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In this edition:
Korir, Cherop Win Hot 116th Boston Marathon
Misganaw Masters More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon
Melbourne Music Marathon Awarded USA Masters Championship by USATF
Inaugural Brewers Mini-Marathon Set for September 22
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Ragnar Relay SoCal, Huntington Beach, CA, April 20
Romp Thru the Woods 5K, Decatur, GA, April 21
Challenge Obesity 5K, St. Paul, MN, April 21
Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K, Dallas, TX, April 21
Earth Day 10K, Carlsbad, CA, April 21
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Madrid, Madrid, ESP, April 22
Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Outer Banks, NC, April 22
Inaugural San Luis Obispo Marathon, San Luis Obispo, CA, April 22
American Odyssey Relay Race Adventure, Gettysburg, PA, April 27
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Weekend, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Apr 27-28
Run for the Trees, Winter Park, FL, April 28
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Half, Louisville, KY, April 28
St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, Nashville, TN, April 28
FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10 Mile, Chicago, IL, April 28
35th Get in Gear 10K, Minneapolis, MN, April 28
Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR, April 29
Big Sur International Marathon, Carmel, CA, April 29
Korir, Cherop Win Hot 116th Boston Marathon
Another close women's finish; Hartmann top American in fourth place; heat wave hits storied 26.2 mile road race
by Jim Gerweck, Running USA wire
BOSTON - (April 16, 2012) - Marathon lore holds that a year with optimal weather conditions is usually followed by one that challenges runners, and that was borne out at the 116th running for Boston Marathon on Monday. Temperatures that warmed the runners with temperatures in the 70s at the start in Hopkinton quickly rose under an unseasonable April sun to the mid- to upper-80s by the time the leaders reached the halfway point, eventually reaching a record 87 degrees.
The result, as expected, was that times were well off most runners' anticipated goals. That was also gratifying to organizers, who intentionally spent the three days preceding the race warning participants of the possible dangers, encouraging those not in top shape to not run, even taking the step of allowing those who had qualified to defer their entry to 2013. In the end, only 427 of the 26,716 entrants elected to do so, but many of those who toed the line in Hopkinton did not make it to the finish on Boylston Street.
"People were dropping out left and right," said one runner who finished around 4:30. The attrition rate was above average, with 21,611 of the 22,426 starters succeeding in completing the distance before the course was closed, an hour later than normal in deference to the weather.
What was perhaps somewhat surprising was that the slowdown extended even to the leaders, who are usually more immune to harsh conditions than the less-fit participants behind them.
Wesley Korir, an American-educated Kenyan, used a come-from-behind strategy to edge countryman Levy Matebo by 26 seconds in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 40 seconds, the slowest winning time since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot's second win five years ago.
The women's race once again came down to a finishing sprint down Boylston, with Sharon Cherop holding of fellow Kenyan Jemima Jelagat Sumgong by two seconds. Cherop's winning time of 2:31:50 was the slowest since Salina Kosgei's 2:32:16 in 2009. The last four women's titles at Boston have now been decided by a total margin of eight seconds.
The hot conditions caused both the men and women to run cautiously from the start, with packs of nearly a dozen going through halfway in 1:06 and 1:17 respectively. That resulted in the somewhat unexpected sight of six-foot-three-inch tall American Jason Hartmann in the lead.
"I was just running my race, not doing anything rash," the Colorado runner said. "And with the weather, no one else was either."
The real racing began, as it often does in Boston, just past Wellesley, between 14 and 15 miles, with Mathew Kisoro and then Matebo putting in surges that whittled the pack down to a half dozen, including defending champ Geoffrey Mutai. Within a few miles, Mutai's chances of retaining his title, and potentially a berth on the Kenyan Olympic team, fell victim to the conditions when he was forced to drop out from stomach cramps, the result of drinking more fluids than he was used to.
