Running USA wire 56, July 5, 2012

Running USA wire 56, July 5, 2012
Running USA advances the growth and success of the running industry in America.


Partners: Active Network, Ashworth Awards, Competitor Group, Leslie Jordan, Inc. and MarathonFoto help make this wire possible.




In this edition:
Kirui, Daska Win AJC Peachtree Road Race
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Adds Lexington Event
Ragnar Relay Colorado Partners with First Descents to Fight Cancer
New 5K Race by Marine Corps Marathon is Perfect Date Night

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Challenge Diabetes 5K, St. Paul, MN, July 7
Smith Rock Sunrise Summer Classic Half, Terrrebonne, OR, July 7
Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K, Colorado Springs, CO, July 8
Missoula Marathon, Missoula, MT, July 8
Decatur-Dekalb YMCA 4 Miler, Decatur, GA, July 14
Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, Sonoma, CA, July 15
Also GunBunFunRun 5K
Xsport Fitness Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon, IL, July 22
Burning River 100 Mile, Willoughby Hills, OH, July 28
USA 100 Mile Trail Championships
Challenge Cancer 5K, St. Paul, MN, July 28
Quad-City Times Bix 7, Davenport, IA, July 28
Paint Mines 6K Trail Race, Calhan, CO, July 28
Destination Health Race, Denver, CO, July 28
San Francisco Marathon, San Francisco, CA, July 29
Ragnar Relay Colorado, Aspen, CO, August 3







Kirui, Daska Win AJC Peachtree Road Race

43rd edition draws 60,000 with nearly 58,000 finishers for 4th of July classic in Atlanta

From the Atlanta Track Club



ATLANTA - (July 4, 2012) - The professional field at the 2012 AJC Peachtree Road Race on Wednesday morning under warm conditions proved strong as Peter Kirui, 24, from Kenya and Mamitu Daska, 28, from Ethiopia took home victories at the 43rd running of the 10K event, finishing in 27 minutes, 37 seconds and 32:22 respectively. Kirui's time was the 5th fastest all-time at Peachtree. The top Americans were Bobby Mack of Raleigh, NC and Lindsey Scherf of Fayetteville, NC, in 13th and 4th, clocking 29:16 and 33:22 for 6.2 miles.



"We have a great field of competitors every year and this year was no exception," said Tracey Russell, race director for the AJC Peachtree Road Race and executive director of the Atlanta Track Club. "The AJC Peachtree Road Race is an exciting event and we are happy to share our 4th of July with the 60,000 participants at this wonderful event."

In the Masters races (40 and older), South Korea's Jae Yung Hyung, 41, residing in Albuquerque, NM and Sheri Piers, 41, from Falmouth, ME took the men's and women's titles in 31:21 and 34:38 respectively.



43rd AJC Peachtree 10K Road Race
Atlanta, GA, Wednesday, July 4, 2012



MEN
1) Peter Kirui (KEN), 27:37, $15,000
2) Micah Kogo (KEN), 27:39, $7500
3) Mathew Kisorio (KEN), 27:39, $3000
4) Azmeraw Bekele Molal (ETH), 27:59, $2500
5) Paul Lonyangata, 19, KEN, 28:01, $2000
6) Tilahun Regassa (ETH), 28:12, $1500
7) Silas Sang (KEN), 28:16, $1000
8) Sammy Kitwara (KEN), 28:24, $800
9) Daniel Salel (KEN), 28:40, $700
10) Emmanuel Bett (KEN), 28:52, $600
11) Belete Assefa (ETH), 28:52, $500
12) Denis Masai (KEN), 29:05, $400
13) Bobby Mack (USA / NC), 29:16, $1300
14) Shadrack Kosgei (KEN), 29:16, $250
15) Henry Rutto (KEN), 29:19, $200


Other U.S.
20) Mike Sayenko (USA / WA), 29:55, $500
21) Ahmed Osman (USA / AZ), 30:07, $300



MASTERS MEN (40+)
1) Jae Yung Hyung, 41, USA / NM, 31:21, $1500
2) Vyacheslav Shabunin, 42, RUS, 31:27, $1000
3) Uli Stedl, 40, USA / WA, 31:31, $500



