https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:04:09 +0000 MyBB https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Power-Couple-Atkins-and-Erb-to-Headline-NYRR-Midnight-Run Tue, 30 Dec 2014 11:50:35 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Power-Couple-Atkins-and-Erb-to-Headline-NYRR-Midnight-Run
“The NYRR Midnight Run is one of our longest standing races and a New York City tradition,” said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “The high-spirited event brings together top local and national athletes, along with thousands of others running to bring in the New Year. It’s a fun night filled with music, fireworks, and the first run of the season.”

Atkins, 29, of Blowing Rock, NC, is the defending NYRR Midnight Run champion, having taken last year’s title by just three seconds. After a four-year collegiate soccer career at High Point University, he turned his attention to running full time and qualified for the 2013 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 3000 meters and also for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Earlier this month, Atkins helped lead his professional running team, ZAP Fitness, to victory at the 2014 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships. Atkins is poised to defend his title and earn his second consecutive year-opening win.

“Last year was a great run for me,” said Atkins. “I vividly remember looking up after I made my move late in the race and seeing the fireworks exploding overhead! It was truly a unique experience that no other road race can provide. I'm happy to be back as I try to defend my title against a strong field. The race will serve as a nice tune-up for me as I look ahead to the USA Half-Marathon Championships in mid-January.”

Erb, 28, of Hopewell, NJ, is a member of the local New York Athletic Club team. She captured her first national title this past fall at the 2014 USA Marathon Championships, qualifying her to represent the United States for the first time in her career at the 2015 IAAF World Marathon Championships in Beijing, China. Her victory was an improvement from her third-place performance at the same event in 2013. Earlier in the year, the six-time NCAA Division II All-American set her marathon personal best of 2:33:15 at the Boston Marathon and was the fifth American female finisher at the NYC Half.

“This will be my seventh NYRR race this year, and I never cease to be impressed by the incredible organization and atmosphere that NYRR brings to each and every event that they put on,” said Erb. “2014 has been an incredible year for me including an amazing day and big PR at Boston, winning my first USA championship, and Cole asking me to spend the rest of our lives together. I'm excited to start 2015 off right with my third Midnight Run. We probably won't kiss at midnight, but hopefully he'll stick around to kiss me after I finish.”

Atkins and Erb will race into 2015 together as fiancé and fiancée after their engagement this past Thanksgiving Day in Atkins’ hometown of Charleston, SC. The couple met in 2010 as teammates at ZAP Fitness, located in Lenoir, NC, and began dating the following year. Erb moved to New Jersey this past year to take on an assistant cross country coaching position at Rider University.

“I am always really excited and happy when we can toe the starting line together,” said Atkins. “It will be a great way to ring in the New Year!”

Additional Athlete Backgrounds and Notable Performances

· Christian Thompson, 26, Elkins Park, PA, 2012 Midnight Run champion
· Craig Forys, 25, Howell, NJ, 2014 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 3000-meter steeplechase finalist
· Andrew Colley, 23, Williamsburg, VA, three-time NCAA Cross Country All-American
· Neely Spence Gracey, 24, Lake Orion, MI, eight-time NCAA Division II Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field champion
· Chelsea Reilly, 25, Oakland, CA, 2013 3000-meter USA Indoor Track and Field champion
· Sarah Crouch, 25, Springfield, MA, seventh place at the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

A new addition to this year’s fun run is the New Year’s Resolution Bib, a back bib for runners to write what they will be running for in 2015. Featuring a 15-minute fireworks display—the only one in Manhattan—at the sound of the starting horn, this race also gives runners the chance to toast to the New Year at the sparkling cider fluid station at the course’s halfway point.]]>
“The NYRR Midnight Run is one of our longest standing races and a New York City tradition,” said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “The high-spirited event brings together top local and national athletes, along with thousands of others running to bring in the New Year. It’s a fun night filled with music, fireworks, and the first run of the season.”

Atkins, 29, of Blowing Rock, NC, is the defending NYRR Midnight Run champion, having taken last year’s title by just three seconds. After a four-year collegiate soccer career at High Point University, he turned his attention to running full time and qualified for the 2013 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 3000 meters and also for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Earlier this month, Atkins helped lead his professional running team, ZAP Fitness, to victory at the 2014 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships. Atkins is poised to defend his title and earn his second consecutive year-opening win.

“Last year was a great run for me,” said Atkins. “I vividly remember looking up after I made my move late in the race and seeing the fireworks exploding overhead! It was truly a unique experience that no other road race can provide. I'm happy to be back as I try to defend my title against a strong field. The race will serve as a nice tune-up for me as I look ahead to the USA Half-Marathon Championships in mid-January.”

Erb, 28, of Hopewell, NJ, is a member of the local New York Athletic Club team. She captured her first national title this past fall at the 2014 USA Marathon Championships, qualifying her to represent the United States for the first time in her career at the 2015 IAAF World Marathon Championships in Beijing, China. Her victory was an improvement from her third-place performance at the same event in 2013. Earlier in the year, the six-time NCAA Division II All-American set her marathon personal best of 2:33:15 at the Boston Marathon and was the fifth American female finisher at the NYC Half.

“This will be my seventh NYRR race this year, and I never cease to be impressed by the incredible organization and atmosphere that NYRR brings to each and every event that they put on,” said Erb. “2014 has been an incredible year for me including an amazing day and big PR at Boston, winning my first USA championship, and Cole asking me to spend the rest of our lives together. I'm excited to start 2015 off right with my third Midnight Run. We probably won't kiss at midnight, but hopefully he'll stick around to kiss me after I finish.”

Atkins and Erb will race into 2015 together as fiancé and fiancée after their engagement this past Thanksgiving Day in Atkins’ hometown of Charleston, SC. The couple met in 2010 as teammates at ZAP Fitness, located in Lenoir, NC, and began dating the following year. Erb moved to New Jersey this past year to take on an assistant cross country coaching position at Rider University.

“I am always really excited and happy when we can toe the starting line together,” said Atkins. “It will be a great way to ring in the New Year!”

Additional Athlete Backgrounds and Notable Performances

· Christian Thompson, 26, Elkins Park, PA, 2012 Midnight Run champion
· Craig Forys, 25, Howell, NJ, 2014 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 3000-meter steeplechase finalist
· Andrew Colley, 23, Williamsburg, VA, three-time NCAA Cross Country All-American
· Neely Spence Gracey, 24, Lake Orion, MI, eight-time NCAA Division II Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field champion
· Chelsea Reilly, 25, Oakland, CA, 2013 3000-meter USA Indoor Track and Field champion
· Sarah Crouch, 25, Springfield, MA, seventh place at the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

A new addition to this year’s fun run is the New Year’s Resolution Bib, a back bib for runners to write what they will be running for in 2015. Featuring a 15-minute fireworks display—the only one in Manhattan—at the sound of the starting horn, this race also gives runners the chance to toast to the New Year at the sparkling cider fluid station at the course’s halfway point.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Sara-Hall-to-Run-MetroPCS-Dallas-Half Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:03:07 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Sara-Hall-to-Run-MetroPCS-Dallas-Half
“I’m excited to run the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon. This fun race and great course promises to deliver a memorable race day,” said Hall.

Hall is a native of Santa Rosa, Ca. and competed collegiately at Stanford, where she was a seven-time All-American. She is a three-time Olympic Trials finalist, a Pan American Games Gold Medalist and the 2012 U.S. National Cross Country Champion. Hall and her husband, Ryan, an elite American marathoner and U.S. Olympian, established the nonprofit Hall Steps Foundation, which funds mentoring and running programs for at-risk youth. Ryan is an elite ambassador for the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon and will run the opening leg of a Behringer Relay team before cheering Sara on from the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon finish line.

“We’re extremely excited to have Sara Hall running the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon,” said Patrick Byerly, president of the Dallas Marathon. “Sara has had an impressive racing season and will challenge our women’s field, bringing a heightened level of excitement to all runners and spectators participating in race day this December.”

Sara Hall’s personal best in the half marathon is 1:12:54, which she hopes to beat in Dallas. The women’s course record for the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon is 1:11:32, set by Nuta Olaru in 2008.

The 44th running of the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon and Behringer Relay is Sunday, Dec. 14. The race is broadcast live on WFAA-TV, Channel 8, at 8 a.m.]]>
“I’m excited to run the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon. This fun race and great course promises to deliver a memorable race day,” said Hall.

Hall is a native of Santa Rosa, Ca. and competed collegiately at Stanford, where she was a seven-time All-American. She is a three-time Olympic Trials finalist, a Pan American Games Gold Medalist and the 2012 U.S. National Cross Country Champion. Hall and her husband, Ryan, an elite American marathoner and U.S. Olympian, established the nonprofit Hall Steps Foundation, which funds mentoring and running programs for at-risk youth. Ryan is an elite ambassador for the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon and will run the opening leg of a Behringer Relay team before cheering Sara on from the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon finish line.

“We’re extremely excited to have Sara Hall running the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon,” said Patrick Byerly, president of the Dallas Marathon. “Sara has had an impressive racing season and will challenge our women’s field, bringing a heightened level of excitement to all runners and spectators participating in race day this December.”

Sara Hall’s personal best in the half marathon is 1:12:54, which she hopes to beat in Dallas. The women’s course record for the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon is 1:11:32, set by Nuta Olaru in 2008.

The 44th running of the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon and Behringer Relay is Sunday, Dec. 14. The race is broadcast live on WFAA-TV, Channel 8, at 8 a.m.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Uceny-Grunewald-Torrence-True-for-Falmouth-Mile Wed, 13 Aug 2014 16:03:47 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Uceny-Grunewald-Torrence-True-for-Falmouth-Mile
The Falmouth Mile, which also includes wheelchair and youth miles as well as the Tommy Cochary High School Mile, will begin at 5:00 PM Saturday, August 16, at the James Kalperis Track at Falmouth High School. Admission is free.

Owning the meet records are 2011 winner Jordan McNamara (3:54.89) and 2002 champion Suzy Favor Hamilton (4:25.27). Winners of the event, which began in 1995, have also included Kevin Sullivan, Jonathon Riley, Jason Pyrah, Brenda Martinez, Carrie Tollefson, and Juli Henner.

In his 2011 victory, McNamara led the way for 10 men to break 4 minutes. He returns this year, as do 2009 Falmouth Mile champion Will Leer, who last month ran a personal best 3:51.82 at the Morton Games Mile in Dublin, Ireland, to break a 34-year-old meet record; and Garrett Heath, the 2013 USA Road Mile Champion.

