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Video - Mountain Marathon & Hill Billy Half - 2012

2012-03-07T05:05:00.001-08:00

Some sights and sounds form the Mountain Marathon & Hill Billy Half, March 3, 2012 held at Rock Candy Mt. in the Capitol Forest near Olympia WA.

See all the race day photos here & Race Results here

World Class Mountain Runners Take Titles in Washington

2012-03-06T07:29:00.001-08:00

March 3, 2012

OLYMPIA, WASH.- Guerilla Running’s 2nd edition of the “Mountain Marathon and Hillbilly Half” provided the opportunity for some of the best mountain runners in the country to test their legs on the under-respected trails of the Capitol State Forest west of Olympia.

This year’s Hillbilly Half teamed up with the La Sportiva Mountain Cup as the fourth stop in their ten race series. The series offers runners from around the country to compete for points. The highest accumulated points in their best in five races put competitors in contention for a piece of the total prize purse of $25,000. Several runners traveled from various places in the country to compete.

Gina Luarezi of Carbondale, Colo. came into the race as the leader of the La Sportiva Cup, having run both the Moab Red Hot 33k and the Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run this year. Luarezi finished 10th overall in a time of 1:49:26.97, a seven minute lead over her nearest rival Christina Bauer (14th,1:56:56.47),and a new course record. Bauer (Flagstaff, Ariz) came into the race in 5th place in the Mountain Cup standings. Luarezi and Bauer are first time competitors in the Mountain Cup and are looking strong in the overall standings after today. Local runner Sarah Kjorstad (Tacoma, Wash.) was the third finisher in 25th place (2:02:57.90).

The first four finishers in the men’s division were all from out of Washington. Winner Matthew Byrne of Scranton, Penn surprised 2011 Mountain Cup winner Jared Scott (Grand Canyon, Ariz) by navigating the challenging conditions better than anyone today. Byrne, runner-up in the 2011 Mountain Cup, set a course record by nearly ten minutes with his time of 1:26:27.91. Scott was three minutes back in 1:29:38.10. Another Arizonian, Robert Krar (Flagstaff) finished less than a minute back from Scott in third (1:30:16.38). All three were in the top four of this year’s standings coming into the event.

Guerilla Running was more than happy to host such talented athletes, who made a great impression not only for their speed but their friendly and enthusiastic selves. The next stop on the Mountain Cup is the “Hell's Hills 25K” in Smithville, Tex. on April 7th.

At each race La Sportiva partners with the race directors to select someone in a series race for the “Standout Award.” Guerilla Running and La Sportiva voted on Wendy Neidig for this award. Neidig (41) of Centralia, Wash. is new to trail running and today’s race was not only her first trail race but her first ever half marathon. A regular in Guerilla Running training runs, Neidig has sprinted into the spirit of mixing community values with the life changing benefits running can bring. For this Neidig received a gift package from La Sportiva and their partners.

Words used to describe the Mountain Marathon course ranged from “gnarly” and “awesome” to “brutal” and “sadistic”. While just 58 runners of the 70 starters finished the race, oddsmakers might have bet less after surveying the course. The 2011 race had to alter both courses, eliminating much of the elevation and trail sections runners experienced today. For runners to better, or come close to bettering, the winning times in this year’s race was indeed impressive.

Despite the conditions, the top two finishers made the race look easy. Partners Sean Meissner and Cassie Scallon, of Sisters and Tigard, Ore. respectively, finished with smiles on their muddy faces. The two finished exactly five minutes apart with Meissner finishing in 4:14:34 to Scallon’s 4:19:34. The two are no strangers to trail running and Meissner directs a great Northwest event each April, “The Peterson Ridge Rumble”.

Thanks to a great crew of volunteers throughout the course, including Thurston County Search and Rescue, everyone made it out of the mountains relatively unbroken.

Special thanks to Guerilla Running for providing this article!

Look here for complete Results

Look here for Race Day Photos

Look here for facebook photos

Video - Mt. Marathon 2012 ..on the trail!!

2012-03-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Some sweet video shot at the 2012 Mt. Marathon 2012 , Rock Coundy Mt. , Capitol Forest, near Olympia WA.

Video - ROAD-odend-RUN

2012-03-02T05:19:00.001-08:00

Sights and sounds from the ROAD-odend-RUN held in Olympia WA, Feb. 26, 2012

Bloomsday '12 Sign-Ups Pouring In

2012-02-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

36th Running Promises To Be Huge

Contact: Don Kardong, Race Director—(509) 838-1579

Spokane, Washington—Maybe it’s the mild winter weather, or maybe it’s the fact that the only way to earn the coveted Bloomsday finisher shirt is by going the distance. Either way, entries for the 36th running of Bloomsday have been pouring in since online registration opened on January 1. And for those whose entries haven’t been part of the early surge, there’s still plenty of time to sign up for the popular 12-kilometer (7.46 mile) road race, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 6.

“We won’t know until race weekend exactly where our numbers are going to end up,” said Bloomsday Association President Carol Hunter. “But based on early interest it’s pretty clear that this year’s Bloomsday is going to be another big one.”

Along with online registration, printed entry brochures will soon be available at hundreds of locations in the Inland Northwest. Meanwhile, over 8,000 elementary school children have already begun getting in shape by participating in a Fit For Bloomsday…Fit For Life training program at one of 80 participating schools in the region. The Fit For Bloomsday program is now in its 27th year.

Most of the Bloomsday experience this year will be similar to what participants enjoyed in 2011, with everyone starting on Riverside Avenue and finishing at the north end of the Monroe Street Bridge, just above the Spokane River falls. But this year timing will be accomplished with the B-tag, the newest adaptation of RFID technology. Instead of removing the tag from the bib number and placing it in the laces of the shoes, participants will leave the B-tag on their bib numbers. Timing company EMMI believes the B-tag is even more accurate than the D-tag Bloomsday has used the past two years. And to take advantage of the technology, participants this year will be given a “Time Up Doomsday” in their results after the run.

Bloomsday has added additional technological enhancements to the experience this year. Online registration has been optimized to make registration smoother for smart phones and tablets, and QR codes on bib numbers will give a direct link to each individual’s results beginning on Monday after the run. Entrants also have the option of purchasing digital training and finisher “medals” during online registration, which can be posted on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.

Another change this year will be with the Bloomsday School Challenge, now in its third year. The School Challenge, which matches four-person competitive teams of teen runners from area middle schools and high schools, will allow fifth and sixth grade teams to enter this year in non-competitive divisions.

To help people get ready for this year’s 12-kilometer challenge, Bloomsday has once again partnered with Step Up Spokane—a local non-profit which is encouraging residents to engage in daily physical activity and healthier eating year-round—to offer training programs for Bloomsday participants. In addition, sign up for two national training programs—Focus-N-Fly and the Lydiard Running Wizard—is available during online registration.

Those entering online for this year’s Bloomsday Run, which represented over 80% of the field in 2011, will continue to enjoy features that are only available to online entrants. That includes an email about a week before Bloomsday weekend letting them know their race number and the color of their starting group, as well as the option to keep family and friends together in the same starting group. Online entrants may also want to join Bloomsday’s Facebook fan page, which currently boasts over 12,000 fans. Entrants can also sign up for regular tweets from Bloomsday’s Twitter account.

Along with the run itself, this year’s Bloomsday weekend will feature the seventh annual Marmot March, a non-competitive 1.2-mile kids’ event in Riverfront Park on the day before the run. The Marmot March is for children second grade and younger and their parents,. The Marmot March is sponsored by Franz Bakeries and is open for the first 300 children who sign up.

