Running USA wire 85, October 14, 2012

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In this edition:
Yado Edges Mejdoub at Under Armour Baltimore Marathon
Endale Sets Course Record at 2012 ING Hartford Marathon
Actor Rob Riggle, Olympian Shalane Flanagan to Headline Marine Corps Marathon Weekend
The Philadelphia Marathon Expands Rothman 8K with Inaugural Group Challenge

UPCOMING EVENTS

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


Inaugural Runner's World Half Marathon & Running Festival, Bethlehem, PA, Oct 19-21
Scream Scram, Denver, CO, October 19
Community Health Network Indianapolis Marathon & Half, IN, Oct 20
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon, Kansas City, MO, October 20
Atlantic City Marathon & Half, Atlantic City, NJ, October 21
20th Ridgewalk & Run, Wellsville, NY, October 21
Army Ten-Miler, Washington, DC, October 21
Beach Running World Championships, Cocoa Beach, FL, October 21
35th Detroit Free Press / Talmer Bank Marathon & Half, MI, Oct 21
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon, OH, October 21
TASK Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Marathon & ½ Marathon, MO, Oct 21
Mankato Marathon, Mankato, MN, October 21
IMT Des Moines Marathon, Des Moines, IA, October 21
Kids Running America, Denver, CO, October 21
The Other Half, Moab, UT, October 21
Dawg Dash, Seattle, WA, October 21
Running USA 2012 Fall Race Director Workshop, Hamilton, NJ, Oct 26
Toronto Women's 8K & 5K, Toronto, CAN, October 27
Blue Moon Wicked 10K, Virginia Beach, VA, October 27
Hog Jog, Charlotte, NC, October 27
Traci Zeller Designs Race for Fetal Hope, Kannapolis, NC, Oct 27
5th Runnona 5K, Lake Nona, FL, October 27
Run Away from Domestic Violence Race, Hoover, AL, October 27
Ghost & Goblins 5K, Carmel, IN, October 27
Halloween Fearless 5K, St. Paul, MN, October 27
Inaugural Hella-Ween 5 Mile, Oakland, CA, October 27
Healdsburg Wine Country Half-Marathon, Healdsburg, CA, Oct 27
Superhero Mile, San Diego, CA, October 27






Yado Edges Mejdoub at Under Armour Baltimore Marathon

Muange defends men's title; Brigham, Hursey CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half Marathon champions; 26,600 event entrants at 12th edition

By Steve Nearman, Running USA wire



BALTIMORE, Md. - (October 13, 2012) - For more than 2½ hours, Elfneshe Melaku Yado and Malika Mejdoub ran virtually side-by-side through the streets of Baltimore on Saturday morning. Through classic landmarks like Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, Clifton Park and Lake Montebello. And through Charm City's notable neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Little Italy and of course the touristy Inner Harbor.



Yet when the two professional marathoners reached the finish between two other notable landmarks, Oriole Park and M&T Stadium, they were inseparable.



With hundreds of fans cheering them on, Yado the Ethiopian and Mejdoub the Moroccan jockeyed back and forth for the lead and hit the finish tape at nearly the same instant. In the end, Yado was declared the winner of the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon by a hair, with both runners timed at 2 hours, 38 minutes, 46 seconds which was the 10th fastest women's time in race history.



Yado also became the first female winner from Ethiopia in the 12-year history of the race, all this during her very first trip to America.



The stunning conclusion to the women's race overshadowed nearly an equally exciting men's finish.



Stephen Muange of Kenya successfully defended his 2011 title, just three seconds ahead of runner-up Tesfaye Alemayehu of Ethiopia in a personal best 2:13:08. It was the sixth year in a row that a Kenyan runner took the men's title and 10th time in 12 years. Last year, the 31-year-old Muange pulled off a four-second victory over Ethiopian Ambesse Tolosa.



Both Muange and Yado earned $25,000 for their efforts, matching Muange's $25,000 from last year and recording the biggest payday in the 25-year-old Yado's burgeoning five-year career.



Some 26,600 runners registered for the Baltimore Running Festival, which included 5,000 marathoners, 11,000 half-marathoners, 4,200 5K runners and 1,200 four-person marathon teams. Pro and pack runners alike were treated to perfect conditions, with a 45-degree start, moderate temperatures during the race, clear-blue skies and little wind.