By the time the third of the three hills in Newton had been climbed, Kisoro had moved away to a lead of nearly 30 seconds and seemed to have the race in hand. But the victory evaporated in the final downhill stretch from Cleveland Circle. Korir, who had ignored most of the surging on the hills, was running in sixth place when he suddenly saw the runner ahead of him getting closer.
"I thought, 'This is not bad, I can be fifth in the Boston Marathon.' Then I caught fourth place, and saw third just ahead and thought, 'Great, I can be on the podium.' So I just moved up until I found myself in a position to win the race," recounted Korir.
Korir, 29, moved into first as they crested the Mass Pike overpass by Fenway Park, where the Red Sox were playing the traditional morning Patriots Day game. Matebo responded as they entered Kenmore Square, then Korir took the lead for good just before the duo went underneath Mass Avenue with a mile to go.
Meanwhile, Hartman, running his steady-paced race, was echoing Korir's success, finally crossing the finish in fourth place, in 2:14:31.
"This was definitely a race of redemption," he said, referring to his disappointing 2:16:44, 32nd place finish at January's Olympic Trials in Houston. "I thought I was a contender to make the team, even if was an outside chance. Since that race I've had this date circled on my calendar.
"I wasn't going to let the heat bother me. I feel it's the same for everyone, and if you worry too much about it, you're beaten before you start. I wasn't going to allow myself to fail today."
Cherop, 28, who placed third in last year's Boston race, used the lessons she learned there to move to the winner's spot this year.
"I didn't know the course that well, so I got to know it better this time," she said. "I knew how far it was to the finish, when to push."
She admitted that her significant move on the Newton hills was primarily directed at Firehiwot Dado, the winner of last November's ING New York City Marathon.
"The Ethiopian girls have a stronger kick than the Kenyans," she continued. "I did not want to have to try to outsprint her in the final stretch."
Sheri Piers of Falmouth, Maine joined Hartman as the top American finisher, placing 10th in 2:41:45, not far off her Boston times under better conditions.
"We had a mild winter in New England, but I still did a lot of my workouts on a treadmill in a room that was pretty warm," said the 40-year-old. "And fortunately I don't sweat a lot, so the heat didn't bother me that much today."
And while most runners' times were slowed by the heat, the only record set wasn't just the temperature. In the men's wheelchair division, Canadian Joshua Cassidy broke the course record by two seconds, zipping across the line in 1:18:25.
Many in the rest of the field weren't so fortunate. While organizer went to great lengths to caution runners about the hazards of running in hot conditions, and doubled the supply of on-course water, approximately 10 percent of the runners were seen by medical personnel, with 152 being treated at local hospitals.
116th B.A.A. Boston Marathon
Boston, MA, Monday, April 16, 2012
MEN
1) Wesley Korir (KEN), 2:12:40, $150,000
2) Levy Matebo (KEN), 2:13:06, $75,000
3) Bernard Kipyego (KEN), 2:13:13, $40,000
4) Jason Hartmann (USA / CO), 2:14:31, $25,000
5) Wilson Chebet (KEN), 2:14:56, $15,000
6) Laban Korir (KEN), 2:15:29, $12,000
7) Michel Butter (NED), 2:16:38, $9000
8) David Barmasai (KEN), 2:17:16, $7400
9) Hideaki Tamura (JPN), 2:18:15, $5700
10) Mathew Kisorio (KEN), 2:18:15, $4200
11) Tim Chichester (USA / NY), 2:21:10, $2600
12) Sergio Reyes (USA / CA), 2:22:06, $2100
13) Brendan Martin (USA / MI), 2:22:32, $1800
14) Gebre Gebremariam (ETH), 2:22:56, $1700
15) Uli Steidl, 40, USA / WA, 2:23:08, $11,500
MASTERS MEN (40+)
1) Steidl, see above
2) Franklin Tenorio, 42, ECU, 2:24:04, $5000
3) Tracy Lokken, 46, USA / MI, 2:31:06, $2500
4) Jason Ryf, 41, USA / WI, 2:31:50, $1500
5) Patrick Kuhlmann, 41, USA / DC, 2:32:55, $1000
WOMEN
1) Sharon Cherop (KEN), 2:31:50, $150,000
2) Jemima Jelagat Sumgong (KEN), 2:31:52, $75,000
