Running USA wire 26, March 25, 2012

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In this edition:
Atmani, Lucas Win Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Kiplagat, Suver Reign Supreme at Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon
Rhines, Frey Headline More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon
John Hancock, Manulife Employees to Run 2012 Boston Marathon for Non-Profits

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Running USA today and have your event listed here, as well as on www.RunningUSA.org


Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K, Richmond, VA, March 31
35th Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, Charleston, SC, March 31
RumpShaker 5K, Birmingham, AL, March 31
ZOOMA Texas Half-Marathon & 5K, Austin, TX, March 31
April Fool's Half-Marathon, Atlantic City, NJ, April 1
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Knoxville, TN, April 1
Inaugural Eat. Run. Hope. 5K, Seattle, WA, April 1
Carlsbad 5000, Carlsbad, CA, April 1
Home of the 5K World Records
Divas Half-Marathon, Honolulu, HI, April 1
Inaugural Hollywood Half-Marathon, Hollywood, CA, April 7
Santa Anita Derby Day 5K, Santa Anita, CA, April 7
Easter Sunday - Rise 'n' Shine 5K, St. Paul, MN, April 8
Half Marathon Unplugged, Burlington, VT, April 14
UMC Windermere Run Among the Lakes 5K, Windermere, FL, April 14
ATC Spring Has Sprung 8K & 15K, Atlanta, GA, April 14
GO! St. Louis Marathon Weekend, St. Louis, MO, April 14-15









Atmani, Lucas Win Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K

Record field of more than 34,000 finishers enjoy ideal spring weather at 33rd edition; Hansons-Brooks Distance Project take Elite Club Competition

By Robin Monsky



CHICAGO - (March 25, 2012) - The 33rd Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K lived up to its billing as the world's largest timed 8K road race as a record 34,372 runners crossed the finish line in Grant Park, beating the previous record set last year by nearly 2,000 finishers. Comfortable weather conditions on Sunday morning greeted participants for the annual kick-off to Chicago's running season with start time temperatures in the mid-50s that warmed up to the mid-60s for the Post-Race Party at Buckingham Fountain. Leading the way for the record field was men's champion Abdelaaziz Atmani of Indianapolis, IN, in 23 minutes, 18 seconds, and women's champion Julia Lucas of Eugene, OR, in 25:37, the fastest women's winning time since Deena Kastor's U.S. record in 2005 and the seventh fastest women's time in event history.



"Mother Nature was on our side today serving up perfect spring weather for the record field of participants," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "This event reflects the true spirit of Chicago with a festive running environment and great cooperation with our partners, sponsors and volunteers. You couldn't ask for a better way-and a better day-to kick off the running season in Chicago."



Running his first race in Chicago, Atmani, 30, surprised pre-race favorite and four-time U.S. Olympic team member Abdi Abdirahman by matching him stride-for-stride, surrendering only a slight lead between the third and fourth miles before overtaking the Olympian with a half mile to go. Atmani, who was the fourth American finisher and 16th overall at the ING New York City Marathon last fall in 2:19:36, was one of the more than 130 athletes taking part in the Elite Club Competition as a member of the Indianapolis-based Athletic Annex team.



"This was my first time running in Chicago and I really enjoyed the competition and the course," said Atmani, a native of Morocco who became a U.S. citizen a year ago. "Hopefully I will come back to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the fall."



It was a tight race as second place went to David Adams of Lincoln, NE, just three seconds behind Atmani (23:21), followed by Abdirahman in third (23:30), Thomas Frazer of Lake Forest, IL, in fourth (23:30) and Jeremy Criscione of Sterling Heights, MI, in fifth (23:32).



Lucas, 28, battled with Chicago area native Delilah DiCrescenzo to win a hotly contested women's race featuring numerous lead changes among the top three. The former North Carolina State All-American ultimately prevailed by 12 seconds over runner-up DiCrescenzo (25:49). Early race leader Diane Nukuri-Johnson, a Burundian Olympian based in Iowa City, IA, finished third (26:11), followed by Melissa White of Sterling Heights, MI, in fourth (26:28), and Nicole Blood (Royal HS, Simi Valley 2006) of Annandale, NJ, in fifth (27:16). The top four women's finishers all ran faster than the winning times from the previous five years.



"I have been battling back from injuries and I couldn't be happier with the time and the performance," said Lucas. "This is a boost of confidence as I prepare for the 5000 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials this summer. I had never been to Chicago before and tried to take in as much of the city and the course as I could, although the last couple miles were a little hazy as I was just going for the win."