They will be challenged by Donn Cabral, a 2012 Olympic steeplechase finalist; Kyle Merber, whose 3:35.59 in 2012 is the fastest collegiate 1500 meters ever run by an American; Cory Leslie, who holds records in several states for the fastest mile run on their soil; and Danny Stockberger, who had an All-American career at the University of Indiana.

Making his mile debut on the track will be Sam Chelanga, a four-time NCAA Champion and NCAA 10,000-meter record-holder who trains with True in Hanover, NH.

On the women’s side, Uceny and Grunewald will meet Katie Mackey, the Falmouth Mile defending champion and a seven-time NCAA All-American, and Sarah Brown, a four-time NCCA Champion who won the 2014 Harry Jerome Mile in a personal record 4:26.67.

Those four will face Brie Felnagle, the 2007 NCAA Champion at 1500 meters; Amanda Eccleston, a 2013 NCAA Indoor Champion in the distance medley and 2014 USATF Outdoor Nationals finalist at 1500 meters; Stephanie Garcia, who finished third in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2014 USATF Outdoor Nationals; Aisha Praught, who placed fourth in the same event; and Australia’s Heidi Gregson, the 2014 national championships runner-up at 1500 meters.]]>
The Falmouth Mile, which also includes wheelchair and youth miles as well as the Tommy Cochary High School Mile, will begin at 5:00 PM Saturday, August 16, at the James Kalperis Track at Falmouth High School. Admission is free.

Owning the meet records are 2011 winner Jordan McNamara (3:54.89) and 2002 champion Suzy Favor Hamilton (4:25.27). Winners of the event, which began in 1995, have also included Kevin Sullivan, Jonathon Riley, Jason Pyrah, Brenda Martinez, Carrie Tollefson, and Juli Henner.

In his 2011 victory, McNamara led the way for 10 men to break 4 minutes. He returns this year, as do 2009 Falmouth Mile champion Will Leer, who last month ran a personal best 3:51.82 at the Morton Games Mile in Dublin, Ireland, to break a 34-year-old meet record; and Garrett Heath, the 2013 USA Road Mile Champion.

They will be challenged by Donn Cabral, a 2012 Olympic steeplechase finalist; Kyle Merber, whose 3:35.59 in 2012 is the fastest collegiate 1500 meters ever run by an American; Cory Leslie, who holds records in several states for the fastest mile run on their soil; and Danny Stockberger, who had an All-American career at the University of Indiana.

Making his mile debut on the track will be Sam Chelanga, a four-time NCAA Champion and NCAA 10,000-meter record-holder who trains with True in Hanover, NH.

On the women’s side, Uceny and Grunewald will meet Katie Mackey, the Falmouth Mile defending champion and a seven-time NCAA All-American, and Sarah Brown, a four-time NCCA Champion who won the 2014 Harry Jerome Mile in a personal record 4:26.67.

Those four will face Brie Felnagle, the 2007 NCAA Champion at 1500 meters; Amanda Eccleston, a 2013 NCAA Indoor Champion in the distance medley and 2014 USATF Outdoor Nationals finalist at 1500 meters; Stephanie Garcia, who finished third in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2014 USATF Outdoor Nationals; Aisha Praught, who placed fourth in the same event; and Australia’s Heidi Gregson, the 2014 national championships runner-up at 1500 meters.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Keflezighi-Flanagan-for-Beach-to-Beacon-10K Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:30:00 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Keflezighi-Flanagan-for-Beach-to-Beacon-10K
Both of the defending champions – Kenyans Micah Kogo and Joyce Chepkirui – also are returning to headline a 30-runner professional field dotted with Olympians, World Champs and record setters, TD Beach to Beacon organizers announced.

“We put together a solid American contingent last year, but I think this one is even stronger, especially on the women’s side, where a number of Americans are capable of sub 33s,” said Larry Barthlow, the elite athlete coordinator for the TD Beach to Beacon. “On the men’s side, favorite son Ben True is making his return to Maine with his sights set on winning the race and he certainly is more than capable. But there also are a handful of international runners who will have something to say about that. We’re set up for another great race day.”

Prize money for the winner of the men’s and women’s races is $10,000. In all, nearly $60,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top finishers and place winners in the various categories for men and women. Northeast Delta Dental also is providing a $2,500 bonus to any runner who breaks an open course record.

The world-class athletes will join a race day field of more than 6,200 runners who will wind along the fast, relatively flat course that begins near the Crescent Beach State Park entrance on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth and ends 6.2 miles later in Fort Williams Park at the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in America.

Fresh off his poignant win at the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon, Meb Keflezighi is likely to be the most recognizable face among the sea of runners. As the world watched in the aftermath of the 2013 bombings, he pushed to an emotional victory (2:08:37) to become the first American to win at Boston since 1983. At 38, he was the race’s oldest male winner since 1930.

The charismatic Keflezighi, who turned 39 in May, is the first American man in history to win the New York and Boston marathons and an Olympic medal – he won silver at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He also placed 4th at 2012 London Games.

His impressive sub-28:00 at the 2007 TD Beach to Beacon (27:58) was good enough for fourth in a strong field – the highest ever placing for an American man in Cape Elizabeth. He placed 5th in the race last year.

Shalane Flanagan also will arrive in Maine following a record setting performance in the Boston Marathon. She charged to the lead and held on for 19 miles before being overtaken and ultimately finishing seventh in a personal record 2:22:02 – the fastest time ever recorded by an American woman in Boston’s 118-year history. She is now the third fastest female American marathoner ever, after Deena Kastor and Olympic champion Joan Benoit Samuelson, founder of the TD Beach to Beacon.

Flanagan, 33, who grew up in Marblehead, Mass., is returning to the TD Beach to Beacon for the first time since high school. In the years since, she has set American records in the 3000m (indoor), 5000m (indoor), 10,000m and 15K road race, won the bronze in the 2008 Olympics at 10,000m, finished second at the 2010 New York Marathon and won the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. Flanagan is presently training for the fall marathon season, with her stated goal to run a sub 2:20.

North Yarmouth, Maine native Ben True is also set to make a triumphant return to the TD Beach to Beacon. He last ran the race in 2009, shattering the Maine Resident course record (29:10) and placing 10th overall. Soon thereafter, the former All-American at Greely High School and Dartmouth College moved to Oregon to focus on his professional running career.

True, now 28, returns to Maine in top form. He turned heads last August when he battled TD Beach to Beacon champ Micah Kogo to the finish at the 2013 Falmouth Road Race to place second, which capped off a year in which he placed sixth at the World Cross Country Championships – the highest finish for an American since 1995 – and narrowly missed making the U.S. team for the World Championships by finishing fourth in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the USA Track & Field Championships.

So far this year, True has won the USA 15K Championship at the Gate River Run for the second year in a row, and in May set a personal best 13:02.74 for a gritty win in the 5,000m at the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford. Now a member of the Saucony Elite Racing team and training in New Hampshire, he has a personal best 27:41.17 at 10,000m.

But True has his work cut out for him if he wants to win a TD Beach to Beacon Open title.

Returning champ Micah Kogo, 28, of Kenya, an Olympic bronze medalist at 10,000m, has utilized his track speed to win the TD Beach to Beacon in two of the past three years – 28:03 in 2013 and 27:47 in 2011. He once ran 27:01 in a 10K road race to set a world record and finished second (2:10:27) in his marathon debut at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Another 28-year-old Kenyan and former TD Beach to Beacon champ, Stanley Biwott, also is in the field. He won with a time of 27:59 in 2012. He placed second at the London Marathon (2:04:55) earlier this year and in 2013 recorded the 10th fastest half marathon time in history (58:56).

Other contenders include: Bedan Karoki, 23, a Japan-based Kenyan who finished fifth at 10,000m at the 2012 London Olympics and recorded an impressive sub-27 on the track at the Prefontaine Classic in May (26:52.36); Patrick Makau, a 29-year-old Kenyan who is a former world record holder in the marathon (2:03:38) and two-time Berlin Marathon champ whose 58:52 half marathon in 2009 is one of the fastest ever; and Emmanuel Bett, 29, of Kenya, a late-blooming elite athlete who made his professional debut in 2010 and in 2012 displayed blazing track speed by recording the fastest 10,000m in the world for the year – 26:51.16.

Other top American men in the field include Fernando Cabada, Chris Solinsky, Taylor Gilland and Michael Eaton.

On the women’s side, in addition to Flanagan, Joyce Chepkirui, 25, is expected to make a strong bid for her second straight win against a solid field of athletes. Last year, the African Cross Country champ arrived in Maine with a chip on her shoulder after being left off the Kenyan national team for the IAAF World Championships. She set the pace early and maintained a lead throughout, finishing in 31:23.

Her win in Maine set off a chain of road race victories last fall, including a personal best 30:37 at the 2013 ASICS Grand 10 in Berlin, the fastest-ever 10K on German soil. In April, she set her personal best (1:06:19) and a course record at the Prague Half Marathon.

Chepkirui’s closest challenger last year also is back. Gemma Steel, 28, of Great Britain, recorded a personal best 31:26 to stay within striking distance. She duplicated that second-place performance at the Falmouth Road Race a week later.

Also in the mix will be Emily Chebet, a 28-year-old Kenyan who was the runner up at the 2012 TD Beach to Beacon (31:52) by .6 of a second. She is a two-time winner of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and has a personal best 31:18 at 10K.

A pair of Ethiopians also will push the pace. Tadelech Bekele, 23, finished a few steps behind Chepkirui at the Berlin 10K last fall in a personal best 30:38, and 29-year-old Aselefech Meriga is one of the top all-time marathoners (2:19:31) who won bronze at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Two top-10 finishers from the 2013 TD Beach to Beacon also are back in the race. Diane Nukuri-Johnson, 29, is a two-time Olympian from Burundi (she competed in her first Olympics at age 15 at the 2000 Sydney Games) who ran a personal best 32:35 to finish eighth last year. Nukuri-Johnson won her second straight Bay to Breakers in May. Alexi Pappas, 24, a five-time All American at Dartmouth and Oregon, made her professional road racing debut at the 2013 TD Beach to Beacon, finishing 10th in a personal best 32:55.

Other top Americans in the field include Desiree Linden, who finished 10th at the 2014 Boston Marathon; Megan Hogan, who has a PB 32:34 at 10K; Kate DeCamillo, the second American finisher at the 2013 New York City Marathon; Blake Russell, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team; Frances Koons, a nine-time All-American at Villanova; and Jen Rhines, a three-time U.S. Olympian whose 32:21 at the 2003 TD Beach to Beacon is the third-fastest ever for an American woman in the event.

The TD Beach to Beacon 10K is directed by Dave McGillivray of DMSE Sports (dmsesports.com), who also directs the B.A.A Boston Marathon and is regarded as one of the best in the business.

