California Track & Running News - April–June 2009

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Includes the Runner’s Schedule Calendar!

CaliforniaTrack &RunningNews SPRING SHOE REVIEW SCA LAUNCHES ROAD RUNNING GRAND PRIX THE GOLDEN WEST INVITATIONAL TURNS 50

Official Publication of the California/Northern Nevada Associations of USATF

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April–June 2009

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In March at the Nike Indoor Nationals, CONOR McCULLOUGH (Canoga Park) set a new high school record in the weight throw with his toss of 92 feet, 7-1/2 inches. Two days later, he broke that record with a 93-3.25 toss at the National Scholastic Indoor Champs.

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APRIL–JUNE 2009

The city of Santee in San Diego County hosted the National 50K Race Walk Championships on Feb. 15. Philip Dunn claimed his 5th title in a time of 4:28:53. Story on page 46.

Features 16 36 45

The Golden West Invitational Turns 50 Running Network Spring Shoe Review Miracles Happen: Mark Winitz’ Journal

The Basics

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From the Publisher Regional USATF Association News The Runner’s Schedule Calendar

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4 ct&rn • april–june 2009

Long Distance Running/Mtn-Ultra-Trail Race Walking

California Track & Running News is a magazine for members of the California and N. Nevada associations of USA Track & Field. Contact your region regarding changes of address & missing issues.

Central California Association: 661.758.5719 Pacific Association: 916.983.4715 or heikemansoor@aol.com San Diego/Imperial Association: 619.275.6542 or sdi_trackand field@sbcglobal.net Southern California: 562.859.4574 or info@scausatf.org

Pedro Santoni

Contents

Cal Track & Running News

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4 6 / % ": 4 & 1 5 & . # & 3 t " / " ) & * . $ "

On Labor Day Weekend there are lots of things you can celebrate.

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From the Publisher rom the time we are little children we’re involved in athletics—throwing rocks into the local creek, jumping over mud puddles (and in them) and racing home with friends or seeing who can get to the bus first. Movement is simple, pure, honest.

It’s no surprise to me that in this time of economic uncertainty, the joy of simple movement is finding its way back into our lives. Race participation is up, running stores are growing, and running footwear businesses are quietly noting strong profits. If the federal government truly wants to cut health care costs, perhaps it should begin by mandating a half-hour of aerobic activity twice a day at schools. Such activity would do a lot for the demeanor and health of the 44 million 6- to 17-year-olds in our country.

In May, the ING Bay to Breakers will welcome 60,000-plus runners and walkers. The race and city created quite a furor by asking people to actually sign up for the race and to refrain from bringing their own adult beverages to the race. CTRN agrees with the vast majority of race participants—if you want to run a race, then do the right thing and pay the entry fee! This is just a nobrainer. When you run races for free, you fail to pay for the hours, months, and years of race management that go into making your race experience a safe and enjoyable one.

Finally, congratulations to Conor McCullough of Canoga Park, who was the world junior hammer throw silver medalist last summer. On Mar. 13, Conor traveled to Boston for the Nike Indoor Nationals and threw the weight throw 92-7.5 (28.23m for you metric geeks) to set a new high school record. Two days later, he was in New York City at the National Scholastic Indoor Champs and broke his own mark with a toss of 93-3.25. We at CTRN salute Conor for his dedication to sport as well as his achievements.

F

Regards,

CaliforniaTrack &RunningNews Volume 35, Number 2 April–June 2009 Group Publisher Larry Eder Group & Coordinating Editor Christine Johnson, CTRNeditorial@gmail.com Contributing Editors Cregg Weinmann Apparel, Footwear Reviews Dave Shrock Community Colleges Mark Winitz Northern California Kees & Sandy Tuinzing Calendar Photographers Victor Sailer www.PhotoRun.NET John Magnussen, Pedro Santoni Don Gosney Association Consultants John Mansoor Pacific Don Chapin Central Skip Stolley Southern Mike Rouse San Diego/Imperial Proofreader Red Ink Editorial Services, Madison, WI Pre-Press/Printer W. D. Hoard & Sons Co., Fort Atkinson, WI

Larry Eder

Website Chuck Bartlett

CaliforniaTrack &RunningNews

Publisher recommends, as with all fitness and health issues, you consult with your physician before instituting any changes in your fitness program.

Publisher’s Information

Let Us Hear From You!

California Track & Running News (ISDN #1098-6472), incorporating Pacific Athlete, is the official publication for the USA Track & Field associations in California and Northern Nevada. It is produced, published, and owned by Shooting Star Media, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

Christine Johnson, President; Larry Eder, Vice President.

All ad materials and insertion orders should be sent to Shooting Star Media, Inc., at the above address.

Publisher assumes no liability for matter printed.

Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for content of paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paid advertising. Publisher expects that all claims by advertisers can be substantiated and that all guarantees will be honored. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Copyright © 2009 by Shooting Star Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. California Track & Running News is solely owned

by Shooting Star Media, Inc.

California Track & Running News welcomes your suggestions, comments, and questions. Direct them to:

6 ct&rn • april–june 2009

Christine Johnson, Group Editor Shooting Star Media, Inc./CTRN 608.239.3787 CTRNeditorial@gmail.com

Address Changes/Missing Issues Third class mail is not forwarded! Please inform your local USATF association about address changes, duplicate mailings, or missing issues. See page 4 for how to contact your association for help.

Member of:

ADVERTISING Publisher Larry Eder, Shooting Star Media, Inc. phone: 608.239.3785; fax: 920.563.7298 larry.eder@gmail.com Publisher’s Representatives Peter Koch-Weser National pkwadvmag@yahoo.com phone: 310.836.2642; fax: 310.836.7093 Running Network LLC 920.563.5551, ext. 112 Special Projects Manager Adam Johnson-Eder 608.957.2159; atflistings@gmail.com Advertising Production Manager Alex Larsen Counsel Philip J. Bradbury Melli, Walker, Pease & Ruhly, S.C. Madison, WI w w w. c a l t r a c k . c o m

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USATF Regional News Pacific Association President’s Message FROM JERRY COLMAN

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As I sit here writing my last note as president of the Pacific Association, I have to reflect on all that has happened since I was first elected to vice president in 2000 and then president in 2004.

The Association has been the venue to many large scale competitions. Olympic team trials, NCAA track & field championships, many high profile collegiate meets, state junior college track & field championships, state high school track & field championship meets,

along with the many youth and masters meets that have been held here. In addition, the national USATF club cross country championships were contested here.

We instituted a track & field grand prix with $15,000 yearly and training grants for our Olympic hopefuls in 2008 who are based in the Pacific Association.

After reflecting, I look to the future. We are hosting the USATF and the World Masters track & field championships, the USATF Junior Olympic cross country and track & field national championships in the next few years.

It has been a long eight years, but a pleasurable journey. To my replacement, I pass the baton, knowing that the great cadre of volunteers in the Pacific Association will rally around him/her and continue to raise the bar to make this the #1 association in USA Track & Field.

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Kara June says, “Thank You!” The Pacific Association LDR Committee awarded Kara June travel funds to assist with her participation in the 2009 USA Cross Country Championships held Feb. 7 in Derwood, Maryland. Kara, an ASICS Aggies team member, resides in San Luis Obispo and is coached by Joe Rubio. She was a Fresno State All American distance runner and steeplechaser who qualified for the Olympic Trials and placed 6th. She won the final three 2008 PA Grand Prix cross country events, including the championships. Below is a thank you note that Kara wrote to the Pacific Association, along with a brief description of her experience at the nationals.

“The experience I had at the USA Cross Country Championships is one that I will remember for a long time to come. I had higher expectations for myself than what the outcome of my performance actually was, but I did learn a lot from being in Derwood, MD. “The course was challenging, to say the least.

I was so thankful that my particular race was only an 8K. The poor open men! The crowd was phenomenal, as there were cheers heard on every inch of the course. The weather was absolutely perfect

for racing. It was in the mid to low 50s at the time the gun went off and there was just a slight breeze.

The course was frozen the Monday before the race, so we were very fortunate that it was far from the conditions some of us experienced in Spokane for Club Nationals.

“My XC season had gone exceptionally well pre-U.S. Championships, so my expectations were high. I had hoped to finish in the top 10, with the opportunity to race in a USA uniform, but my body didn’t want to work that hard. Top 20 was all I could muster. As with every sporting event, some people perform to the expectations they have set, some don’t. But I have learned that you can take something away from even the worst of races.

I was very excited for two of my friends who made the U.S. team. They had outstanding performances, finishing in the top six. Seeing my friends succeed adds fuel to my fire.

“I would like to thank the Pacific Association for supporting its athletes. The support I received from the PA, as well as the support I receive from the ASICS Aggies, helps a tremendous amount. It enables me to compete against the best of the best and to reach my running goals. Now I get to hit the track!”

Good luck in 2009, Kara

Association News continues on page 12

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Association News continued from page 10 Pacific Association Officials Notes FROM BRUCE COLMAN, COMMITTEE CHAIR We congratulate Dick Connors, inducted into the Pacific Association Hall of Fame in February, and George Kleeman, inducted into the national officials committee’s Hall of Fame this past December.

Officials at Nationals Some 14 Pacific Association officials were picked to work USATF championships in 2009: Tiffany Banks (starter, outdoors); John Bowen (discus alternate, outdoors); Dick Cochran (hammer throw, outdoors); Jerry Collet (starter, outdoors); Teddy Hayes (horizontal jumps, outdoors); JR Heberle (electronic measurement, outdoors); Charles Murphy (horizontal jumps, outdoors); John Murray (javelin head official, outdoors); Sue Murray (discus alternate, outdoors); Joe Nemeth (implement inspector, outdoors); Rory Osborne (marshal, outdoors); Bob Rauch (marshal, indoors and outdoors alternate); John Shirey (pole vault, outdoors); and Jim Waldron (indoor combined).

As always, some great PA officials applied for selection to USATF championships and were not accepted. But there are new names on this list as well, and all will do fine work and represent Pacific Association at our best.

Up (or Over) From Competing The certified officials roster now boasts at least two Olympians.

Mike Buncic, who doubles as a science teacher and head track coach at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, threw the discus for the U.S. in the 1988 and 1992 games.

Sue Rembao high jumped in the 1992 Olympics for the US. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she has handled the high jump during all-comers meets at Cal the last two seasons and became certified in February.

This is very cool.

Thanks PA’s officials clinics were hosted this year by University of Nevada-Reno, City College of San Francisco, American River College, UC Davis, CSU Sacramento, Wilcox High School, Serra High School (San Mateo), Oakmont High School (Roseville) and Hartnell College (Salinas). All provided great facilities, and we’re very grateful.