Also on Bloomsday weekend, the Trade Show, which is held in conjunction with Check-In at the Spokane Convention Center, will once again have a variety of displays and activities for those interested in health and fitness. After the run participants can enjoy a variety of post-race festivities and food from the Bloomsday Food Court in Riverfront Park. For those looking for memorabilia of their Bloomsday experience,a variety of souvenir gear with the Bloomsday logo will also be offered during online registration and at the Trade Show.

After successfully composting over a ton of discarded water cups in each of the past three years, Bloomsday participants will once again be encouraged to help reduce, reuse and recycle as part of the Bloomsday’s “Getting Greener” initiative. Participants are also encouraged to support Bloomsday’s official 2012 charity, Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County. As a non-profit leader in youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County is dedicated to inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Bloomies can support the Boys & Girls Clubs by adding a donation when they sign up online or through the mail.

While there have been many changes in Bloomsday in recent years, some things remain the same. Competition at the front end promises to be fierce, as world-class runners and wheelchair racers battle for prize money, which includes a $20,000 U.S. citizen’s purse. In addition, top age-group runners will vie for medals, local stars will hope to earn a free trip to Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race, and businesses will scramble for top honors among over 250 teams in the Corporate Cup, which is sponsored again this year by Orthopaedic Specialty Clinic.

For those farther back in the pack, on-course entertainment and the cheers of spectators should help make the journey fun and memorable. During its thirty-six years on the Spokane scene, Bloomsday has become a favored spring gathering place for families and friends, most of whom complete the course and collect the coveted finisher’s shirt, the color and design of which are kept secret until the finish line.

Major Sponsors of Bloomsday ’12 include Washington Trust Bank, New Balance, Premera Blue Cross, Providence Holy Family Hospital & Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Franz Bakeries, Jerzees, Sports Authority, Safeway, Microsoft, The Inlander, Corporate Cup Sponsor Orthopaedic Specialty Clinic, and a new sponsor, Itron, who will also be on the bib numbers. Bloomsday is also supporting the efforts of the Spokane Regional Health District again this year by being designated an official tobacco-free event. As an event that promotes health and fitness, Bloomsday encourages participants and spectators alike to help keep all events and venues smoke-free on Bloomsday weekend.

Online registration for Bloomsday ’12 is open at www.bloomsdayrun.org, and printed entry brochures will soon be available at locations throughout the Inland Northwest. The on-time entry fee for Bloomsday is $17.00 this year, the lowest in the nation for a major running event. Mailed entries must be postmarked by April 17 to avoid the late entry fee of $35.00. In addition, two local Sports Authority stores will be taking entry forms from now until the entry deadline of April 17, and online registration at the $17.00 fee will be available until April 22.

Video - FSRC Resolution Run 15k/15m

2012-02-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sights and sounds from the Ft. Steilacoom Running Club's Resolution Series, 15k/15m run on Feb. 25, 2012 in Steilacoom WA. View race day photos here!

You Knock My Socks Off 5k - 2012

2012-02-21T05:07:00.002-08:00

Sights and sounds from the 2012 You Knock My Socks Off 5k held Feb. 18th in Gig Harbor WA . See all race day photos here:

Friendship Run - 2012

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Friendship Run, Feb. 4, 2012 held in Olympia WA.
See all the race day photos here:

Geoduck Gallop 2012 Video

2012-02-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

Sights and sounds from the 2012 Geoduck Gallop Half Marathon and 10k held on Feb. 5, 2012 at the Evergreen State College in Olympia WA. Look here to see all the race day photos!

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Geoduck Gallop 2012 photos!

2012-02-17T05:28:00.000-08:00

All 2012 photos are now online. You can look here to view and purchase your race day photo!

Valentines Day Sale

2012-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day Sale

To: YOU

Be Mine!

From: ontherunevents.com

P.S. - Use coupon code CUPID12 for 20% off your race day photos!

Offer applies to photos found here:

http://www.backprint.com/ontherunevents

Offer is only good through midnight on 2/19/2012.

Happy Valentines Day from ontherunevents.com!

Sarris, McAlister Win Surf City USA Marathon

2012-02-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Event record 20,000-plus entrants enjoy near-perfect running conditions

By: Mike Kingsbury, Team MK

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - (February 5, 2012) - Paul Sarris, age 34 of Aliso Viejo, won the 16th Surf City USA Marathon in a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, 7 seconds on Sunday morning. Competing in his first-ever marathon, Sarris finished more than seven minutes ahead of runner-up Gray Augustus, age 26 from Ammon, Idaho.

"Surf City was a great event," said Sarris. "The volunteers were everywhere and very helpful. The whole experience was amazing."

In the women's marathon, Carla McAlister (age 34 from San Clemente) defeated Hayley McKenn (age 31 from Portland, OR). McAllister's time, 3:02:48, was more than three minutes faster than McKenn's (3:05:52).

In the accompanying half-marathon, the winners were Steven Osaduik (age 26 from Canada) who finished in 1:06:33 and Liz Camy (age 28 from Chico) who clocked 1:17:18.

On her 78th birthday, Anne Garrett from nearby Oceanside crossed the half-marathon finish line in 2:08:33, coming in first in her age group (75-79) and setting a U.S. single age record with a pace of 9:49 per mile (a world class 99% age-graded performance).

"I did my last half-marathon in January of 2010. It took a long time to recover and I said I'd never run another half. When I realized Surf City was being held on my birthday this year, I decided to sign up for it. I wasn't sure how I would hold up for this one, but I was very pleased when I finished in the time I did. I felt better this year than I did two years ago," said Garrett.

Garrett is no stranger to record setting. Last April, she came in first for the 75-79 division at the Carlsbad 5000. Her time was 25:59, shattering the national record for a 5K in her age group by 13 seconds.

The race reached its capacity on Jan. 5, the earliest in its history, and the seventh consecutive year the event has sold out according to general manager Amy Tomchak.

California's largest combined oceanfront marathon and half-marathon featured more than 20,000 pre-registered runners from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries. A crowd of more than 50,000 lined Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach for near-perfect racing conditions. An additional 50,000 spectators attended the Active Lifestyle Expo on Saturday.

More information and complete results are available at: www.runsurfcity.com

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Nickerson Wins Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort

2012-01-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

By: Disney Sports

More than 17,000 runners take part in women-focused weekend of events centered on health, fitness and active lifestyles

video by the themarathonshow

Visit the Marathon Show here: http://www.themarathonshow.com/

ANAHEIM, Calif. - (January 29, 2012) - Kellie Nickerson - looking apropos in her fairy wings and green tutu - flew away from the field to capture the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim on Sunday morning .

Nickerson, who hails from Albuquerque, N.M., captured her first win at Disney in 1 hour, 27 minutes, 52 seconds, finishing ahead of Southern Californians Sharon Wilkinson of Winnetka (1:28:18) and Stacy Schafer from Carlsbad (1:28:54).

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, led runners on a 13.1-mile trek through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. The first year event featured music, entertainment, Disney characters and costumed runners donning fairy wings and pixie dust. Finishers received a commemorative Tinker Bell "wings'' medal.

TV sitcom star Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement) and "Goonies", "Lord of the Rings" and "Rudy" movie star Sean Astin were among the 12,000-plus registered runners to take part in Sunday's 13.1 mile race.

The weekend of events, all geared toward health, fitness and active lifestyles for women, featured a variety of races including The Never Land 5K on Friday night, kids' races on Saturday and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday.