3) Georgina Rono (KEN), 2:33:09, $40,000
4) Firehiwot Dado (ETH), 2:34:56, $25,000
5) Diana Sigei (KEN), 2:35:40, $15,000
6) Rita Jeptoo (KEN), 2:35:53, $12,000
7) Mayumi Fujita (JPN), 2:39:11, 9000
8) Nadezdha Leonteva (RUS), 2:40:40, $7400
9) Svetlana Pretot, 40, FRA, 2:40:50, $15,700
10) Sheri Piers, 40, USA / ME, 2:41:55, $9200
11) Genet Getaneh (ETH), 2:42:11, $2600
12) Larisa Zyusko, 42, RUS, 2:47:47, $4600
13) Sheila Croft (CAN), 2:48:31, $1800
14) Paula Keating, 45, CAN, 2:48:58, $3200
15) Hilary Dionne (USA / MA), 2:51:56, $1500
MASTERS WOMEN (40+)
1) Leonteva, see above
2) Piers, see above
3) Zyusko, see above
4) Keating, see above
5) Jen Nicholson, 43, CAN, 2:56:01, $1000
Complete results, photos and more at: www.bostonmarathon.org
Misganaw Masters More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon
9th edition, hosted by The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck who completed the race in 1:40:05, draws more than 7,200 women in Central Park; $100,000-plus raised for Hole in the Wall Gang
NEW YORK - (April 15, 2012) - The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck hosted the 9th More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in Central Park on Sunday, April 15. More than 7,200 women participated in the race - the largest women's-only half-marathon in the country - established by More and Fitness magazines, in
partnership with New York Road Runners. Hasselbeck participated in the race for the second straight year, besting her 2011 time by more than four minutes and finishing in 1:40:05. She ran in support of Team NoGii to raise money for Celiac Disease research, as well as Team Red, White and Blue, to support America's war veterans.
Leading the way, local running sensation Alemtsehay Misganaw (left, NYRR), 31, shattered the course record of 1:14:40 and beat three-time U.S. Olympian Jen Rhines, 37, to finish in 1:13:25. Rhines, who led until mile 11, was not far behind at 1:14:05 (also bettering the previous course record).
"It was a tough race," said Rhines. "We battled the whole time, and she had a bigger move than I had left at the end. I had a hard time at the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, so it was nice to come back to New York and feel good in a race."
Two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Michelle Frey considered the race her birthday party, as she turned 30 in the company of thousands of female friends. After finishing third overall in 1:16:52, she waited for her friend from NYC to complete her first half-marathon, so they could go for brunch.
"It's exciting to start a new decade with more than 7,000 other women," said Frey.
Fitness Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong ran the race for the sixth year in a row and finished in 2:01:44. "This year's race was fantastic! Running 13.1 miles with such strong and supportive women is an inspiration. Their cheers and smiles keep me motivated all the way to the finish line, and I can't wait to do it again next year!"
Race participants raised more than $100,000 for charitable partner Hole in the Wall Gang, a nonprofit, summer camp and year-round center serving children and their families coping with cancer.
9th More Magazine / Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon
New York, NY, Sunday, April 15, 2012
1) Alemtsehay Misganaw (ETH), 1:13:25*
2) Jen Rhines (USA / CA), 1:14:05
3) Michelle Frey (USA / MN), 1:16:52
*course record (previous record, 1:14:40, Sally Meyerhoff (USA / AZ), 2010)
For deeper results, photos and more, go to: www.nyrr.org
Melbourne Music Marathon Awarded USA Masters Championship by USATF
Event to host 40-plus national half-marathon championship through 2015
MELBOURNE, Fla. - (April 16, 2012) - The State Farm Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend has announced that USA Track & Field, the national governing body for track and field, long distance running and race walking in the United States, has awarded the event a three-year extension as host of its annual USA Masters Championship Half Marathon.
