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In this edition:
Kellum, Riativa Capture Country Music Marathon Crowns
Campos, Woodward Win Big Sur International Marathon
Flying Pig Marathon Boasts Record Field for 13th Running
Give in Grete's Name
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Running USA and have your organization's event featured here.
National Run a Mile Days, nationwide, May 1-8
I-Drive 5K, Orlando, FL, May 7
Wisconsin Marathon, Kenosha, WI, May 7
XTERRA Malibu Creek Xduro, Malibu, CA, May 7
Santa Barbara Wine Country Half, Santa Ynez, CA, May 7
Japan Day Run for Hope 4 Mile, NY, NY, May 8
5th Mother's Day 5K, St. Paul, MN, May 8
Kirkland Half Marathon & 5K, Kirkland, WA, May 8
Medtronic TC 1 Mile, Minneapolis, MN, May 12
USA Men's & Women's Championships
Ragnar Relay New York, Woodstock-NYC, NY, May 13
UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, NY, NY, May 14
AJC Peachtree Jr., Atlanta, GA, May 14
USA 15K Trail Championships, Spokane, WA, May 14
Marine Corps Historic Half, Fredericksburg, MD, May 15
Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, PA, May 15
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Cleveland, OH, May 15
Cellcom Green Bay Marathon, Green Bay, WI, May 15
5th Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon, Denver, CO, May 15
100th Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12K, San Francisco, CA, May 15
Kellum, Riativa Capture Country Music Marathon Crowns
Maag, Horst half-marathon titlists; country stars, celebrities, 30,000 participate in Nashville's running celebration at 12th edition
By Amana Miyamae, Competitor Group
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (April 30, 2011) - On a cool Saturday morning that grew into a sunny Nashville afternoon, more than 30,000 runners toed the start line for the 12th Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan.
American Idol star Danny Gokey kicked off the event by performing the national anthem for thousands of spectators and inspiring the runners moments before the starting gun. The Weather Channel's Stephanie Abrams, Survivor "Gabon" contestant Marcus Lehman and country music star Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio all participated in the half-marathon. Great American Country host Suzanne Alexander also completed the 13.1-mile distance.
The men's marathon race was dominated by two international elite competitors. David Kellum, 28, of Kenya was a last minute addition to the race, and trailed Colombian Edwin Romero for the first 10 miles before taking the lead as he never looked back, winning with a personal record time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 41 seconds.
"I'm very glad to PR, the weather was good and I liked the course. I was a little worried for the first few miles, because I could see Romero ahead of me and had to work hard to catch up," said Kellum, who resides in Kennesaw, GA. "But I felt strong and am happy to come away with a win. I'm ready to come back next year and improve my time again."
The women's race produced closer finish, as Ruby Milena Riativa of Colombia and Nashville local Laura Portis came down the final stretch just one minute apart. Riativa would take first place, in 2:50:00, followed by Portis in 2:51:24. For Portis, who recently qualified for the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, the race was a successful return to Music City where she placed 9th overall last year.
"The heat kind of got to me, but it was a fun course with lots of energy," she said. "The new course is great and it was nice to run through East Nashville."
In the half-marathon, 23-year-old Michael Maag of Brooklyn, NY took an early lead and held strong, clocking 1:08:25. It was a great day for Maag, who took first place in his debut over the 13.1-mile distance.
The half-marathon winner's podium was a familiar spot for past race champion Jill Horst of Georgia, who won in 1:20:45. The 32-year-old Horst beat her previous first place time of 1:21:32 from 2008.
"I felt really good," she said. "I like it warm, so this was perfect weather for me. The course seemed a lot different and a little hillier, but miles 9 through 12 were really fast. It was pretty tough."
In its 12th year, the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan debuted a redesigned course and new finish line on the north end of LP Field. Starting in scenic Centennial Park, the course winded through Nashville's most historic sites like the Parthenon, world-renowned Music Row and historic Lower Broadway before an expansive finish line festival and concert featuring Biggest Loser star turned country star Dan Evans.
Country legends Montgomery Gentry took the stage at Bridgestone Arena for a post-race concert Saturday evening.
The Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan returns to Nashville on Saturday, April 28, 2012.