There was also a health and fitness expo featuring the latest running merchandise, products, apparel and guest speakers - all tailored for women - creating a weekend of camaraderie and wellness, plus a pinch of Tinker Bell's trademark sassiness and sense of adventure.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is the second women-focused event weekend in the runDisney series. Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend will take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Feb. 24 - 26. Both event weekends are among the largest women-specific events in the country.

Full results, photos and more at: www.runDisney.com

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Meet Olympic Marathon Team member Ryan Hall in Olympia WA

2012-01-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

Olympia, WA. - (January 29, 2012) Club Oly Running and South Sound Running in cooperation with the Hands On Children’s Museum and Crime Stoppers & sponsored by Asics and ONtheRUNevents.com are proud to announce the 1st Annual Donut Dash!

The Donut Dash will take place in Olympia WA on March 3, 2012.

The race will be held at the New Children's Hands On Museum , 400 Jefferson Street NE Olympia WA near the corner of Olympia Ave N.E. & Jefferson St. N.E.

They are also pleased to announce their special guest Ryan Hall! Ryan will be starting the kids race and be available for autographs after the races.

Ryan has posted the best ever American times in the Half Marathon and Marathon, represented the US in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and most recently earned a spot on the US 2012 Olympic Games Team to be held in London.

Ryan Hall's Personal Bests

1500—3:42.70

5000m—13:16.03

10,000m—28:07.93

Half Marathon—59:43 (American Record)

Marathon—2:06:17

Visit Ryan Hall's blog here!

Look here for Donut Dash registration and more information!

Snow day = Snow sale! 25% off all photos

2012-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

snow day = snow sale! 25% off all photos here:

http://www.backprint.com/ontherunevents

use this code: snow2012 at check out.

Offer expires at mid night 1-19-2012 !

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Video from the White Elephant 5 mile

2012-01-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

Sights and Sounds from the 2012 White Elephant 5 mile run in Olympia WA.
See all race day photos here:
http://www.backprint.com/view_event.asp?pid=bp%1EsFq&eventid=97295

ING Miami Marathon, American Airlines Launch Race of the Americas Challenge

2012-01-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

25,000 runners expected for 10th edition on Sunday, January 29

MIAMI - (January 11, 2012) - The ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon® is quickly gaining fame worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, with its International appeal leading to a surge in entries that will likely result in a field cap and sellout of 25,000 runners at this year's event set for Sunday, January 29.

At the 10th edition, nearly 20 percent of those runners will come from outside the United States, with more than 64 countries already represented among the early entrants.

In response to the great International numbers, the ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon® has partnered with American Airlines to launch the Race of the Americas Challenge.

The top male and female runner in the marathon for each of the designated regions of the Americas will receive a special prize.

Prior to the start of the race, a select number of the International runners will take part in a procession of flags from the Americas ending with their placement inside a specially designated "Race of the Americas Challenge" corral near the start line. The corral will be decorated with International flags and other visuals.

"We are looking to highlight our Latin American participation," said Race Director David Scott. "As we go into our 10th year, we want to give the event more of an International feel."

American Airlines was targeted as a partner in that effort because of the company's focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

"There is no better partner to help us achieve this goal than American Airlines, as they have been instrumental in making Miami the Gateway to the Americas," said Frankie Ruiz, race founder and current Chief Running Officer with US Road Sports & Entertainment Group. "We are very excited to have extended our sponsorship partnership with American, which now includes a focused initiative to increase the number of runners from Latin America and the Caribbean."

The designated regions represented are Brazil, Mexico, Central America (includes Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador), Northern Rim South America (includes Venezuela, Colombia, Perú, Ecuador, Guyana), Southern Rim South America (includes Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile), Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Saint Martin, Saint Maarten, Windward Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Guadalupe and Eastern Caribbean (includes Aruba, Antigua, Nevis, St. Kitts, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Granada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica).

Participants must have registered using a valid residential address from the respective country / territory to be eligible for the Race of the Americas Challenge.

For more information on the ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon, call (305) 278-8668 or visit: www.INGmiamimarathon.com

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Omae, Miller Win 2012 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon

2012-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Wykes, Slattery take half-marathon titles; B-52s rock post-race show; event to benefit National MS Society

By: Amana Miyamae, Competitor Group

TEMPE, Ariz. - (January 15, 2012) - A soft cloud cover and cool temperatures graced the 9th P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as more than 25,000 runners toured the neighboring cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe on Sunday. The race debuted two brand new courses, with new start lines and a more scenic route.

In the men's full marathon race, Peter Omae reached the final straightaway and took one last look over his shoulder. He knew he had to wait another 75 meters before he could start celebrating.

Omae, a Kenyan living in Worcester, Mass., lifted his arms in triumph when he broke the tape in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 47 seconds - 11 seconds up on Chad Ware of Fort Huachuca, Arizona. For the 33-year-old Omae, it was his second marathon in a week. He was runner-up last Saturday at the Mississippi Blues Marathon in 2:21:12.

"When you cross [the finish line] is when you celebrate," Omae said after the race. "You can't celebrate with 50 meters to go. I was not expecting to win because I ran a marathon last week, so I was hoping just to get top three. I tried to push with the other guy to 24 miles and I knew that guy was very strong. At 24 miles I started to push fast."

A group of three, including Omae, Ware and Roosevelt Cook (who finished 9th in 2:33:17) went through halfway in 1:14:01, with Jeremy Zarins of Tempe just a few seconds back. Omae and Ware eventually pulled away from Zarins by 24 miles and fought each other stride-for-stride nearly all the way to the finish line.

"I was trying to go for the win today," said Ware, who has a 2:19:16 personal best. "I was hoping to run in the low-2:20s. He was just a little bit stronger at the end."

In the women's race, Trisha Miller of Missoula, Montana, broke the tape in a marathon for the first time in her career, posting a winning time of 2:49:12.

"I was shooting to go under 2:50," said Miller, whose previous personal best was 2:51. "That's a huge PR for me."

Tanya Gallagher of Phoenix was the runner-up in 2:51:24, while Tere Derbez Zacher of Scottsdale placed third in 2:53:45.

Miller held a 1:05 lead over Zacher at halfway, passing 13.1 miles in 1:25:26, while Gallagher went through in 1:26:45. By 20 miles Miller had a 1:38 advantage over Gallagher and continued to extend that lead over the final 10K. Miller's second half was a 1:23:46, an impressive negative split.

"I had an inkling that maybe I'd get top five," Miller said, "but honestly a win was beyond anything that I could have ever imagined. I'm speechless. It was awesome."

In the men's half-marathon, Dylan Wykes, a 28-year-old Canadian currently training in Flagstaff, Ariz., separated himself from the sound of starter's pistol to win in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 38 seconds, nearly 6 minutes up on runner-up Tibor Vegh also of Flagstaff, who crossed the finish line in 1:08:32. Jon Harmon of Phoenix was third (1:08:53).

"I was hoping maybe someone would be willing to go with me the first 5K or 10K," Wykes said afterward. "But it is what it is. I was prepared to run alone. I wanted to run hard. I really got up for this race."

With two of the slots already accounted for on the Canadian team, Wykes is hoping his current momentum can carry him all the way to London.

"I've got a bit of work to do but it's a good goal to have," Wykes said of his Olympic qualifying attempt.

In the women's half-marathon, Phoenix native and 5000/10,000-meter track specialist Sara Slattery of Boulder, Colo. broke the tape in 1:16:24 to win by 2:10 over Poland's Dorota Gruca of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Allison Krausen of Edwards, Colo. rounded out the top three in 1:18:43.