The 4th Elite Club Competition featured 30 of the top USA Track & Field-member racing teams from across the Midwest and as far away as California. The club competitors, including race champion Atmani, contributed to one of the most competitive fields in event history. The Michigan-based Hansons-Brooks Distance Project won both the men's and women's elite club titles. The men posted a combined finish time of 1:35:37 (among their top four finishers) and an average team time of 23:55, led by fifth place finisher Criscione. The women netted a combined finish time of 1:23:10 (among their top three finishers) and an average team time of 27:44, led by fourth place finisher White. Runner-up went to Naperville Running Company of Naperville, IL, on the men's side (1:36:15) and Three Rivers Racing of Ft. Wayne, IN, on the women's side (1:25:52).



The first-ever Media Challenge was held and included 33 members of area broadcast and print media participating in today's race, won by Team Lead Stories captained by WLS-ABC 7 reporter John Garcia, with an average team finish time of 39:19 among its 11 team members. Second place went to Team Shamrock (42:24), captained by WMAQ-NBC 5 manager of news and content development Matt Piacente, followed by Team Bair Feet (43:29), captained by WGN reporter Dina Bair. Bank of America and Nike made a $10,000 donation to the Chicago Park District to support its summer running programs in honor of the media's participation.



33rd Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Chicago, IL, Sunday, March 25, 2012



MEN
1) Abdelaaziz Atmani, 30, Indianapolis, IN, 23:18
2) David Adams, 23, Lincoln, NE, 23:21
3) Abdi Abdirahman, 35, Tucson, AZ, 23:30
4) Thomas Frazer, 30, Lake Forest, IL, 23:30
5) Jeremy Criscione, 24, Sterling Heights, MI, 23:32
6) Mike Reneau, 33, St. Paul, MN, 23:36
7) Jordan Fife, Bloomington, IN, 23:39
8) Adu Dentamo, Bloomington, IN, 23:42
9) Jed Christiansen, Greenville, PA, 23:43
10) Robert Scribner, Sterling Heights, MI, 23:52



WOMEN
1) Julia Lucas, 28, Eugene, OR, 25:37
2) Delilah DiCrescenzo, 29, New York, NY, 25:49
3) Diane Nukuri-Johnson, 27, Iowa City, IA, 26:11
4) Melissa White, 30, Sterling Heights, MI, 26:28
5) Nicole Blood, 23, Annandale, NJ, 27:16
6) Laura Farley, 28, Carmel, IN, 27:34
7) Jessica Monson, 25, Burlington, WI, 27:41
8) Katie Fenstermaker, 29, South Bend, IN, 27:44
9) Erin Richard, 26, Sterling Heights, MI, 27:52
10) Chantelle Wilder, 26, Los Gatos, CA, 28:16

"Chantelle Wilder
Los Gatos High School, Track and Field Coach

After graduating from the University of Hawaii, Chantelle took the Position of the girls' cross country and track Coach at LGHS. Chantlle is now a pro runner and is actively training. Chantelle is a bundle of energy and always brings a positive attitude to any setting. This little Canadian is loved by the girls she coaches and by her community! We are so lucky to have her leading our run groups!!"
http://www.lululemon.com/losgatos/losgatos/ambassadors/ChantelleWilder

Complete results, photos and more at: www.shamrockshuffle.com





Kiplagat, Suver Reign Supreme at Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon

Event record 14,500-plus entrants for 3rd edition benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure; James Durbin rocks post-race concert

By Dan Cruz, Competitor Group



DALLAS - (March 25, 2012) - Under bright blue skies and sunny conditions, more than 14,500 entrants took to the start line for the 3rd Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Texas-based Kenyan Sammy Kiplagat and University of Oregon graduate Mattie Suver, who recently moved to Austin, each registered victories, running 1 hour, 5 minutes and 45 seconds and 1:17:40, respectively.



The 38-year-old Kiplagat made his defining move at a water station approaching 11 miles to seize victory. Samuel Kosgei of Uganda finished second with a time of 1:06:01, followed by Craig Leon in 1:06:07.



"I know I didn't have the finishing speed so I had to make my move to win," said Kiplagat, a resident of Hidalgo, TX who won his second half-marathon this month. "This was my first time running a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon event and the whole course, the atmosphere was fantastic."



Kiplagat, Kosgei and Leon, along with fourth place finisher Benazzouz Slimani, ran in a tight pack for the first 10 miles, separating themselves early on in the race from the rest of the field. Passing the 10K mark in 31:32, all four runners took turns in the lead pushing the pace. But it was Kiplagat who made the decisive move, catching the other runners off guard.