12th Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon
Nashville, TN, Saturday, April 30, 2011
MEN
1) David Kellum (KEN), 2:17:41
2) Scott Wietecha (USA / TN), 2:24:10
3) Edwin Romero (COL), 2:25:16
WOMEN
1) Ruby Milena Riativa (COL), 2:50:00
2) Laura Portis (USA / TN), 2:51:24
3) Marnie Staehly (USA / TN), 2:58:53
10th Country Music ½ Marathon
MEN
1) Michael Maag (NY), 1:08:25
2) Josh Yelsey (IL), 1:13:34
3) Brandon Gillingham (PA), 1:13:52
WOMEN
1) Jill Horst (GA), 1:20:45
2) Alexa Hinton (TN), 1:22:32
3) Samantha Mazer (TN), 1:23:54
Full results, photos, videos and more at: http://nashville.competitor.com
Campos, Woodward Win Big Sur International Marathon
More than 3,200 finishers over tougher out-and-back course at 26th edition; nearly 7,000 finish from six event races
By Julie Armstrong, BSIM
CARMEL, Calif. - (May 1, 2011) - The beautiful and daunting Big Sur International Marathon proved even tougher to 3,218 marathon finishers on Sunday due to a modified out-and-back course necessitated by the collapse of California's Highway One last month. At the 26th Presentation, veteran runners of the scenic course all commented on the difficulty of the run which increased the number of hills and overall climb from 1,700 feet to 2,400 feet.
A tight race between Italy's Hermann Achmueller, 40, and Mario Mendoza, 25, from Bend, OR, took place through 24 miles, with Monterey County's own Jesus Campos, 26, trailing in third position by over a minute at mile 17. Achmueller made a strong move at mile 24 and dropped Mendoza, commenting later "I thought that move had won the race."
As Mendoza faded to 4th, Campos, 26, caught and passed Achmueller just before Mile 25 with a strong move that carried him to an impressive win by 2-plus minutes over Achmueller. Campos finished first in 2 hours, 31 minutes, 54 seconds, capping an incredible six year run at Big Sur that saw him finish, 5th, 4th, 2nd, 4th, 6th and now race champion.
In the women's race, Beth Woodward, 35, took her third 2011 marathon victory with a 3:05:05 clocking. In February, she won Huntington Beach's Surf City USA Marathon and in April, the Orrville, Ohio resident won the Athens Marathon (Ohio). Though Nikia Brautovich, 20 from Aptos, CA, led the first 17 miles, Woodward overtook her at mile 17. Brautovich was later passed by Anne Marie Moffatt, 27, Philadelphia, who took second place at 3:09:35, while Brautovich ultimately finished third at 3:11:38.
Clear blue skies and temperatures reaching the mid seventies, made for a picture perfect day as nearly 7,000 runners crossed the finish line from six different events. The marathon relay saw 266 teams competing on the modified course which turned around at mile 12.1 and include a brief detour into Pt. Lobos State Reserve. The 21 Miler also was modified to an out-and-back route, while the 10.6 and 9 Milers and PA / USATF 5K were able to be held on their traditional courses.
Organizers of the Big Sur Marathon were forced to make course changes when heavy rains caused a 60-foot section of Highway One to collapse into the ocean. Less than a week before the scheduled May 1 date, CalTrans was able to open a one-lane section, but logistics and safety concerns prevented the course from being held on its traditional route. In 1998, a similar road collapse took place resulting in an out-and-back course.
"It's the whims of Mother Nature when you're running on the edge of the Western World," commented one race official.
The 2012 race will be held on its traditional date on the last Sunday in April. Registration opens July 15, 2011.
26th Big Sur International Marathon
Carmel, CA, Sunday, May 1, 2011
MEN
1) Jesus Campos (CA), 2:31:54
2) Hermann Achmueller, 40, ITA, 2:34:17
3) David Welsh (NJ), 2:38:11
WOMEN
1) Beth Woodward (OH), 3:05:05
2) Anne Marie Moffatt (PA), 3:09:35
3) Nikia Brautovich (CA), 3:11:38
Complete results and more at: www.bsim.org
Flying Pig Marathon Boasts Record Field for 13th Running
O'Connor, McDonaugh and James, Robillard win marathon and half-marathon titles; more than 30,000 runners and walkers in Cincinnati
By Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications
CINCINNATI - (May 1, 2011) - A record weekend registration of more than 30,000 runners and walkers highlighted the 13th running of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon powered by P&G. The two-day total of 30,408 participants included 5,083 for the marathon, 12,155 for the half-marathon and 3,044 for the relays, all running on Sunday.
The winner of the men's division of the Marathon was 24-year-old Kieran O'Connor from New York, New York in a personal best time of 2 hours, 28 minutes, 2 seconds. O'Connor, a 2009 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, won the Pig in only his second marathon ever. His first was the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, where he was the 13th American to finish. O'Connor, who is now in graduate studies at New York University, took the lead early and never was challenged.
Runner-up was 29-year-old David Riddle of Cincinnati in 2:31:15 and third was Rob Morwood, 36, of Otterbein, Ohio, at 2:35:54.
"One of the most important pieces of advice I've ever received in running a marathon is to be as calm as possible for as long as possible," said O'Connor, who ran the Pig with two classmates from Notre Dame who first got O'Connor into running while they all were in college.