"It's fun to be able to race at home with my friends and family there to support me," said Slattery, 31, who hopes to make her debut marathon next year. "It was fun. It was good to start the season here in my old backyard."

A high school teammate of Sally Meyerhoff, who won the marathon here last year and died in a tragic bike accident two months later, Slattery had her friend in mind throughout the race.

"Sally was really tough," Slattery remembered. "I didn't feel great out there. I felt a little tired and sluggish, so whenever I hit a rough patch out there I thought of Sally and she pulled me through."

Tributes to Meyerhoff took place throughout race weekend. All runners were given black ribbons to wear, and elite athletes wore special bibs bearing Sally's image. Trisha Miller, winner of the women's marathon, became the first to receive the Sally Meyerhoff Memorial Trophy, a tradition that will continue, along with the retirement of the last number Sally wore, F1.

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman completed his 5th Mayor's Run for Wellness, raising money for local charities by running the half-marathon course twice. His official time for the second half-marathon was 2:29:51.

The 10th P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will return Sunday, January 20, 2013.

9th P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
Phoenix, AZ, Sunday, January 15, 2012

MEN
1) Dylan Wykes, 28, Canada, 1:02:38, $1000
2) Tibor Vegh, 27, Flagstaff, AZ, 1:08:32, $500
3) Jon Harmon, 26, Phoenix, AZ, 1:08:54, $250

WOMEN
1) Sara Slattery, 30, Boulder, CO 1:16:24, $1000
2) Dorota Gruca (POL), 41, Las Cruces, NM, 1:18:34, $500
3) Allison Krausen, 31, Edwards, CO, 1:18:43, $250

9th P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona ½ Marathon
MEN
1) Peter Omae Ayieni, 33, Phoenix, AZ, 2:24:47, $1500*
2) Chad Ware, 27, Fort Huachuca, AZ, 2:24:58, $500
3) Jeremy Zarins, 39, Tempe, AZ, 2:25:09, $250

WOMEN
1) Trisha Miller, 31, Missoula, MT, 2:49:12, $1000
2) Tanaya Gallagher, 25, Phoenix, AZ, 2:51:24, $1000*
3) Tere Derbez Zacher, 39, Scottsdale, AZ, 2:53:47, $250
*includes local prize money

For complete results, go to: competitor.com

Running USA 2012 Hall of Champions Dinner and Auction Celebrates, Honors the Sport

2012-01-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

Mammoth Track Club third Allan Steinfeld Development Award recipient; Joan Benoit Samuelson inducted into Hall of Champions

HOUSTON - (January 15, 2012) - At the Running USA Hall of Champions Dinner and Live Auction on Sunday evening at the Hyatt Regency Houston, distance running was celebrated and honored with the third Allan Steinfeld Development Award winner, one Hall of Champions inductee and a lively auction. The fun evening presented by Competitor Group was part of Running USA 2012: The Industry Conference, and the 9th edition with the theme "Passing the Torch: Running Toward the Future" opened to a record registration of more than 450 attendees in the Bayou City.

The Mammoth Track Club, based at altitude in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., was announced as the third Allan Steinfeld Development Award winner. The development award was named after Allan Steinfeld, a long-time leader in the sport, who jump-started the U.S. distance running resurgence when as head of the New York Road Runners he allocated $20,000 seed money ($1 per U.S. entry at the 2000 New York City Marathon) for the development program Team USA Distance Running. The team development program, launched in November 2000, produced training groups such as Team Running USA (two Olympic medals in 2004 and major marathon wins) and Team USA Minnesota (winner of the inaugural development award) and inspired the formation of others.

"Since 2001, the Mammoth Track Club has led the U.S. distance running resurgence and inspired other training groups and U.S. athletes to train hard and dream big. We applaud and salute their impressive achievements and running passion, and collectively we look forward to their continued success during this Olympic year and beyond," said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.

"All of us at the Mammoth Track Club are extremely excited to be granted the Allan Steinfeld Development Award for 2012. Allan and the entire Running USA organization are visionaries in the world of long distance running. The work that they have done over the past 12 years is hugely responsible for the resurgence of American distance running. Without the generosity of this organization and their members, groups like the Mammoth Track Club would not be in existence today," said Terrence Mahon, Mammoth Track Club head coach and founder.

"This grant award will allow us to keep pushing the level of American running to new heights. Thank you so much for your support and belief in the Mammoth Track Club. There are so many great running centers around the country right now, so for us to win this award means a lot to the athletes and coaches that are working tirelessly every day. Thanks again for your support," Mahon added.

The Mammoth Track Club, Team Running USA until 2009, has been the most decorated and successful group of U.S. distance runners over the past decade-plus. Since 2001, this training group has produced seven Olympians, earned two Olympic medals, has won more than 70 national titles and four major marathons and has also set more than 20 U.S. records and one world road record.

The 12-member training group includes 6 men (Scott Bauhs, Josh Cox, Mike McKeeman, Meb Keflezighi (2004 Olympic medalist), Jon Pierce and Patrick Smyth) and 6 women (Angela Bizzarri, Amy Hastings, Deena Kastor (2004 Olympic medalist), Anna Pierce (2008 Olympian), Jen Rhines (three-time Olympian) and Morgan Uceny) and 4 staff (Terrence Mahon, head coach and Mammoth Track Club founder; Bob Larsen, head coach and co-founder of Team Running USA; Rita Klabacha, team assistant coach and exercise physiologist, and Dennis Kline, strength coach.

For more information on the team, go to: www.mammothtrackclub.com

In addition, at the Sunday evening awards banquet and live auction, the ninth class of Running USA Hall of Champions was recognized for her contribution and dedication to the sport. The 2012 inductee, the 39th overall, was:

* Joan Benoit Samuelson (Freeport, ME), Olympic champion / record setter / race founder / legend / ambassador

"There can be no legitimate hall of fame in running without Joan Benoit Samuelson. Certainly U.S. women's long distance running reached the general public because of the exploits of Joan Benoit in her quest for the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Over the past 28 years, she has inspired runners, both female and male, and her influence on the sport continues to be extraordinary," said Scott Dickey, President of Competitor Group. "It's a well-deserved tribute and Competitor Group is proud to support Running USA in honoring the greatest in the industry and the Hall of Champions induction sets the stage for a tremendous 2012 conference in Houston."

Overall, the conference's live auction raised more than $49,000 for the Mammoth Track Club and other Running USA programs.

For more information on Running USA 2012 and its annual award winners, visit: RunningUSA.org or contact Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232 or ryan@runningusa.org

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Ft. Steilacoom Running Club - Resolution Run Series - 5k , 5 mile run Jan 1, 2012

2012-01-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Sights and sounds from the Ft. Steilacoom Running Club - Resolution Run Series - 5k , 5 mile run video held on Jan 1, 2012. See all the race day photos here:
http://www.backprint.com/view_event.asp?pid=bp%1EsFq&eventid=97160

Race Results:

RESOLUTION RUN SERIES - 5 MILES
Ft. Steilacoom High School   January 1, 2012 9:00 AM
Directed by: Pat & Raymond Kenworthy
PLACE O'All Name                      Age    TIME    PACE       SERIES
MALES-TOP 20 OVERALL  0 - 99
1     1 JOSEPH GRAY                27   25:14  5:03 S              
2     2 PHIL OLSON                 31   25:35  5:07                
3     3 JESSE STEVICK              29   26:46  5:22 S              
4     4 MICHAEL JORGENSEN          26   29:41  5:57 S              
5     5 MARK COOK                  38   30:55  6:11 S              
6     6 GARY COOPER                51   30:58  6:12 S              
7     7 KENN CLARK                 38   31:01  6:13                
8     8 MARK BRINKHAUS             40   31:08  6:14                
9     9 KENT SIZER                 57   31:23  6:17                
10    10 PETER STACKPOLE            43   31:25  6:17 S              
11    11 ANDY LYLE                  57   31:28  6:18                
12    12 JOE CARMAN                 31   31:35  6:19 S              
13    13 JORDAN AGTARAP             17   31:40  6:20

View all results here!