"This year it was very competitive, more than last year," said Muange, who trains at high altitudes in Santa Fe, NM. "Today we were many many elite athletes. The first half was very slow, then after 13.1 miles we picked it up a lot."



The early going was dreadfully slow, with two dozen elite men passing the first uphill mile in 5:41, just 15 meters ahead of the lead pack of elite women. Passing two miles in 11:30 and three near Druid Hill in 17:01, it was evident that the leaders were content to relax the pace. The pack fluctuated from 20-22 members as they headed back downtown to Inner Harbor at eight miles and still nobody was in any rush with the pace.



After an out-and-back which took the field past title sponsor Under Armour's headquarters at 11 miles, the leaders passed Inner Harbor again at the halfway mark, hitting the split at 1:07:51 which averages nearly 5:11 per mile. Still, 13 runners remained in the mix.



Suddenly, 31-year-old Muange began throwing in surges. By 16 ½ miles, only Ernest Kebenei, the eventual third place finisher, could match him. Over the next mile, Alemayehu would reel them in, and in Clifton Park, Julius Koskei made it a quartet as they climbed a short hill on Harford Road en route to Lake Montebello and the 20-mile mark.



Around the lake and back into the city streets, the pace quickened even more, dropping Kebenei after 23 miles and Koskei right about 24 miles into the race.



This left just Muange and Alemayehu, both veteran racers, to decide who would be first and win $25,000 and who would be second and pocket $15,000. In fact, they've raced each other over 10 miles, half and full marathons. Last year, Alemayehu outran Muange at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, MN, by 42 seconds.



They were side-by-side down Eutaw Street through 25, then 26 miles and just two-tenths to go, Muange had a half-step lead into the alley behind the outfield of Orioles Park.



With 75 meters to go, Muange found the last surge of speed and broke the finishing tape, with Alemayehu just a blink behind him. Both improved upon their last year's times of 2:15:16 for Muange and 2:16:16 for Alemayehu, who was sixth.



"Times were faster than last year," said Alemayehu, winner of last year's Army Ten Miler in Washington who sports a 2:11:18 personal best from the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon and hails from Antioch, CA. "The last mile I tried to separate. I pushed and pushed. He was just stronger." They completed the second half of the race averaging 4:59 per-mile pace.



Then came Kebenei in 2:13:50 ($8500) and Koskei in 2:14:13 ($5500), while Kenyan Fred Kosgei, a late entrant with bib #3296, rounded out the top five in 2:15:37 ($3500).



Eric Grossman, 44, from Emory, Va. was the top Masters runner in 2:33:39, while top female Master was 42-year-old Shawna Jones from Raleigh, N.C., 10th among females in 3:07:43; each earned $1000.



The women's field was as diversified as the men's but not as deep. Elites came from Kenya, Ethiopia, Russia, Belarus and Morocco.



"I knew I had to win," Yado, a resident of Addis Ababa, said through an interpreter. "I knew I had to increase my speed. I am ecstatic with the win today." It was her second marathon triumph after capturing the challenging Athens (Greece) Classic Marathon in November 2011 in a personal best 2:35:25.



Like the men's race, the women proceeded relatively slowly through the first half of the race, with seven women in contention at the 13.1-mile mark.



"Actually, it was slow," said Mejdoub, who trains in Albuquerque, N.M., and ran a personal best in her fourth marathon. "The girls were watching each other. I was planning on running faster. But it didn't happen." Mejdoub already has wins this year at the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and Mississippi Marathon.



Mejdoub said it was her who made the move at 19 miles which strung out the field.

Down the last stretch, the two traded the lead, back and forth and back again, all the way across the finish line. Liudmila Biktasheva of Russia was third in 2:39:14 ($8500), Volha Mazuronak of Belarus was fourth in 2:40:06 ($5500) and Rose Jebet of Kenya was fifth in 2:40:23 ($3500).



Two-time race runner-up Lee DiPietro of Baltimore completed her seventh Baltimore Marathon, albeit a bit disappointed with her time this year. "I was on pace for the first half," said DiPietro, hoping for a 3:05 finish at age 54. "I came through the first half in 1:31. Then my hamstrings tied up about 19 to 20 miles."



She ended up in 3:12:42, 15th among women and fourth Master behind three 40-somethings.