"We had a nice group together for nine, ten miles and then at eleven miles he put on a heck of a move. He was on the other side of the road and when we got water, all of a sudden he was gone and we really didn't have a chance to respond," said Leon, who was back racing for his third consecutive weekend after running in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston this past January. "I'm still trying to get my legs back under me and I'm focused on the USA 25K Championships in May. I loved the course and you can't beat this weather. Living in Oregon, I hadn't seen the sun in two weeks."



On the women's side, Suver, 24, took the lead during the first mile and never relinquished it on her way to victory. It was Suver's first time running in Dallas after moving to Texas two months ago.



"This was a great race there are some cool neighborhoods in Dallas," said Suver, who won the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Half Marathon last summer. The weather was perfect, lots of sunshine and warmth. Texas is awesome. We love it so far and we've really noticed the hospitality here. It's really exciting; everyone here is so welcoming in Texas. I already feel like part of the community here."



More than 14,500 entrants made up the largest field in the three year history of the event. The 13.1 mile city course started in downtown Dallas at City Hall and finished at Fair Park, adjacent to the Cotton Bowl, making its way through uptown and scenic Highland Park neighborhoods. Participants were treated to a post-race concert at the finish line headlined by American Idol star James Durbin. The fourth Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is set for Sunday, March 24, 2013.



3rd Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon
Dallas, TX, Sunday, March 25, 2012



MEN
1) Sammy Kiplagat, 38, Kenya, 1:05:45, $1500*
2) Samuel Kosgei, 27, Uganda, 1:06:01, $500
3) Craig Leon, 27, Eugene, OR, 1:06:07, $300
4) Benazzouz Slimani, Garland, TX, 1:06:24, $1000*^
5) Logan Sherman, 26, Dallas, TX, 1:08:25, $600*^
9) Josh Trevino, 28, Dallas, TX, 1:11:26, $200^



WOMEN
1) Mattie Suver, 24, Austin, TX, 1:17:40, $1000 (not eligible for TX prize money)
2) Becky Angeles, 35, Murphy, TX, 1:21:05, $1000*
3) Heidi Morse, 29, Grapevine, TX, 1:23:20, $1100*^
4) Juli Koenegstein, 25, Stillwater, OK, 1:27:00, $200
5) Kristen Rosenau, 27, Oklahoma City, OK, 1:27:44, $100
8) Abby Perone, 26, Colleyville, TX, 1:28:50, $500*^
9) Shelley Kaiser, 32, Dallas, TX, 1:29:27, $200^



*To qualify for Texas money athletes must have been a resident for at least 12 months from race day.
^Dallas prize money means athlete must live within the Dallas Metroplex.



For full results, photos and more, go to: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/dallas




Rhines, Frey Headline More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon

Three-time Olympian Jen Rhines and two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Michelle Frey will be the two fastest runners ever to take part in the 9th edition; largest women-only half-marathon set for April 15


NEW YORK - (March 25, 2012) - Three-time U.S. Olympian Jen Rhines and two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Michelle Frey will headline a field of more than 8,000 runners at the 9th More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon, the largest women-only half-marathon in the country, on Sunday, April 15, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.



The 13.1-mile race through scenic Central Park is open to women runners and walkers of all ages. The race attracts women from all 50 states and of every level, from first-time runners to elite athletes. Each year, the sold-out event provides thousands of women the opportunity to gather for competition, celebration, and camaraderie. The race champion will win $1000 and receive "The Meyerhoff", an award named in honor of 2010 champion and NYRR member Sally Meyerhoff, who tragically died in a cycling accident last March.



"The More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon is a powerful race that celebrates strong, active, and spirited women," said Wittenberg. "Jen and Michelle bring world class talent and grace to the race, and they are extraordinary role models for women runners everywhere."



Rhines, 37, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, has made three U.S. Olympic teams at three different distances. She competed in the 10,000 meters in Sydney in 2000, the marathon in Athens in 2004, and the 5000 meters in Beijing in 2008. Rhines has also competed in five IAAF World Championships in Athletics (2001, 2005, 2007, 2009 & 2011) and has won 5 USA titles on the track (1) and the road (4). Training under her husband and coach, Terrence Mahon, at the NYRR-backed Mammoth Track Club in Mammoth Lakes, CA, Rhines is the reigning American half-marathon champion and has a 1:11:14 personal best. She will be the fastest woman ever to run the More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon. In June, Rhines will attempt to make her fourth Olympic team at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR.