Resolution Run for the Heroes

2012-01-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

Sights and Sounds from the Resolution Run for the Heroes, Jan. 14, 2012 held in Gig Harbor WA

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Look here for Race Day Photos!

Couch-to-5K Challenge !

2012-01-16T13:03:00.001-08:00

Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced runner who needs a push, the Couch-to-5K Challenge makes working out simple, social, and fun. In just two months you’ll go from couch potato to running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis.

You’ll start each session with a brisk walk, and then walk/run, for about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week — which is the same amount of moderate exercise recommended by numerous studies for optimal fitness.

Check out all of active.com's training programs here:
http://www.ontherunevents.com/trainingprograms/

FAST FACTS U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon

2012-01-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012

By: Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire

Downtown 8 mile loop course - 3 laps with 2.2 mile loop before main course

Weather: sunny, clear
Temperature: 40F (start); 57F (finish)
Wind: WSW 9-12 mph

Qualifiers = 225
Declared = 188
Starters = 183
Finishers = 152

Prize purse = $250,000, which includes $20,000 bonus per runner for Olympic Marathon participation, with $50,000 for the Olympic Trials champion

Half-Marathon split = 1:13:30 (Hastings, Davila, Flanagan and Goucher)

Shalane Flanagan's 2:25:38 set an Olympic Trials, USA Championship, U.S. Women-Only and personal records (previous records, 2:28:25, Colleen De Reuck, 2004; 2:25:53, Kara Goucher, 2008; 2:26:26, Julie Brown, 1983 and 2:28:40, 2010).

First time five women under 2:30 at the Olympic Marathon Trials

This race produced the #1-4 and #8 all-time Olympic Trials performances:

2:25:38 1 Shalane Flanagan (2012)
2:25:55 2 Desiree Davila (2012)
2:26:06 3 Kara Goucher (2012)
2:27:17 4 Amy Hastings (2012)
2:28:25 1 Colleen De Reuck (2004)
2:29:35 1 Deena Kastor (2008)
2:29:38 2 Deena Kastor (2004)
2:29:45 5 Janet Cherobon-Bawcom (2012)
2:29:50 1 Margaret Groos (1988)
2:29:54 1 Jenny Spangler (1996)

The deepest women's Trials ever with best times for place (#1-15):

Best Time for Place at U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
1st 2:25:38 Shalane Flanagan (2012)
2nd 2:25:55 Desiree Davila (2012)
3rd 2:26:06 Kara Goucher (2012)
4th 2:27:17 Amy Hastings (2012)
5th 2:29:45 Janet Cherobon-Bawcom (2012)
6th 2:30:40 Deena Kastor (2012)
7th 2:30:46 Clara Grandt (2012)
8th 2:31:56 Alissa McKaig (2012)
9th 2:32:16 Dot McMahan (2012)
10th 2:33:42 Magdalena Lewy Boulet (2012)
11th 2:34:01 Katie McGregor (2012)
12th 2:34:25 Wendy Thomas (2012)
13th 2:34:33 Melissa White (2012)
14th 2:35:09 Alisha Williams (2012)
15th 2:35:45 Heidi Westover (2012)

Third Olympic team for Shalane Flanagan; second for Goucher and first for Davila

The most sub-2:40 marathon female performances (41) at the Trials ever (old record, 31 in 1984)

The most female Trials finishers (152) since 1988 (159)

Linda Somers Smith, 50, set a U.S. 50-54 age group record in 2:37:36, good for 28th overall. Somers Smith has qualified for a record 7 Olympic Marathon Trials and in Houston, she finished her 5th Trials race overall.

35 personal records set by:
Shalane Flanagan, 2:25:38
Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, 2:29:45
Alissa McKaig, 2:31:56
Heidi Westover, 2:35:45
Brooke Wells, 2:36:24
Loretta Kilmer, 2:36:41
Jeannette Faber, 2:36:50
Michelle Frey, 2:37:03
Erin Nehus, 2:37:06
Sheri Piers, 2:37:09
Kelly Calway, 2:37:10
Camille Herron, 2:37:14
Esther Erb, 2:37:21
Rachel Booth, 2:37:59
Caroline LeFrak, 2:38:14
Devon Crosby-Helms, 2:38:55
Nicole Camp, 2:39:10
Kathleen Castles, 2:39:19
Lauren Philbrook, 2:39:47
Emily Potter, 2:39:55
Kara Storage, 2:39:59
Tara Storage, 2:40:00
Michele Suszek, 2:40:33
Alexandra Blake, 2:40:36
Allison Macsas, 2:40:47
Laura Farley, 2:41:05
Meagan Nedlo, 2:41:06
Jodie Robertson, 2:42:31
Megan Skeels, 2:42:40
Tyler Stewart, 2:44:04
Adrian Chouinard, 2:44:06
Julia Stamps, 2:44:07
Nicole Porath, 2:44:12
Jackie Pirtle-Hall, 2:44:22
Jackie Rzepecki, 2:44:36

FAST FACTS U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon

2012-01-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012

By: Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire

Downtown 8 mile loop course - 3 laps with 2.2 mile loop before main course

Weather: sunny, clear
Temperature: 39F (start); 54F (finish)
Wind: WSW 9-12 mph

Qualifiers = 158
Declared = 113
Starters = 111
Finishers = 85

Prize purse = $250,000, which includes $20,000 bonus per runner for Olympic Marathon participation, with $50,000 for the Olympic Trials champion

Half-Marathon split = 1:03:25 (Hall, Abdirahman, Ritzenhein, Keflezighi and Trafeh)

First time four men under 2:10 at the Olympic Marathon Trials

This race produced the #2-5 and #9 all-time Olympic Trials performances:

2:09:02 1 Ryan Hall (2008)
2:09:08 1 Meb Keflezighi (2012)
2:09:30 2 Ryan Hall (2012)
2:09:47 3 Abdi Abidrahman (2012)
2:09:55 4 Dathan Ritzenhein (2012)
2:10:19 1 Tony Sandoval (1980)
2:10:41 2 Benji Durden (1980)
2:10:55 3 Kyle Heffner (1980)
2:11:06 5 Brett Gotcher (2012)
2:11:07 2 Dathan Ritzenhein (2008)

The deepest men's Trials ever with best times for place (#2-15):

Best Time for Place at U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
1st 2:09:02 Ryan Hall (2008)
2nd 2:09:30 Ryan Hall (2012)
3rd 2:09:47 Abdi Abidrahman (2012)
4th 2:09:55 Dathan Ritzenhein (2012)
5th 2:11:06 Brett Gotcher (2012)
6th 2:11:24 Andrew Carlson (2012)
7th 2:11:53 Fernando Cabada (2012)
8th 2:11:56 Nick Arciniaga (2012)
9th 2:12:23 James Carney (2012)
10th 2:12:29 Jimmy Grabow (2012)
11th 2:12:43 Ryan Vail (2012)
12th 2:13:41 Ricky Flynn (2012)
13th 2:13:42 Patrick Rizzo (2012)
14th 2:13:50 Josh Cox (2012)
15th 2:14:04 Ian Burrell (2012)

At age 36, Meb Keflezighi is the oldest U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials men's champion (previous oldest, Rod DeHaven, 33, in 2000).