Nate Brigham of Baltimore (1:11:39) and Katie Hursey of Hampstead, N.Y., (1:18:30) were winners of the accompanying CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half Marathon, while Tyler Saunders of Baltimore (15:44) and Stephanie Hoag of Hunt Valley, Md. (18:16) were winners of the CareFirst 5K.



Lee Corrigan, president of Corrigan Sports Enterprises, and the event organizer, was happy with the events of the morning. "We've been fortunate, 12 years of great running weather," he said. "There were two great finishes in the men's and women's race and we did pretty good at the execution of the race. We just keep getting better."



12th Under Armour Baltimore Marathon
Baltimore, MD, Saturday, October 13, 2012



MEN
1) Stephen Muange (KEN), 2:13:08, $25,000
2) Tesfaye Alemayheu (ETH), 2:13:11, $15,000
3) Ernest Kebenei (KEN), 2:13:50, $8500
4) Julius Koskei (KEN), 2:14:13, $5500
5) Fred Kosgei (KEN), 2:15:37, $3500
6) Meshack Kirwa (KEN), 2:16:30, $2500
7) Kennedy Kemei (KEN), 2:16:37, $2000
8) Joseph Mutinda (KEN), 2:17:47, $1700
9) Ketema Amensisa (ETH), 2:17:57
10) Isaac Waweru (KEN), 2:19:53



MASTERS MEN (40+)
1) Eric Grossman, 44, VA, 2:33:39, $1000
2) John Piggott, 47, VA, 2:45:23, $750
3) Jason Tripp, 40, MD, 2:48:27, $500



WOMEN
1) Elfheshe Yado (ETH), 2:38:46, $25,000
2) Malika Mejdoub (MAR), 2:38:46, $15,000
3) Liudmila Biktasheva (RUS), 2:39:14, $8500
4) Volha Mazuronak (BLR), 2:40:06, $5500
5) Rose Jebet (KEN), 2:40:23, $3500
6) Tezeta Dengersa (ETH), 2:40:35, $2500
7) Leah Kiprono (KEN), 2:44:31, $2000
8) Hirut Mandefro (ETH), 3:02:46, $1700
9) Karen Lenhoff (USA / DE), 3:05:29
10) Shawna Jones, 42, USA / NC, 3:07:47, $1000



MASTERS WOMEN (40+)
1) Jones, see above
2) Sherri Doebler, 41, PA, 3:11:50, $750
3) Christine Rockey, 42, SC, 3:12:15, $500



Complete results at: www.thebaltimoremarathon.com



Endale Sets Course Record at 2012 ING Hartford Marathon

New England's Finest runner Hilary Dionne wins women's race; Kiplan Terer, Reilly half-marathon champions; 19th edition draws more than 16,000 participants

By Elizabeth Cowles



HARTFORD, Conn. - (October 13, 2012) - The 19th ING Hartford Marathon hosted more than 16,000 participants, who crossed the finish line after marathon, half-marathon or 5K races in downtown Hartford's Bushnell Park. Abiyot Endale, 26, an Ethiopian runner currently living in High Falls, NY, won the marathon, setting a course record of 2 hours, 15 minutes, 35 seconds and breaking the previous record (2:16:34, Moses Kemboi in 2005) by nearly a minute.



He was followed by Kenyan runner Mathew Kiplagat, of White Plains, NY, who clocked 2:17:53. New England's Finest runner Matt Pelletier, of West Greenwich, RI, placed third in 2:19:33 and earned a $4000 bonus.



For the women, New England's Finest runners swept the top three women's marathon places with Hilary Dionne, 27, of Charlestown, RI, winning in 2:40:34, setting a PR in her first appearance in Hartford and taking home $7000. Defending champion Erica Jesseman, 23, Scarborough, ME was runner-up in 2:46:59. The top three women's finishers were eligible for additional prize money as part of the New England's Finest Elite program, which recognizes talented runners from the region.



In the half-marathon, Philemon Kiplan Terer won men's race, covering the 13.1 mile course in 1:05:42, while countryman Benard Langat was second at 1:05:49. Terer and Langat train together in Santa Fe, NM, and are both originally from Kenya. With a time of 1:06:24, Jonny Wilson, of Falmouth, ME, took third place and was the first finisher in the New England's Finest Elite program.