This year marks the 17th year for the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, which filled online in less than five minutes and is considered one of the gems on the U.S. road race circuit. In 2013, a record setting 6,244Â*Â*Â*Â*Â*Â* runners from 16 countries, 39 states and more than 250 Maine cities and towns finished the scenic 6.2-mile course. The race debuted in 1998 with 2,408 runners crossing the finish line.]]>
Both of the defending champions – Kenyans Micah Kogo and Joyce Chepkirui – also are returning to headline a 30-runner professional field dotted with Olympians, World Champs and record setters, TD Beach to Beacon organizers announced.

“We put together a solid American contingent last year, but I think this one is even stronger, especially on the women’s side, where a number of Americans are capable of sub 33s,” said Larry Barthlow, the elite athlete coordinator for the TD Beach to Beacon. “On the men’s side, favorite son Ben True is making his return to Maine with his sights set on winning the race and he certainly is more than capable. But there also are a handful of international runners who will have something to say about that. We’re set up for another great race day.”

Prize money for the winner of the men’s and women’s races is $10,000. In all, nearly $60,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top finishers and place winners in the various categories for men and women. Northeast Delta Dental also is providing a $2,500 bonus to any runner who breaks an open course record.

The world-class athletes will join a race day field of more than 6,200 runners who will wind along the fast, relatively flat course that begins near the Crescent Beach State Park entrance on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth and ends 6.2 miles later in Fort Williams Park at the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in America.

Fresh off his poignant win at the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon, Meb Keflezighi is likely to be the most recognizable face among the sea of runners. As the world watched in the aftermath of the 2013 bombings, he pushed to an emotional victory (2:08:37) to become the first American to win at Boston since 1983. At 38, he was the race’s oldest male winner since 1930.

The charismatic Keflezighi, who turned 39 in May, is the first American man in history to win the New York and Boston marathons and an Olympic medal – he won silver at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He also placed 4th at 2012 London Games.

His impressive sub-28:00 at the 2007 TD Beach to Beacon (27:58) was good enough for fourth in a strong field – the highest ever placing for an American man in Cape Elizabeth. He placed 5th in the race last year.

Shalane Flanagan also will arrive in Maine following a record setting performance in the Boston Marathon. She charged to the lead and held on for 19 miles before being overtaken and ultimately finishing seventh in a personal record 2:22:02 – the fastest time ever recorded by an American woman in Boston’s 118-year history. She is now the third fastest female American marathoner ever, after Deena Kastor and Olympic champion Joan Benoit Samuelson, founder of the TD Beach to Beacon.

Flanagan, 33, who grew up in Marblehead, Mass., is returning to the TD Beach to Beacon for the first time since high school. In the years since, she has set American records in the 3000m (indoor), 5000m (indoor), 10,000m and 15K road race, won the bronze in the 2008 Olympics at 10,000m, finished second at the 2010 New York Marathon and won the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. Flanagan is presently training for the fall marathon season, with her stated goal to run a sub 2:20.

North Yarmouth, Maine native Ben True is also set to make a triumphant return to the TD Beach to Beacon. He last ran the race in 2009, shattering the Maine Resident course record (29:10) and placing 10th overall. Soon thereafter, the former All-American at Greely High School and Dartmouth College moved to Oregon to focus on his professional running career.

True, now 28, returns to Maine in top form. He turned heads last August when he battled TD Beach to Beacon champ Micah Kogo to the finish at the 2013 Falmouth Road Race to place second, which capped off a year in which he placed sixth at the World Cross Country Championships – the highest finish for an American since 1995 – and narrowly missed making the U.S. team for the World Championships by finishing fourth in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the USA Track & Field Championships.

So far this year, True has won the USA 15K Championship at the Gate River Run for the second year in a row, and in May set a personal best 13:02.74 for a gritty win in the 5,000m at the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford. Now a member of the Saucony Elite Racing team and training in New Hampshire, he has a personal best 27:41.17 at 10,000m.

But True has his work cut out for him if he wants to win a TD Beach to Beacon Open title.

Returning champ Micah Kogo, 28, of Kenya, an Olympic bronze medalist at 10,000m, has utilized his track speed to win the TD Beach to Beacon in two of the past three years – 28:03 in 2013 and 27:47 in 2011. He once ran 27:01 in a 10K road race to set a world record and finished second (2:10:27) in his marathon debut at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Another 28-year-old Kenyan and former TD Beach to Beacon champ, Stanley Biwott, also is in the field. He won with a time of 27:59 in 2012. He placed second at the London Marathon (2:04:55) earlier this year and in 2013 recorded the 10th fastest half marathon time in history (58:56).

Other contenders include: Bedan Karoki, 23, a Japan-based Kenyan who finished fifth at 10,000m at the 2012 London Olympics and recorded an impressive sub-27 on the track at the Prefontaine Classic in May (26:52.36); Patrick Makau, a 29-year-old Kenyan who is a former world record holder in the marathon (2:03:38) and two-time Berlin Marathon champ whose 58:52 half marathon in 2009 is one of the fastest ever; and Emmanuel Bett, 29, of Kenya, a late-blooming elite athlete who made his professional debut in 2010 and in 2012 displayed blazing track speed by recording the fastest 10,000m in the world for the year – 26:51.16.

Other top American men in the field include Fernando Cabada, Chris Solinsky, Taylor Gilland and Michael Eaton.

On the women’s side, in addition to Flanagan, Joyce Chepkirui, 25, is expected to make a strong bid for her second straight win against a solid field of athletes. Last year, the African Cross Country champ arrived in Maine with a chip on her shoulder after being left off the Kenyan national team for the IAAF World Championships. She set the pace early and maintained a lead throughout, finishing in 31:23.

Her win in Maine set off a chain of road race victories last fall, including a personal best 30:37 at the 2013 ASICS Grand 10 in Berlin, the fastest-ever 10K on German soil. In April, she set her personal best (1:06:19) and a course record at the Prague Half Marathon.

Chepkirui’s closest challenger last year also is back. Gemma Steel, 28, of Great Britain, recorded a personal best 31:26 to stay within striking distance. She duplicated that second-place performance at the Falmouth Road Race a week later.

Also in the mix will be Emily Chebet, a 28-year-old Kenyan who was the runner up at the 2012 TD Beach to Beacon (31:52) by .6 of a second. She is a two-time winner of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and has a personal best 31:18 at 10K.

A pair of Ethiopians also will push the pace. Tadelech Bekele, 23, finished a few steps behind Chepkirui at the Berlin 10K last fall in a personal best 30:38, and 29-year-old Aselefech Meriga is one of the top all-time marathoners (2:19:31) who won bronze at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Two top-10 finishers from the 2013 TD Beach to Beacon also are back in the race. Diane Nukuri-Johnson, 29, is a two-time Olympian from Burundi (she competed in her first Olympics at age 15 at the 2000 Sydney Games) who ran a personal best 32:35 to finish eighth last year. Nukuri-Johnson won her second straight Bay to Breakers in May. Alexi Pappas, 24, a five-time All American at Dartmouth and Oregon, made her professional road racing debut at the 2013 TD Beach to Beacon, finishing 10th in a personal best 32:55.

Other top Americans in the field include Desiree Linden, who finished 10th at the 2014 Boston Marathon; Megan Hogan, who has a PB 32:34 at 10K; Kate DeCamillo, the second American finisher at the 2013 New York City Marathon; Blake Russell, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team; Frances Koons, a nine-time All-American at Villanova; and Jen Rhines, a three-time U.S. Olympian whose 32:21 at the 2003 TD Beach to Beacon is the third-fastest ever for an American woman in the event.

The TD Beach to Beacon 10K is directed by Dave McGillivray of DMSE Sports (dmsesports.com), who also directs the B.A.A Boston Marathon and is regarded as one of the best in the business.

This year marks the 17th year for the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, which filled online in less than five minutes and is considered one of the gems on the U.S. road race circuit. In 2013, a record setting 6,244Â*Â*Â*Â*Â*Â* runners from 16 countries, 39 states and more than 250 Maine cities and towns finished the scenic 6.2-mile course. The race debuted in 1998 with 2,408 runners crossing the finish line.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-7-Olympians-Confirmed-for-Peachtree Mon, 09 Jun 2014 18:40:10 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-7-Olympians-Confirmed-for-Peachtree
For the second consecutive year, the world’s largest 10K will host the USA 10K Championships for both men and women. A total U.S. prize purse of $100,000 will be awarded this year, an increase of $40,000 from 2013. The winning male and female will each earn $15,000.

“A national championship is the place where every U.S. athlete wants to put it on the line,” said Hall, a two-time U.S. Olympian whose time of 2:04:58 in the 2011 Boston Marathon is the fastest marathon ever run by an American. “I couldn’t be happier that the AJC Peachtree Road Race is hosting the USA 10K Championships, with the best American distance runners in the country going after a big prize on the Fourth of July. It’s perfect.”

Hall, 31, of Redding, Calif., will be joined by Abdirahman, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., a four-time Olympian, four-time USA 10,000-meter champion on the track, 2007 USA 10K champion on the roads and 2012 USA Half Marathon champion.

The women’s field is headlined by Linden, 29, of Rochester Hills, Mich. A 2012 Olympian in the marathon, Linden in 2011 came within two seconds of becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon since 1985 when she finished second in 2:22:38, a time that makes her the fourth-fastest woman in U.S. history.

Among her rivals will be Hastings, 30, of Providence, RI, a 2012 Olympian at 10,000 meters; and Culley, 32, of Arlington, Va., a 2012 U.S. Olympian at 5000 meters. Both were Olympic Trials champions. Joining them will be Rhines, of Boston, Mass., a three-time Olympian and 2011 national champion at both 15K and the half marathon who will turn 40 on July 1; and Russell, of Monterey, Calif., a 2008 Olympian in the marathon and national champion at 15K in 2006 and 20K in 2005.

Also expected on the women’s starting line are Sara Hall, the 2012 USA Cross Country and 2011 USA 1-Mile Road champion; Serena Burla, the reigning USA Half Marathon champion; Lauren Fleshman, a two-time U.S. champion at 5000 meters on the track; and Katie McGregor, a two-time USA 10K champion (2005, 2006) who has also won road titles at 10 miles (2010) and 25K (2007).

For the men, Hall and Abdirahman will be challenged by Aaron Braun, the 2013 USA 12K champion; and Christo Landry, the 2013 USA champion at both 10 miles and 25K, the latter in a time that tied the American Record.

