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In this edition:
Reyes, Kano Win Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half-Marathon
Keflezighi, Ritzenhein, Goucher, Davila Headline NYC Half
Olympian Abdirahman to Lead Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Portland Marathon's "Going the Distance" Program Adds New Race
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Ragnar Relay Del Sol, Prescott-Tempe, AZ, February 24
15th World's Best 10K, San Juan, PUR, February 25
Russell Forest Run, Alexander City, AL, February 25
Cowtown Marathon Weekend, Fort Worth, TX, February 25-26
Disney's Princess Half-Marathon, Lake Buena Vista, FL, Feb 26
Finish Chelsea's Run 5K, San Diego, CA, March 3
Little Rock Marathon Weekend, Little Rock, AR, March 3-4
Orange Blossom Half-Marathon & 5K, Tavares, FL, March 4
USA 50K Road Championships, Caumsett SP, NY, March 4
13.1 Miami Beach, Miami, FL, March 4
That Dam Run Half-Marathon & 5K, Denver, CO, March 4
Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, Napa, CA, March 4
Smile Mile, Blue Jacket Park, FL, March 10
Irish for a Day 5K & TC 10 Mile, Minneapolis, MN, March 10
35th Bayou City Classic 10K, Houston, TX, March 10
Westport St. Patrick's Day Run, Kansas City, MO, March 10
35th Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon, Avalon, CA, March 10
Reyes, Kano Win Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half-Marathon
Chandra Wilson joins Grey's Anatomy co-stars Kim Raver and Justin Chambers in support of Cure Mito; singer Joey McIntyre, actress Kristin Renton, Access Hollywood's Kit Hoover and Scott "Movie" Mantz among notable finishers; post-race concert by Sugar Ray
By Dan Cruz, Competitor Group
PASADENA, Calif. - (February 19, 2012) - In true Southern California fashion, there was a Hollywood feel on Sunday morning at the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half Marathon benefiting Cure Mito. In support of the Pasadena-based charity, Grey's Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson joined co-stars Kim Raver and Justin Chambers to raise awareness and funds for the research and treatment of mitochondrial disease at the 13.1-mile event.
"Cure Mito was my biggest inspiration, which definitely is what got me out here, supporting Chandra and her daughter Sarina. I think when you have something that you are running for, it really keeps you going and you want to make a difference for those kids," said Raver, who plays Dr. Teddy Altman on Grey's Anatomy and finished her first half-marathon in 2:02:35. "Cure Mito is an amazing organization and I am so happy to be here in support of Chandra, she is such a team player on the set of Grey's. It was really emotional crossing the finish line and the music on the course was awesome."
Joining the Grey's Anatomy cast were several celebrity runners, most notably Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block who finished his first half-marathon in 1:53:40.
McIntyre was joined at the start line by Access Hollywood's Kit Hoover (1:40:33) and Scott "Movie" Mantz (2:01:46), along with Sons of Anarchy actress Kristen Renton (3:06:04). Also participating in the event was Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championships (2:42:10) and Dr. Andy Baldwin, former star of ABC's 'The Bachelor', who finished with a new personal best of 1:29:29.
2010 USA Marathon champion Sergio Reyes won the men's race, while Yuri Kano of Japan crossed the finish line first in the women's race. Reyes, who is training for April's Boston Marathon, won with a time of 1 hours, 5 minutes and 24 seconds to earn his first ever Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series victory.
"I knew it was going to be a little challenging and the hills started to take their toll though ten, eleven miles. But I was looking forward to this as my only half leading up to Boston and it was a good way to mimic that course," said Reyes, who finished over two minutes ahead of Mark Batres in second place. "I was able to use the crowd support to keep me motivated. It was a perfect day with good weather, I'm happy."
Kano, who clocked a 1:14:36, will run the Nagoya Marathon in Japan on March 11, which is the last selection race to choose the Japanese Women's Olympic Marathon team for the London Games this summer. She is technically the defending champion of Nagoya, since last year's marathon was canceled after the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The 2012 Nagoya Marathon will take place on the one year anniversary of the tsunami.
Mary Akor of nearby Hawthorne finished second in 1:15:09. Professional triathlete Magali Tisseyre finished third in 1:22:47, a day after a being involved in a minor car accident while cycling on a training ride.
"It's not the fastest time and it wasn't only the bike crash or the hard ride yesterday, but at the triathlon I did last weekend I had a great swim and then hopped on my bike and I had a flat tire. So everything put together, I was just here today to race for myself, to have fun and go as hard as I could," said Tisseyre, who was the third place finisher at the 2010 Ironman 70.3 World Championships. "This is more of an experience than an event. I really needed the motivation because I was destroyed coming into today. The concerts along the course and the crowd were fantastic, you could tell there was attention to every detail and it helped make for a great day."