Women's half-marathon winner Stephanie Reilly of Northbridge, MA, crossed the finish line in 1:15:40, and Katie Moulton, a New England Finest runner out of Providence, RI, was second (1:18:05), followed by Lydia Carrick, of Wilmington, DE, who took third (1:19:13).



In the 5K race, New Britain, CT runner Samuel Alexander took first place in 15:28, while Jeanne Mack, of Bristol, RI, was first woman, recording 18:03.



19th ING Hartford Marathon
Hartford, CT, Saturday, October 13, 2012



MEN
1) Abiyot Endale (ETH), 2:15:35*, $4000
2) Mathew Kiplagat (KEN), 2:17:53, $2000
3) Matt Pelletier (USA / RI), 2:19:33, $5000#
4) Chris Zablocki (USA / CT), 2:20:11, $750
5) Jared Burdick (USA / NY), 2:20:25, $500
*course record (previous record, 2:16:34, Moses Kemboi (KEN), 2005)



WOMEN
1) Hilary Dionne (MA), 2:40:34, $7000#
2) Erica Jesseman (ME), 2:46:59, $3500#
3) Lyndsay Willard (MA), 2:53:51, $1750#
4) Jackie Evans (MA), 3:00:37, $750
5) Maureen Terwilliger, 45, CT, 3:03:09, $500
#includes New England's Finest bonus



19th ING Hartford Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Philemon Kiplan Terer (KEN), 1:05:42, $1000
2) Benard Langat (KEN), 1:05:49, $750
3) Jonny Wilson (USA / ME), 1:06:24, $1500#



WOMEN
1) Stephanie Reilly (MA), 1:15:40, $1000
2) Katie Moulton (RI), 1:18:05, $1750#
3) Lydia Carrick (DE), 1:19:13, $500
#includes New England's Finest bonus



For deeper results and more, visit: www.HartfordMarathon.com





Actor Rob Riggle, Olympian Shalane Flanagan to Headline Marine Corps Marathon Weekend

Runners from across U.S. and 54 nations to participate in sold-out 37th MCM on Sunday, October 28


QUANTICO, Va. - (Oct. 10, 2012) - Actor, comedian and U.S. Marine Rob Riggle, known for his humorous film roles in "21 Jump Street", "The Hangover" and "Stepbrothers", and for his gig as comedy prognosticator on "Fox NFL Sunday", will serve as an honorary starter of the 37th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). An Emmy Award-nominated actor, Riggle is also a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. On Sunday, Oct. 28, Riggle will join 2012 Olympic marathoner Shalane Flanagan at the MCM start line in Arlington, VA to launch 30,000 runners in "The People's Marathon".



Before becoming a film, television and comedic performer, Riggle was on active duty serving in Marine Corps Aviation and later in Public Affairs on active duty and in the Marine Corps Reserve. During his more than 22-year military career, Riggle has been deployed to Afghanistan, Albania, Kosovo and Liberia. While developing his acting chops, Riggle has appeared in numerous television shows like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "SNL" and in dramatic roles sharing scenes with Tom Hanks in "Larry Crowne". He also appears in animated features like "The Lorax", "Hotel Transylvania" and Disney's "Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice" for which he received a 2012 Emmy nomination.



"I'm very proud to be a Marine and I'm honored to be involved with this year's Marine Corps Marathon," says Riggle. "Of course I wish I could run in the race, but someone's got to start the thing ... and cheer on the runners ... and perhaps have a hot dog and a beer."



Joining Riggle during MCM Weekend is U.S. Olympic marathon runner Shalane Flanagan. In London, Flanagan was the first U.S. woman to cross the marathon finish in 2:25:51, placing tenth among the world's fastest women, in her third Olympics. Flanagan also competed in Beijing 2008, where she won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters, prior to that she ran in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. A formidable force on the track, Flanagan remains a U.S. record holder in the 3000, indoor 5000 and 10,000 meter running events.



An elite athlete featured in Nissan's Innovation for Endurance program, Flanagan will be a special guest speaker at the MCM Runners Conference on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.



Flanagan will be available to MCM runners during the "First Timers" session beginning at 2:15pm. Flanagan also will appear that same day at the Nissan booth located at the MCM Health & Fitness Expo inside the DC Armory in Washington, DC.



"The Marine Corps Marathon is pleased to include one of our own, Marine Lt. Col. Rob Riggle, and an Olympic runner of Shalane Flanagan's caliber to add even more excitement to starting ceremonies," says MCM Director Rick Nealis. "With both of their professional talents reflected in what we do as the Marine Corps Marathon organization, Rob and Shalane will help us propel runners on their marathon journey."



