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In this edition:
Kirui, Akor Win America's Finest City Half Marathon
Dean Karnazes, Hypoxico Team to Raise Funds for Karno Kids
Atlanta Track Club's Adopt a Marathon Mile Program Announced
Hog Jog "Piggy-Backs" with Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues Festival
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Toronto Women's 5K/10K, Toronto, CAN, August 27
Continental Divide Trail Run, Laurel Springs, NC, August 27
USA 10K Trail Championship
35th Crim Festival of Races, Flint, MI, August 27
Challenge Arthritis 5K, St. Paul, MN, August 27
AT&T Giant Race, San Francisco, CA, August 27
IAAF World Championships, Daegu, KOR, Aug 27-Sept 4
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Santa Rosa Marathon, Santa Rosa, CA, August 28
Disneyland Half-Marathon Weekend, Anaheim, CA, Sept 3-4
Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon, VA, Sept 4
Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon, Dublin, OH, Sept 4
Oregon Wine Country Half-Marathon, Carlton, OR, Sept 4
Eugene Women's Half-Marathon, Eugene, OR, September 4
Kaua'i Marathon, Kaua'i, HI, September 4
Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race, CT, September 5
USA 20K Championships
American Discovery Trail Marathon, Colorado Springs, CO, Sept 5
Kirui, Akor Win America's Finest City Half Marathon
A sold-out field of more than 8,000 enjoy 34th edition in San Diego
By Patrice Malloy
SAN DIEGO - (August 21, 2011) - A sold-out field of more than 8,000 professional and recreational runners from 44 states and 16 countries participated in the 34th edition of the America's Finest City Half Marathon and AFC 5K held on Sunday morning, under cloudy skies and temperatures in the low to mid-60s.
Weldon Kirui, 23, of Kenya was first across the finish line in his first race on U.S. soil, winning in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 18 seconds. Ethiopia's Tesfaye Sendeku Alemayehu, 27, finished 5 seconds back in 1:03:23. Rounding out the podium was Ian Burrell, 26, of Tucson, Ariz. in 1:04:22.
Mary Akor, 34, of Hawthorne, Calif.(Muir HS, Pasadena 1994; El Camino College; CS Dominguez Hills; Nigeria; became US citizen in 2003), captured the women's crown, clocking 1:17:17. Ariana Hilborn of Scottsdale, Ariz. finished 10 seconds back (1:17:27) as runner-up. Natasha LaBeaud, 24, of San Diego (Folsom HS 2005, Georgetown 2010), placed third woman overall (1:18:15).
In the men's race, Kirui, Alemayehu, Burrell and Kenyans Benard Langat (the 2010 runner-up) and James Kirwa took early command of the field, opening up a 20-second lead in the first mile. Burrell led briefly, fell back but re-joined the pack about 5 miles into the race.
Then it came down to two Africans from different countries but with similar goals - to maintain a fast pace and to win. Kirui was the first to surge, breaking from the pack of five just prior to the six-mile mark. Alemayehu was the only man to answer, leaving the remainder of the field behind. Burrell kept fighting back and was just 10 seconds back at the 9-mile mark.
It was all about Kirui and Alemayehu in the final miles however.
"We pushed each other," commented Kirui. "But when I saw the finish line I knew it was time to sprint to the finish and win."
The women's race also had three strong contenders, all staying within reach of each other until nine miles into the race. Akor, Hilborn and LaBeaud distanced themselves from the women's field early on with Akor pushing the pace. Hilborn answered but could not catch the Nigerian-born Akor who ran the race to honor her grandmother who passed away in Nigeria on August 13.
"I was depressed so I wanted to race in memory of my grandmother," said Akor, now a U.S. resident and 2012 U.S. Olympics Marathon Trials qualifier.
In the Masters races (40 and older), John Reich, 42, Scottsdale, Ariz. and triathlete Joanna Zeiger, 41, Boulder, Colo. were victorious in 1:12:30 and 1:18:29 respectively.
The scenic 13.1-mile America's Finest City Half Marathon (or "AFC Half" as it is often referred to) started at 7:00am at the historic Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, ran along San Diego Bay, through downtown San Diego and finished near the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. The AFC 5K started and finished at the Half Marathon finish line. A post-race party and awards ceremony followed in Balboa Park.
Competitors in the half-marathon vied for $13,700 in prize money and bonuses.
The event benefits the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, Cancer Patients Alliance and other local charities. During its 34-year history, the America's Finest City Half Marathon has raised more than $3.4 million for non-profit organizations.
34th America's Finest City Half-Marathon
San Diego, CA, Sunday, August 21, 2011
MEN
1) Weldon Kirui (KEN), 1:03:18, $1500
2) Tesfaye Sendeku Alemayehu (ETH), 1:03:23, $1000
3) Ian Burrell (USA / AZ), 1:04:22, $750
4) James Kirwa (KEN), 1:05:14, $500
5) Benard Langat (KEN), 1:05:32, $300
MASTERS MEN (40+)
1) John Reich, 42, USA / AZ, 1:12:30, $300
WOMEN
1) Mary Akor (USA / CA), 1:17:17, $1500
2) Ariana Hilborn (USA / AZ), 1:17:27, $1000
3) Natasha LaBeaud (USA / CA), 1:18:15, $750
4) Joanna Zeiger, 41, USA / CO, 1:18:29, $800 (includes $300 first Masters)
5) Lindsay Nelson (USA /CA), 1:19:04, $300
Complete results and more at: www.afchalf.com
Dean Karnazes, Hypoxico Team to Raise Funds for Karno Kids
Autographed simulated altitude training system open for bids on eBay
NEW YORK - (August 18, 2011) - Dean Karnazes, named by Time magazine as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World," is teaming up with Hypoxico to auction an autographed simulated altitude training system with proceeds being donated to Karno Kids.