Rejoining and Joining Up At this writing (a week after Valentine’s Day), some 220 veteran officials have recertified for the current Olympiad and we have certified between 60 and 70 “newbies.” You can get a copy of the new, improved, generally accurate database of these officials by e-writing to the officials’ chair at chairbc@earthlink.net. ▲ 12 c t & r n • a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9

2009 Pacific Association USATF Road Race Grand Prix Schedule Date 4/19 4/26 5/25 6/20 TBA TBA 10/18 11/8 11/26 TBA TBA

Event Zippy 5K Big Sur 5K Marin Memorial Day 10K Shriners 8K Fleet Feet Mile Banana Chase 5K Humboldt Half Marathon Clarksburg 30K Synaptics 5K CIM Christmas Relays

Division Short Short Long Short Short Short Long Long Short, open individual only Long Team only

Points 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 or 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 or 2.0

Detail (1) (2) (1,3) (4) (3) (3) (3)

Detail: (1) Subject to a resolution satisfactory to race management of the headphone issue; (2) Pending bid and acceptance by the LDR executive committee; (3) Pending satisfactory bid; (4) Pending correction of prize money in bid.

Southern California Association SCA Report FROM SKIP STOLLEY, VICE PRESIDENT

Following its bi-annual election, the Southern California Association of USA Track & Field is pleased to announce the election of the following Open Athletics Sport Committee chairs for 2009–10.

WAYNE JONESS Chair, Open Athletics Road Running Subcommittee

A native of Appalachian Virginia, Wayne Joness received a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia where he also studied music—the field in which he works since moving to Los Angeles in 1990. He became a distance runner in high school and, after that, was a recreational runner until relocating to the Los Angeles running mecca.

Over the past 18 years, Wayne has been actively competing in road racing throughout Southern California. He’s run more than 200 So Cal races in total, including 111 10Ks, 26 marathons, and 14 half-marathons. In 2008, Wayne ran the Tokyo Marathon and the historic Boston Marathon. He has been a member of Track Club LA since 2004 and participated with the club in numerous masters-level cross country events.

Since being appointed as Open Road Running Committee chair last February, Wayne has done a terrific job of creating a Southern California Road Championship Series. In 2008, the series featured the SCA 5K Road Championship held in conjunction with the Buena Park Coaster Run, the SCA HalfMarathon Championship held in conjunction with the Long Beach Half-Marathon, and the SCA 10K Road Championship held in con-

junction with the Dana Point Turkey Trot.

These are the first local USATF road championships that have been held in Southern California in more than 20 years. In 2009, the Avia Orange County Marathon on May 3 will be the first-ever SCA marathon championship.

In just 8 months, Wayne has created a program that offers opportunities for runners in 13 men’s and women’s 5-year age-groups to be Southern California champions at four road distances and greatly expanded awareness of USA Track & Field development initiatives within the Southern California road running community.

LILY ZEPEDA Vice Chair, Open Athletics Road Running Subcommittee

A native of the mile-high, runner-friendly town of Albuquerque, Lily Zepeda received a B.A. in Journalism from the University of New Mexico. She became a recreational runner in high school and after college began racing at distances from 1500 meters to the marathon.

Lily came to Los Angeles in 2005 in pursuit of the warm weather and a career in marketing. In addition to being our Road Running Committee vice chair, Lily is the director for a South Bay marketing firm which maintains top accounts in the healthcare, real estate, and retail industries.

Since relocating to Southern California, Lily has competed in more than 50 Southland races, including the Santa Clarita HalfMarathon where she was the second woman finisher in 2006 and 2008. After posting a 3:20:52 time at the 2008 Phoenix Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, she qualified for and ran the 2008 Boston Marathon. Lily is a member of Track Club LA and the Santa Monica Trail Runners Club. She hopes to become more involved in the Southern California running community by helping plan and conduct USATF events.

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MIKE MAHURIN Chair, Open Cross Country Subcommittee

A native of Seattle, Mike Mahurin’s running career began after he had become a practicing attorney, not when he was in high school or college.

After becoming active in the Southern California road running scene, he took a brief break from running-only to compete in triathlons, including the 2003 Hawaii Ironman World Championship. In 2005, Mike joined Track Club LA and returned to competing in long distance races throughout Southern California.

His primary focus has been on the marathon, where his best time to date has been 2:38:00 at the Tucson Marathon in 2006. It was while training for that race that Mike had his first real exposure to cross country, competing in several races that autumn as part of his marathon training. In December, Mike went back to the Tucson Marathon and returned with the men’s individual title. Mike is 38 years old and a Los Angeles–based real estate attorney. He received B.A.s in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Washington in 1992 and a J.D. from Pepperdine University Law School in 1995.

Since I appointed Mike as Open Cross Country chair last May, he has used his newfound excitement for cross-country running to help revitalize the Southern California cross country scene in a way that will create more open-level meets, attract more of the great distance runners in our area to the sport, and see us bidding to bring the USA National Cross Country Championships back to Southern California soon.

ERIC BARRON Chair, Open Track & Field Subcommittee

Eric Barron is a graduate of Harvard University, where he competed in collegiate track and cross country, and the University of Michigan Law School. In 1996, he created Track Club LA—a team of some 90 men and women competitive and recreational long distance runners. Since 1999, he has been the distance coach and head women’s cross country coach at Santa Monica College, where he has also been active in the California Community College Track Coaches Association. Eric holds USATF Level I and Level II coaching certifications. In 2006, he became the head coach for Nike Team Run LA, a USATF elite development club of Los Angeles–based men and women distance runners. Its men’s team placed 10th at the 2008 USA National Club Cross Country Championships in Seattle.

Eric has been active in growing our Jim

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Bush Southern California USATF Championships and when we hosted three meets in 2008 that produced 94 qualifiers for the U.S. Olympic Trials. This summer he’ll be conducting a new series of open-level track meets at Santa Monica College that will greatly exceed any summer program we’ve previously attempted to offer in support open-level track & field in Southern California.

CHRIS RAEL Chair, Open Race Walking Subcommittee

Chris Rael resides in Laguna Niguel and is a graduate of Magnolia HS and Cal State Fullerton. He is a high school biology teacher at Santa Ana High School and over the past 17 years has also taught history, English, math, and Spanish. Chris began race walking at age 15 and 30 years later continues to compete at an elite level, be a member of the USA National Race Walk Team, and compete internationally.

Chris was a finalist in the 1992 U.S. Olympic 50K Walk Trials, raced as a member of the 2005 USA 50K National Team, won a U.S. Masters indoor walk title, and earned a Bronze medal in the 20K walk at the 2005 World Masters Championships. As a race walking coach, Chris has stayed abreast of the scientificbased training techniques that have advanced both his sport and long distance running.

Since being appointed our Open Race Walk Committee chair, Chris has been the architect of an incredibly successful elite race walk development initiative in Southern California that has become a model for other USATF associations across the country. In its first year, Chris’ initiative focused on the six NAIA schools in Southern California, recruiting their second-tier men and women distance runners to try competitive race walking (an NAIA championship event), and conducting coaching clinics to provide the technical instruction, training methods, and encouragement necessary for them to experience success at the national level. With only 4 months of intensive training, walkers from Concordia University in Irvine and Westmont College qualified for the men’s and women’s NAIA National Track & Field Championships, then won Southern California USATF race walk titles.

Since then, Chris has encouraged these promising walkers in the sport after their collegiate careers, help them improve, and keep them competing at the next level in open, national-class events, with the ultimate goal of vying for a spot on our USA race ralk national teams.

GARY HILLIARD Chair, Open M.U.T. Subcommittee

New SCA Open Athletics M.U.T. Committee chair Gary Hilliard lives in Sierra Madre with his wife of 17

years, Pamela. Now 54, he was born near Pittsburgh and is a registered/licensed civil engineer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Although he says he has always enjoyed running, he didn’t start running in organized events until the 1980s. His running resume lists some of the better known ultra marathons such as the Western States 100-Mile, Angeles Crest 100-Mile, nearly all the events in the Southern California Ultra Distance Running Series, and now includes more than 150 marathons and ultra-marathons.

Gary’s running slowed down a little this past year and a half after a near-fatal motorcycle accident in which he broke his back, neck, both arms, lost a kidney, punctured a lung, and severed his liver and spleen. While this slowed him down, he says he just doesn’t have it in him to quit.

Some of Gary’s other M.U.T. activities include serving as logistics director of the Mt. Wilson Trail Race and assistant race director for the Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Race.

He is also director of the Southern California Grand Prix Ultra Series and the race director for the Mt. Disappointment 50K and 50-Mile Endurance Race. The 50-mile distance, he is proud to say, has served as the USATF Southern California Association 50-mile trail championship for 2007 and 2008. He is also the director of the Mt. Disappointment U.S. Forest Service Trail Maintenance and Work Projects Program—approved to work to preserve trails and stations for all users in the National Forest.

Working with the Southern California Association and Lorraine Gersitz (who is now the SCA Masters Committee M.U.T. chair), Gary says he looks forward to this new endeavor representing Southern California USATF as its Open Athletics MUT Committee chair.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES 2009 ROAD RUNNING GRAND PRIX Following the successful launch of the 2008 Road Championship Series, Southern California USATF Open and Masters Road Running Committee chairs Wayne Joness and Sissel Berntsen-Heber have announced a 2009 Southern California Road Running Grand Prix that will provide cash awards and championship medals to the top-10 overall men’s and women’s scorers. Gold, Silver, and Bronze USATF medals will also be awarded to the top 3 scorers in 26 men’s and women’s individual 5year age-groups and championship plaques will be awarded to the top 10 scoring clubs.

“We believe this Grand Prix series will encourage more runners to participate in our SCA road championship races and other preAssociation News continues next page.

a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9 • c t & r n 13

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Association News continued from page 13 2009 Southern California Association USATF Road Running Grand Prix Schedule Date 3/15 5/3 6/7 7/4 10/11 11/7 11/27

Event Coaster 5K AVIA Orange County Marathon Brentwood 10K Semana Nautica 15K International City Bank 5K Santa Barbara Half-Marathon Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K

Location Buena Park Newport Beach Brentwood Goleta Valley Long Beach Santa Barbara Dana Point

Championship SCA 5K Road Championship SCA Marathon Championship

SCA Half-Marathon Championship SCA 10K Road Championship

For more details, visit www.scagrandprix.org

mier Southern California road race events,” say Wayne and Sissel. “It will also recognize the clubs that are supporting and developing runners and provide important incentives for the creation of new clubs.”

The seven Grand Prix races (see box next page) include two 5Ks, two 10Ks, a 15K, a halfmarathon, and marathon to accommodate runners who prefer either shorter or longer distances. The Road Running Grand Prix also spans the Southern California Association geographically from Dana Point in the south to Santa Barbara in the north. “Our association covers 34,000 square miles, so it is a challenge to create a series within reasonable driving distance of all our runners,” says Wayne. “But we think we have an exciting mix of races that is each well worth the drive, no matter where you reside.”

How the Grand Prix Works

Runners must be 2009 members of Southern California USATF and finish four of the seven races during the calendar year—including at least one SCA road championship race.

Afterwards, they must record their official, webpublished finish time using the “Report Results” link on the Grand Prix home page at www.scagrandprix.org, and forward their finish time via e-mail to the Grand Prix scorer, Sissel Berntsen-Heber, to generate an age-graded score.

