August 2008
Kenyans Emerge Victorious at Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach
August 31, 2008 from press release (Virginia Beach, VA) Kenyans James Kwambai and Edith Masai were crowned champions today at the 8th Annual Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. Kwambai, who also won the race in 2006, finished in 1:02:11, 22 seconds ahead of Ethiopian Tadesse Tola, who clocked in at 1:02:33.
Elite Field Set for Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach
August 30, 2008 from press release (Virginia Beach, VA) An international field of elite athletes will take to the streets of Virginia Beach for the 8th Annual Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on Sunday, August 31, 2008. The men's elite division will feature defending champion Haron Toroitich of Kenya.
Browne Set to Defend at USA 20K Championships
August 28, 2008 from USATF press release (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) Defending champion, Dan Browne (file photo from Men's Olympic Marathon Trials), from Beaverton, OR, returns to New Haven, CT for the USA 20K Championships in hopes of winning his fourth U.S. 20K title.
USA 100K Team Announced for 2008 World Cup in Italy
August 29, 2008 from USATF press release (INDIANAPOLIS) USA Track & Field has named the 2008 USA 100K Team which will compete at the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) 100K World Cup on Saturday, November 8 in Tarquinia, Italy. This year's team includes some first-time members and also seasoned veterans. The following athletes will represent Team USA (in alpha order):
State of the Sport Part IV: Largest U.S. Road Races for 2007
August 29, 2008 from RunningUSA.com (California) Since 1986, Running USA's Road Running Information Center (RRIC) has compiled the largest road race rankings and an examination of its 1987 lists vs. its 2007 lists provides a snapshot of the sport's growth at the top end. For example, in 1987, the 100th largest U.S.
Ultra-runner Karl Meltzer Resumes Appalachian Trial Run Despite Injury
August 27, 2008 from press release (PARK CITY, UT) After four days off due to injury, Backcountry.com athlete Karl Meltzer is back on the run. Meltzer, 40, began his attempt to break the Appalachian Trail speed record (2,174 miles in less than 47 days 13 hours 31 minutes) on Aug. 5, 2008 at Mt. Katahdin, Me.
Regional Race Report: Patrick Henry Half Marathon (VA)
August 27, 2008 from www.runwashington.com (Virginia) Brian Shelton (photo) and Amanda Luksetich each won their first career half marathons at the Patrick Henry Half Marathon held in perfect summer running conditions in Ashland, VA. Temperatures were in the low 60s for the 7 a.m. race start.
Regional Race Report: Annapolis (MD) 10 Mile
August 26, 2008 (from www.runwashington.com) Patrick Reaves, 23, of College Park, MD enjoyed his win last year in 56:47 that he decided to do an encore. It was clear early that he would need a faster time, which he was delighted to supply, winning by a half minute ahead of Matt Fortin, 24, of Annapolis, MD in 55:29.
Proceeds from the 5K/10K race to benefit Food Bank of the Rockies
Amazing Venues Turn the La Sportiva Mountain Cup into a Race Series to Remember
Vail, CO – The final event in the La Sportiva Mountain Cup Series is the La Sportiva Vail Trophy Challenge Race which will be held on Vail Mountain this Sunday, August 31, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Kichumbe Koech and Limika Win Crim 10 Mile
August 25, 2008 By Brian Smith from Running USA wire (FLINT, MI) Kenyans Stephen Kichumbe Koech and Irene Limika are the race champions of the 32nd Crim 10 Mile. At the 8 am start on Saturday, skies were sunny with a light haze and a temperature of 73 degrees with 70% humidity.
Wanjiru Crushes Olympic Marathon Record; Ritzenhein, Hall 9th, 10th
August 24, 2008 By Parker Morse, Running USA wire (BEIJING) It seems unlikely, but before Sunday morning, no Kenyan had ever won the Olympic Marathon. Samuel "Sammy" Wanjiru changed that by taking gold in 2:06:32, in the process chopping almost three minutes off the oldest men's Olympic record in running, Carlos Lopes' 2:09:21 in Los Angeles 1984.