Keflezighi's time - 2:09:08 - was a personal record by 5 seconds.

This is the oldest U.S. men's Olympic Marathon team with an average age of just under 33-years-old.

Abdi Abdirahman earned his fourth U.S. Olympic team berth; Keflezighi his third and Hall his second.

The second most sub-2:20 performances (50) at the Trials (record 56 in 1980)

19 personal records set by:
Meb Keflezighi, 2:09:08
Dathan Ritzenhein, 2:09:55
Fernando Cabada, 2:11:53
James Carney, 2:12:23
Josh Cox, 2:13:50
Mike Morgan, 2:14:22
Max King, 2:14:36
Michael Reneau, 2:14:37
Drew Polley, 2:14:58
Daniel Tapia, 2:15:28
Craig Leon, 2:15:42
Keith Bechtol, 2:16:02
Zachary Hine, 2:16:40
Allen Wagner, 2:17:16
Adam MacDowell, 2:17:27
Donovan Fellow, 2:17:30
Chris Erichsen, 2:17:52
Jeff Jonaitis, 2:17:56
Josh Eberly, 2:18:35

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Flanagan Shatters Olympic Marathon Trials Record in Houston

2012-01-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Davila, Goucher also make Olympic Marathon team in deepest women's Trials ever

By: Jim Gerweck, Running USA wire

HOUSTON - (January 14, 2012) - On a weekend when sports wagering spiked, if you bet the chalk at the women's Olympic Marathon Trials, you hit the trifecta.

Shalane Flanagan, Desiree Davila and Kara Goucher, the pre-race favorites on most pundits' form charts, came through as predicted, running the fastest times in the deepest race in the 28-year history of the event. Flanagan (left, PhotoRun), 30, who has been on two Olympic track squads, showed she's made the transition to marathoner a complete one, pulling away from Davila in the final miles to a 2 hour, 25 minute, 38 second Trials and USA Championship record win, and a PR by 3:02. Davila, 28, who came within two seconds of winning the Boston Marathon last April, made her first Olympic team, 17 seconds back. And Goucher, 33, relatively short on training after taking 2010 off to have a baby, won the war of attrition for the coveted third spot and made her second Olympic team in 2:26:06.

"It was really encouraging to win and set a big PR," Flanagan said afterward. "But there's more to come, more work to be done to put myself in contention for a medal in London."

Flanagan and Davila were the prohibitive pre-race favorites to make the team, while Goucher was more of an unknown quantity. "I've never been so nervous, never wanted anything so much," she said. "Ask Shalane, I've been a wreck."

Fortunately, the race played into her favor, going out at a pedestrian 6:11 first mile. "The longer it stayed like that, the happier I was," Goucher said.

Davila, lacking the track credentials of the two Oregon TC training mates, felt the opposite. "I knew my job was to keep that pace strong, not let it get too soft," she said. "I did the job I needed to do, although I think it cost me a little in the last miles. I had mixed feelings, wanting to make one last push to try to catch Shalane, but also aware that Kara was right there and wanting to protect the place I had."

Davila got help in whittling down the early lead pack, which numbered close to a dozen, from former Arizona State teammate Amy Hastings, who made several aggressive moves in the lead that shed several members of the pack, including Trials defending champ Deena Kastor, who wound up sixth in 2:30:40.

"I knew there were some amazing women up there," said Hastings, 27, a member of the same Mammoth Track Club training group as Kastor. Running only her second marathon, Hastings said, "I felt like I had to stir the waters and maybe if any of them dropped. I think I just ran out of fuel near the end. The last mile was kind of emotional, but it was a great experience that will help me in four years."

Davila made the same sort of mistakes in Boston four years ago, and that race served as the springboard to her ascension in the upper echelon of American women's marathoning. For her, the future looks bright.

But the present might be even more promising for the U.S. women's marathon team for London, with multiple Olympic and World Championships medals and Marathon Majors top placings among them. "This is an amazing squad," said Davila. "I'm glad to be a part of it."

For Kastor, a 2004 Olympic bronze medalist, it was bittersweet: "Houston created a great stage for the athletes to shine. I gave it my best today. I stayed engaged the entire 26.2 miles so I couldn't ask for more, it just wasn't enough today."

Linda Somers Smith, 50, set a U.S. 50-54 age group record in 2:37:36, good for 28th overall. Somers Smith has qualified for a record 7 Olympic Marathon Trials and in Houston, she finished her 5th Trials overall.

Overall, it was the first time that five women were under 2:30 at the Olympic Marathon Trials and the race produced the #1-4 and #8 all-time Olympic Trials performances and it was the deepest women's Trials ever with best times for place (#1-15). In addition, 35 women set personal records on the multi-loop course.

8th U.S. Women's Olympic Marathon Trials
Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012

1) Shalane Flanagan (OR), 2:25:38*, $54,000#
2) Desiree Davila (MI), 2:25:55, $43,000#
3) Kara Goucher (OR), 2:26:06, $32,000#
4) Amy Hastings (CA), 2:27:17, $21,000
5) Janet Cherobon-Bawcom (GA), 2:29:45, $15,500
6) Deena Kastor (CA), 2:30:40, $10,000
7) Clara Grandt (WV), 2:30:46, $8000
8) Alissa McKaig (NC), 2:31:56, $7000
9) Dot McMahan (MI), 2:32:16, $6000
10) Magdalena Lewy Boulet (CA), 2:33:42, $4000
*Olympic Trials, USA Championship, U.S. Women-Only and personal records (previous records, 2:28:25, Colleen De Reuck, 2004; 2:25:53, Kara Goucher, 2008; 2:26:26, Julie Brown, 1983 and 2:28:40, 2010).
#includes USATF prize money; plus $20,000 bonus for Olympic Marathon participation

For full results and more, go to: www.hmcpresscenter.com

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Keflezighi Captures Olympic Marathon Trials Title

2012-01-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

By: Steve Nearman, Running USA wire

Fellow Olympians Hall, Abdirahman also earn berths to London Olympics; deepest men's Trials ever

HOUSTON - (January 14, 2012) - All eyes were on America's fastest marathoner Ryan Hall at today's 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, but it was Hall's former Mammoth Lakes training partner Meb Keflezighi who stole the show.

Keflezighi bided his time until the 24 mile mark along Allen Parkway in Sam Houston Park, slowly pulling away from Abdi Abdirahman then Hall and hung on in the final miles for the victory in a personal

best 2 hours, 9 minutes, 8 seconds. He capped his triumph by carrying a U.S. flag down the final stretch.

Hall followed 22 seconds later in second and Abdirahman surprised many with a third-place 2:09:47. Some 85 elite athletes completed the historic event.

All three earned a ticket to the London Olympic marathon on August 12. In addition, Keflezighi earned $50,000 for the win plus $20,000 bonus if he participates in the Olympic Marathon and another $4000 as USA Track & Field national champion (his second U.S. marathon title). Hall ran away with a total of $43,000 and Abdirahman $32,000 (both will also earn the $20,000 bonus in London).