The event attracted more than 7,000 entrants who began the race in front of the iconic Rose Bowl façade, running across the Colorado Bridge, through Old Town Pasadena, around the Brookside Golf Course, enjoying the sights of numerous scenic landmarks, including the Tournament House and the Norton Simon Museum. The event concluded with a finish line festival at the Rose Bowl with a post-race concert headlined by Sugar Ray.
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half-Marathon
Pasadena, CA, Sunday, February 19, 2012
MEN
1) Sergio Reyes, 30, Palmdale, CA, 1:05:24, $1000
2) Mark Batres, 27, Pomona, CA, 1:07:50, $500
3) Jacques Sallberg, 37, Pasadena, CA, 1:10:17, $250
WOMEN
1) Yuri Kano, 33, Japan, 1:14:36, $1000
2) Mary Akor, 35, Hawthorne, CA, 1:15:09, $500
3) Magali Tisseyre, 30, Santa Monica, CA, 1:22:47, $250
Complete results, photos and more at: www.runrocknroll.competitor.com
Keflezighi, Ritzenhein, Goucher, Davila Headline NYC Half
Four of America's leading long-distance runners will take on new 13.1-mile course on March 18; largest U.S. half-marathon prize purse $100,000
NEW YORK - (February 16, 2012) - In a notable gathering of four world class American runners, Meb Keflezighi, Dathan Ritzenhein, Kara Goucher and Desiree Davila will run the NYC Half on Sunday, March 18, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
The announcements of Keflezighi, Goucher,and Davila give the race three members of this year's U.S. Olympic Marathon team. Ritzenhein, who will focus on making the Olympic team at 10,000 meters after his fourth-place finish at the marathon Trials, adds great strength to the field. Increasing the depth of the American roster are talented pros Scott Bauhs, Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, Molly Pritz, Julie Culley, Jeannette Faber and Stephanie Pezzullo.
NYRR's flagship half-marathon, in its seventh edition, will feature a race-record field of 15,000 runners and a thrilling new course. Also new this year, WABC-TV will be airing the NYC Half live beginning at 7:00am as part of NYRR's recently announced comprehensive television agreement with ESPN / WABC-TV. The NYC Half will again offer the largest half-marathon prize purse in the United States: $100,000. The men's and women's race champions will each earn $20,000. The race continues to attract prominent professional athletes and recreational runners from around the world.
"We are ecstatic to welcome four of America's brightest running stars to NYC," said Wittenberg. "New Yorkers and runners and fans everywhere will no doubt be awed as this spirited foursome races through the city streets on their 'Road to London.'"
After qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games by winning the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, Keflezighi, 36, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, will be on familiar ground in New York. In 2009, he became the first American since Alberto Salazar in 1982 to win the ING New York City Marathon. He has finished in the top 10 in the Marathon a total of seven times, most recently with a 6th place finish in 2011. A silver medalist in the men's marathon at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Keflezighi is a three-time USA cross country champion (2001, 2002, 2009) and has won 21 USA titles in his stellar career.
"I am happy to announce that my first race after winning the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials will be the NYC Half," said Keflezighi. "NYRR events have been a big part of my professional career, so I am very excited to start my 2012 Olympic Games buildup at the NYC Half. I recovered well from the Olympic Trials and look forward to competing against the field."
Ritzenhein, 29, of Portland, OR, recently ran a personal best time of 2:09:55 at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, narrowly missing a spot on the Marathon team. A two-time U.S. Olympian, Ritzenhein finished second in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and went on to finish ninth-and top American-at the Beijing Games. Ritzenhein took the bronze medal at the 2009 IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships, and his 60:00 finishing time there makes him the second-fastest American in history over the distance.
"Coming off the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, I need a big race to test my fitness but more importantly to turn my focus to making the Olympic 10,000 meter team, and the NYC Half is the perfect step in achieving that goal," said Ritzenhein. "I've had great success at the half-marathon distance and it gives me a good bridge to slowly work my way back down to the speed it will take to have a great summer track season. I love racing in New York City and can't wait to be back there in a few weeks to continue the journey to making the team for London."
One of America's premier women's distance runners, Goucher, 33, of Portland, OR, qualified for the London Olympic Marathon by placing third at the U.S. Trials last month in 2:26:06. A native of Queens, Goucher will return to New York as a fan favorite, having placed third at last year's NYC Half. At the 2011 Boston Marathon, Goucher finished fifth in a personal-best time of 2:24:26. She made her mark on the ING New York City Marathon in 2008 when she ran the fastest-ever debut marathon by an American woman-2:25:53-and finished third. The time is also the fastest ever by an American woman at the race. At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Track Trials, Goucher achieved the rare feat of qualifying for Team USA in two events, winning the 5000 meters and placing second in the 10,000 meters.