Is Mountain RATS The Ultimate Adventure?
What is your definition of the “ultimate adventure”? Is it running on single track via the Continental Divide trail above 10,000 ft? Maybe beautiful high mountain lakes cold enough to make you hyperventilate? Maybe camaraderie with fellow adventures runners?
Denver East Grad Nabs Bronze
BEIJING - A sweep of the men's 400 meters led a six-medal night as Team USA brought its Olympic track and field medal count to 20 during Thursday evening competition at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium. The medal haul helped to offset disappointment in the men's and women's relay rounds.
Where’s Karl?
Utah's own Karl Meltzer has let go of his Appalachian Trail Record attempt (for now) and is waiting for his injured shin to heal before continuing. I received this update from him this morning:
World's Largest---Accenture Chicago Triathlon Set for This Weekend
August 21, 2008 from press release (CHICAGO IL) More than 8,700 triathletes, including Olympians, professional, disabled, amateur and first-time participants, will compete in the 26th Accenture Chicago Triathlon on Sunday, August 24. Coming on the heels of the Beijing Summer Olympics, many eyes will be on Chicago's world-class sporting event.
Regional Race Preview: Blue Ridge Relay (NC)
August 21, 2008 from press release (NC) The Blue Ridge Relay is a 208 mile team running relay, and “ one of the longest running relay races in the United States and one of the newest and most creative mountain sports events in the Southern region” - Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.
Kemper's Seventh Leads U.S. Men at Beijing Olympic Games
BEIJING, China (August 19, 2008) -- The U.S. men's triathlon team will be coming home from their third Olympics with no medals in tow after Tuesday's race at the Ming Tombs Reservoir at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Kemper's Seventh Leads U.S. Men in Triathlon at Beijing Olympic Games
August 19, 2008 from press release (BEIJING, China) The U.S. men's triathlon team will be coming home from their third Olympics with no medals in tow after Tuesday's race at the Ming Tombs Reservoir at the Beijing Olympic Games. Hunter Kemper (Longwood, FL / Colorado Springs, CO) finished seventh in a time of 1:49:48, improving on his ninth place finish from Athens four years ago.
Regional Race Report: America's Finest City Half Marathon (CA)
August 18, 2008 By Patrice Malloy from Running USA wire (SAN DIEGO CA) For the first time since 1987, an American male has claimed the overall victory at the 31st America's Finest City Half Marathon Presented by Nissan held this Sunday morning in San Diego. Justin Young of Colo. put his training regime to the test, winning in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 46 seconds. Defending women's champion, Hiromi Ominami , of Japan duplicated her 2007 victory finishing in 1:12:47, two seconds faster than her 2007 effort. Both earned $1500 for their victories with Ominami pocketing a $500 bonus for being a past champion.
Boulder's Bennett Just Misses in Beijing
BEIJING, China (August 18, 2008) -- If it weren't for a bit of cramping on the run, U.S. triathlete Laura Bennett (N. Palm Beach, Fla. / Boulder, Colo.) may have found her place on the Olympic Games medal stand on Monday.
Triathletes Bennett finishes 4th, Haskins 11th, Ertel 19th at Olympic Games
August 18, 2008 from press release (BEIJING, China) If it weren't for a bit of cramping on the run, U.S. triathlete Laura Bennett (N. Palm Beach, FL/ Boulder, CO) may have found her place on the Olympic Games medal stand.
"Epic" Conditions At Pikes Peak Ascent!
One of America’s greatest races - of any kind - was held Saturday under … “classic” conditions. ”Epic” is actually what 8-time winner Scott Elliot called it.
Erie, CO's Dita wins gold for Romania; Injuries steal dreams of women's marathon crew
BEIJING - On a Sunday morning that featured much better weather conditions than had been expected, the women's marathon brought more difficult results than expected for Team USA. Blake Russell (Pacific Grove, Calif.) was the only American finisher, placing 27th in 2:33:13.
2008 U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team Quotes from Saturday Press Conference
August 17, 2008 from press release (BEIJING CHINA) Julie Ertel (Irvine CA/Placantia CA) On the Olympics experience: The Olympics are an opportunity to highlight our sport to people who might not otherwise watch it. It's a huge sense of pride. There are only a few times where you get to where your country's uniform.