More athletes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Last year, the USA 10K Championships were won by Matt Tegenkamp of Portland, OR (28:25, sixth overall) and Janet Bawcom of Flagstaff, Ariz., and formerly of Rome, Ga. (32:45, eighth overall.) It was the first time the AJC Peachtree Road Race hosted the USA Women’s 10K Championships, while the men also raced for the title here in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.]]>
For the second consecutive year, the world’s largest 10K will host the USA 10K Championships for both men and women. A total U.S. prize purse of $100,000 will be awarded this year, an increase of $40,000 from 2013. The winning male and female will each earn $15,000.

“A national championship is the place where every U.S. athlete wants to put it on the line,” said Hall, a two-time U.S. Olympian whose time of 2:04:58 in the 2011 Boston Marathon is the fastest marathon ever run by an American. “I couldn’t be happier that the AJC Peachtree Road Race is hosting the USA 10K Championships, with the best American distance runners in the country going after a big prize on the Fourth of July. It’s perfect.”

Hall, 31, of Redding, Calif., will be joined by Abdirahman, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., a four-time Olympian, four-time USA 10,000-meter champion on the track, 2007 USA 10K champion on the roads and 2012 USA Half Marathon champion.

The women’s field is headlined by Linden, 29, of Rochester Hills, Mich. A 2012 Olympian in the marathon, Linden in 2011 came within two seconds of becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon since 1985 when she finished second in 2:22:38, a time that makes her the fourth-fastest woman in U.S. history.

Among her rivals will be Hastings, 30, of Providence, RI, a 2012 Olympian at 10,000 meters; and Culley, 32, of Arlington, Va., a 2012 U.S. Olympian at 5000 meters. Both were Olympic Trials champions. Joining them will be Rhines, of Boston, Mass., a three-time Olympian and 2011 national champion at both 15K and the half marathon who will turn 40 on July 1; and Russell, of Monterey, Calif., a 2008 Olympian in the marathon and national champion at 15K in 2006 and 20K in 2005.

Also expected on the women’s starting line are Sara Hall, the 2012 USA Cross Country and 2011 USA 1-Mile Road champion; Serena Burla, the reigning USA Half Marathon champion; Lauren Fleshman, a two-time U.S. champion at 5000 meters on the track; and Katie McGregor, a two-time USA 10K champion (2005, 2006) who has also won road titles at 10 miles (2010) and 25K (2007).

For the men, Hall and Abdirahman will be challenged by Aaron Braun, the 2013 USA 12K champion; and Christo Landry, the 2013 USA champion at both 10 miles and 25K, the latter in a time that tied the American Record.

More athletes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Last year, the USA 10K Championships were won by Matt Tegenkamp of Portland, OR (28:25, sixth overall) and Janet Bawcom of Flagstaff, Ariz., and formerly of Rome, Ga. (32:45, eighth overall.) It was the first time the AJC Peachtree Road Race hosted the USA Women’s 10K Championships, while the men also raced for the title here in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Daska-Chebet-Take-Aim-at-Freihofer%C3%83%C2%A2%C3%A2%C2%82%C2%AC%C3%A2%C2%84%C2%A2s-5K Sat, 24 May 2014 13:34:28 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Daska-Chebet-Take-Aim-at-Freihofer%C3%83%C2%A2%C3%A2%C2%82%C2%AC%C3%A2%C2%84%C2%A2s-5K
Looking to take the spoils once again will be Emily Chebet (KEN), 28, who set the current course record in 2010 (15:12) and then won again last year (15:26) and her archrival Mamitu Daska (ETH), 31, owner of back-to-back titles in 2011 (15:19) and 2012 (15:20).

“I’m expecting this to be quite a contest,” affirmed Event Director George Regan. “This is a tough course and only a handful of women have won Freihofer’s crowns three or more times (Lynne Jennings, Marla Runyan and Benita Willis). Emily and Mamitu are going to have to run a terrific race to earn a spot on that prestigious list.”

Although both women are in fine form as evidenced by Daska’s victory at last month’s Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and Chebet’s 2nd place finish at the Prague Half Marathon, the road to the podium won’t be easy. Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope has pulled together another stellar contingent of international running stars who will battle Chebet and Daska all the way down Madison Avenue to the finish line tape.

In their way will be two-time Kenyan Olympian Lucy Wangui Kabuu, who represented her country twice at the Summer Olympics, finishing in the top 10 of the 10,000m race in both 2004 and 2008. Small in stature and easily spotted with her bouncy stride and high hand action, Kabuu set a new course record (31:48) at last month’s TCS World 10K Bangalore. She also finished 3rd at this February’s Tokyo Marathon (2:24:16), while also becoming one of four finishers to beat the previous course record (2:25:28).

Kabuu will rub elbows on the starting line with Afera Godfay (ETH), 22, a versatile distance runner with a 5,000m PB of 15:01:20 and a 10K PB of 31:52 and Buzunesh Deba (ETH), 27, a Bronx, N.Y.-based marathon specialist (PR: 2:19:59) who trains with her husband, Worku Beyi, and whose 2014 credits include 2nd place finishes at the Boston Marathon and New York City Half Marathon.

Stiff competition will also come from Rkia El Moukim (MOR), 26, who earned first place finishes this year at the Marrakesh Half Marathon, Hy-Vee Half Marathon and Shamrockin Run 8K, as well as a runner-up spot at the 2014 Crescent City Classic 10K; Zemzem Ahmed (ETH), 29, national 3,000m steeplechase record holder (9:17:85), who represented her nation in the steeplechase at the 2008 Beijing Games; and, Agnes Cheserek (KEN), 26, last year’s victor at the Jaipur Half Marathon and Eldoret Marathon and 4th place finisher at the 2014 Bloomsday 12K Run.

Race organizers have received additional commitments from:

• Rene Kalmer (SA), 33, a two-time Olympian who represented her country at both the 2012 London Games (Marathon) and 2008 Beijing Games (1,500m). Kalmer’s younger sister, Christine, 28, a member of the South African world cross-country team who also ran track and field and cross-country at the University of Arkansas, will compete with Rene in the event’s “sister-sister” competition and, in doing so, become the event’s highest ranked team.

• Genet Beyene (ETH), 19, an up-and-coming athlete who recently came in 4th at the 2014 Ethiopian Club Championships.

• Nolene Conrad (SA), 29, a runner who is comfortable on both the track and roads and whose recent results include a gold medal at this year’s South African 10K Championships and silver at the 2014 South African Track Championships 5,000m.

• Alice Kamunya (KEN), 23, whose 2014 accomplishments include silver medals at the Yuengling Shamrock 8K, Red Hook Classic 5K and Holyoke 10K. Based out of neighboring Schenectady, N.Y. where she lives and trains, Kamunya also finished 2nd at the 2013 Nairobi 5K and 2013 Nairobi Cross-Country meet.

]]>
Looking to take the spoils once again will be Emily Chebet (KEN), 28, who set the current course record in 2010 (15:12) and then won again last year (15:26) and her archrival Mamitu Daska (ETH), 31, owner of back-to-back titles in 2011 (15:19) and 2012 (15:20).

“I’m expecting this to be quite a contest,” affirmed Event Director George Regan. “This is a tough course and only a handful of women have won Freihofer’s crowns three or more times (Lynne Jennings, Marla Runyan and Benita Willis). Emily and Mamitu are going to have to run a terrific race to earn a spot on that prestigious list.”

Although both women are in fine form as evidenced by Daska’s victory at last month’s Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and Chebet’s 2nd place finish at the Prague Half Marathon, the road to the podium won’t be easy. Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope has pulled together another stellar contingent of international running stars who will battle Chebet and Daska all the way down Madison Avenue to the finish line tape.

In their way will be two-time Kenyan Olympian Lucy Wangui Kabuu, who represented her country twice at the Summer Olympics, finishing in the top 10 of the 10,000m race in both 2004 and 2008. Small in stature and easily spotted with her bouncy stride and high hand action, Kabuu set a new course record (31:48) at last month’s TCS World 10K Bangalore. She also finished 3rd at this February’s Tokyo Marathon (2:24:16), while also becoming one of four finishers to beat the previous course record (2:25:28).

Kabuu will rub elbows on the starting line with Afera Godfay (ETH), 22, a versatile distance runner with a 5,000m PB of 15:01:20 and a 10K PB of 31:52 and Buzunesh Deba (ETH), 27, a Bronx, N.Y.-based marathon specialist (PR: 2:19:59) who trains with her husband, Worku Beyi, and whose 2014 credits include 2nd place finishes at the Boston Marathon and New York City Half Marathon.

Stiff competition will also come from Rkia El Moukim (MOR), 26, who earned first place finishes this year at the Marrakesh Half Marathon, Hy-Vee Half Marathon and Shamrockin Run 8K, as well as a runner-up spot at the 2014 Crescent City Classic 10K; Zemzem Ahmed (ETH), 29, national 3,000m steeplechase record holder (9:17:85), who represented her nation in the steeplechase at the 2008 Beijing Games; and, Agnes Cheserek (KEN), 26, last year’s victor at the Jaipur Half Marathon and Eldoret Marathon and 4th place finisher at the 2014 Bloomsday 12K Run.

Race organizers have received additional commitments from:

• Rene Kalmer (SA), 33, a two-time Olympian who represented her country at both the 2012 London Games (Marathon) and 2008 Beijing Games (1,500m). Kalmer’s younger sister, Christine, 28, a member of the South African world cross-country team who also ran track and field and cross-country at the University of Arkansas, will compete with Rene in the event’s “sister-sister” competition and, in doing so, become the event’s highest ranked team.

• Genet Beyene (ETH), 19, an up-and-coming athlete who recently came in 4th at the 2014 Ethiopian Club Championships.

• Nolene Conrad (SA), 29, a runner who is comfortable on both the track and roads and whose recent results include a gold medal at this year’s South African 10K Championships and silver at the 2014 South African Track Championships 5,000m.

• Alice Kamunya (KEN), 23, whose 2014 accomplishments include silver medals at the Yuengling Shamrock 8K, Red Hook Classic 5K and Holyoke 10K. Based out of neighboring Schenectady, N.Y. where she lives and trains, Kamunya also finished 2nd at the 2013 Nairobi 5K and 2013 Nairobi Cross-Country meet.

]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-25-000-Runners-Set-to-Participate-in-Brooklyn-Half Mon, 12 May 2014 10:41:15 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-25-000-Runners-Set-to-Participate-in-Brooklyn-Half
NEW YORK—The 2014 Brooklyn Half is expected to attract approximately 25,000 runners—the most in the event’s history— for the 34th running on Saturday, May 17, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. The race is a centerpiece of the NYRR Five-Borough Series, a celebration of running throughout New York City that draws on the unique and inspiring characteristics of each of the five boroughs.