"As always, I'm looking forward to returning to NYC to run the half-marathon," said Goucher. "I feel a special connection with NYC, and it's always a season highlight for me when I race there. This will be my first race after making the 2012 Olympic team. I couldn't imagine a better place to start my run-up to the London Games."
Davila, 28, of Rochester Hills, MI, became a member of the U.S. Olympic marathon team by finishing second in the U.S. Trials with a time of 2:25:55. Davila burst into the spotlight with her thrilling finish at the 2011 Boston Marathon, in which she battled for the win with eventual winner Caroline Kilel through the final miles and finished second by only a two-second margin. Davila's time of 2:22:38 was the fastest time ever by an American woman at the Boston Marathon.
"After the high of the Olympic Trials, followed by a bit of recovery time, it was important for me to find a race that would get me excited to compete and motivated to train hard through the spring season," said Davila. "The strong fields that NYRR traditionally puts together, along with the thrill of running through the streets of New York, made the NYC Half the perfect opportunity."
Other top Americans in the field:
Scott Bauhs, 25, of Danville, CA, is a three-time NCAA Division II champion, with titles in the 10,000 meters (2007), 5000 meters (2008), and cross country (2008). He finished third at the 2011 USA Outdoor Championships in the 10,000 meters and competed at that distance at last summer's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, 33, of Rome, GA, recently finished fifth in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 2:29:45. She won the 2011 Boston Half-Marathon and followed that victory with U.S. road championships at 20K, 10 miles and 10K.
Molly Pritz, 23, of Rochester Hills, MI, was the top American female finisher in the ING New York City Marathon 2011, finishing 12th in a time of 2:31:52 in her debut at the distance. Earlier in 2011, she won the USA 25K title in 1:25:38.
Julie Culley, 30, of Lebanon, NJ, was the USA 5K champion in 2011 and the runner-up (to Cherobon-Bawcom) at last fall's USA 10 Mile Championship. The New Jersey native was second in the 2011 NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K on ING New York City Marathon weekend. The NYC Half will be her 13.1 mile debut.
Jeannette Faber, 29, of Portland, OR, recently competed in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing in a personal record time of 2:36:50. She finished third at the 2011 USA 25K Championships.
Stephanie Pezzullo, 29, of Charlotte, NC, recently won the Naples Daily News Half-Marathon in a personal-best time of 1:13:12. She also won the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park on New Year's Eve this past December.
The NYC Half will offer runners a spectacular tour of Manhattan as they race through Central Park, Times Square, the Hudson River waterfront, and lower Manhattan, en route to the scenic South Street Seaport finish line. At the Post-Race Festival Presented by Poland Spring, there will be refreshments, entertainment by Irish rockers Black 47 and the Shinbone Alley Stilt Band, treatments supplied by the Swedish Institute of Massage, and much more. The Festival is free and open to the public.
For more NYC Half information, go to: www.nyrr.org
Olympian Abdirahman to Lead Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Two-time champion Tera Moody returns to hometown race; new start wave and "Mike and Joe" to headline post-race party in Grant Park
CHICAGO - (February 15, 2012) - The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K has announced that 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon team member Abdi Abdirahman will take part in Chicago's annual kick off to the running season on Sunday, March 25. He will lead the way for 40,000 runners at the 33rd event that runs through downtown Chicago. Abdirahman is preparing to represent Team USA in the marathon at this summer's Olympic Games and will use the Shamrock Shuffle, the world's largest 8K, as a launch pad for his training after recovering from the U.S. Olympic Trials in January. The Shamrock Shuffle factors in as a fun, flat and fast competition in a city that has been instrumental in launching his marathon career.
"The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is first and foremost a tradition for Chicagoans to put on their running shoes after a long winter and celebrate the arrival of spring, but we're also proud of the event's legacy of elite level racing, which continues with the addition of Abdi to this year's field," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "Abdi has world class track credentials and is a three-time Olympian in the 10,000 meters, so it will be fun to watch him put his leg speed to the test on our flat and fast 8K course."
Abdirahman qualified for this fourth U.S. Olympic team with a third place finish at the Olympic Marathon Trials on January 14. He previously competed in the 10,000 meters at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games. At the 2006 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Abdirahman finished fourth overall in a personal record 2 hours, 8 minutes, 56 seconds.
After visiting Chicago to help kick off registration for the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on February 1, Abdirahman, who resides in Tucson, Ariz., is rapidly becoming a fan favorite among the local running community.
