 1980s is set to take place on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the city that many runners consider the mecca of the sport. The course itself is a runner-designed, fast, flat, scenic course that many feel will be an ideal place to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
The marathon will offer up to $7000 in prize money between the men's and women's races. The structured prize money is based on the qualifying marks for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon. There is also a limited travel budget for athletes interested in trying to attain a qualifying mark. More information is available at EugeneMarathon.com.
Interested athletes should contact Andy Downin at: andydownin@eugenemarathon.com
U.S. men will have until October 7, 2007 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, which will be hosted by the New York Road Runners on Saturday, November 3, 2007.
U.S. women will have until March 20, 2008 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon, which will be hosted by the Boston Athletic Association on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
For more information on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, visit: USATF.org
New Multisport Team to Launch in Seattle
(12-20-06) From Press Release - EMERALD CITY MULTISPORT TEAM LAUNCH MEETING
Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Greenwood Library (8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103) Parking is in the parking garage.
Invite your Multisport friends to attend.
Come meet the new triathlon / duathlon team in town, Emerald City Multisport. Learn about all that it has to offer to the community from monthly clinics to weekly workouts. Join us for a healthy appetizer and discuss the launch of the new team.
Emerald City Multisport's Mission:
Based in Seattle, Washington, Emerald City Multisport Team’s provides enjoyment and fitness through consistent group training and coaching with the goal of improvement in performance. Emerald City Multisport offers an enduring focus on the "Multisport Lifestyle,” with emphasis of offering quality coaching, innovative workouts, fun team events and opportunities to build a community for our partners and sponsors. To meet the growing demand for multisport activities, Emerald City Multisport Team provides: events, camps, and clinics for the multisport community at large.
Emerald City Multisport offers ONE team for members to participate in triathlons and duathlons of all distances, off-road triathlons, winter triathlons, cycling events, mountain bike races, swimming , open water swim races, swim meets, running races, skate skiing, etc.
More info: www.emeraldcitymultisport.com
Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Greenwood Library (8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103) Parking is in the parking garage.
Invite your Multisport friends to attend.
Come meet the new triathlon / duathlon team in town, Emerald City Multisport. Learn about all that it has to offer to the community from monthly clinics to weekly workouts. Join us for a healthy appetizer and discuss the launch of the new team.
Emerald City Multisport's Mission:
Based in Seattle, Washington, Emerald City Multisport Team’s provides enjoyment and fitness through consistent group training and coaching with the goal of improvement in performance. Emerald City Multisport offers an enduring focus on the "Multisport Lifestyle,” with emphasis of offering quality coaching, innovative workouts, fun team events and opportunities to build a community for our partners and sponsors. To meet the growing demand for multisport activities, Emerald City Multisport Team provides: events, camps, and clinics for the multisport community at large.
Emerald City Multisport offers ONE team for members to participate in triathlons and duathlons of all distances, off-road triathlons, winter triathlons, cycling events, mountain bike races, swimming , open water swim races, swim meets, running races, skate skiing, etc.
More info: www.emeraldcitymultisport.com
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