The race will take runners on a 13.1-mile journey through the heart of Brooklyn, from the rolling hills of Prospect Park through Grand Army Plaza, through a myriad of historical communities, to a one-of-a-kind finish on the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk. After the finish, runners will enjoy all of the classic offerings of Coney Island—hot dogs, beer, roller-coaster rides, stilt walkers—and additional programming and entertainment. For the first year ever, MCU Park (the Brooklyn Cyclones’ stadium), will be open to the public for all to enjoy food, beer, and live entertainment directly following the finish of the first runners.

“The Brooklyn Half is an event that allows NYRR to fully showcase the flavorful, diverse, and energizing personality of New York City’s biggest borough,” said Wittenberg. “From the many Pre-Party festivities, to the race itself, we are eager to share the excitement of this celebration of Brooklyn with the 25,000 runners taking part and the thousands of local merchants, volunteers and spectators who support the event and the Brooklyn community.”

The Pre-Party presented by New Balance, a celebratory free, three-day event, will take place at brand new Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on May 14–16. The Pre-Party will serve as the main hub for runners to pick up their bibs and race materials, but it will also be open to runners’ friends and families and to the general public..

The Pre-Party is a festival of music, food, and shopping that will celebrate the distinct culture of Brooklyn and what makes it extraordinary. The event features official New Balance merchandise, including vintage-inspired T-shirts designed by Brooklyn native Ouigi Theodore of the Brooklyn Circus; an outdoor beer garden featuring local beer and wine; local food vendors and trucks (Chickpea & Olive, Morris Grilled Cheese, PipSnacks, and more); an acoustic stage featuring live music curated by Baeblemusic, with rotating local house DJs and musicians on each of the three days; and other interactive elements that are sure to enhance each runner’s expo experience. The new venue is five acres of recreational space—including basketball, handball, shuffleboard, and bocce courts, plus a full size roller-skating rink. Hours and more information can be found here.

The Brooklyn Half is part of NYRR’s Run the City program, a retail incentive program that supports local businesses and economies in the communities where its races are held. The program offers race participants and spectators discounts and special offers at restaurants, stores, and attractions. More than 50 businesses in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn—Park Slope, DUMBO, Ocean Parkway, Williamsburg, Prospect Heights, Coney Island, and Boerum Hill–Cobble Hill—are participating in this year’s program. Discounts and special offers include local shopping deals at retail stores in the area, like By Brooklyn, and dining options and reduced final bills at restaurants including Bar San Miguel, Famiglia Pizzeria, and The Runner. Finally, all runners and spectators are encouraged to spend the day in Brooklyn with offers for reduced tickets to Coney Island Tours, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, and Luna Park, plus many more opportunities and offers.

Following the race, ABC7 will take viewers on an insider’s look at the Brooklyn Half on Saturday, May 31, at 1:30 p.m.. The broadcast will highlight inspiring runner stories, capture the fun of the race Pre-Party and spotlight some of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods associated with the race.]]>
NEW YORK—The 2014 Brooklyn Half is expected to attract approximately 25,000 runners—the most in the event’s history— for the 34th running on Saturday, May 17, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. The race is a centerpiece of the NYRR Five-Borough Series, a celebration of running throughout New York City that draws on the unique and inspiring characteristics of each of the five boroughs.

The race will take runners on a 13.1-mile journey through the heart of Brooklyn, from the rolling hills of Prospect Park through Grand Army Plaza, through a myriad of historical communities, to a one-of-a-kind finish on the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk. After the finish, runners will enjoy all of the classic offerings of Coney Island—hot dogs, beer, roller-coaster rides, stilt walkers—and additional programming and entertainment. For the first year ever, MCU Park (the Brooklyn Cyclones’ stadium), will be open to the public for all to enjoy food, beer, and live entertainment directly following the finish of the first runners.

“The Brooklyn Half is an event that allows NYRR to fully showcase the flavorful, diverse, and energizing personality of New York City’s biggest borough,” said Wittenberg. “From the many Pre-Party festivities, to the race itself, we are eager to share the excitement of this celebration of Brooklyn with the 25,000 runners taking part and the thousands of local merchants, volunteers and spectators who support the event and the Brooklyn community.”

The Pre-Party presented by New Balance, a celebratory free, three-day event, will take place at brand new Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on May 14–16. The Pre-Party will serve as the main hub for runners to pick up their bibs and race materials, but it will also be open to runners’ friends and families and to the general public..

The Pre-Party is a festival of music, food, and shopping that will celebrate the distinct culture of Brooklyn and what makes it extraordinary. The event features official New Balance merchandise, including vintage-inspired T-shirts designed by Brooklyn native Ouigi Theodore of the Brooklyn Circus; an outdoor beer garden featuring local beer and wine; local food vendors and trucks (Chickpea & Olive, Morris Grilled Cheese, PipSnacks, and more); an acoustic stage featuring live music curated by Baeblemusic, with rotating local house DJs and musicians on each of the three days; and other interactive elements that are sure to enhance each runner’s expo experience. The new venue is five acres of recreational space—including basketball, handball, shuffleboard, and bocce courts, plus a full size roller-skating rink. Hours and more information can be found here.

The Brooklyn Half is part of NYRR’s Run the City program, a retail incentive program that supports local businesses and economies in the communities where its races are held. The program offers race participants and spectators discounts and special offers at restaurants, stores, and attractions. More than 50 businesses in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn—Park Slope, DUMBO, Ocean Parkway, Williamsburg, Prospect Heights, Coney Island, and Boerum Hill–Cobble Hill—are participating in this year’s program. Discounts and special offers include local shopping deals at retail stores in the area, like By Brooklyn, and dining options and reduced final bills at restaurants including Bar San Miguel, Famiglia Pizzeria, and The Runner. Finally, all runners and spectators are encouraged to spend the day in Brooklyn with offers for reduced tickets to Coney Island Tours, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, and Luna Park, plus many more opportunities and offers.

Following the race, ABC7 will take viewers on an insider’s look at the Brooklyn Half on Saturday, May 31, at 1:30 p.m.. The broadcast will highlight inspiring runner stories, capture the fun of the race Pre-Party and spotlight some of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods associated with the race.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Four-Stars-Added-to-Field Tue, 06 May 2014 12:08:36 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Four-Stars-Added-to-Field
Joining a men’s field that already includes 2008 Olympic 1500-meter silver medalist Nick Willis, the defending Medtronic TC 1 Mile champion and the course record holder, are Canadian Olympian Nate Brannen, who has 3:52.63 mile to his credit, and Minnetonka High School graduate Will Leer, the 2013 USA Indoor mile and 3000-meter champion.

Added to the women’s field that boasts 2012 Medtronic TC 1 Mile champ and two-time USA 1 Mile Road champion Heather Kampf and Canadian Olympian Nicole Sifuentes, the Medtronic TC 1 Mile runner-up last year, are course record holder Sara Hall (right), the 2011 Medtronic TC 1 Mile champ, and Team USA Minnesota star Gabriele Grunewald, who, after winning the USA Indoor 3000-meter title this year, was the center of a disqualification controversy ultimately decided in her favor.

“We’re excited to see how our pro fields are shaping up,” Twin Cities In Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman said. “Each year our fields get stronger and stronger. We’re pleased that Sara, Gabriele, and Will are coming back to run with us again, and excited to have Nate race in our event for the first time.”

A men’s and women’s combined prize purse of $25,000 awaits the professional fields at this year’s race. Race winners who better the existing course records, will earn a $10,000 bonus in addition to the winner’s prize of $5,000. Hall’s 2011 women’s course record is 4:30.8; Willis’s men’s standard from a year ago is 3:56.1.

The Medtronic TC 1 Mile is the second stop on the 2014 Bring Back the Mile Tour, a nationwide Grand Prix with more than $90,000 in total prize money and a $7500 grand prize purse. The Medtronic TC 1 Mile, organized by Twin Cities In Motion, features an evening of races for runners of all ages and abilities. Action kicks off at 6:52 p.m. CDT and culminates with the professional races at 7:52 p.m. (women) and 8:04 p.m. (men). Start times subject to slight change.]]>
Joining a men’s field that already includes 2008 Olympic 1500-meter silver medalist Nick Willis, the defending Medtronic TC 1 Mile champion and the course record holder, are Canadian Olympian Nate Brannen, who has 3:52.63 mile to his credit, and Minnetonka High School graduate Will Leer, the 2013 USA Indoor mile and 3000-meter champion.

Added to the women’s field that boasts 2012 Medtronic TC 1 Mile champ and two-time USA 1 Mile Road champion Heather Kampf and Canadian Olympian Nicole Sifuentes, the Medtronic TC 1 Mile runner-up last year, are course record holder Sara Hall (right), the 2011 Medtronic TC 1 Mile champ, and Team USA Minnesota star Gabriele Grunewald, who, after winning the USA Indoor 3000-meter title this year, was the center of a disqualification controversy ultimately decided in her favor.

“We’re excited to see how our pro fields are shaping up,” Twin Cities In Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman said. “Each year our fields get stronger and stronger. We’re pleased that Sara, Gabriele, and Will are coming back to run with us again, and excited to have Nate race in our event for the first time.”

A men’s and women’s combined prize purse of $25,000 awaits the professional fields at this year’s race. Race winners who better the existing course records, will earn a $10,000 bonus in addition to the winner’s prize of $5,000. Hall’s 2011 women’s course record is 4:30.8; Willis’s men’s standard from a year ago is 3:56.1.

The Medtronic TC 1 Mile is the second stop on the 2014 Bring Back the Mile Tour, a nationwide Grand Prix with more than $90,000 in total prize money and a $7500 grand prize purse. The Medtronic TC 1 Mile, organized by Twin Cities In Motion, features an evening of races for runners of all ages and abilities. Action kicks off at 6:52 p.m. CDT and culminates with the professional races at 7:52 p.m. (women) and 8:04 p.m. (men). Start times subject to slight change.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Bernard-Lagat-to-Race-2014-Carlsbad-5000 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:51:26 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Bernard-Lagat-to-Race-2014-Carlsbad-5000
The 39-year-old Lagat, one of the world’s all-time great distance runners, will be making his Carlsbad debut on Sunday, March 30 and his goal is to try and break the American record of 13 minutes, 24 seconds set by San Diego native Marc Davis in 1996.

“I’m happy to finally make it to the start line of the Carlsbad 5000,” Lagat said. “It’s been on my radar for some time, but we just never managed to get there to toe the line. It’s a truly iconic U.S. road race with a great history of world records with many of the finest athletes of all time adding their names to the list of champions. I’m looking forward to racing on the west coast after what I hope is a successful defense of my world indoor title over 3000 meters.”