For a USATF club to post a score in a SCA Road Running Grand Prix race, it must be a 2009 member of Southern California USATF and have a minimum of five members post a finish time. Club members can be of any age and gender. The club score is determined by adding their 5 highest age-graded scores from the race. The club’s 2009 year-end total score will be determined by adding its highest club scores from four grand prix races.

Eligibility

There is no additional fee for Southern California USATF members to participate in the SCA Road Running Grand Prix or the SCA Road Championship Series. Runners can enter the SCA Road Running Grand Prix at any time during the 2009 calendar year. Their age-group category will be determined by their age on the 14 c t & r n • a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9

date of the first GP race they finish.

For club scoring, only those registered with the Southern California USATF for 2009 can participate and all its individual scorers must be listed on the club’s on-line roster.

Information about registering as a USATF club can be found at www.usatf.org/clubs.

link on the SCA Road Running Grand Prix home page, or by sending an email with their official published finish time and current 2009 USATF membership number to runner@roadrunner.com.

All club results, including those from SCA Road Championship races, must be self-reported. It is the responsibility of participating clubs to report official web-published results for five or more of its individual members from a GP series race. They can do so by using the “Report Results” link on the SCA Road Running Grand Prix page, or by sending an e-mail to the GP scorer with each runner’s official web-published finish time and 2009 USATF membership number to runner@roadrunner.com.

Grand Prix Prize Money and Awards

The top 5 men and top 5 women with the highest individual 2009 year-end total scores will be awarded the following cash prizes and SCA grand prix championship medals:

Qualifying Races

To be eligible for grand prix individual awards, runners must finish a minimum of four GP races—at least one of which must be an SCA Road Championship. To be eligible for Grand Prix club awards, clubs must compete in at least four GP races with at least 5 finishers and at least one of those races must be an SCA Road Championship.

1st place: $200, plus Gold medal 2nd place: $100, plus Silver medal 3rd place: $50, plus Bronze medal 4th place: $30, plus Bronze medal 5th place: $20, plus Bronze medal 6th–10th places: Bronze medals

Age-graded scores are computed by dividing the runner’s finishing time by the world record for his or her age and gender and multiplying it by 1000. For example, a 46-year-old male who records 39:19 for 10K for which the age world record is 29:51 would be: 29:51 ÷ 39:19 = 0.759 x 1000 = 759 points. A runner’s year-end total score will be determined by adding together his or her highest age-graded scores from four grand prix races. The age-graded scoring calculator used for the SCA Road Running Grand Prix scoring is posted on the SCA Road Running Grand Prix home page (www.scagrandprix.org).

Cash prizes will be awarded in the form of checks issued by Southern California USATF. 2009 grand prix checks and championship medals will be mailed to recipients no later than Jan. 15, 2010.

The top 3 men and women scorers with highest individual 2009 year-end total scores in the following 13 individual 5-year age-groups will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze USATF medals: 13 & under, 14–18, 19–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70+.

The top 10 USATF clubs with the highest 2009 year-end point totals will receive Grand Prix championship plaques from the Southern California Association in recognition of their accomplishments.

How to Enter the Grand Prix

For more information, contact:

Individual Scoring

Individual Southern California USATF members who finish an SCA Road Championship series race will automatically have their results posted in the SCA Road Running Grand Prix series. However, results for non-championship Grand Prix races must be self-reported.

Current SCA Road Running Grand Prix standings will be posted on the SCA Road Running Grand Prix home page (www.scagrandprix.org) within one week of each successive race in the GP series (although results may be delayed pending official revisions). It is the responsibility of individual participants to submit their results from GP races that are not SCA Road Championship events.

They can do so by using the “Report Results”

Wayne Joness, Chair SCA Open Athletics Road Running Committee Res (310) 390-5357 Cell (310) 600-5332 E-mail: runner@joness.com Sissel Berntsen-Heber, Chair SCA Masters Road Running Committee Cell (415) 652-9221 E-mail: sheber02357@roadrunner.com

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Golden West Invitational:

A Prep Classic Turns 50!

BY BOB JARVIS

participation. Now, there are often several races or flights, in each event with the entrants with the best performances competing against each other in the evening final.

Does it work? The results are the proof. Over the years, national records have been set in the 100 yards, 800m, 880 yards, mile, 2-mile, low hurdles, intermediate hurdles, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, and discus throw. There have been dozens of state records and uncounted personal bests in all the events. Even a glimpse of the top 10 performances reflects the quality of the athletes who have competed in the Golden West Invitational and the level of the competition which they have faced. (Check those marks and more, at www.GoldenWestInvitational.org.)

Don Gosney

Don Gosney

GWI Archives

Initially conceived as a post-season Southern California invitational, then as a western regional meet, the Golden West Invitational debuted in 1960 as the first national prep meet since the early 1930s.

After looking for a home at a number of locations in Southern California, the meet came to Sacramento in 1965, where it has provided the highest level of competition for the nation’s best prep athletes for the past 45 years.

2009 will be the 50th edition of the Golden West. It is by far the longest running post-season high school meet; the next longest are two regional meets, the Golden South and the Great Southwest Meet of Champions, which have each been around for about 30 years.

(left photo) Nick Hysong vaulted a 16-6 and took second at the 1990 Golden West to a fellow named Jayson Lavendar of Wichita Falls, Texas (16-9). Nick went on to win a pole vault Gold Medal at the 2000 Olympics with a vault of 19-4. (middle photo) California distance runner Julia Stamps was a four-time Golden West Invitational champion (1994-1997), with three mile wins and one 3200 meter win. She went on to Stanford and successful NCAA competition. (right photo) Tommy Skipper still holds the Golden West Invitational best pole vault mark, 18-3, set in 2003.

For many years, the Golden West was a meet built on the idea of “go for broke” competition—no heats, no trials, no team score, no relay pressures. The desire was simply to bring athletes from throughout the country to a common site—all experiencing the same weather, the same conditions—and provide those athletes an opportunity to establish supremacy, to challenge themselves, to achieve personal bests. It’s done in events with eight or nine contestants which lead to great competitions and performances.

For the first 28 years, the meet was limited to senior boys only. In 1988, a girl’s program was added, and the seniors-only requirement was removed in the early 1990s.

In recent years, the meet, which is now presented by the Pacific Association of United States Track & Field (PA/USATF) and sponsored by adidas, has changed the format to permit wider 16 c t & r n • a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9

Past participants of the Golden West have represented the United States in every Olympic Games since 1964. Over 150 slots on the American Olympic teams have been filled by GWI alums. They have won 57 medals, 30 of them Gold. (An additional seven GWI athletes have represented their native countries of France, Ireland, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, Jamaica, Antigua, and Cape Verde Islands.)

GWI alums include track legends Evelyn Ashford (multitime 100-meter world recordholder and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist); Bob Beamon (first person ever to jump 29 feet in the long jump and Mexico City Olympic champion); Marty Liquori; Steve Prefontaine (Olympic Bronze medalist and one-time American recordholder at 5000 meters); Jim Ryun (former world recordholder at 1500 and mile); Tommy Smith (former world recordholder and Mexico City Olympic champion at 200

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CaliforniaTrack &RunningNews presents the

! e e r F

April-June 2009

Runner’s Schedule Calendar YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING, WALKING, TRAIL & MULTI-SPORTS IN CALIFORNIA containing events through December 2009!

45,000 Copies Distributed!

Clay Shaw

The ING Bay to Breakers is the official site of the World Centipede Running Championships. The centipede competition is the result of a historic run in 1978 when 13 leggy Aggie Running Club athletes competed in the race tethered together with plastic garbage bags and duct tape.

Check inside for information on these upcoming races: • ING Bay to Breakers 12K • Lake Tahoe Marathon • Big Sur International Marathon

You can also find this calendar at www.caltrack.com.

l a i c spe ion t i d E ar d n e l Ca

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Centipede Participant’s & Spectator’s Guide

By Mark Winitz

Clay Shaw

What is a centipede?

In ING Bay to Breakers terms, a centipede is composed of tethered runners (or segments) who participate in the race. Often centipede or ’pede participants run in artistic costumes, but elite, or seeded, ’pedes, bestowed with limber limbs and swift insect genes, vie for top places. Adult centipedes consist of 13 runners, plus floaters who may run alongside and substitute for any of the other runners (1 floater for Fun Runner Centipedes and 2 for Seeded Centipedes). Youth centipedes consist of 6 runners tethered together and 1 floater.

The ING Bay to Breakers is the official site of the World Centipede Running Championships. The centipede competition is the result of a historic run in 1978 when 13 leggy Aggie Running Club athletes competed in the race tethered together with plastic garbage bags and duct tape.

Interview with Peanut Harms, Original ’Pede Segment CTRN contacted Dwayne “Peanut” Harms, a co-founder of the Aggie Running Club, for an inside story about centipede mania. .

California Track & Running News: Who originally had the idea for tethered runners, and how did it come about?

Peanut Harms: It was a group decision that we came up with at one of the Aggie Running Club meetings. The Aggie RC was an official university club at UC-Davis made up of competitive runners, faculty members, and community people. We ran every day, raced every weekend, and we were looking for something a little different to do. In 1978, we chartered a bus to go to Breakers and we wanted to do something crazy, fun, and different. My next recollection is in the auxiliary gym at Davis, ripping up garbage bags, cutting holes in them, and attaching them together with tape. The bus trip was wild, sort of like a Ken Kesey–type experience. Prior to that first year we ran, the race was simply a race. From that day forward, the race changed forever.

CTRN: Who came up with the term centipede, you or Angel Martinez (another member of the Aggie Running Club)?

PH: Probably Angel. He was the president of the club and ended up single-handedly writing up the Official Centipede Rules [see sidebar], and in his own creative way, crafted 99 percent of the original centipede. He drew the first concept drawing of a centipede, as well. In all honesty, though, the number of runners (13), and the spacing between them (5 feet) was purely arbitrary. The concept just looked like a centipede, so the name was natural.

CTRN: Who ran in the first centipede and what was the experience like?

PH: The first centipede started in the very back of the crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 runners who participated at that time. It was a co-ed team made up of Aggie Running Club members. We weaved in and out of the crowd until we reached the finish line. After the race, we went to our special spot in Golden Gate Park and played ultimate frisbee and had a big party.

CTRN: How did other runners in Breakers react to the first centipedes?

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PH: We were surely a novelty, and we were well received except by the serious runners we would pull up on. When we started running fast, sub-5 minute pace, people were shocked. When we finished 13th through 26th overall, people were astonished. The race was on.

PH: I think it was in the second year, in ’79. We said, “Last year was fun. I wonder how fast we can run?” We didn’t change our preparation, and didn’t change much else, but we just ran faster. Then came the sponsors for our ’pede, and, as it turned out, our pace was close to the pace of the first overall woman. The media picked up on that. They started asking Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, and Rosa Mota [1985–87 women’s champions], and the many great female African runners, “Do you think you can beat the centipede?” Joanie [Benoit] was particularly good at answering this question in a fun kind of way at the pre-race press conference. But many of the invited female runners were often perplexed or incredulous when they were asked this question by the media. This same dialog goes on to this very day.