WOMEN
1) Mamitu Daska (ETH), 32:22, $15,000
2) Lineth Chepkurui (KEN), 32:23, $7500
3) Risper Gesabwa (KEN), 32:23, $3000
4) Lindsey Scherf (USA / NC), 33:22, $3500
5) Shewarge Alene (ETH), 33:32, $2000
6) Hellen Jemutai (KEN), 33:34, $1500
7) Karolina Jarzynska (POL), 33:45, $1000
8) Belainesh Gebre (ETH), 33:49, $800
9) Kellyn Johnson (USA / AZ), 33:55, $1200
10) Alvina Begay (USA / CA), 34:02, $900
11) Sarah Porter (USA / NC), 34:12, $500
12) Katie McGregor (USA / MN), 34:25, $400
13) Sheri Piers, 41, USA / ME, 34:38, $1800
14) Atalelech Asfaw (USA / NM), 34:46, $250
15) Dorota Gruca, 41, POL, 34:55, $1200



MASTERS WOMEN (40+)
1) Piers, see above
2) Gruca, see above
3) Tatyana Mezentseva, 40, UKR, 35:02, $500



Complete results and more at: www.atlantatrackclub.org






Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Adds Lexington Event

Rock 'n' Roll Lexington Half Marathon set for Saturday, March 30, 2013; event to start and finish at legendary Keeneland Race Course; registration open at Competitor.com


LEXINGTON, Ky. - Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the leading active lifestyle sports media and event entertainment company, has announced a partnership with the LeXenomics Group and Keeneland Race Course to bring the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series to the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region in Lexington.



The new Rock 'n' Roll Lexington Half Marathon is set for Saturday, March 30, 2013, replacing the Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon, which has been held the last weekend of March since 2011. Registration for the Lexington event is open at Competitor.com, with a special entry fee of $65 for the first 500 runners.



"We are thrilled that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is coming to Lexington," said Mayor Jim Gray, who joined race officials at a press conference in the Keeneland Library to announce the new event. "From basketball to Thoroughbred racing, Lexington has always been a great city for world-class sporting events and because our 13.1-mile course is indeed the prettiest half-marathon in the United States, our city is going to be seen in a whole new light by thousands of new runners each spring."



"Just as we do with our world class racing and auction sales, Keeneland is committed to providing a venue for the Rock 'n' Roll Lexington Half Marathon that is second to none," said Bill Thomason, President Elect of the Keeneland Association. "We want to maximize the opportunity to showcase central Kentucky and the horse industry at the highest level and are honored to be a part of this effort."



The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series started as a single race in 1998, and is now the "World's Largest Running Series" featuring a global tour schedule of 27 events in 2012. Rock 'n' Roll Lexington promises a scenic destination event for runners and walkers of all abilities, showcasing the charm and beauty of the "Thoroughbred City". The event will utilize the existing course starting and finishing on the impeccable grounds of the Keeneland Race Course, touring the famed Old Frankfort Pike to picturesque Donamire Farm on Rice Road, and feature the exhilarating views along Elkchester Road.



"We are delighted to announce the continued expansion of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series to Bluegrass Country and the hallowed grounds of the Keeneland Race Course," said Peter Englehart, Chairman of CGI. "March is a great month to be in Kentucky. We were fortunate to connect with Eric Patrick Marr and the LeXenomics Group, who have successfully launched and built a great event we feel is poised for significant growth."



"Since its earliest inception, one of the foundational cornerstones for LeXenomics has been branding our city of Lexington in a bright light to the rest of the United States, so partnering with Competitor Group and the renowned Rock 'n Roll Marathon Series was a no-brainer," said Eric Parker Marr, founder of the LeXenomics Group and Run The Bluegrass race director. "The running tourism industry is exploding all over the world and with Rock 'n Roll Lexington kicking off in 2013, we'll be an immediate benefactor of that explosion bringing millions of dollars a year in local economic impact."



In true Rock 'n' Roll Marathon fashion, the Lexington event will feature live bands positioned on entertainment stages along every mile of the scenic course, interspersed with cheerleaders and themed water stations, then topping the race experience with a major headliner concert at the finish line. Over the 15-year history of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, charity participants have raised more than $270 million for a variety of worthy causes and nonprofit organizations.



For more information about the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, go to: www.Competitor.com



About the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series
Organized by Competitor Group, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is the "World's Largest Running Series" with more than 500,000 runners taking part in events around the world every year. Started in 1998, the simple idea of making running fun has transformed the U.S. running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Today, the series of marathons and half-marathons has spread to more than 29 destination cities, drawing visitors from around the world.