"The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K will be my first competitive race since the Olympic Trials, and I can't wait to put my racing flats back on and get my season started along with 40,000 other runners in Chicago," said Abdirahman. "I really enjoyed my time here earlier in the month and got to meet many of the local runners. I definitely feel the enthusiasm and support of the Chicago running community and that is something I am going to soak up at the Shamrock Shuffle and take with me all the way to the Olympic Games. I love racing and am ready to go head-to-head again after recovering from the Trials."
Joining Abdirahman on the start line will be two-time Bank
of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K champion Tera Moody of Colorado Springs, Colo. Originally from St. Charles, Ill., Moody was a star performer at St. Charles High School and a two-time Illinois state champion in the 1600 meters. Moody, who placed 10th at the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a PR 2:30:53, is on the comeback trail from an injury that held her out of the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in January. She has twice represented the U.S. at the World Championships Marathon, leading the American squad with a 17th place finish last summer in Daegu, South Korea.
New Start Wave and Start Corral Process
The 2012 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K will feature a new Start Wave and Start Corral process to facilitate a smoother start to the race for all participants. The race will feature separate start times and Gear Check facilities for the two Start Waves-Wave 1 and Wave 2. This will allow participants to check their gear and access their assigned Start Corral closer to their start time.
The start time for participants in Wave 1-those assigned to the Elite Corral and Corrals A, B, C and D-will be 8:30am. The start time for participants in Wave 2-those assigned to Corrals E, F, G and H-will be 9:15am. Access to Start Corrals will close 15 minutes prior to each wave's respective start time.
Local Favorites "Mike and Joe" to Headline Post-Race Party
Local favorites "Mike and Joe" will perform live music starting from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the traditional Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Post-Race Party at Buckingham Fountain. The Post-Race Party is free and all participants, friends and family members are welcome to attend the spring celebration. Participants age 21 and over can redeem the tear-off portion of their bib number for a complimentary Michelob ULTRA beer. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase.
In advance of the event, the two-day Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Health & Fitness Expo will take place at Navy Pier on Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, featuring more than 80 industry-related exhibitors. The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.
For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to: shamrockshuffle.com
Portland Marathon's "Going the Distance" Program Adds New Race
Growing list of partner training events now includes Big Sur International Marathon
PORTLAND, Ore. - (February 10, 2012) - The Portland Marathon added the Big Sur International Marathon to its growing list of "Going the Distance" partner training events.
The Portland Marathon partners with other events to encourage and optimize their participants' training experience to help them get ready for the Portland Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. The organization specially selects interesting, challenging, fun and well administered running and walking events to promote in their "Going the Distance" program.
The Portland Marathon plans to add several more events to their existing partnerships with the Big Sur Int'l Marathon, Eugene Marathon and Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon.
Big Sur International Marathon - April 29
The Big Sur Int'l Marathon is 26.2 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world - and, for runners, the most challenging. Related marathon-day events include a 21-mile power walk, 5K run, 9-mile walk, 10.6-mile walk, marathon relay, and "Just Kids" 3K. An expansive sports expo takes place for the two days before the run at the Monterey Conference Center.
Runners can carbo-load at two different events throughout the weekend, at "Carbs in Carmel" on Friday at Carmel Plaza and "Pasta Party" on Saturday at the Monterey Marriott. Each year, the non-profit marathon donates over $150,000 to charities.
Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon - April 29
In total, participants run through or along 12 parks before they reach the new finish line, through the arches of Powell Plaza and the final stretch on the track at historic Hayward Field. No doubt, this is one of the prettiest and flattest certified marathons in the country. Be a Legend in 2012. Registration is open for the 6th Eugene Marathon to be held April 27-29, 2012.
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon - September 2
Held in the rolling hills of the Yamhill Valley, less than an hour from Portland, the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon offers the perfect mix of work(out) and play! Runners enjoy a course with breathtaking scenery, and the reward of a music and wine festival.
Learn more about the "Going the Distance" program at: www.portlandmarathon.org/events_partner_runs.php
The Portland Marathon is a non-profit running and walking event that produces Portland's largest three-day "convention." The event has a positive $25M economic impact to the Portland area. Proceeds from the Portland Marathon go to help local schools, charities and non-profits. Sunday, October 7, 2012 will mark the 41st Portland Marathon.
The event features 85 entertainment groups at 53 locations along the course. The events of the Portland Marathon have over 15,000 registered participants from all 50 States, and is produced with the help of over 4,700 volunteers.
The Event has been called the "best-organized marathon in North America" and has received national attention for being one of the first eco-friendly, "green" marathons.
For more information or to register for events, visit: www.portlandmarathon.org
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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