Clay Shaw

CTRN: When did real centipede competition start?

CTRN: What was the competition like between teams during the early days of centipede competition?

PH: We had friendly ’pede competition with the West Valley Track Club at Breakers in the early days. The Aggies and West Valley TC would hammer at each other frequently in Pacific Association/USATF [then Pacific Association/TAC] competition, and it was an outgrowth of that. They had some great runners: Duncan MacDonald, Mike Pinocci, Gary Goettelmann, Mike Porter, and Benton Hart. They loaded up their centipedes. It was a challenge race because we were the two top clubs in Northern California.

Then, people started putting together all-star ’pedes to go at us, recruiting runners from across the country to try and knock us off.

CTRN: Which centipede was the best, competitively, in your memory? According to the Breakers’ website, the Aggies set both the men’s centipede record (37:39) and the women’s centipede record (47:36) in 1990.

PH: I was the lead ’pede’s number 1 runner during many of the real fast years when we broke into the top 15 overall places, beating many of the seeded male runners. I sort of lost track of record times when the race changed to 12K [in 1983]. We’ve always stayed with all-Aggie Running Club members for our ’pedes—no all-star teams. Exsteeplechasers do well in ’peding because they’re used to the closeness of the runner in front of you and the [unintentional] tripping that goes on.

If you really think about it, 13 people running that close, that fast is simply remarkable.

PH: Ivan Huff [a world-class U.S. steeplechaser in the 1980s], Mark Schilling [NCAA double champion at 880m and one mile]. Mark Conover [1988 U.S. Olympic marathoner] may have run, 1984 Olympian Carmelo Rios [Puerto Rico, steeplechase] ran several times.

Jeff Atkinson [1988 U.S. Olympian, 1500m] may have been in there.

On the women’s side, I think Kara June [top U.S. steeplechaser and ’08 Olympic Trials qualifier] is the fastest. Today, many excellent young runners in the club have embraced centipede racing as the ultimate team sport.

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Clay Shaw

CTRN: Who is the fastest runner you know of who competed in a centipede?

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CTRN: Has the VO2 max (maximal oxygen uptake) of an Aggie centipede ever been measured in a UC-Davis exercise physiology lab?

PH (laughs and answers jokingly): Well, they tried to hook up leads from 13 treadmills, one for each centipede runner, to a single mass spectrometer for measuring the oxygen gases. But it wouldn’t work. The gasses got all mixed up together.

Clay Shaw

CTRN: What is it like to be the slowest runner in your centipede? Any idea?

PH: First of all, high-speed centipede racing is the most intense kind of racing there is. You’re smoking along at 5-minute pace, 5 feet from the person in front of you. There are crazy people (unregistered “bandits”) flying in from all sides. I clearly remember, when I got older and started slowing down a bit, being lifted off the ground and dragged along through the park when we hit sub-4:40 pace. Running behind Mark Schilling, all 6-3, 200 pounds of him, and not being able to see, was absolutely frightening at times. But when we hit the Great Highway and the finish line, it was all worthwhile.

CTRN: How about costumed centipedes? When do you recall that they started?

PH: The very next year after we ran our first ’pede in ’78. That sort of made it okay for people to go nuts. The fact that we were featured on the front page of the San Francisco newspaper the next morning after our first centipede run changed the race forever. The article, with a photo, said “Centipede Weaves Its Way Through Bay to Breakers Crowd.” The very next year, folks started getting creative with centipedes, stamping San Francisco’s flavor as a city that likes odd stuff on the race.

CTRN: Who came up with all the crazy centipede rules such as the required Lenichi Turn, twinkie feelers on the head of each runner, and the stinger on the last runner?

PH: The Lenichi Turn was brought to the U.S. by Igatoo Lenichi after Pete and Oscar Sweeney visited Poland and befriended the entire Town of Lenichi in 1978. Marathon champion and UCD graduate Ed Schelegle of the Aggies, who is now an associate professor at UC-Davis, created the Twinkie Feelers and the Captain Juice Alien Detector Goggles that were used in at least two Bay to Breakers. They occupy a cherished place in the Centipede Hall of Fame. I think Angel created the stinger. The amazing transformations in the costume itself could be a chapter in a book.

CTRN: What is the method of executing a good, clean Lenichi Turn?

PH: That’s an easy question. The lead ’pede signals the rest of the ’pede to prepare for the turn.

Communication is the key. The lead segment says “Lenichi left!”, and curls tight to the left. The danger comes when the end of the ’pede is whip-lashed at the end of the turn. There is also the insane move of turning and going head-on into as many as 70,000 to 100,000 people. You just want to do it, get it over with, and start running fast again.

CTRN: How about the floaters? What’s the current strategy on using them effectively?

PH: The floater has been part of the centipede rules since the beginning. They’re like substitutes in a basketball game. Today, the floaters and blockers are used as a safety issue as much as anything else. They’re the eyes and the ears for the centipede in many respects. They let other runners know that a centipede is coming through, and it could be coming through fast. What’s

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amazing is that over the years I don’t think anyone has been seriously injured while running in a centipede.

CTRN: Why are there separate rules for Fun Runner Centipedes and Seeded Centipedes?

PH: I have no idea. Corporate America has tried many times to add structure to the whole centipede concept. The bottom line is, no matter whether you’re running fast or slow ... the important thing is to have fun and celebrate the diversity of the experience.

PH: All together, it was just the fun of it all, the sheer enjoyment of people getting together and having a great time through the sport of running. That’s what it’s all about.

Clay Shaw

CTRN: What’s your most memorable centipede experience?

ING Bay to Breakers Centipede Winners Note: Official centipede competition began in 1986.

Year 1978 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Men First centipede (Aggies) Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies PowerBar Aggies Aggies PowerBar Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Transports Aggies Transports Transports Aggies

Time ...

41:50 41:04 40:21 41:37 40:24 38:58 39:14 38:30 38:14 38:26 37:40** 39:12 38:55 38:51 38:19 38:43 39:24 40:09 39:26 39:33 40:54 39:20 39:06 N/A 39:17 39:16 39:01 38:05

Women

Time

— — — — — Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Tamalpa Aggies Aggies Clif Bar Aggies Aggies Aggies Impala Impala Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies Aggies

50:40 48:47 49:20 47:38 48:38 51:55 48:47 48:46 48:04 47:57 51:44 48:45 47:11** 49:05 N/A N/A 49:24 48:18 48:30 49:13 47:52 47:54

**records

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Centipede Rules Fun Runner Centipede Rules ING Bay to Breakers does not require group registration for Fun Runner Centipedes.

Each individual should register separately.

Competition guidelines were adopted by the International Centipede Congress long, long ago.

1. Each adult centipede must consist of 13 runners plus 1 floater who runs alongside, substituting for runners who lose a shoe, drop off the pace, or need to make a pit stop.

2. Each youth centipede must consist of 6 runners plus 1 floater. All runners must be from the same school or club and must be in the 9th grade or below.

3. The adult centipede body must be 60 feet long. Youth centipedes must measure exactly 32 feet. Judges will measure every centipede in order to curtail illegal modifications.

4. A centipede may be made of any material that an organization, school, or club deems appropriate. However, try to keep it light, flexible, and wellventilated. Allow at least 4 feet between individual leg segments.

5. Twinkie feelers on the head of each segment are required.

6. The final segment of each centipede must wear a stinger of appropriate design.

7. Each segment must be filled with a registered centipede athlete in order to be eligible for official awards.

8. During the entire competition, all required body segments must be present in the centipede body. If a segment is to be exchanged, the replacement must give the centipede’s official password to exclude unauthorized participants.

9. To re-enter the centipede, a displaced runner must catch up with the body and resume his original segment, which the floater has been occupying. The official password and secret acknowledgment must be repeated each time. If the floater makes a permanent substitution, no other substitutions are allowed.

10. An adult team must finish with 13 runners including at least 12 of the original runners comprising the centipede, plus the official floater. A youth team must finish with 6 runners

including 5 of the original runners plus the floater.

11. Decals or other advertisements for high performance may be displayed on any centipede body.

12. A Lenichi Turn, a 360-degree turn made famous by two Eastern European centipede runners (Oscar and Igatoo Lenichi) in the 18th century, must be executed at Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park just beyond the 6-mile point.

The Lenichi Turn must not interfere with other runners.

13. All centipedes must start from the rear of the Fun Runners’ pack with their stingers up against the remnants of Pier 16 on the Bay’s edge at the foot of Howard Street. Each centipede will be checked in prior to the race to prevent questionable starts.

Centipede Categories • VELOCIPEDE: Men only.

• SPEEDYPEDE: Women only.

• SPLITPEDE: Coed. No more than 7 of one gender.

• MINIPEDE: Youth, 9th grade or below,

COURSE MAP

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with 3 boys and 3 girls.

• SEEDED-PEDE: Male and female. See Seeded Centipede below for information. Awards will be given to the fastest Seeded Centipede.

Seeded Centipede Registration Instructions Seeded Centipedes must follow the same guidelines as other Seeded Division runners.

• Register by mail and provide written proof of qualifying times.

• Registrations must be postmarked by April 15.

• Send all registration forms for the group in one package.

• Race packets can be prepared for individual or group pick-up. Please specify your preference when you submit your applications.

• Registration forms can be found on the Seeded Registration Page of the ING Bay to Breakers website. Online registration is not available.

Seeded Centipede Competition Instructions

1. A centipede consists of 13 connected individuals and a maximum of 2 unconnected alternates.

2. All 15 individuals in the centipede must qualify for seeded status in order to start

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the race in the seeded section.

3. Men’s qualifying times are 34:30 10K; 42:30 12K; 2:44 Marathon. Women’s qualifying times are 40:00 10K; 48:30 12K; 3:08 Marathon.

4. Each member of the centipede must present written proof of that qualifying time. Qualifying time must be from a USATF-certified race within one calendar year of the ING Bay to Breakers and may include last year’s ING Bay to Breakers.

5. To ensure safety, please keep costumes simple.

6. Seeded centipedes start the race at the back of the seeded section. Placement violations will result in disqualification.

7. Seeded centipedes must check in before 7 a.m. on race morning. The check-in area is located at Mission and Main Streets.

Any team or individual members arriving after 7 a.m. will not be admitted to the seeded section.

8. The first person in each centipede to cross the finish line determines the finishing time for all 13 individuals in the centipede and the official finishing time for that centipede. The 14th and 15th members of the centipedes (alternates), whether or not they finish

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with the other 13 members, will be treated as individual finishers with their own times.

9. There must be 13 connected finishers in a centipede to win or place. All 13 members must exit the rear of the finish line chute or the centipede will be disqualified.

10. Individuals must write their own name and their centipede team name on their runner number tear-off tag.

11. (Optional) The Lenichi Turn is optional for seeded competition.