Lagat knows what he speaks of regarding world records. Since the inaugural edition of the race in 1986, the Carlsbad 5000 has produced 16 world records, including the all-time best of 13:00 by Kenya’s Sammy Kipketer in 2000, a mark he matched in 2001. It also has been the scene of eight U.S. records and 11 world wheelchair records.

There’s no doubt that Lagat is in shape to attack Davis’ mark. He is coming off his third consecutive national record at the NYRR Millrose Games in New York, setting the 2,000-meter mark of 4:54.74 last weekend. Ironically, the record of 4:58.6 he smashed belonged to Steve Scott, and it was Scott who set the first world record (13:32) at the inaugural Carlsbad 5000 in 1986.

“All of us at Competitor Group are thrilled that Bernard will finally be running the Carlsbad 5000 this year,” said Tracy Sundlun, SVP of Competitor Group, Inc. “He is one of the world’s best athletes and an even better person. Running fans in Southern California are going to be in for a real treat.”

Lagat, a 10-time medalist in the Olympics and IAAF World Championships, including five golds, is also the American record-holder at 1500 meters and the mile indoors, and the 1500 meters, 3000 meters and 5000 meters outdoors, and still holds the Kenyan indoor 1500m record — no small feat for a country that has produced many great distance runners.

Lagat’s achievements are multitudinous. In 2007, he became the first American man to win gold in the 1500m at the World Outdoor Championships and also the first American man to win an Olympic or World Championship in the 1500 since 1908. He also was the first American man to win the 1500m/5000m double at the World Outdoor Championships and the first American to win a 5,000 medal of any kind at Worlds.

Prior to that, he won both the 1500 and the 5000 at the USA Championships in 2006, becoming the first man to achieve that feat.

The personable native of Kenya and Washington State University Graduate is a four-time Olympian — twice for Kenya and twice for the United States. He has been ranked number one in the world and in the United States at various distances throughout his career and won the famed Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games a record eight times, surpassing the previous mark of seven held by the great Eamonn Coghlan.

Lagat will have an extra incentive at the Carlsbad 5000. For the first time, there will be U.S.-only prize money, with $2500 to the first American finisher, in addition to $5000 for the overall Carlsbad champion and a $5000 U.S. record bonus.

Organized by Competitor Group, Inc., the 29th running of the Carlsbad 5000 will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Known as the ‘World’s Fastest 5K’, the event is home of the current world 5K road records of 13:00, Sammy Kipketer (KEN), 2000 & 2001, and 14:46, Meseret Defar (ETH), 2006; as well as the current American records 13:36, Marc Davis, 1996, and 14:54, Deena Kastor, 2002. It is the only road race from a commonly run distance in the world that is home to the world records and its home country records for both genders.

Race day begins at 7:05am with the Masters Men 40 and over, the first of several age group races that take place throughout the morning. The ‘Party by the Sea’ gets started as soon as the first racers cross the finish line. After enjoying the scenic 3.1-mile course, runners age 21 and over can step into the beer garden, sip two free Pizza Port brews and then rock out to a live band.

Race weekend kicks off with a pre-registration party on Friday, March 28 for the Junior Carlsbad hosted at the Carlsbad Village Faire. On Saturday, March 29 more than 2,500 junior racers, age 12 and under, will take part in one of the eleven age group races. All runners receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal for their efforts. Awards will be presented to the top junior athletes ages five through twelve.]]>
The 39-year-old Lagat, one of the world’s all-time great distance runners, will be making his Carlsbad debut on Sunday, March 30 and his goal is to try and break the American record of 13 minutes, 24 seconds set by San Diego native Marc Davis in 1996.

“I’m happy to finally make it to the start line of the Carlsbad 5000,” Lagat said. “It’s been on my radar for some time, but we just never managed to get there to toe the line. It’s a truly iconic U.S. road race with a great history of world records with many of the finest athletes of all time adding their names to the list of champions. I’m looking forward to racing on the west coast after what I hope is a successful defense of my world indoor title over 3000 meters.”

Lagat knows what he speaks of regarding world records. Since the inaugural edition of the race in 1986, the Carlsbad 5000 has produced 16 world records, including the all-time best of 13:00 by Kenya’s Sammy Kipketer in 2000, a mark he matched in 2001. It also has been the scene of eight U.S. records and 11 world wheelchair records.

There’s no doubt that Lagat is in shape to attack Davis’ mark. He is coming off his third consecutive national record at the NYRR Millrose Games in New York, setting the 2,000-meter mark of 4:54.74 last weekend. Ironically, the record of 4:58.6 he smashed belonged to Steve Scott, and it was Scott who set the first world record (13:32) at the inaugural Carlsbad 5000 in 1986.

“All of us at Competitor Group are thrilled that Bernard will finally be running the Carlsbad 5000 this year,” said Tracy Sundlun, SVP of Competitor Group, Inc. “He is one of the world’s best athletes and an even better person. Running fans in Southern California are going to be in for a real treat.”

Lagat, a 10-time medalist in the Olympics and IAAF World Championships, including five golds, is also the American record-holder at 1500 meters and the mile indoors, and the 1500 meters, 3000 meters and 5000 meters outdoors, and still holds the Kenyan indoor 1500m record — no small feat for a country that has produced many great distance runners.

Lagat’s achievements are multitudinous. In 2007, he became the first American man to win gold in the 1500m at the World Outdoor Championships and also the first American man to win an Olympic or World Championship in the 1500 since 1908. He also was the first American man to win the 1500m/5000m double at the World Outdoor Championships and the first American to win a 5,000 medal of any kind at Worlds.

Prior to that, he won both the 1500 and the 5000 at the USA Championships in 2006, becoming the first man to achieve that feat.

The personable native of Kenya and Washington State University Graduate is a four-time Olympian — twice for Kenya and twice for the United States. He has been ranked number one in the world and in the United States at various distances throughout his career and won the famed Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games a record eight times, surpassing the previous mark of seven held by the great Eamonn Coghlan.

Lagat will have an extra incentive at the Carlsbad 5000. For the first time, there will be U.S.-only prize money, with $2500 to the first American finisher, in addition to $5000 for the overall Carlsbad champion and a $5000 U.S. record bonus.

Organized by Competitor Group, Inc., the 29th running of the Carlsbad 5000 will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Known as the ‘World’s Fastest 5K’, the event is home of the current world 5K road records of 13:00, Sammy Kipketer (KEN), 2000 & 2001, and 14:46, Meseret Defar (ETH), 2006; as well as the current American records 13:36, Marc Davis, 1996, and 14:54, Deena Kastor, 2002. It is the only road race from a commonly run distance in the world that is home to the world records and its home country records for both genders.

Race day begins at 7:05am with the Masters Men 40 and over, the first of several age group races that take place throughout the morning. The ‘Party by the Sea’ gets started as soon as the first racers cross the finish line. After enjoying the scenic 3.1-mile course, runners age 21 and over can step into the beer garden, sip two free Pizza Port brews and then rock out to a live band.

Race weekend kicks off with a pre-registration party on Friday, March 28 for the Junior Carlsbad hosted at the Carlsbad Village Faire. On Saturday, March 29 more than 2,500 junior racers, age 12 and under, will take part in one of the eleven age group races. All runners receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal for their efforts. Awards will be presented to the top junior athletes ages five through twelve.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Deena-Kastor-to-Headline-New-Orleans Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:34:25 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Deena-Kastor-to-Headline-New-Orleans
“I look forward to opening my 2014 racing season with my running friends at Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans,” said Kastor (right, image courtesy PhotoRun.net), who is the only American woman to ever break 2 hours, 20 minutes in the marathon. “New Orleans is one of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series’ premier events and I simply have to check this off my list. The course is fast and the atmosphere will be electric, so naturally it feels like a great way to set the tone for the year ahead.”

Kastor owns the two fastest half-marathon performances by an American— 1:07:34 at Berlin in 2006 and a 1:07:53 at Philadelphia in 2005. No other American woman has broken 1:08 on a record standard course. She also has the two fastest marathons by an American — 2:19:36 at London in 2006 and a 2:21:16 at London in 2003.

A 25?time U.S. champion, Kastor also holds American records for 8K, 12K, 10 miles and 20K, along with numerous other distinctions. She was the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon. She was the U.S. 10K and 15K champion four times each. She won the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Kastor also won the Carlsbad 5000 in 2002, setting a then world’s best of 14:54, which still stands as the American record. She is a two-time world cross country silver medalist, and she was the 2001 U.S. marathon champion with the then fastest American debut (2:26:58).

“There has never been a faster smile in the sport than Deena,” said Tracy Sundlun, SVP and co-founder of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “One of the highlights of my career as an event organizer, is that Deena Kastor has competed in and won more of our races than any of runner in history, setting 3 U.S. records and 1 world record at our events. She is one of the greatest runners in history and she may very well set an American Masters record this weekend. I hope the New Orleans community doesn’t miss this opportunity to watch one of the best there ever was.”

The current U.S. masters record for the half-marathon is 1:11:50, which was set in 2006 by Colleen De Reuck on the historically fast Philadelphia course. The New Orleans course is certainly as flat as Philadelphia and its history of record road performances puts the masters’ mark in jeopardy. The women’s event record is an exceptionally fast time of 1:07:36 set by New Zealand’s Kim Smith in 2011.

The race begins at 7:00 am in downtown New Orleans on Poydras Street. With a fast course that starts below sea level, the route traverses beautiful St. Charles Avenue, running out and back before touring the historic French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue and iconic City Park. The event finishes on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, where the Marc Broussard & Rebirth Brass Band will headline the post-race party.

The weekend festival will kick off on Friday, January 31 at the Health & Fitness Expo in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and include KiDS ROCK New Orleans on Saturday morning at City Park. The non-timed, non-competitive fun run for kids in grades K-7 will take place in City Park and all participants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher’s medal.]]>
“I look forward to opening my 2014 racing season with my running friends at Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans,” said Kastor (right, image courtesy PhotoRun.net), who is the only American woman to ever break 2 hours, 20 minutes in the marathon. “New Orleans is one of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series’ premier events and I simply have to check this off my list. The course is fast and the atmosphere will be electric, so naturally it feels like a great way to set the tone for the year ahead.”

Kastor owns the two fastest half-marathon performances by an American— 1:07:34 at Berlin in 2006 and a 1:07:53 at Philadelphia in 2005. No other American woman has broken 1:08 on a record standard course. She also has the two fastest marathons by an American — 2:19:36 at London in 2006 and a 2:21:16 at London in 2003.