The eBay auction for the training system has opened and it ends on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 1:48 PDT at: http://tinyurl.com/3kdfb4r and bidders will have two weeks to bid on the autographed simulated altitude training unit.
"It is an honor and pleasure to be teaming with an athlete and person like Dean and his charity Karno Kids," said Brian Oestrike, Hypoxico CEO. "His accomplishments are amazing. He's run across Death Valley in 120 degree temperatures, and he's run a marathon to the South Pole in negative 40 degrees. And Karno Kids mission to encourage, motivate and inspire our youth to become physically active and to restore and preserve the environment for their future use and enjoyment is something we take very seriously and will support with our best efforts."
Karno Kids provides direct financial support to organizations and programs that are focused on improving the health and wellness of our youth and restoring and preserving the environment and urban open-spaces. Karno Kids also sponsors numerous youth events across the country.
"When you take a look at how Hypoxico has helped from a training standpoint and an overall health standpoint it was a natural fit for us to team in helping Karno Kids," said Dean Karnazes. "Their simulated altitude training system has helped me in my training and preparation, especially for difficult mountain races. I applaud Hypoxico for helping kids across America achieve their dreams."
Atlanta Track Club's Adopt a Marathon Mile Program Announced
Eighteen metro Atlanta nonprofit organizations selected to participate; Atlanta Track club to donate up to $135,000 to participating organizations
ATLANTA - (August 17, 2011) - The Atlanta Track Club (ATC) has announced 18 metro Atlanta nonprofit organizations have been chosen to participate in its Adopt a Marathon Mile program during the Atlanta Marathon and Marathon Relay on Sunday, October 30. The organizations will "adopt" a mile along the route, assisting with water stops and creating "cheer zones", in exchange for a donation from the ATC.
"Adopt a Marathon Mile is a celebration of the community and an excellent way to give back to Atlanta's nonprofit community," said Tracey Russell, executive director of the ATC. "We are confident that the organizations we've selected will liven up the race course."
The 18 organizations were selected based on their funding needs and ability to recruit volunteers for one of the marathon miles. Participating nonprofit organizations include:
* Center for Puppetry Arts
* Piedmont Park Conservancy
* Historic Oakland Foundation
* Trees Atlanta
* Girls on the Run Atlanta
* Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
* Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Center
* MUST Ministries
* Back on My Feet-Atlanta Chapter
* Corporate Volunteer Council - Atlanta
* Shepherd Center
* Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Atlanta
* Atlanta Humane Society
* Determination-American Cancer Society, Atlanta
* L.E.A.D.
* Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta
* HomeStretch
* Rockdale Special Olympics
The ATC will give between $63,000 and $135,000 to Atlanta's nonprofit community, depending on the level of participation from each group. Volunteer requirements for participating organizations include a minimum of 15 volunteers to assist the ATC at the charity's water stop and a minimum of 15 spectators and cheer leaders in the "cheer zone" to provide support for runners along the course.
Organizations that meet the minimum requirements on race day will receive a base donation of $3500. Bonus points, which can be redeemed for additional donations up to $7500 per organization, will be awarded to those that offer extra course support. Points will be awarded based on categories including the number of volunteers, number of costumes, signage and promotion of the nonprofit, among others. Visit www.atlantamarathon.org for more information.
The Atlanta Marathon course starts and finishes at Atlantic Station and leads runners past well-known sites and eclectic city neighborhoods. With a challenging course, festive cheer zones and a 6½ hour course limit, this event is the perfect opportunity for both first-timers and seasoned runners looking to achieve their marathon goals. This year's Atlanta Marathon prize purse equals $10,500. Registration for the Atlanta Marathon and Marathon Relay is available at atlantamarathon.org through Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
Hog Jog "Piggy-Backs" with Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues Festival
Event also teams with Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run on Saturday, September 10, 2011; new 10K course too
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - (August 16, 2011) - It was recently announced that the Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues Festival has moved locations to the NC Music Factory for the event's 9th year. The Charlotte Sports Commission's Hog Jog has "piggy-backed" that move and will also begin and end at the NC Music Factory on Saturday, September 10th.
"We were excited to hear about the location change for this year's Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues. Hog Jog participants will now experience an exciting and challenging new course, while still enjoying the traditional components such as the Piglet Fun Run and Finlandia Bloody Mary contest we have all grown to enjoy," said Jeff Beaver - Executive Director of the Charlotte Sports Commission. "We are fortunate for our great partnership with Center City Partners to keep us involved with BBQ & Blues over the last 4 years."
In addition to the change in location, numerous new components will be included in this year's race. The Hog Jog will extend in length to a 10K while partnering with a 5K, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run, to keep the 3.1 mile component as well.
The overall male, female and "squealchair" winners of the Hog Jog will receive a prize pack worth $450 dollars including $300 cash, a pair of adidas sneakers and a gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods. As is tradition, the first 200 runners who sign up for the Hog Jog 10K & Finlandia Bloody Mary contest will participate in a tasting competition between 5 local bars and restaurants. The post-race Piglet Fun Run will take place at approximately 9:30am and include mascot appearances from Chubby, Norm the 49er, Lug Nut, Monkey Joe, Rex and Bruggie.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers began in New York City in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001 to honor firefighter Stephen Siller who ran eight miles in full gear from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers that morning. For the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, race managers and the Stephen Siller Foundation decided to extend the race to take place in numerous cities across the U.S., one of them being Charlotte.
To register for the Hog Jog 10K ($30 in advance, $35 day-of), the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run ($25) or the Piglet Fun Run (free), visit: www.hogjog.org
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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