With the Keflezighi-Hall-Abdirahman card, the United States brings to the Olympic Marathon its oldest and most experienced threesome ever. At 36, Keflezighi becomes the oldest U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the marathon, and with Hall and Abdirahman, the three comprise the oldest average age ever, just shy of 33 years of age.

Amongst the three, they have had six Olympic appearances, including three for Abdirahman.

They also ran some of the fastest Olympic Trials times ever. Except for Hall's 2:09:02 record in New York at the 2008 Trials, nobody has run faster at this event than Keflezighi, Hall and Abdirahman did today. In fact, today's race was the first time ever four men ran under 2:10 at the Olympic Trials.

The fast times were a product of a very fast opening pace on the flat course around downtown Houston and Sam Houston Park. Hall pushed the lead pack hard through the first 10 kilometers in 29:53.

Said Keflezighi, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Eritrea, who also made the Olympic Marathon team in 2004 (silver medal): "The race started great. It was tough getting it down to as few people as possible. We got it down to five people and then said "Hey, let's be on the team'."

By eight miles, the lead pack was whittled down to five. Hall, who dominated the 2008 Trials and came in today with a 2:04:58 personal best at Boston last year, continued to press the pace, taking the leaders through the half-marathon mark in 1:03:25.

"The pace car was getting me riled up when I saw 2:06 up there for projected finish, and it got down to 2:05 once," said Hall, who left Mammoth Lakes to train on his own over a year ago. "It got increasingly windy and the concrete was kind of brutal on the quads."

After 19 straight sub-5:00 miles, the speed caught up with the front-runners, which now was just Hall, Keflezighi and Abdirahman. The three began exchanging encouraging words about all making the team.

"With three guys with four or five miles to go, it was all about being on the team," said Keflezighi, whose training cycle was shortened by three weeks after his personal best run at the New York City Marathon 69 days ago due to an infection in his foot. "It's not about being first, second or third. I'm just delighted to be part of these guys to go to London. I'm honored to win this race, but a lot of guys would be glad to be in our shoes and be on this team."

The last six miles all were run over five-minute pace. As Keflezighi left Hall at the 24-mile mark, it was apparent that his Keflezighi and Hall were going to London.

Abdirahman was not so safe. The 2008 Trials runner-up Dathan Ritzenhein was still within striking range in fourth. But Abdirahman, feeling the effects of the early pace, was able to best Ritzenhein by eight seconds at the finish, notching the third and final spot on the Olympic team.

A disappointed Ritzenhein was designated to the alternate spot in the unlikely event that one of the top three do not run the Olympic Marathon. He has a strong shot at a spot on the 10,000-meter Olympic squad, however.

"I've been friends with Meb close to 20 years probably," said Abdirahman, a naturalized citizen from Somalia. "Ryan took it out at 63 high (half-marathon) pace and I felt good. Meb and I said 'Let's work together and make this team'."

For Abdirahman, the Tucson, AZ, resident had a huge dose of redemption. Entering the Trials with the 14th-fastest qualifying time, Abdi had not run under 2:14 since setting his personal best of 2:08:56 in 2006. He was hampered by injuries for a year and a half but did put together a solid string of races last year. His 2:09:42 today was his fastest marathon since 2006 as he earned his fourth Olympic Team berth at age 33.

The youthful Hall, summed it up. "I was telling them after the race, 'I watched you guys making the 10K (2000 Olympic) Team when I was in high school! They make me feel very young, and I'm 29. You realize what an honor it is to be on this team and what it takes to get here. The potential we have to go win medals is great. [Meb] is going to be a great leader for us."

This race produced the #2-5 and #9 all-time Olympic Trials performances, the deepest men's Trials ever with best times for place (#2-15) and the second most sub-2:20 performances (50) at the Trials (record 56 in 1980). In addition, 19 men set personal records.

12th U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials
Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012

1) Meb Keflezighi (CA), 2:09:08, $54,000#
2) Ryan Hall (CA), 2:09:30, $43,000#
3) Abdi Abdirahman (AZ), 2:09:47, $32,000#
4) Dathan Ritzenhein (OR), 2:09:55, $21,000
5) Brett Gotcher (AZ), 2:11:06, $15,500
6) Andrew Carlson (MN), 2:11:24, $10,000
7) Fernando Cabada (CO), 2:11:53, $8000
8) Nick Arciniaga (AZ), 2:11:56, $7000
9) James Carney (CO), 2:12:23, $6000
10) Jimmy Grabow (CA), 2:12:29, $4000
#includes USATF prize money; plus $20,000 bonus for Olympic Marathon participation

For full results and more, go to: www.hmcpresscenter.com

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Portland Marathon's Event Director's College to Host Program in Charleston, South Carolina

2012-01-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Registration now open for March 28-29 event; spaces limited; this special College is part of the 35th Cooper River Bridge Run

PORTLAND, Ore. - (January 6, 2012) - The Portland Marathon Event Director's College will present a two-day conference for event directors, event committee members and others in the running and walking industry as part of the 35th Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, South Carolina on March 28-29, 2012.

This well-known, seminar-styled program will include a number of popular Event Director panelists, such as:
* Allan Steinfeld, former New York City Marathon Director and President of the NYRRC
* Wally Kastner, Event Director of the Big Sur Marathon and Half Marathons
* Julian Smith, Event Director of the Cooper River event
* Rick Nealis, Event Director of the Marine Corps Marathon and Half
* Scott Keenan, Event Director of Grandma's Marathon
* Les Smith, Event Director of the Portland Marathon
* Brian Crawford, Former Administrative Director of the New York City Road Runners Club

The Portland Marathon Event Director's College was established in 1990 as part of the Portland Marathon. Hundreds of Event Director's and event staff members have attended the conference over the last 22 years.

The Portland Marathon College is unique because it uses a moderator-panel format that allows the faculty panels to actively interplay with those attending the sessions.

Grandma's Marathon's Scott Keenan noted, "This presentation method allows more really good information to come forward. It creates a dialogue that is much like a round table discussion. And, it prevents the attendees from suffering through a lecture format."

The East Coast version of the Conference will encompass two full days and cover subjects that include sponsorship, volunteers, charities, event revenue resources, management and organization, intellectual property, event technology and other related subjects.

"It is a great way to pass along good information," said Les Smith, the "Dean" of the Portland Marathon College. "The conference is also a huge networking opportunity for those attending. We always have fun events to go along with the College. The Charleston Conference will be in a beautiful and historic city. The activities will include a fabulous Charleston harbor dinner buffet boat ride, two lunches and a dinner at one of Charleston's most beautiful clubs"

"As a bonus, the conference will also tie into the activities of the Cooper River Bridge Run event," said Julian Smith, Event Director of the Charleston Cooper River Run. "Those attending will have the chance to see a 35,000-person 10K event in action and from behind the scenes. There will be a press conference, VIP opportunities, an Interactive Expo and other pre- and post-event activities."

Learn more and register, visit: http://www2.portlandmarathon.org/directors_college_charleston.php or http://bridgerun.com/news.php?id=81

Sponsorship, vendor and exhibitor opportunities are currently available and will sell out quickly. For more information, email: mamie@portlandmarathon.org

For more information about the Portland Marathon or to register for events, visit: www.portlandmarathon.org

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

ING New York City Marathon Returns to Live National TV in 2012

2012-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Part of five-year deal with ESPN / WABC-TV; ESPN2 to televise live race coverage beginning at 9:00am ET; Marathon-day coverage to include live five-hour local show on WABC-TV and two-hour national highlight show on ABC

NEW YORK - (January 9, 2012) - The ING New York City Marathon will be shown on live national television in 2012 for the first time in almost 20 years as the cornerstone of a new comprehensive year-round national and local five-year television package jointly announced by WABC-TV / ESPN and NYRR officials. The Marathon will be televised live nationally on ESPN2 and available through WatchESPN from 9:00am to 12:30pm ET/6:00 to 9:30am PT, and in New York on WABC-TV and 7online.com from 9:00am to 2:00pm. That same afternoon, ABC will broadcast nationally a two-hour Marathon highlight show. The agreement begins with this year's event on Sunday, November 4.