"I'm looking forward to returning to the streets of New York next month for the More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon," said Rhines. "I anticipate there will be great energy among the thousands of women that will compete in the nation's largest all women's half-marathon. I'm excited to tackle the hills of Central Park as I build my strength for the Olympic Track Trials in June. It will be a great weekend to enjoy the camaraderie and celebrate women's running."



Frey, 29, of Minneapolis, MN, will turn 30 on the day of the More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon. In January, she finished 22nd in a field of 152 finishers at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston. Frey, running under her maiden name of Michelle Lilienthal, finished third at the USA Half-Marathon Championships in 2007, clocking her personal-best time of 1:12:46.



"I've always wanted to compete in the More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon, so I'm extremely excited to be racing it for the first time," said Frey. "I love the energy in New York City, and Central Park is one of my all-time favorite places to run. That, combined with the largest all-women's half-marathon in the country, will make for a really special day! I can't wait!"



The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck will serve as host for the race and will also be running the race it for the second year in a row with Team NOGII to raise money for Celiac Disease research. The event is hosted by Athleta as the presenting sponsor, with product sponsors Aveeno, Birkenstock, Duane Reade, Jenny Craig, Oakley, Playtex Sport, Skechers and Tonalin. Race participants will be raising money for the charitable partner, Hole in the Wall Gang, a nonprofit, summer camp and year-round center serving children and their families coping with cancer. CARE and Florida Grapefruit are expo sponsors, sister magazine EatingWell is the media partner and Francesco Rinaldo is a food court sponsor.



Prior to the race, a two-day Health & Wellness Expo at the Metropolitan Pavilion - located at 18th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues - will feature health-oriented vendors and exhibitors, guest speakers, product giveaways and more. The Expo, which is free and open to the public, is also the location for race-number pickup for registered runners.



The half-marathon will begin at 8:00am, Sunday, April 15, on Central Park's West Drive near 63rd Street. For more race details, visit: www.morefitnesshalf.com






John Hancock, Manulife Employees to Run 2012 Boston Marathon for Non-Profits

Join more than 1,000 John Hancock-sponsored non-profit runners in effort to surpass $5.3 million raised in 2011


BOSTON - (March 25, 2012) - More than 100 John Hancock and Manulife employees have committed to run this year's Boston Marathon and raise money for non-profits through its Employee Training Program. They join more than 1,000 Company-sponsored non-profit runners as they seek to surpass the $5.3 million raised for 90 non-profits in 2011 through the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program.



John Hancock employees will run to raise funds to benefit Artists for Humanity, Ron Burton Training Village, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Center for Teen Empowerment. Canadian Manulife employees will run for Habitat for Humanity Canada. Both groups have consistently increased monies raised since the inception of the employee fund raising program six years ago.



"John Hancock is committed to supporting its employees' health and wellness through a variety of initiatives in connection with its corporate HealthMatters program," said Rob Friedman, head of Sponsorship and Event Marketing at John Hancock. "The Employee Training Program is one such initiative under the banner of our Boston Marathon sponsorship. It also provides a unique opportunity to help employees prepare for the race and give back to their communities by raising funds for these vital and vibrant non-profit organizations."



John Hancock is committed to supporting employee runners by providing coaching from 1983 Boston champion Greg Meyer and additional professional athletes, supported long runs on the Boston Marathon course, training clinics and training manuals, social networking opportunities and fundraising support through a partnership with Crowdrise.



This year the team is being "Coached by Champions" and has attended training clinics and training runs with Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi, Alberto Salazar, Bill Rodgers and Greg Meyer. Desiree Davila, Ryan Hall and Greg Meyer also continue to provide training tips through John Hancock's employee training websites.



"As a runner for more than 30 years, I'm both excited and grateful that the employee training program at John Hancock has offered guidance and coaching to help me achieve my goal of completing my first Boston Marathon," said Michael Kohn, Senior Director, Sales and Business Development, John Hancock Financial Network. "Just as important, however, I have the opportunity to raise funds and support the community based organization, Teen Empowerment. This wonderful organization inspires young people, and the adults who work with them, to think deeply about difficult social problems facing their communities, and helps them find ways to create significant positive change."



The Employee Training Program is part of the official Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and John Hancock Non-Profit Programs, which over the past 26 years have raised more than $150 million dollars for local organizations.



This year marks the 27th year of John Hancock's landmark sponsorship of the legendary Boston Marathon and also the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Company. John Hancock is committed to its long-standing partnership with the Boston Athletic Association to support one of the world's premier sporting events.

Visit www.bostonmarathon.org for more race information.







Contact Information


Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232




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