12. (Optional) Twinkie feelers for the first person in each centipede, but the entire team is encouraged to wear them.

13. (Optional) The end of each centipede should have a stinger at least six inches in length.

14. The centipede must be no more than 60 feet long, allowing at least 4 feet between leg segments. Race officials prior to the start will measure each centipede from nose to stinger.▲ ingbaytobreakers.com

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Calendar

April 4, SAT Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Come and join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an old Marine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. at Sycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain or shine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee for volunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt, and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-year supporter. Online www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/8551950

Palo Alto: Skyline Ridge Half Marathon & 10K™ - 19th annual. $30-10K/Half, $35 after 2/28. w/t-s. We like to call the trails at Skyline Open Space Preserve "skyscrapers." Why? Because while your running along the exposed ridge, you feel like you can almost reach out and touch the clouds. EnviroSports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Columbia: Old Mill Run 10K, Kid’s Mile & Mini Mile, 9am $25, $30 after 4/14, 2M 8am $20/$25, Kids 8:45am $15/$20.

Columbia State Park; rolling certified loop course in the beautiful Gold Country. Online TheSchedule.com; cathiepeacock@yahoo.com

Lodi: Easter Run & Fun 5K, 1M, Kids Run, 8:10am $20, $25 after 3/30 w/carnival, pancake breakfast. Lodi Lake.

Granite Bay Duathlon (4mR-14mB-4mR), www.tbfracing.com http\\easterrun.cal-events.net; easterrun@bearcreekchurch.info April 19, SUN Sausalito: Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, Half Marathon Ice Breaker Tri, www.tbfracing.com & 7 Mile™ - 21st annual. $30-7mi/Half, $35 after 3/15. $55–Marathon, $60 after 3/15. w/t-s. Along this scenic trail run San Rafael: Marin County Marathon, Half, 10K, Kids Run, through the Marin Headlands, you'll soak in panoramic vistas of 7am. McNear’s Beach. www.Marincounty.com, trimark@comcast.net the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco cityscape and the lush Pacific shoreline peppered with vibrant wildflowers.

April 26, SUN Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829. Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members. Sailboat April 5, SUN House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Certified, flat loop course. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org Mountain View: Run for Zimbabwe Orphan & Zimbabwean Fair 1/2M & 1M X-C (10h) Pope Valley: Golden Gate Bi Series-Pope Valley Biathlon Mountain View: 10th Annual Run for Zimbabwe Orphans. 1-4 p.m. 1120 Miramonte Ave. St. Joseph School. X-country for a cause featuring 100 yd. for Special Olympians; 220 yd. for PreSchool; 1/2 mile for Kindergarten and mile races for grade school to adults. Zimbabwean Fair & African raffle prizes. $5 entry. $10 T-shirt. Contact Ellen & Bill Clark 650 941 9206 or www.ZimbabweParaguay.org . Benefits Makumbi Children's Home.

(5KR-21mRB-2mR), 10am $35, $40 race day w/t-s and awards to all finishers, Teams $40/$45. Located east of Angwin at Pope Valley Farmer’s Center; very scenic slightly hilly run, slightly hilly bike. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778 (7-10am & pm).

Ice Breaker Swim, http://www.tbfracing.com

Area. Both courses take place on the American River Parkway –

May 2, SAT Napa: Napa Valley Vintage Half-Iron Triathlon™ - 5th April 11, SAT annual. $160- Individual, $225 – Relay Team, w/t-s. Prices go Stinson Beach: Muir Woods Marathon, 25K & 7 Mile™ - 21st up 9/13. 1.2m swim, 56m bike, 13.1m run. Enjoy the course along Lake Berryessa through the rolling countryside of Chiles annual. $30-7mi/25K, $35 after 3/28. $50–Marathon, $60 and Pope Valleys. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, after 3/28. w/t-s. As you run this course, you will drink in the fresh smell of the towering redwoods and oaks that surround CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829. you. Your summit will be rewarded with panoramic vistas as you begin your descent back into Stinson Beach. Enviro-Sports, Sacramento: Parkway Half Marathon & 5k (3rd), PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; $38/$48/$60 – 4/6, 4/25, 4/26-5/2, 7:15am Walker Start, info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829. 8:15am Runner Start, 8:30am 5k Start. William Pond Recreation April 12, SUN Pescadero: Artichoke Half Marathon, 10K Run/Stride, 9am $25, $30 race day w/t-s and awards to all. Pescadero Exit off Hwy One (14M S of Half Moon Bay) Pescadero Road East to Stage Road, turn right to Native Son’ s Hall; very scenic out/back level paved road and 3M of trails. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778.

April 18, SAT Emeryville: World’s Shortest Triathlon for the World’s Smallest City ( 100ydS-2.6mB-1.9mR)(3rd), 8am 45, $50 after 4/15 w/t-s, Breakfast, Prizes, Awards; 18 & Under $35/$40. Short, fast, fun; Emery School (47th & San Pablo) check in City Hall-corner of 45th & Hollis. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

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DISCLAIMER Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of the information provided in the Calendar. However, the publisher is not responsible for errors, omissions or changes made after publication. You can save yourself time, money and frustration by pre-registering for events (especially before making any travel arrangements). You may wish to confirm by telephone with organizers the date, time and location just prior to the event.

LISTING YOUR EVENT For $75, your listing will be in print and online through the event date. Changes may be made at any time at no additional charge. Call 415-472-7223 for information.

ONLINE CALENDAR An up-to-date version of the Calendar can be found online at www.TheSchedule.com. © 2008, The Runner’s Schedule. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without consent of the publisher.

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the nation’s longest, continuous wild and scenic riparian parkway in a major metropolitan area. Micro-fiber shirts, beautiful finisher medals, ChampionChip Timing, entertainment, extremely fast and scenic route, awards, food & beverages, www.parkwayhalf.com, (916) 492-8966. Organized by Capital Road Race Management and SacFit. May 3, SUN Napa: Napa Valley Sprint Triathlon™ - 11th annual. $80, $90 after 9/14, w/t-s. 1/2m swim, 15m bike, 4m run. Enjoy the course in and along Lake Berryessa as you're surrounded by Napa Valley's beauty. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Fair Oaks: Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M, 2.3M Walk, 1/4 & 1/2 M Kids’ Runs (29th), 8:30am $25/$30 after 4/25 w/unique race shirt. Fair Oaks (12M N/E of Sac.). Community Clubhouse in the old Fair Oaks Village. The Most scenic, challenging and charming 5 mile race you will run/walk all year. Course is half paved roads and half dirt trail w/four tough hills including The Beast. Food, beverages, awards, music and Championchip Timing. Limit 1,000. CRRM, PO Box 19027, 95819; rich@capitalroadrace.com; online www.capitalroadrace.com; 916/492-8966 May 9, SAT Mill Valley: Mt. Tam Wild Boar Ridge Run 10K & 18K™ 23rd anniversary. $30-10K/18K, $35 after 4/25; w/t-s. You'll follow a combination of paved roadways and dirt singletrack trails offering striking views of Bolinas Lagoon, the Pacific Ocean and Marin County watershed. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Pleasanton: California Peace Officiers (CPOA) Memorial Run 5K,10K, Kids Run, 9am $30/$35 after 5/6 w/Bar BQ, T-s, raffle prizes, trophies & medals ($10 non-runner BarBQ/$7 Kids); $10/$15 Kids Mile; Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 May 10, SUN Angels Camp: Angels Camp Triathlon (1000ydS-16mB4mR)(17th), 8:30am $55, $65 after 5/6 w/t-s, Great Prizes, Awards, Very cool Trohpy, Beer & Free Bar BQ ($10 for nonrunner); Relay $155/$190. New Melones Lake Recreation area.

On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 May 16, SAT Beijing, China; Great Wall marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10k and 5k, Contact LeRoy 3 time finisher for registration and package Information. leroy@ letatravelvacations.com; www.letstravel vacations.com; 800-383-9648 May 17, SUN Berkeley: Tilden Tough Ten Miler, 10 Miles (22nd), 8am $20 (LMJS members) $25( non-members), $30 race day w/t-s, awards, raffle, refreshments. Field is limited to 300 runners.

Inspiration Point Parking Lot, Tilden Park; hilly 10M out/back along Nimitz Way. Sub-60, 70 and 80 minute t-shirts. For entry send SASE : LMJS, 1910 Arrowhead Dr., Oakland 94611; www.LMJS.org; Hotline: 510/644-4224 May 23, SAT Morgan Hill: Mushroom Mardi Gras 5K & 10K Fun Runs (30th), 8 am $25; $20 U-18, $30/$25 after 05/15 w/t-s.

Anderson Lake County Park Ranger Station; flat out & back course on scenic Coyote Creek Bike Path. $45 gift certificate to top overall M/F from Go Run Sports. Proceeds benefit Live Oak High School Athletic programs. Online registration

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www.TheSchedule.com; mushroommardigrasfunruns@ yahoo.com, liveoakathleticboosters@yahoo.com May 24, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. . Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org Jersey City, NJ: LIBERTY TO LIBERTY TRIATHLON™ - 27th annual. $300-Ind, $375-Teams; w/t-s. New York to Philadelphia starting with a swim in the Hudson River, a bike ride across the Garden State and a finish at the "Rocky" steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

May 25, MON Antioch: Deer Valley Super Sprint Triathlon, 8am Superkidz 7yrs-under (50ydS-1mB-.25mR), Superkidz 7-10 yrs (100ydS2mB-.5mR); Sprint Course (250ydS-8mB-2mR) Super course (500ydS-18mB-3.8mR), 8am Superkidz $15, Sprint course $35/$40, Team $40/$45 race day; Super course $40/$45, Team $45/$50. Medals for all, plus SuperKidzs. Kids 14 and under will win anaward! Prewitt Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Wy. Swim-pool, bike-slightly rolling loop, Run-paved path. Sky High 510/223-5778; www.TheSchedule.com Kentfield: 32nd Marin Memorial Day Races (formerly Pacific Sun Races) 10K, 2.5 Mile, and Youth Track Races, 8am2.5M; 8:15-10k; 9:45-Youth Races. $25/$20 (18-under) or $30/$25 after 5/18. Youth $5 w/o shirt. Flat, fast, certified courses, dramatic stadium finish. PA/USATF 10K Road Championship, $3,000 prizes, all divs. Engraved plaques 3 deep in all age groups (5 year divisions). S/F College of Marin.

Download entry form or reg online at www.marinraces.com.

Janet Bowman (415) 924-5976.

Trail through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest.

Late spring will provide young growth among the native trees and flora along the trail allowing for stunning views and ambient sounds of the Greenbrier River. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; http://www.envirosports.com, www.westvirginiamarathon.com; 415/868-1829.

June 6, SAT Tri for Fun Sprint Tri #1 (26th), http://www.tbfracing.com Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Come and join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an old Marine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. at Sycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain or shine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee for volunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt, and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-year supporter. www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950 June 7, SUN Castro Valley: Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon, 5K, & Free Children’s Run (26th), “An East bay Triple Crown Event”. 8am $35-Half/$20-5K, $40/$25 after 5/30 w/t-s, goody bag. RRCA CA State Half Marathon Trail Championship.