Race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo with more than 100 exhibitors offering samples and showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an entertaining finish line festival featuring some of the biggest names in music, with headliners like Pitbull, FloRida, Cheap Trick and Bret Michaels. For more information, visit www.Competitor.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.






Ragnar Relay Colorado Partners with First Descents to Fight Cancer

First year relay event encourages teams to join Team First Descendant to raise dollars to help young cancer survivors, fighters experience outdoor adventures


BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. - (July 5, 2012) - Ragnar Relay Colorado, the newest event in 2012 that combines the famous Colorado Relay Race with the nationally renowned Ragnar Relay Series, has announced a challenge to all participants that goes beyond the 200-mile course from Breckenridge to Aspen - beating cancer. The inaugural relay event from Breckenridge to Vail to Aspen will be held from September 7-8, 2012.



Ragnar Relay Colorado is officially partnering with First Descents, a Denver-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outdoor adventures to young adult cancer fighters and survivors. Together, they are raising money through Team FD, First Descents social giving platform that allows teams to raise money to support the mission of First Descents, to provide young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experiences that will empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.



Ragnar sought out a nonprofit partner in Colorado that shared their appreciation for the pure beauty of the Colorado outdoors and could provide the same experiences many of our participants will have to those less fortunate. First Descents was a natural fit.



"Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer," said Rachel Peterson, Ragnar Relay Colorado Race Director. "Through this partnership with First Descents, everyone who participates in this year's event can help put a smile on the face of a young adult who is battling or who has overcome cancer by experiencing the outdoors. As Ragnarians, we love being able to run along some of the most majestic places on earth. Now young adults who might otherwise never see the sights and sounds of rivers and mountains will get the same opportunity thanks to our runners."



All current and future teams are encouraged to join Team FD to help defer the costs for young adults to attend these weeklong adventures. On average, First Descendent spends $1000 per adult per week. To learn more about Team FD or to join in the battle against cancer, go to: www.firstdescents.org/ragnar-relay



About Ragnar Events, LLC
Based in Utah, Ragnar Events, LLC is the largest overnight running relay series in the United States. Teams of 12 run this 200-mile relay in the course of two days and one night. Often called a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant, this unique relay turns out crazy costumes, inside jokes, close quarters and unforgettable stories. Begun as a single relay from Logan to Park City, UT in 2004 by college roommates, Dan Hill and Tanner Bell, now more than 160,000 people have run in the Ragnar Relay Series presented by Nordic Track, which boasts 15 races and is growing every year. Visit www.ragnarrelay.com for race dates and exact locations.






New 5K Race by Marine Corps Marathon is Perfect Date Night

Luxury pink-and-blue-themed finish area highlights Gender Defender 5K on August 25


QUANTICO, Va. - (June 28, 2012) - Runners will indulge in an opulent race experience at the Gender Defender 5K aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on Saturday, August 25. The pink-and-blue-themed challenge promises an exclusive, spirited competition on the course and a culmination at a uniquely upscale take on finish line hospitality.



Kicking off at 7:00pm, the Gender Defender 5K hosts runners ages 16 and older for a 3.1-mile jaunt through the streets of Quantico. Participants can revel in their race finish with a lavish display of comfort items not seen at any other race.



Runners can hang out and receive comic books from Big Planet Comics, check out sports cars from Scion and sample Michelob Ultra, Clif Shots and men's grooming products from Jack Black.



Runners can also get pampered by Alexandria Massage and The W Salon, enjoy Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, NaturallySweet Desserts vegan treats and Luna Bars, pick up swag from Virginia is for Lovers and sample Zen Castle Natural and Organic Skin Care Products.



MCM Event Series sponsors VA Runner, Geico, Marine Federal Credit Union, Warrior Chip, Prince William County, USO Metro, Brooks and the Holiday Inn Quantico Center will also be highlighted in the finish area.



"This VIP treatment at the finish line reflects everyone's favorite indulgences," says Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "The distinct finisher area is a pink and blue celebration with items enticing to the entire race field."



For the registration fee of $35, runners will receive a pink or blue technical T-shirt. All finishers will pick up a Gender Defender race coin and a carnation or commemorative bottle opener. Award winners will earn MCM champagne flutes and beer steins.

To register for the Gender Defender 5K, visit: www.marinemarathon.com







Contact Information


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




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