Flanagan scores unbelievable bronze; Cantwell takes silver
BEIJING - It was anything but easy for either athlete, but Shalane Flanagan (Pittsboro, N.C., Boulder, CO Native) overcame incredible odds to take bronze in the greatest women's 10,000m in history, and Christian Cantwell (Columbia, Mo.) persevered to win his first career Olympic medal, a silver in the men's shot put, Friday evening at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium.
Regional Race Report: La Sportiva 10K (CO)
August 14, 2008 from press release (VAIL, CO) As runners gathered at the base of Vail Mountain on August 10, for a ride to the summit for the fourth event in the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 feet, skies were overcast and clouds were rolling in. However, it wasn’t until race start that a damp mist started to fall which turned into a steady rain midway through the event . . . Race winner, Bernie Boettcher, 45, Silt, CO, out sprinted Vail local Jonny Stevens, 18, to the finish line in a time of 40:46 and then went back out on course to cheer the other runners.
All-American Rejects To Perform For The Nike+ Human Race in New York
August 14, 2008 from press release (NEW YORK NY) Nike announced The All-American Rejects will headline the Nike+ Human Race post-race concert at Randall's Island on Aug. 31, 2008. The Nike+ Human Race is the world's biggest one-day running event, bringing together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet.
Regional Race Preview: Saint Luke School Wildcat 5K in VA on September 27
This 5K course is a scenic route with some rolling hills through the neighborhoods off Georgetown Pike. The course is measured to USTAF certification standards by Montgomery County Road Runners who is also managing race logistics and time keeping. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers overall and random prizes will be distributed during the awards ceremony.
Colorado Columbines Women’s Running Club Celebrates 30 Years
August 13, 2008 – The Colorado Columbines Women’s Running Club celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The club, approximately 150 women strong, is the oldest and largest women’s running club in the Denver area.
Regional Race Preview: Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon on February 8, 2009
The Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon will feature $12,000 in prize money—$8,000 in the Masters divisions—and 20 live bands of all music varieties.
Rain Doesn’t Dampen Spirits of Hearty Runners at Sunday’s 10K at 10,000 Feet
Vail, CO ---- As runners gathered at the base of Vail Mountain on Sunday morning, August 10, for a ride to the summit for the fourth event in the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 feet, skies were overcast and clouds were rolling in.
ING New York City Marathon 2008 Adds Wave Starts + Automated Recording of Mile Splits
August 12, 2008 from press release (New York, NY) In the most significant logistical changes to the race since 2001, the ING New York City Marathon 2008 will feature wave starts and automated recording of all runners' split times for the final 10 miles, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO and race director Mary Wittenberg.
Young Triathletes Shine at Nationals
August 12, 2008 from press release (COLORADO SPRINGS CO) A day after the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing, a new crop of potential Olympians competed the USAT Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships on Saturday at Memorial Park. More than 350 athletes competed in the event's eight races.
Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay Issues $100,000 Challenge to Runners
August 12, 2008 from press release (AUSTIN, TX) Premiering this year, the Roger Beasley Porsche Sub 2 Challenge, powered by RunTex, will award $100,000 to the team that can set a record pace at the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay on September 21 and clock a final time of less than two hours on the 26.2 mile course.
Regional Race Preview: Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon on October 5
August 12, 2008 from press release (Miami FL) Often been labeled by participants as one of the “toughest triathlons” in the Southeast, the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon is looking to offer an “easier” option with the addition of a sprint distance race.
Regional Race Report: Asbury Park 5K (NJ)
August 11, 2008 from Penny Hinck and Jim Robbins (ASBURY PARK, NJ) With cooperation from the Jersey Shore Running Club, Shore Athletic Club and Freehold Area Running Club the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone presented the 5th annual Asbury Park 5K on a perfect, sunny, ideal-racing-weather Saturday morning, August 9, and a record 1001 road racers competed.