The 37th MCM includes 30,000 participants ages 14 to 86 from all states and 54 countries. They will run the 26.2 mile event from Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's capital to the iconic finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.



About the MCM
Voted the "Best Marathon for Families" and the "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic," the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize money, earning the name "The People's Marathon". The 37th MCM will be held on October 28, 2012 in Arlington, VA.



Visit MarineMarathon.com for more information.



The Philadelphia Marathon Expands Rothman 8K with Inaugural Group Challenge

Team competition offers group entry discount as well as awards and prizes in race and creative categories


PHILADELPHIA - (October 9, 2012) - Philadelphia Marathon organizers have announced exciting changes to the Rothman Institute 8K. The 8K race, which is on Saturday, Nov. 17 beginning at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, will include an addition to enhance the race experience.



New to the race will be the Rothman Institute 8K Group Challenge - a competition among hotels, gyms, running clubs, businesses, nonprofit organizations, universities and colleges to decide which group (five or more race participants) can claim bragging rights as the best running team. Groups can win awards and prizes in both competitive and creative categories such as the fastest group, best group spirit, best dressed group, and more. Group race participants will receive a runner's bib, t-shirt, post-race food and take part in a photo opportunity.



"The new 8K Group Challenge fosters team competition and camaraderie by connecting many organizations that make Philadelphia an amazing place to live, visit and have fun experiences," said Melanie Johnson, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Marathon. "The Rothman Institute offers a terrific way for competitors to get involved with Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. It is a manageable distance and is less demanding when training. It also gives our runners great choices. From serious to friendly competition, there is something that appeals to all runners' tastes."



The new group format offers another running option to fit all competitors' preferences, complementing a solid lineup of competitive races including the full marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles) and the individual competition of the Rothman Institute 8K (nearly 5 miles). The 8K is held Saturday, Nov. 17 preceding Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon.



Taking part in the 8K Group Challenge is easy:

Sign up a group (five or more race participants) and receive $10 off each registration.
E-mail Michelle Freeman, Business & Community Outreach for the Philadelphia Marathon, at michelle.a.freeman@gmail.com
Receive a promo code and registration instructions for you and your group members.
Recruit your group and have each member register with your group's own promo code by Thursday, November 1, 2012.
Receive confirmation details from the Philadelphia Marathon.
The Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon are both sold-out, while the still-open Rothman Institute 8K presents a great opportunity to compete in Philadelphia Marathon Weekend fun. The highly competitive race consistently draws runners of all levels - from beginners to elite competitors. Sheila Reid, a 2012 Olympian and Villanova University graduate, who will participate in the 8K, said it is challenging but less strenuous than long-distance races.



"The Rothman Institute 8K also is an amazing event to join because the course is beautiful and the relatively flat surface makes running a complete joy," said Reid. "I always feel welcomed in Philadelphia. The event is a great experience for anyone looking to run a challenging distance that's not overwhelming."



Over the years the Rothman 8K has been a springboard for many great future marathoners who got their "feet wet" in the waters of short-distance running. Many runners return to the race each year, and it has grown steadily, emerging as a key race on the Mid-Atlantic USA Track & Field Association circuit.



The Rothman Institute 8K begins along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The scenic route takes runners through the beautiful banks of the Schuylkill River and Kelly Drive. At 4.97 miles, the race represents a manageable distance for those being introduced to distance running and the ideal route for more experienced runners.



Registration for the Rothman Institute 8K costs $45 for individuals and $35 for Group Challenge members. The deadline to register is Thursday, Nov. 1 or before registration reaches capacity; go to: www.philadelphiamarathon.com



More than 27,000 runners and 60,000-plus spectators will experience "The Best Time of Your Life" during Marathon Weekend (Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18). In addition to Sunday's Philadelphia Marathon, Race Weekend features three races - the Half-Marathon, the Rothman Institute 8K and the Kids Fun Run. Other activities to welcome runners, families, friends, volunteers, spectators businesses, visitors and residents include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; a free course map complete with retail discounts and promotions, and information on more than 20 spectacular cheer zones. Race participants pass many of Philadelphia's famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, a Boston Marathon qualifier.





Contact Information


Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 966-7747




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