In the women's division, the winner was 34-year-old Amy McDonaugh of Irmo, South Carolina, in 2:58:14. Second was Kerry Lee, 36, of Cincinnati in 3:02:01 followed by 25-year-old Carrie Kutzli of Grand Rapids, Michigan in third (3:03:44).
McDonaugh, who is legally blind, broke away from the women's leaders at mile 10 and held onto the lead to the finish. She is a member of the Columbia (S.C.) Running Club, whose coach and another member traveled to Cincinnati for Pig weekend. This was McDonaugh's fourth marathon and her first under three hours.
"My mom encouraged me to begin running when I was little," said McDonaugh. "Because of my eyesight I could never play sports, but I could do this."
In the Flying Pig Half Marathon, the men's winner was 18-year-old Ryan James of Belfast Maine, running his first half-marathon with more than a dozen teammates from Berry College in Georgia. He clocked a 1:13:26. Second was the 2004 winner of the Flying Pig Marathon, T.J. Lentz, 44, of Clifton in 1:13:48 with Enrick Garcia, 23, of Cincinnati third in 1:16:16.
"Our school is transitioning from NAIA to Division III," said James. "We can't compete in any NAIA championships, so our coach takes the team to marathons and half-marathons as our own championship. There are 17 of us from Berry on this trip."
Winning the women's division of the Half Marathon was 31-year-old Amy Robillard from Mason, Ohio, in 1:22:11. This was her second race in this area-the first was the Heart Mini-Marathon in March. Amy splits her time between training and taking care of her four-year old daughter and soon-to-be 14-month old son, Jameson, who had a bone marrow transplant a year ago.
"I run when I can-if I have time at home, I'll run for 45 minutes, or if I'm at the hospital with Jameson the nurses tell me where I can run for a few minutes," said Robillard. "The course itself was challenging, but there was great crowd support and you definitely get an adrenaline rush when they cheer you on."
Second was 29-year-old Rachel Bea from Kenwood, who's now run the half three times and the full twice, in 1:22:48. Third was Erica Schramm, 33, from Las Vegas, Nevada, who ran her first Pig in 1:25:56.
The Flying Pig Marathon Weekend powered by P&G kicked off Saturday morning with record registration for the Toyota 10K and Tri State Running Company 5K, and some familiar faces returning to this year's competition.
The 2011 Flying Pig weekend began with 2,442 registered for the Toyota 10K. The winner, Derrick Butler from Cincinnati, finished in a time of 32:46. In the women's division, the winner was Heather Backer from Crestview Hills, Kentucky in 39:18
In the Tri State Running Company 5K, which had a field of 3,616, last year's 2010 Marathon winner, Brian List, won the 5K in a time of 16:04. In the women's division, the winner was Becky Clark of Sayler Park in 18:23. The 2005 winner of the Flying Pig Marathon, Alison Delgado, came in third place in the Flying Pig 5K.
Alison, who won the Pig as Alison Bedingfield, entered the 5K after six months of rehabilitation after she was hit by a car while cycling. The story of her recovery, with the help of her husband, Tim, has become nationally-known, with features on NBC's "Today" show and other national outlets. Alison and Tim were the honorary starters for Sunday's Flying Pig Marathon.
Other events on this opening day of Flying Pig weekend include the Flying Pig Kids' Marathon 26th mile, the Flying Piglet and Pampers Diaper Dash.
13th Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, OH, Sunday, May 1, 2011
MEN
1) Kieran O'Connor (NY), 2:28:02
2) David Riddle (OH), 2:31:15
3) Rob Morwood (OH), 2:35:54
WOMEN
1) Amy McDonaugh (SC), 2:58:14
2) Kerry Lee (OH), 3:02:01
3) Carrie Kutzli (MI), 3:03:44
7th Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
MEN
1) Ryan James, 18, ME, 1:13:26
2) T.J. Lentz, 44, OH, 1:13:48
3) Enrick Garcia (OH), 1:16:16
WOMEN
1) Amy Robillard (OH), 1:22:11
2) Rachel Bea (OH), 1:22:48
3) Erica Schramm (NV), 1:25:56
Deeper results and more at: www.flyingpigmarathon.com
Give in Grete's Name
Donate to her Active Against Cancer Foundation today!
Marathon legend Grete Waitz, who passed away on April 19, rewrote the record books as an athlete, an Olympian, a woman and as a human being. She inspired so many of us with her talent, grace and humility.
In addition to the record of her achievements, Grete created the unique and inspiring Active Against Cancer Foundation in Norway (Aktiv mot kreft in Norwegian). The foundation's purpose is to work for better life quality for cancer patients.
Join Running USA and others in honoring Grete and her spirit with a donation in her memory, by visiting this link: www.mycharity.ie/charity/aktiv_against_cancer
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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