Lake Chabot Park Marina; hilly, mostly dirt fireroads, loop; 5K rolling paved, out/back. Children’s Run-free. runwithus@ msn.com; www.cvtrackclub.com; www.active.com Saratoga: Run/Walk for Lupus 5K (15th), 9am $20, $25 after 5/27 w/t-s, strawberry shortcake breakfast, and est. $10k in prizes to be awarded. S/F Fruitvale Ave., West Valley College; paved rolling tour of campus (2 closed loops). USATF certified (CA98008TK). Lupus Fdn. of Northern California, 2635 North First St., #206, San Jose, CA 95134; development@lfnc.org; Online reg. at www.lfnc.org; 408/954-8600; toll-free 800/523-3363

Sacramento: Buzz Oates No Excuses 5K (age-graded scoring), 8:30am $25/$30 after 5/18 w/t-s. William Land Park Village Green. Unique age-grading format, whimsical t-shirt, refreshments, plaques to top 50 overall, random prizes, Championchip Timing, Buzz Oates Hot Seat to 50th Place Finisher (Leather Recliner), real-time results on large screen television at finish line; _ & _ M Kids’ races, rich@capitalroadrace.com; www.capitalroadrace.com; www.noexcuses5K.com; 916/492-8966 May 29-30, FRI-SAT Reno: Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure 178M (5th), 7am. One of Reno-Tahoe’s newest & most exciting Special events; a team relay run on a 178M course through the Reno-Lake Tahoe region.

Peopleburningfatproductions@pyramid.net; www.renotahoeodyssey.com May 30, SAT Alexandria,SD: Greg Wagner Memorial 6 Mile Run, 20 Mile Walk, www.Mitchell Redcross.org, redcross@santel.net May 31, SUN Toa Baja, Puerto Rico: Carrera international Abraham Rosa 10K, Mar10k@prtc.net; www.raceabrajajamrosa.org Pescadero: Golden gate Bi Series-Pescadero Biathlon (5kR17mB-2mR), 9am $35, $40 race day wt-s and awards to all finishers, Teams $40/$45. Duarte’s Tavern (Stage Rd); out/back run, bike over flat terrain in rural setting, almost no traffic. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778 (7-10am & pm).

Marlinton, WV: WEST VIRGINIA MARATHON 7 HALF MARATHON™ - Inaugural. $85-Marathon, $50-Half Marathon. w/t-s. This race will take place on the scenic Greenbrier River

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Healdsburg: Healdsburg Fitch Mountain Foot Race 3K/10K (34th), 8am $25 adults (13-59), $20 (12& under, 60+), $30/$25 after 6/2 w/commemorative t-s. Pre-reg encouraged as t-shirts are guaranteed only to those who pre-register.

Healdsburg Historic Downtown Plaza; beautiful, paved , certified , rolling loop course. Great atmosphere, refreshments.

Jerry Strong, 14685 Grove St, 95448; chedstrong@sbcglobal.net; Online reg. www.TheSchedule.com; 707/576-6147 Mill Valley: Dipsea Race 7.1 Mile (99th), 8:30am Sharp! www.dipsea.org San Rafael: San Rafael One Mile Races, 7:45am 18-39; 8:15am 40 & over; 8:45am 18 & under, $20. S/F downtown San Rafael @ 4th & A St. Info and online @ www.marinruns.com; 415/246-1390 Sonoma: Hit the Road Jack 10K Run, 2.2M Walk/Run (22nd), 8am $20/$15-16 & under (both distances), $25/$20 after 5/23. S/F North side of downtown plaza; certified paved

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loop past vineyards, with one hill. Awards, live music, Ox Roast Festival and art show in Plaza after race. Hit the Road Jack, PO Box 1857, 95476; eventdirector@hittheroadjack.org; www.hittheroadjack.org; Active.com; 707/935-9566 June 13, SAT Gilroy: Henry Coe 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk, 9am $25, $30 after 6/11, $35 race day w/t-s. Henry W Coe State Park Hunting Hollow Entrance. Limited to first 250. Online www.theschedule.com June 20, SAT Pt Reyes/Limantour Beach: Limantour Odessey Half Marathon, 9am $30 until 7/17 10am-only online registration (no mail ins and no race day-National Park rules) w/t-s and awards to all. Limited to 100 participants! Limantour Upper parking lot; scenic out/back beach and trail run. Sky High Events; www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778.

Plesanton: Tri for Fun #1 (400ydS-11mB-3mR),

7am $55, $65 (if available-does sell out) w/t-s, Refreshments, Great Prizes. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. Outstanding for beginners/novice, time trial for the more esprienced. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 June 21, SUN Pleasanton: Plesanton Rotary Spirit Run 5K, 10K, 8am-10K, 8:20-5K, $25, $30 after 6/5 w/t-s,Great Prizes, Great Refreshments, Awards. Main St-Downtown under the arch. A father’s Day, Downtown Celebration. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 June 28, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org July 4, SAT Graeagle: Graeagle 5K/10K Run, Walk, Stride, 9am $20, $25 race day w/t-s, medals to all. Kids ¼ M Free (no t-s). S/F Graeagle Real Estate (49 miles no. of Truckee, Hwy 89); flat, scenic, road & trail in beautiful Mohawk Valley. Ideal vacation spot, swimming, restaurants, golf, cycling,etc. Sky High Events, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, 94820-0963; 510/223-5778; Online TheSchedule.com San Ramon: Run for San Ramon 5K, 10K, 8:30am-5K, 8:45am-10K, $25, $30 after 7/1 w/t-s, Refreshments, Awards, Raffle. Central Park, entrance on Alcosta Blvd. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 July 5, SUN Murphy: The Twisted Half Marathon 5K & 10K (22nd), 8am $30 5k/10K, $35 after 7/2, $35/$40-Half Mar. w/BarBQ @ Twisted Oak Winery ($10 non-runners), Awards, T-s, Raffle, Prize Money. Twisted Oak Winery. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 Graeagle: Graeagle Triathlon (.5mS-15mB-5kR), SuperKidz Tri, 8am $40, $50-Teams, $45/$55 race day w/t-s and medals for all. SuperKidz 7:45am (5-12 yrs) $15. Mill Pond next to Greagle General Store; S-warm water lake, B-loop flat, R-road run mostly flat, mild hills. Great for teams! Sky High Events, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, 94820-0963; 510/223-5778; Online TheSchedule.com July 11, SAT Tri for Fun Sprint Tri #2 (26th), http://www.tbfracing.com July 12, SUN San Francisco: Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim (1.5mS-7mR), Experience 2 of SF's preeminent landmarks up close & personal: 1.5 m. swim from Alcatraz with a 7 m. o/b run across the Golden Gate Bridge - swim only & relay options available. Register early - this event will fill up by Memorial Day at the latest! SFBaySwimmer@sbcglobal.net / www.alcatrazchallenge.us Tri for Real Olympic Distance Tri Series #2, http://www.tbfracing.com July 18, SAT Plesanton: Tri for Fun #2 (400ydS-11mB-3mR), 7am $55, $65 (if available-does sell out) w/t-s, Refreshments, Great Prizes.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. Outstanding for beginners/novice,

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time trial for the more esprienced. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 THE GREAT RACE® features a unique run-bike-paddle competition with many divisions for both ironpersons or relay teams. In its 36th year, the race is held along the beautiful American River Parkway, between Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. The three legs of the race consist of a 5.82 mile run, 12.5 mile cycle and a 6.35 mile paddle. Continuing this year is the Kaiser Permanente Kids Duathlon, a 2.5-mile run and a 6-mile bike ride that provides kids with their own event to compete in while family members are tackling THE GREAT RACE®.

July 19, SUN Dublin: Jail Break Run 5K, 10K, 8am $25, $30 after 7/17 w/Ts, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes, Awards. Run the grounds of the jail; ‘Santa Rita’ Jail (Alameda Country Jail). Benefits the Special Olympics. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 July 25, SAT Livermore: Del Valle Swim 1/2M, 1M, 2M and a Separate Swim/Run 1M & 3M (11th), 8:30am $35, $40 after 7/22, $50/$55 Swim/Run w/T-s, Raffle, Awards, Refreshments. Lake Del Valle Regional Park, Open water swim & Separate Swim/Run. Great for first time w/warm clear 74’ water. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 July 26, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. . Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org San Francisco: Run the Golden Gate Bridge in 2009 with The San Francisco Marathon! Featuring a full marathon, 2 half marathons and 5K. All proceeds benefit Youth Run4Fun. Fundraising options. www.runsfm.com Santa Cruz to Capitola: Wharf to Wharf 6 Mile (37th), 8:30am 40 bands along the point to point course. Limit 15,000 people, cash prizes. www.wharftowharf; kirby@wharftowaharf.com August 8, SAT Tri for Fun Sprint Tri #3 (26th), http://www.tbfracing.com Los Gatos: Dammit Run 5M, 8:30am #30 w/t-s ($15w/o), $40/$20 after 8/12. Los Gatos HS Track; rough, rocky dirt trails, loop, paved, hills. Bruce Springbett, 452 Montgomery Ave, 95030; Active.com; eds322@comcast.net; 408/354-2005 August 9, SUN The Tri fir Olympic Distance Series, http://www.tbfracing.com August 11, SAT Los Gatos: Dammit Run 5M, 8:30am $30 w/t-s ($15w/o), $40/$20 after 8/12. Los Gatos HS Track; rough, rocky dirt trails, loop, paved, hills. Bruce Springbett, 452 Montgomery Ave, 95030; Active.com; eds322@comcast.net; 408/354-2005 August 15, SAT San Francisco: ALCATRAZ SHARKFEST SWIM™ - 17th annual. $125; w/t-s. This is your chance to escape from the Rock. Don't wait to register, this event sells out 6 months in advance! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

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Plesanton: Tri for Fun #3 (400ydS-11mB-3mR)(22nd), 7am $55, $65 (if available-does sell out) w/t-s, Refreshments, Great Prizes. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. Outstanding for beginners/novice, time trial for the more esprienced. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 August 16, SUN Felton: Race Thru the Redwoods 10K, Kids 1M (41st), 8:30am $20/$25 after 8/14 w/t-s and pancake breakfast.