A 25?time U.S. champion, Kastor also holds American records for 8K, 12K, 10 miles and 20K, along with numerous other distinctions. She was the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon. She was the U.S. 10K and 15K champion four times each. She won the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Kastor also won the Carlsbad 5000 in 2002, setting a then world’s best of 14:54, which still stands as the American record. She is a two-time world cross country silver medalist, and she was the 2001 U.S. marathon champion with the then fastest American debut (2:26:58).

“There has never been a faster smile in the sport than Deena,” said Tracy Sundlun, SVP and co-founder of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “One of the highlights of my career as an event organizer, is that Deena Kastor has competed in and won more of our races than any of runner in history, setting 3 U.S. records and 1 world record at our events. She is one of the greatest runners in history and she may very well set an American Masters record this weekend. I hope the New Orleans community doesn’t miss this opportunity to watch one of the best there ever was.”

The current U.S. masters record for the half-marathon is 1:11:50, which was set in 2006 by Colleen De Reuck on the historically fast Philadelphia course. The New Orleans course is certainly as flat as Philadelphia and its history of record road performances puts the masters’ mark in jeopardy. The women’s event record is an exceptionally fast time of 1:07:36 set by New Zealand’s Kim Smith in 2011.

The race begins at 7:00 am in downtown New Orleans on Poydras Street. With a fast course that starts below sea level, the route traverses beautiful St. Charles Avenue, running out and back before touring the historic French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue and iconic City Park. The event finishes on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, where the Marc Broussard & Rebirth Brass Band will headline the post-race party.

The weekend festival will kick off on Friday, January 31 at the Health & Fitness Expo in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and include KiDS ROCK New Orleans on Saturday morning at City Park. The non-timed, non-competitive fun run for kids in grades K-7 will take place in City Park and all participants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher’s medal.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Turkey-Trot-Announces-Elite-Field Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:02:50 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Turkey-Trot-Announces-Elite-Field
Lightning fast times are expected in the elite races, bolstering the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot’s reputation as a global standout that showcases top athletic talent. The Association of Road Race Statisticians ranked the elite men's race at the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot among the four most competitive road 5Ks in the world for the past three years. The elite women's race at the Turkey Trot was ranked as the ninth most competitive in the world in 2012.

Separate 5K races for elite men (presented by Amgen) and elite women (presented by SVB Financial Group) are the concluding events on a slate that includes a 10K run and 5K run/walk for mass participants, kids fun runs, and an array of other races within the event. The race schedule allows recreational participants to complete their races and then watch elite runners compete. The elite 5K races also include the Pacific Association/USA Track & Field Open Men's 5K Championship (presented by Pacific Gas & Electric) and Open Women's 5K Championship (presented by El Camino Hospital).

Last year, new elite course records were set by both men and women at the event. 2012 U.S. Olympian Kim Conley (West Sacramento, Calif.) eclipsed the former women’s course record held by Kenya’s Sally Kipyego, breaking the finish line tape in 15:40. Kenya’s Stephen Sambu set a new men’s course standard with a fast 13:28.

Conley is returning to this year’s race to defend her title, however, she will face some swift competition. Additional notable female entrants include:

• Kipyego who earned the silver medal for 10,000 meters at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

• Rkia El Moukim (Morocco) who set a fast personal best of 15:21.88 at 5,000m on the track last year

• Betsy Saina (Kenya), the 2013 NCAA 10,000m champion who recently turned pro (15:12.05 5,000m personal best)

• Sarah Kiptoo (Kenya) who has a swift 2:26:32 marathon on her resume and is also skilled at shorter distances

• Steeplechaser Bridget Franek (USA/Oregon), a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and 2011 and 2009 IAAF World Track and Field Championship teams

• Chelsea Reilly (USA/Tiburon, Calif.), who won the USA 10K road championship title during her first year as a professional racer in 2012 (15:10.14 5,000m personal best)

• Katie Mackey (USA/WA) who recorded a 5,000m personal best of 15:23.65 this year and was a seven-time NCAA All-American at the University of Washington

• Kellyn Johnson (USA/AZ), 15:31.66 (5,000m) and 32:30.40 (10,000m) personal records

Top runners in the men’s field for this year’s event include:

• Leonard Korir (Kenya) who was the men’s runner-up at last year’s Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in 13:30 (13:15.45 5,000m personal best)

• Alan Webb (USA/Oregon), the current U.S. 1-mile record holder on the track in 3 minutes, 46.91 seconds (13:41.90 5,000m personal best)

• Shadrack Biwott (USA/Folsom, Calif.), who placed first male in the 2013 USA Running Circuit standings—a USA Track & Field road race series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon. He also boasts a 13:36.25 personal record at 5,000m on the track

• Diego Estrada (Mexico/USA) who grew up in nearby Salinas, Calif. and represented Mexico at the 2012 London Olympic Games (13:15.33 5,000m personal record)

• Monder Rizki (Belgium), a two-time Olympian at 5,000 meters who holds an excellent 5K personal best of 13:04

• Nicholas Kipruto (Kenya), seventh at last year’s Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (13:41.90 5,000m personal record)

• David Torrence (USA/Oakland, Calif.), a former University of California, Berkeley standout and three-time USA Road Mile champion (2009-11) with a 1,500m personal best of 3:33.23 set this year on the track (13:16.53 5,000m personal record)

• Nelson Oyugi (Kenya), 21, who made his U.S. road racing debut last July with a win at the Wharf to Wharf 6-mile race in Santa Cruz, Calif. and followed with a victory at America’s Finest City Half Marathon (San Diego) in a course record of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 59 seconds

The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is attractive to world-class competitors because it includes a total prize purse of $25,000, a fast, spectator-friendly four-loop course that is certified by USA Track & Field for accurate distance, and a top-flight international field. Any American man or woman setting a new U.S. record (13:24-men, 14:54-women) wins a $5,000 bonus. The event’s popularity among general participants has increased dramatically each year. There were 20,159 finishers at last year’s event, making it the largest and fastest growing Thanksgiving Day race in the U.S. according to a 2012 survey conducted by Race Results Weekly, a subscription service that annually publishes results from more than 2,000 races worldwide.]]>
Lightning fast times are expected in the elite races, bolstering the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot’s reputation as a global standout that showcases top athletic talent. The Association of Road Race Statisticians ranked the elite men's race at the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot among the four most competitive road 5Ks in the world for the past three years. The elite women's race at the Turkey Trot was ranked as the ninth most competitive in the world in 2012.

Separate 5K races for elite men (presented by Amgen) and elite women (presented by SVB Financial Group) are the concluding events on a slate that includes a 10K run and 5K run/walk for mass participants, kids fun runs, and an array of other races within the event. The race schedule allows recreational participants to complete their races and then watch elite runners compete. The elite 5K races also include the Pacific Association/USA Track & Field Open Men's 5K Championship (presented by Pacific Gas & Electric) and Open Women's 5K Championship (presented by El Camino Hospital).

Last year, new elite course records were set by both men and women at the event. 2012 U.S. Olympian Kim Conley (West Sacramento, Calif.) eclipsed the former women’s course record held by Kenya’s Sally Kipyego, breaking the finish line tape in 15:40. Kenya’s Stephen Sambu set a new men’s course standard with a fast 13:28.

Conley is returning to this year’s race to defend her title, however, she will face some swift competition. Additional notable female entrants include:

• Kipyego who earned the silver medal for 10,000 meters at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

• Rkia El Moukim (Morocco) who set a fast personal best of 15:21.88 at 5,000m on the track last year

• Betsy Saina (Kenya), the 2013 NCAA 10,000m champion who recently turned pro (15:12.05 5,000m personal best)

• Sarah Kiptoo (Kenya) who has a swift 2:26:32 marathon on her resume and is also skilled at shorter distances

• Steeplechaser Bridget Franek (USA/Oregon), a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and 2011 and 2009 IAAF World Track and Field Championship teams

• Chelsea Reilly (USA/Tiburon, Calif.), who won the USA 10K road championship title during her first year as a professional racer in 2012 (15:10.14 5,000m personal best)

• Katie Mackey (USA/WA) who recorded a 5,000m personal best of 15:23.65 this year and was a seven-time NCAA All-American at the University of Washington

• Kellyn Johnson (USA/AZ), 15:31.66 (5,000m) and 32:30.40 (10,000m) personal records

Top runners in the men’s field for this year’s event include:

• Leonard Korir (Kenya) who was the men’s runner-up at last year’s Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in 13:30 (13:15.45 5,000m personal best)

• Alan Webb (USA/Oregon), the current U.S. 1-mile record holder on the track in 3 minutes, 46.91 seconds (13:41.90 5,000m personal best)

• Shadrack Biwott (USA/Folsom, Calif.), who placed first male in the 2013 USA Running Circuit standings—a USA Track & Field road race series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon. He also boasts a 13:36.25 personal record at 5,000m on the track

• Diego Estrada (Mexico/USA) who grew up in nearby Salinas, Calif. and represented Mexico at the 2012 London Olympic Games (13:15.33 5,000m personal record)

• Monder Rizki (Belgium), a two-time Olympian at 5,000 meters who holds an excellent 5K personal best of 13:04

• Nicholas Kipruto (Kenya), seventh at last year’s Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (13:41.90 5,000m personal record)

• David Torrence (USA/Oakland, Calif.), a former University of California, Berkeley standout and three-time USA Road Mile champion (2009-11) with a 1,500m personal best of 3:33.23 set this year on the track (13:16.53 5,000m personal record)

• Nelson Oyugi (Kenya), 21, who made his U.S. road racing debut last July with a win at the Wharf to Wharf 6-mile race in Santa Cruz, Calif. and followed with a victory at America’s Finest City Half Marathon (San Diego) in a course record of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 59 seconds

The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is attractive to world-class competitors because it includes a total prize purse of $25,000, a fast, spectator-friendly four-loop course that is certified by USA Track & Field for accurate distance, and a top-flight international field. Any American man or woman setting a new U.S. record (13:24-men, 14:54-women) wins a $5,000 bonus. The event’s popularity among general participants has increased dramatically each year. There were 20,159 finishers at last year’s event, making it the largest and fastest growing Thanksgiving Day race in the U.S. according to a 2012 survey conducted by Race Results Weekly, a subscription service that annually publishes results from more than 2,000 races worldwide.]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-NYC-Mayor-s-Cup-on-6th-Ocotber-2013 Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:33:45 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-NYC-Mayor-s-Cup-on-6th-Ocotber-2013
The championship races will be headlined by the nationally ranked Collegiate School (Manhattan) boys as they try and defend their NYC Mayor’s Cup title, while the St. John Villa Academy (Staten Island) girls will compete to win their fourth NYC Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Championship in a row. The complete list of teams competing in this year’s meet can be found at facebook.com/nycmayorscup.