The unprecedented partnership will also feature coverage of ING New York City Marathon weekend events and other marquee NYRR races throughout the year, as well as quarterly public service announcements on WABC-TV that highlight NYRR's efforts to encourage running as part of a child's healthy lifestyle. The deal reunites NYRR with ABC, which carried the first live national broadcast of the Marathon in 1981 and where it aired until 1993.

"The ING New York City Marathon is one of the greatest spectacles in all of sport, and today's announcement is a huge step forward in bringing all of the event's passion and excitement into homes, live, across the country," said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of NYRR and race director of the ING New York City Marathon.

"We're thrilled that for the first time in almost 20 years, a nationwide audience can experience the 26.2 exhilarating miles that combine the spectacle of great racing with the triumphant celebration of the human spirit-a captivating drama starring more than 47,000 runners, including the world's best, played out on the vibrant streets of New York City," said Wittenberg. "The scope of this agreement, which also showcases the events surrounding the Marathon as well as other marquee NYRR races throughout the year, is a significant step forward as we seek to develop and promote our sport."

Dave Davis, president and general manager of WABC-TV, said, "As New York's number one station we are proud to be the home of New York's biggest sporting event. It's great to have the ING New York City Marathon back where it belongs and in a way that more people than ever before will be able to see it. We also look forward to helping NYRR spread its message about the health benefits of running to all New Yorkers."

John Wildhack, ESPN's executive vice president of program acquisitions and strategy, said, "From all over the world runners come to New York to participate in one of road racing's signature events. Working with our partner and New York affiliate WABC-TV, we will provide sports fans with first-class coverage of the ING New York City Marathon and showcase the athleticism and heart of its competitors live on our national platforms."

The ESPN2 telecast will be the centerpiece of a robust schedule of programming. The 26.2-mile race annually draws the world's top professional runners, a field of more than 45,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 125 countries, and 2.5 million spectators against the backdrop of all five boroughs of New York City, while raising tens of millions of dollars for charity and having an economic impact of more than $340 million. In addition to the telecast, the event will be available online at WatchESPN.com and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app. Programming will begin with a two-hour pre-race show from 7:00-9:00am on WABC-TV. All of WABC-TV's local coverage will be streamed on its website, 7online.com and on authenticated mobile devices.

WABC-TV's commitment includes coverage of several NYRR events surrounding the ING New York City Marathon Road to the Finish, including Marathon Opening Day in April and the Marathon Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Nations on Friday, November 2, as well as a half-hour Countdown preview show on Marathon Eve, Saturday, November 3.

A combination of live and tape-delayed coverage of select NYRR marquee events throughout the year is also part of the extensive broadcast package, including the NYC Half on March 18 and the Fifth Avenue Mile in September.

IMG will continue to be the production company of the Marathon telecast as well as other NYRR programs and events in the deal.

The premier event of New York Road Runners, the ING New York City Marathon is one of the world's great road races, drawing some 140,000 applicants. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the $650,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and a worldwide broadcast reach of 330 million. As any one of the more than 923,000 past finishers will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime.

For more information, visit: www.ingnycmarathon.org

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

More than 300 Set to Run in 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon on Saturday

2012-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

In Houston, $500,000 at stake as men, women compete for first time at same venue; same day NBC 2-hour broadcast

HOUSTON - (January 10, 2012) - On Saturday, January 14, more than 300 of America's top distance runners will take to the streets of Houston in an historic edition of the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. For the first time, the men's and women's teams will be selected on the same day and on the same course.

"For two years, the Houston Marathon Committee has looked forward to Saturday almost as much as the athletes," said Houston Marathon Committee President Brant Kotch. "Our goal from the start has been to treat them like rock stars, and as they begin to arrive in the next few days both they and the city of Houston will quickly discover that we meant it. Hosting the Trials is a huge honor, and along with the 40th anniversary of the Houston Marathon on Sunday - as well as cheering for our Houston Texans in the playoffs - it will be a momentous sports weekend for the city."

Both the men's and women's Olympic Trials races will start and finish on Saturday morning in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, with the men beginning at 8:00am and the women at 8:15am. The course begins with a 2.2-mile loop through the heart of downtown, after which the athletes will run three 8-mile loops on a spectator-friendly, flat course that is expected to result in fast times.

The top three finishers in each race, subject to the final approval of the U.S. Olympic Committee's board of directors, will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where the marathon will be run on a similar three-loop course.

Returning to compete in the 2012 Trials are five of the six reigning U.S. Olympians in the marathon: Ryan Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein, Deena Kastor, Magdalena Lewy Boulet and Blake Russell. They will be joined by 2004 marathon team members Meb Keflezighi, Colleen De Reuck and Jen Rhines, and 1996 Olympic marathoner Linda Somers Smith. Keflezighi and Kastor are both 2004 Olympic medalists, with Keflezighi winning silver and Kastor bringing home the bronze in Athens.

On the men's side, Hall (Flagstaff, Ariz.) leads the field with the three fastest qualifying times, topped by his 2:04:58 - the fastest qualifying time in Trials history - from the 2011 Boston Marathon. The next four fastest times, headed by his 2:09:13 from the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, were posted by Keflezighi (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.); Ritzenhein (Portland, Ore.) is third with a 2:10:00 from the Flora London Marathon in 2009.

For the women, Desiree Davila (Rochester Hills, Mich.) sets the pace with her 2011 Boston Marathon time of 2:22:38. Second is Kara Goucher (Portland, Ore.) in 2:24:52 from Boston 2011, followed by Lewy Boulet (Oakland, Calif.) in 2:26:22 from the 2010 Fortis Rotterdam Marathon.

In total, 158 men and 223 women achieved qualifying times allowing them to compete in the Trials. The oldest man is Mbarak Hussein (Albuquerque, N.M.), 46; the oldest woman is Somers Smith (Arroyo Grande, Calif.). At 50, she has qualified for the Trials a record seven times. The youngest competitors will be Craig Curley (Tucson, Ariz.), 23, and Amanda Marino (Jackson, N.J.), 22.

In addition to a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, athletes will be competing for a prize purse totaling $250,000 in each race, plus bonuses. The men's and women's champion will each take home $50,000.

NBC will broadcast two hours of same-day coverage from 3:00-5:00pm ET. The comprehensive coverage will be the first time that both men's and women's Olympic Trials have been televised on the same day.

Visit www.hmcpresscenter.com or houston2012.com for more information including athlete bios and profiles, Trials trivia, schedule and more.

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire

Olympia’s Karen Steen Share’s Recipe For Running Success: Eat, Drink, Sleep, Run, Repeat

2012-01-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

By: Anne Larsen

We are sitting at Fishtail Brewery sharing a pitcher of IPA. I am sitting across from a friend, a running partner, an ad hoc therapist, and always an inspiration. The first time I “ran” with Karen Steen I had a 3 month old at home and was hitting the.....read more here!

(source: http://www.thurstontalk.com)