Melbourne's ½ Marathon has served as the USA Masters Championship (40 and over) since 2009 and will continue to do so through 2015.
"It has been an honor and a privilege for our race and community to host a national title race, and we couldn't be more excited to continue doing so for the next few years," said Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend race founder Mitch Varnes. "Our partnership with USATF has been a mutually advantageous one, and we are very pleased by this announcement."
"USATF is proud to extend its agreement with Melbourne and Smooth Running, LLC for the USA Masters Half Marathon Championship," said USATF Masters Long Distance Running Chairman Donald Lein. "We have been pleased with the community support that this event has engendered since its beginning. We are also very happy with the professionalism of the staff that contributes to this race truly being one of the better Half Marathons in America."
As host of the national championship, Melbourne routinely sees the nation's best 40 and over runners on its course; including former world record holders, Olympians and winners of premiere races such as the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon.
In conjunction with the half-marathon, the Melbourne Music Marathon Weekend comprises a health and fitness expo, a kids run, 5K, 8K, full marathon and a hand cycle marathon.
The Melbourne Music Marathon has been declared to be Melbourne's Signature Sporting Event. It will next be held on February 2 & 3, 2013. Complete race information can be found at: www.themelbournemarathon.com
Inaugural Brewers Mini-Marathon Set for September 22
Start and finish at beautiful Miller Park with post-race tailgate party; fundraising component to the 13.1-mile race will benefit the MACC Fund
MILWAUKEE - (April 12, 2012) - The inaugural Brewers Mini-Marathon is set to debut in Milwaukee beginning and ending at beautiful Miller Park on Saturday, September 22, 2012. A scenic route through Milwaukee, prizes and a post-race tailgate party are sure to make this the most unique half-marathon in the area. The race also offers an opportunity to raise money for the MACC Fund, benefitting childhood cancer research in Wisconsin.
The scenic and unique course will take participants through many Milwaukee landmarks including the Miller Valley, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes), Miller Park and others. Participants and volunteers will receive a free Brewers ticket voucher good for select 2012 or 2013 games at Miller Park, a participant medal, a "tech" shirt and a post-race tailgate party outside Miller Park with live music.
Great course support will be provided with ten aid stations featuring water and Gatorade, misting stations and entertainment along the way. Spectators will have plenty of free parking at Miller Park and will have the opportunity to watch racers run through Miller Park while being shown on the scoreboard.
"Brewers Enterprises is always looking to develop new events to add to the entertainment offerings in Milwaukee, and we think the Mini-Marathon will be a terrific afternoon of fun that will benefit a worthy cause," said Milwaukee Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger.
Fundraising proceeds from the Brewers Mini-Marathon will benefit the MACC Fund.
Participants can organize their own fundraising page online at www.brewersmini.com and donors can make donations online. A complete list of fundraising prizes can be found at www.brewersmini.com and include:
- Tickets to Opening Day 2013
- Holding the finish line tape for the World Famous Sausage Race
- A private dinner for two at Home Plate at Miller Park
- The opportunity to toss out a Ceremonial First Pitch at a 2013 regular season game
- Two tickets to the MACC Fund's "An Evening with Aaron Rodgers"
- A Miller Park roof tour
Participants can register for the race at www.brewersmini.com. The cost of the race is $65 for those registering by April 30, $75 for those registering between May 1 - July 31 and $85 for those registering between August 1 - September 19. For those registering on packet pick-up day, September 21, the cost is $100. Race packets can be picked up at Miller Park on Friday, September 21.
Vision Event Management (VEM), a Westfield, Indiana-based company, will produce the inaugural event.
Complete race details, a course map and other information can all be found at: www.brewersmini.com
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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