Henry Cowell Park. www.racethrutheredwoods.com; hafley@comcast.com August 23, SUN Oakland: Time IS ON Your Side 5K, 10K Run, 9am $6/8 nonmembers, $8/$10 race day w/prizes, awards. Sailboat House, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Guess your time and the closest wins. For entry send SASE to LMJS, 1910 Arrowhead Dr., Oakland 94611; www.LMJS.org; Hotline: 510/644-4224 El Sobrante: Lakeridge Triathlon (500ydS-11mB-5kR) Sprint (250ydS-11mB-2mR), 8am $50,60 after 9/1 $70 raceday; Teams $99/$120 w/t-s, lunch w/drink, water, one-day membership to Lakeridge (discount for LAC members & students w/valid ID). Lakeridge AC; S-pool, B-scenic on San Pablo Dam Rd., R-rolling hills. Medals for all. Lakeridge Athletic Club, 6350 San Pablo Dam Rd., 94803; triathlon@lakeridgeathletic.com; Online www.TheSchedule.com; Active.com; 510/222-2500 August 29, SAT, Tri for Kids Triathlon, http://www.tbfracing.com Super Sprint Triathlon, http://www.tbfracing.com August 30, SUN LUNA Bar Women's Triathlon Festival, http://www.tbfracing.com Mercer Island, WA: SEATTLE ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK TRIATHLON™ - 13th annual. $60-Ind, $120-Teams, $70/$150 after 7/30; w/t-s. Mercer Island, Washington, sets the stage for this beautiful course. We shut down an entire I-90 freeway just for this event! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

August 31, Mon Mt. Shasta Tinman Triathlon: A fun, family event. 740 yd swim, 10 mile bike, 4.5 mile run in the woods at the base of magnificent Mount Shasta. Benefits Dunsmuir Rotary community & youth projects. Contact Will Newman-tinman@wordsmithsmarketing.com September 6, SUN Bear Valley/N.CA: Bear Valley Triathlon (600yS-10.5mB3.25mR)(17th), 10am $55, $65 after 9/3, $155/$190 Relay w/Free BarBQ($10 for non-part.) & Beer! Great Prizes, Awards, T-s. Great race in great scenery; Bear Valley Lake, Bear Valley Village. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Come and join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an old Marine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. at Sycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain or shine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee for volunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt, and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-year supporter. Online www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/8551950

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September 13, SUN Oakland: Hope in Motion Half Marathon, 5K & 10K (2nd), 7:45am Half-$40/$45 after 8/31, 8am 5/10K-$30/$35 w/T-s, Refreshments, Awards and a Great sports bag. Lake Merritt/Boat House (560 Bellevue). Celebrating the birthplace of road running in the Bay Area. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 San Francisco: ALCATRAZ XXIX ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK TRIATHLON™ - 29th annual. $175-Ind, $300-Teams, $190/$360 after 12/31; w/t-s. This is your chance to escape from the ROCK and have the world famous triathlon experience, Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

September 19, SAT Pleasanton: Back to School Scholarship Run 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run(14th), 8:30am $25, $30 after 9/16 w/Monster Goodie Bags(25+lbs), Great Prizes(Trips, TVs etc), T-s, Refreshments. S hadow Cliff Regional Park. Presented by NCASMC. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 September 20, SUN Plesanton: Tri for Real (700ydS-19mB-4mR)(16th), 7am $65, $75 after 9/18(if available), Relay $185/$220) w/T-s, Awards, Refreshments, Great Prizes. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. The best trophy in California. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 September 26, SAT Big Sur: BIG SUR TRAIL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5 MILE™ 20th annual. $50-Mar, $30-Half/5M, $60/$35 after 9/11; w/t-s. You'll wind through the beautiful coastal forests and hills surrounding Big Sur River with redwood groves, oak and bay forests lining your path. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Manteca: The Central Valley Triathlon Sprint(500yS-16mB3.1mR) and Super Sprint(200yS-5mB-1mR), 8am $60, $70 after 923, $50/$60; Relay $170/$200 w/BarBQ ($10 non-part.), T-s, Awards, Raffle Prizes. Woodland Resevoir. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 September 27, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org Mountain View: Trailblazer Race 10K/5K Runs, 5K Trail Walk, Children's races (13th), 8:30am. Adult 10K or 5K Run: $25, $30 race day. Adult 5K Trail Walk: $15/$20. Youth 19 and under $10/$15. T-shirt included. S/F 1065 La Avenida Ave in Microsoft Campus, Shoreline Blvd exit off Hwy 101; scenic, paved & certified course on Stevens Creek Trail and Shoreline Park. Free children's races follow, along with refreshments, raffle, and a festival area. Reg form/and online reg www.stevencreektrail.org; Active.com; racers@stevenscreektrail.org or 408-255-5780.

October 3, SAT Napa: TRI, GIRL, TRI!® - 6th annual all women's triathlon. $70-Ind, $120-Teams, $80/$150 after 5/15; w/t-s. Now in its sixth year, our all-women's triathlon has fast become a favorite for first-timers as well as seasoned triathletes looking for a fun,

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supportive atmosphere! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

October 4, SUN Merced: Gateway to Yosemite Triathlon (800/400/200yS24/6/4mB-6/2/1mR)(26th), 8:30am $65, $75 after 10/1-Long, $55/$65-Short, $35/$40-Kids w/T-s, Free BarBQ ($10 nonpart.), Awards-5Yr age groups, Raffle Prizes. Merced College Pool-Pol Swim. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 Sacramento: Corelogic Cowtown Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5K, 7:30am $55 Marathon, $45 Half, $120 Mar. Relay, $25 5K by 8/29, $65/$52/$140/$30 by 9/25, $75/$60/$160/$35 race day. William Land Park. Microfiber shirts, live bands, Chip timing, unique finisher awards, scenic, fast course, post-race party. Capital Road Race Management, PO Box 19027, 95819; www.sacramentocowtownmarathon.com; rich@capitalroadrace.com; 916/492-8966 October 11, SUN Healdsburg: Wine Country Marathon, Half Marathon, www.winecountrymarathon.com; brad@eventswithsole.com Fremont: Happy Fish Run for Education 5K, 10K & Kids 1/2M, 1/4M (5th), 9am $25, $30 w/T-s, Refrshments, Awards, Prizes & kids activities (kids $10). Central park/Lake Elizabetha beautiful park setting. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 October 17, SAT Manteca: Central Valley Triathlon (500yS-16mB-3.1mR), (1.5KS-40KB-10KR), 7:30am $70, $80 after 10/14International, $60/$70-Sprint, Relay $170/$200(both) w/T-s, BarBQ ($10 non-part.), Awards, Raffle Prizes. Woodward Resevoir. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 October 24, SAT Brentwood/Livermore: Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run Half Marathon,10K, 5K, Kids 1K, 8am-Half, 5K/10K-8:30am $20, $25 after 9/30, $60 Family of 4 ($15 ea addtl) w/T-s, Goody Bag, Awards. The 10K & Half Marathon are hilly; Kellog Creek Picnic area in Los Vaqueros Watershed. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 October 25, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org October 31, SAT Napa: NAPA WINE COUNTRY MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K™ - 19th annual. $30-10K/Half, $35 after 10/16. $50–Marathon, $60 after 10/16. w/t-s. Babbling streams will be your soundtrack as you challenge yourself on the lush single-track trail within Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. EnviroSports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

November 1, SUN Camino: Apple Hill Harvest 8.5M, 3.5M Run/Walk, 1/4 & 1/2 M Kid’s Runs (30th), 8:55am 8.5M, 9am 3.5M $30/$35 after 10/24 w/LS shirt, Chip Timing, refreshments, drawing. 8:30am Kid’s _ & 1/4 M $16 w/t-s & special treat. ParaVi Winery; rolling paved loop through the scenic neighborhoods & fruit ranches of

Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

Apple Hill. Guaranteed LS/t-s to 1st 1,700. Free Satellite parking w/shuttle to race start. Apple Harvest theme. Camino School Club Benefit, rich@capitalroadrace.com, www.applehillrun.org; 916/492-8966 November 7, SAT Knights Ferry: Salmon Duathlon (5kR-30kB-2.5KR)(13th), 9am $45, $50 after 11/4, $85/$95-Relay w/T-s, Free Beer, Awards, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes. Stanislaus River Park-half way between Oakdale and Sonora. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; Hinfo@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 Knights Ferry: Salmon 5000 (5K) (13th), 9am $30, $35 after 11/4 w/T-s, Awards, Refreshments, & Free Beer. S tanislaus River Park. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 Stinson Beach: STINSON BEACH MARATHON, 25K & 7Mile™ - 19th annual. $30-10K/Half, $35 after 10/23. $50–Marathon, $60 after 10/23. w/t-s. The most varied course you'll ever experience with a beach start and a climb into the mountains with beautiful views and surroundings the whole way. EnviroSports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829 November 8, SUN Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Come and join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an old Marine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. at Sycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain or shine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee for volunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt, and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-year supporter. www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950 Fresno: join the legendary Dick Beardsley for the second running of the Eye-Q Two Cities Marathon and half located in the heart of California, central to San Francisco, Yosemite and the Sequoia NP. This event has something for everyone.

Marathon, half marathon, half marathon walk and 4 person relay. A $10,000 prize purse has been established to bring the finest athletes from around the nation to compete in the marathon and half. The course is USATF Cerified, fast and can be used as a Boston Qualifer. You will run along beautiful tree lined paved pedestrian and bike pathways through Fresno and Clovis. Last years event sold out early. The entries are limited to 5,000 participants. Register at www.RunFresno.com November 22, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org Vallejo-Mare Island: Return to Mare Island 3.1 Mile Run/Walk (4th), 9am $30, $35 after 11/20,, $15 All students, $70 Family of 3 w/Awards, T-s,, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes. Touro University (1310 Johnson Ln); scenic run through the Old Mare Island Navy Base including the Admiral’s housing. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832 November 26, THURS Sacramento: Run to Feed the Hungry 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk (16th), 10k -8:15am, 5k – 9:00am; $35/$40 race day, 15 and under $20 anytime. A Sacramento Thanksgiving morning tradition. Largest Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk in the U.S. with over 28,000 participants in ’08.Guaranteed LS t-s 1st 28,000.

CSUS (J/Carlson Sts.); cert., fast loop through one of Sac’s april—june 2009 • ct&rn

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most beautiful neighborhoods. $6,000+ prize money, $2,500 bonus $$, ChronoTrack Timing and live TV coverage, live music, Elvis. Benefits Sac Food Bank & Family Services. Run to Feed the Hungry, PO Box 19939, 95819; Online www.runtofeedthehungry.com; rich@capitalroadrace.com; 916/492-8966 November 28, SAT Join us for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009! The RRCA and AIMS certified marathon and half marathon courses consist of rolling hilly sections and scenic views of downtown Seattle and Lake Washington. The Seattle Marathon Family of Events also includes the Seattle Children’s Kids Marathon, the Seattle Marathon 5K Race presented by Road Runner Sports on November 28, and the Health+Fitness EXPO on November 27 & 28. For more information visit our website at: www.seattlemarathon.org

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December 5, SAT San Ramon: Bah Humbug Run 5K by the City of San Ramon, 9am $25, $30 after 12/1 w/Awards 5-yr age groups, Refreshments, Prizes, L/S T-s. Cornear of Camino Ramon & Bishop Dr. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; info@onyourmarkevents.com; www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

December 27, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members.

Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland.

Certified, flat loop course . Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org

November 28, SAT Join us for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009!