This year’s event is also a stop on the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee’s Join the Huddle tour, the first-ever mobile tour bus associated with the Super Bowl. The bus, known as the “Huddle Shuttle,” will feature a replica stadium locker room with New York Jets, New York Giants and Super Bowl memorabilia, as well as a place where fans can take a picture with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The 2013 NYC Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Championships is the first event of the 2013–14 NYC Mayor’s Cup season, which encompasses a variety of sports events throughout the year and is produced by NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization. The series showcases student athletes of all ages from across the five boroughs as they compete to prove they are New York City’s best at baseball, basketball, chess, cricket, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, table tennis, track & field and wrestling. For more information on the NYC Mayor’s Cup series and for a complete schedule of events, visit facebook.com/nycmayorscup.

DATE: Sunday, October 6
TIME: 2–5pm
Championships: 3:45pm (Boys)
4pm (Girls)
PLACE: Van Cortlandt Park
Across from 6121 Broadway Bronx, NY 10471]]>
The championship races will be headlined by the nationally ranked Collegiate School (Manhattan) boys as they try and defend their NYC Mayor’s Cup title, while the St. John Villa Academy (Staten Island) girls will compete to win their fourth NYC Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Championship in a row. The complete list of teams competing in this year’s meet can be found at facebook.com/nycmayorscup.

This year’s event is also a stop on the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee’s Join the Huddle tour, the first-ever mobile tour bus associated with the Super Bowl. The bus, known as the “Huddle Shuttle,” will feature a replica stadium locker room with New York Jets, New York Giants and Super Bowl memorabilia, as well as a place where fans can take a picture with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The 2013 NYC Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Championships is the first event of the 2013–14 NYC Mayor’s Cup season, which encompasses a variety of sports events throughout the year and is produced by NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization. The series showcases student athletes of all ages from across the five boroughs as they compete to prove they are New York City’s best at baseball, basketball, chess, cricket, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, table tennis, track & field and wrestling. For more information on the NYC Mayor’s Cup series and for a complete schedule of events, visit facebook.com/nycmayorscup.

DATE: Sunday, October 6
TIME: 2–5pm
Championships: 3:45pm (Boys)
4pm (Girls)
PLACE: Van Cortlandt Park
Across from 6121 Broadway Bronx, NY 10471]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Miller-Kampf-to-Defend-Minnesota-Mile-Titles Thu, 05 Sep 2013 20:39:03 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Miller-Kampf-to-Defend-Minnesota-Mile-Titles
Miller, 26, also the 2011 Minnesota Mile champion (4:03.8), was the 2013 USA Indoor Mile national runner-up (3:58.90 - March 3, Albuquerque) and won the 2013 Big River Festival of Miles (3:59.23 – May 30, St. Louis).

Also in the men’s field is former University of Minnesota standout and Stillwater, Minn. native Ben Blankenship, who won of a pair of Mile races last month (3:56.27, Falmouth Mile – Falmouth, Mass./4:06, Michigan Mile – Flint, Mich.). Two-time 1500 meter Olympian (Canada, 2008 and 2012) Nate Brannen will make his first appearance at the Minnesota Mile.

Known as the Queen of the Road Miles, Kampf, 26, has won numerous Mile races in 2013, including the Bermuda Mile, the Ryan Shay Mile, the Liberty Mile and the Michigan Mile. She’ll be joined in the women’s division by Team USA Minnesota teammates Gabriele Anderson and Jamie Cheever. Anderson has placed in the top five at the past three Minnesota Mile races, including a second-place finish a year ago (4:37.5). Cheever was sixth in 2012 (4:44.1). All three ran collegiately at the University of Minnesota.

Making her debut at the mile distance is Kenya’s Sarah Kiptoo, who won the 2013 Grandma’s Marathon on June 22 in a course record time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, 32 seconds.

The races begin one block east of Fitger’s on Superior Street and finish past the Holiday Center. In addition to the elite race, the event includes races for children, recreational and semi-elite runners.

The Minnesota Mile is the 14th stop and finale on the nationwide inaugural Bring Back the Mile Tour 2013. For more on the Bring Back the Mile Tour, visit http://www.bringbackthemile.com.

The Minnesota Mile is presented by Advantage Emblem & Screen Printing, American Family Insurance, Duluth Running Company, Duluth News Tribune, ESPN Radio 560 WEBC, Fitger’s, Holiday Inn & Suites, Kemps, KBJR 6 & Range 11, Super One and Verizon Wireless.

Grandma’s Minnesota Mile
Duluth, Minnesota, Sunday, September 8, 2013
Elite Division = $20,100 purse ($3000, $2000, $1500, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $250)
Masters Division (40 and older) – Men and Women ($500)

Schedule of Events
9:00am Verizon Wireless Kids Mile – Free for Children ages 8 to 14
9:20am All City Mile - Recreational
10:00am Duluth Mile - Semi-Elite
10:20am Grandma’s Minnesota Mile - Elite ($20,100 prize purse)]]>
Miller, 26, also the 2011 Minnesota Mile champion (4:03.8), was the 2013 USA Indoor Mile national runner-up (3:58.90 - March 3, Albuquerque) and won the 2013 Big River Festival of Miles (3:59.23 – May 30, St. Louis).

Also in the men’s field is former University of Minnesota standout and Stillwater, Minn. native Ben Blankenship, who won of a pair of Mile races last month (3:56.27, Falmouth Mile – Falmouth, Mass./4:06, Michigan Mile – Flint, Mich.). Two-time 1500 meter Olympian (Canada, 2008 and 2012) Nate Brannen will make his first appearance at the Minnesota Mile.

Known as the Queen of the Road Miles, Kampf, 26, has won numerous Mile races in 2013, including the Bermuda Mile, the Ryan Shay Mile, the Liberty Mile and the Michigan Mile. She’ll be joined in the women’s division by Team USA Minnesota teammates Gabriele Anderson and Jamie Cheever. Anderson has placed in the top five at the past three Minnesota Mile races, including a second-place finish a year ago (4:37.5). Cheever was sixth in 2012 (4:44.1). All three ran collegiately at the University of Minnesota.

Making her debut at the mile distance is Kenya’s Sarah Kiptoo, who won the 2013 Grandma’s Marathon on June 22 in a course record time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, 32 seconds.

The races begin one block east of Fitger’s on Superior Street and finish past the Holiday Center. In addition to the elite race, the event includes races for children, recreational and semi-elite runners.

The Minnesota Mile is the 14th stop and finale on the nationwide inaugural Bring Back the Mile Tour 2013. For more on the Bring Back the Mile Tour, visit http://www.bringbackthemile.com.

The Minnesota Mile is presented by Advantage Emblem & Screen Printing, American Family Insurance, Duluth Running Company, Duluth News Tribune, ESPN Radio 560 WEBC, Fitger’s, Holiday Inn & Suites, Kemps, KBJR 6 & Range 11, Super One and Verizon Wireless.

Grandma’s Minnesota Mile
Duluth, Minnesota, Sunday, September 8, 2013
Elite Division = $20,100 purse ($3000, $2000, $1500, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $250)
Masters Division (40 and older) – Men and Women ($500)

Schedule of Events
9:00am Verizon Wireless Kids Mile – Free for Children ages 8 to 14
9:20am All City Mile - Recreational
10:00am Duluth Mile - Semi-Elite
10:20am Grandma’s Minnesota Mile - Elite ($20,100 prize purse)]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Top-Fields-for-2013-USA-20K-Championship Thu, 29 Aug 2013 09:39:05 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Top-Fields-for-2013-USA-20K-Championship
To repeat, Tegenkamp, 31, will need to beat a top field including fellow U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, 2012 runner-up Luke Puskedra, marathoner Jason Hartmann,
Shadrack Biwott and Josphat Boit. Biwott was third at the USA 10K Championships in July. Boit was runner-up in the USA 25K Championships in May and fifth at the national half-marathon championships in June. Tegenkamp, who was fourth at the 25K nationals, is gearing up for his debut in the marathon that he will make in Chicago this October.

In the women's race, defending champion Renee Metivier Baillie will not compete. That may mean an opportunity for Pritz, 25, the 2011 USA 25K champion and also the top American woman at the ING NYC Marathon that year. Other women to watch include three-time Olympian Jen Rhines (5th, 2013 USA 10 Mile Championships), Mattie Suver (2nd, 2013 USA 25K Championships), Tara Erdmann (2nd, 2012 USA 10K Championships), Lindsey Scherf (2nd, 2012 USA 25K Championships) and Alisha Williams (2nd, 2013 USA 15K Championships).]]>
To repeat, Tegenkamp, 31, will need to beat a top field including fellow U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, 2012 runner-up Luke Puskedra, marathoner Jason Hartmann,
Shadrack Biwott and Josphat Boit. Biwott was third at the USA 10K Championships in July. Boit was runner-up in the USA 25K Championships in May and fifth at the national half-marathon championships in June. Tegenkamp, who was fourth at the 25K nationals, is gearing up for his debut in the marathon that he will make in Chicago this October.

In the women's race, defending champion Renee Metivier Baillie will not compete. That may mean an opportunity for Pritz, 25, the 2011 USA 25K champion and also the top American woman at the ING NYC Marathon that year. Other women to watch include three-time Olympian Jen Rhines (5th, 2013 USA 10 Mile Championships), Mattie Suver (2nd, 2013 USA 25K Championships), Tara Erdmann (2nd, 2012 USA 10K Championships), Lindsey Scherf (2nd, 2012 USA 25K Championships) and Alisha Williams (2nd, 2013 USA 15K Championships).]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Big-Sur-Marathon-Sells-Out Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:58:15 +0000 TheEd]]> https://www.time-to-run.com/forums/Thread-Big-Sur-Marathon-Sells-Out
Runners from 49 states and 25 countries quickly filled more than 3,000 'open' slots available for the April 27, 2014 marathon distance. The popular Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge has also sold out and the Runner's World Challenge VIP experience is picking up pace. A limited number of charity entries for the 26.2 mile distance remain open, and availability for concurrent races of varying distances along scenic Highway One including the 21-Miler, marathon relay, 9-Miler and 5K still exists. The popular 10.6-Miler has not yet opened for registration. Total registration numbers for all Sunday events exceed 10,000.]]>
Runners from 49 states and 25 countries quickly filled more than 3,000 'open' slots available for the April 27, 2014 marathon distance. The popular Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge has also sold out and the Runner's World Challenge VIP experience is picking up pace. A limited number of charity entries for the 26.2 mile distance remain open, and availability for concurrent races of varying distances along scenic Highway One including the 21-Miler, marathon relay, 9-Miler and 5K still exists. The popular 10.6-Miler has not yet opened for registration. Total registration numbers for all Sunday events exceed 10,000.]]>