Tola, Masai Win CIGNA Falmouth Road Race
August 11, 2008 from Running USA wire by Rich Sherman (FALMOUTH, MA) The first time was a charm for both the men's and women's winners of the 36th CIGNA Falmouth Road Race on Sunday.
Rankin and Mortimer Win CIGNA Falmouth Mile
August 11, 2008 / From Running USA wire by James Womboldt, race staff (FALMOUTH, MA) The 2008 CIGNA Falmouth Mile on Saturday evening concluded with a meet record and two personal records as Jon Rankin of San Diego, CA, crossed the line in 3:56.45 at the Falmouth High School track.
Regional Race Report: YMCA Loudoun County Leesburg 10K & 20K
The YMCA Loudoun County Leesburg 10K presented by Harris Teeters had a record 670 finish in the shorter race in its 20th year. Overall winners were Steven Crane, 26, from Silver Spring MD in 30:57 and Katie Reed (photo), 22, from Arlington VA in 35:44.
Maxwell, Robbins Post World Records on Final Day of USA Masters Champs
August 11, 2008 from USATF press release (SPOKANE, WA) Ralph Maxwell and Stephen Robbins each set masters world records Sunday at the 2008 USA Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, WA. The USA Masters Outdoor Championships annually showcases extraordinary demonstrations of speed, power, skill and endurance by many of the world's finest masters track and field athletes. Athletes compete in five-year age divisions, beginning at age 30.
New Citizen Reed Proud to Represent U.S. at Olympic Games
BEIJING, China (August 10, 2008) -- The process of becoming an American citizen is long, arduous, and often frustrating - kind of like training for a triathlon.
Team USA's men's distance runners/race walkers ready to challenge in Beijing
INDIANAPOLIS - Olympic Trials champions Bernard Lagat, Ryan Hall, Nick Symmonds and Abdi Abdirahman are poised and ready to lead America's men's middle and long distance competitors against the world this month at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
American record holders dominate Team USAs womens distance lineup
INDIANAPOLIS - Team USA's Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, Deena Kastor, Anna Willard and Jenny Barringer are a few of the standout women's middle and long distance runners to watch for at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Olympic Triathlon Team Stops in Beijing for Opening Ceremonies
August 9, 2008 from press release (BEIJING, China) It was a short but sweet visit to Beijing for the U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team on Friday, August 8. The team arrived on Thursday, took part in a Friday morning workout at Beijing Normal University before marching in the Opening Ceremonies in the evening.
53rd Running of the Pikes Peak Marathon and Pikes Peak Ascent
Manitou Springs, CO (August 8, 2008) - The 53rd running of the Pikes Peak Marathon will be held on August 17. Its sister event, the Pikes Peak Ascent, will be held the day prior on August 16. Prize money will again be awarded this year.
Nike Offers Free Trips to Australia for Five Runners and Their Guests on The Nike+ Human Race 10K
August 8, 2008 from press release (BEAVERTON, OR) As runners continue to register for the Nike+ Human Race, to be held on Aug. 31, 2008 in 25 cities around the world and anywhere with Nike+, they now have the chance to make history by running two races on the same day on different continents.
Ride the Gondola to Eagle’s Nest for the 10K at 10,000 Feet
Vail, CO ---- The fourth event in the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 feet on Sunday, August 10, requires runners to take a (free) ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola for the race start which is at the summit of Vail Mountain. In order to make the 9:00 a.m. start time, runners MUST be on the gondola by 8:30 a.m.
Special: Beijing Olympic Games Coverage
August 7, 2008 from USATF press release (INDIANAPOLIS IN) American Record Holders Dominate Team USAs Womens Distance Lineup---Team USA's Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, Deena Kastor, Anna Willard, Hazel Clark and Jenny Barringer are a few of the standout women's middle and long distance runners to watch for at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Regional Race Report: San Francisco (CA) Marathon
August 4, 2008 from press release (REV) (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) Running in ideal, mid 50-degree temperatures, Chad Worthen of Sacramento, CA and Lauren Gustafson of Millbrae, CA registered victories at The San Francisco Marathon.