The RRCA and AIMS certified marathon and half marathon courses consist of rolling hilly sections and scenic views of downtown Seattle and Lake Washington. The Seattle Marathon Family of Events also includes the Seattle Children’s Kids Marathon, the Seattle Marathon 5K Race presented by Road Runner Sports on November 28, and the Health+Fitness EXPO on November 27 & 28. For more information visit our website at: www.seattlemarathon.org

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Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

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Golden West Invitational: A Prep Classic Turns 50! Continued from page 16

Don Gosney

vided the greatest athletic performances of the first 50 years?

For girl’s track, an argument can be made for Marion Jones (Thousand Oaks, CA)and her marvelous triple with three meet records (11.31; 23.01; 20-9) in 1993 although the stunning 9:58.51 for 3200m by Caitlin Chock (Granite Bay, CA) in 2004 is close.

For girl’s field, the national records in the pole vault set by Kara Costa (San Joaquin Memorial, Fresno) at 13-8.25 in 2003 and Tori Anthony (Castilleja, Palo Alto) at 14-1.25 in 2007.

For boy’s track: It’s a toss-up between Floyd Heard’s (Marshall, Milwaukee, WI) 10.27 (6th all-time) and 20.65 (5th all-time) sprint double in 1985 and Tim Danielson’s (Chula Vista, CA) 4:07.0 (7th all-time) and 8:55.4 two-mile (3rd alltime) double in 1966.

For boy’s field: Joe Richardson’s (Pasadena, CA) 26-0.75 (=4th all-time) and 53-6.5 NR in 1984 in what probably is the greatest demonstration of clutch jumping ever seen; Joe improved his personal best in the long jump by over 13 inches to defeat another competitor’s 26-0 and improved on his personal

Don Gosney

GWI Archives

meters); and Dwight Stones (two-time Olympic Bronze medalist and former world recordholder in the high jump).

More recent GWI alums who have represented the United States internationally in the Olympic Games and the World Championships include Stacy Dragila (who won the Sydney Olympics in 2000 in the pole vault and is the former world recordholder); Jeremy Wariner (the 2004 Olympic Champion in the 400 and Silver medalist in Beijing); David Neville (3rd in the 400 at the Beijing Olympics); Leonel Manzano (who reached the semi-finals in the 1500 at Beijing); Bershawn Jackson (3rd in the 400 hurdles at the Beijing Olympics); Andra Manson (who represented the U.S. in the high jump in Beijing); John Godina (a three-time winner of the shot at the World Championships); Marshevet Hooker (5th in the Beijing 200); Allyson Felix (a twotime winner of the 200m at the World Championships and a Silver medalist at both the Athens and Beijing Olympics); Monique Henderson (member of Gold medal 4x400m relay at Beijing); Nicole Teter (a semi-finalist in the 800m at Athens); Joanna Hayes (the 2004 Olympic champ in the 100m hurdles);

(left photo) A sign of the times! This circa 1965 photo reveals how girls were involved in the GWI at the time. The Golden West had a tradition of selecting girls from different high schools to “hold court” at each GWI. They presented awards and volunteered their help at the meet. Girls did not compete at the GWI until 1988. (middle photo) Jordan Hasay won the mile at the 2006 and 2007 GWI. In 2008 she was the winner of the 800 meter run. In 2006, she competed at the GWI as an eighth grader and placed fifth with a time of 4:56.38. (right photo) Jeremy Wariner competed in the 2002 GWI with a personal best time of 45.85.

Erica McLain (who represented the U.S. in the triple jump in Beijing); Michelle Carter (a shotputter for the U.S. in Beijing); Jill Camarena (a shotputter for the U.S. in Beijing); Suzy Powell (who represented the U.S. at the Atlanta, Sydney, and Beijing Olympics in the discus); and Hazel Clark (three-time Olympic team member in the 800m).

Other recent stars include Jordan Hasay, the national recordholder at 1500, a two-time Golden West mile champion and the 800-meter winner in 2008; nationally ranked sprinters Bianca Knight and Sholanda Solomon; middle distance stars Sara Bei Hall, Amy Mortimer, Chris Lukezic, Rob Myers, and Said Ahmed; hurdler Nicole Denby; high jumpers Chaunte Howard, Jesse Williams, and Dusty Jonas; 800-meter runners Christian Smith, Duane Solomon, and Jonathon Johnson, and many more.

One of the intriguing questions is which athletes have pro-

best in the triple jump on his last try by 13 inches to defeat the pending national record holder.

What is the best-ever GWI performance? That one is surprisingly easy as it is widely recognized that Michael Carter’s (Jefferson, Dallas, TX) 81-3.5 NR on his final put ever with the high school shot in 1979 is the best performance by a high schooler, anytime, anywhere. At the time, it was 9 feet better than the 72-3.25 best of the then-number two performer; it is still over 5 feet beyond the current number two, thirty years later.

The qualifying standards for entry into the 2009 meet and the entry procedure are at GoldenWestInvitational.org.

april–june 2009 • ct&rn

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Long Distance Running BEST MARKS Numerous 2008 Awards for Region’s Runners

BY MARK WINITZ It might be hard to find them on the same track: Don Bowden, the first American to go sub-4 minutes in the mile, who really considered himself a half-miler; and Tim Twietmeyer, 5-time Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run champion who got his start in ultra running in 1979 by running a 24-hour race on the oval.

But it was easy to get Bowden and Twietmeyer in the same room as keynote speakers for the 13th Annual Pacific Association/USATF Long Distance Running Awards Banquet. The banquet was held Jan. 31 in the restaurant at the McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael, and was superbly organized and hosted by the Tamalpa Runners.

Listening to Don and Tim speak reminded me that regardless of whether we run long, short, or in between, all runners have a lot more in common with each other than differences.

Speaking of the long and short, 76 trophies were awarded at the banquet to outstanding individual athletes, teams, and volunteers who participated in the four 2008 PA/USATF LDR Grand Prix circuits (short LDR, long LDR, cross country, and ultra running).

Bowden, 74, a 1956 Olympian, kicked off the banquet with an inspiring talk. The recent USA Track & Field Hall of Fame inductee described his roots in track at Lincoln High School (San Jose) where he was the student body president and set a national prep record in the half-mile, the influence of his legendary coach (Brutus Hamilton) at the University of California-Berkeley, the challenges of combining collegiate athletics with the pursuit of academic excellence, and his memorable mile race.

On June 1, 1957, while still a junior at UC-Berkeley, Bowden broke through the sub-4 barrier that only 3 years earlier people had called insurmountable—until Englishman Roger Bannister did it. Bowden ran 3:58.7 in a field of five runners before 2,500 spectators at the Pacific Association AAU Championship meet in Stockton and opened the gateway for American milers.

Twietmeyer then shared his thoughts and remembrances with the banquet attendees in a Q&A interview format with Tamalpa’s capable ultra trail runner Greg Nacco asking the questions. Nacco effectively provided an insight into Twietmeyer’s character by preceding the interview with a story about how Twietmeyer lent Nacco his gloves as they negotiated a bliz34 c t & r n • a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9

zard during the challenging Silver State 50 on Nevada’s Mt. Rose in the 1990s.

Twietmeyer, who has completed the Western States 100 in under 24 hours an unprecedented 25 times, answered questions from Nacco and the attendees such as: Did you ever drop a pacer? (Yes, with Ann Trason on his heels as he led the 1995 WS 100.) How do you run Western States well? (Hammer the downhills at half-marathon pace.)

The plethora of awards was bestowed by PA/USATF LDR committee chairs Tyler Abbott (men’s LDR), Katie Wasilenko (women’s LDR), and Hollis Lenderking (mountain/ultra/trail). Let’s review the major awards in three categories (road racing, cross country, and ultra running) for the 2008 year.

Road Racing Magadalena Lewy-Boulet (Saucony) received the PA/USATF female Road Runner of the Year Award for the third consecutive year despite a disappointment in the biggest race of her life. At the U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston, she placed second to Deena Kastor in a personal best 2:30:19. But about one week prior to the Olympic Games, Lewy-Boulet suffered from a stiff knee after hitting it on the arm of a shuttle bus. It forced her to drop out of the Olympic Marathon at approximately 20K. On the men’s side, Sergio Reyes (ASICS Aggies) earned the Road Runner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year as the leading open men’s point earner on both the short and long circuits of PA/USATF’s Road Grand Prix series. Reyes won four of the eight G.P. races in which he competed, and placed second in the other four.

Best Road Performance of the Year Awards went to recent Chico State University standout Scott Bauhs (13:37, Turkey Trot/Synaptics 5K), and former Stanford University All-American Theresa McWalters (16:12, Turkey Trot/Synaptics 5K). Bauhs’ Synaptics 5K performance also earned him the men’s Best AgeGraded Road Performance of the Year Award.

53-year-old Christine Kennedy’s 18:10 at the Banana Chase 5K pinned down women’s agegraded performance honors.

On the national USATF scene, at last December’s USATF Annual Meeting in Reno, longtime distance coach Bob Sevene (Marina) was honored with the 2008 H. Browning Ross Merit Award for contributions to men’s long distance running at the national level.

Cross Country Brian Pilcher’s (Tamalpa Runners) and Kara June’s (ASICS Aggies) solid harrier seasons

earned them PA/USATF Cross Country Runners of the Year awards. Pilcher, 52, dominated the highly competitive men’s senior (ages 50–59) ranks by racking up age-division wins in all nine Cross Country Grand Prix events.

His dominance carried over to the 2009 USA Cross Country Championships held February in Derwood, Maryland where Pilcher easily topped the 50–54 age division while defeating his closest rival—newly turned 50-year-old John Tuttle, a 1984 U.S. Olympic marathoner—by 53 seconds over the 8K distance.

Experience in PA/USATF competition, no doubt, assisted Pilcher, who scored a second overall men’s age-graded performance at the USA Cross Country Championships.

“I followed the Fluffy Bunny [a SoCal club] runners [at the USA Championships],” Pilcher said, “who I had raced with at the PA/USATF Cross Country Championships.

They’re very good runners and great guys. I managed to stay with a couple of them for most of the race.”

Kara June carried a successful ’08 track season, during which she placed sixth in the steeplechase at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, into a fine cross country campaign.

Following a little R&R after her outdoor season, the 26-year-old Fresno State University grad didn’t start racing on the turf until the last three PA/USATF Grand Prix events of the season. But she was dominant, winning when it counted most at the Shoreline Open, Tamalpa Challenge, and PA/USATF Championship cross country meets.

Ultra Running Summary courtesy Hollis Lenderking For the first time since the inception of PA/USATF LDR awards, neither 2008 Ultrarunner of the Year was a Grand Prix division champion. In fact, only one of the four nominees, 2007 Ultra ROY Jean Pommier, won his age group (men’s masters). Plus, Pommier was the strongest Grand Prix competitor of the season, male or female. Pommier’s co-nominee for the award, Erik Skaden, ran only two Ultra Grand Prix races (versus Pommier’s 10), but he earned 3 big overall wins on some of the toughest courses in the region— at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile, Silver State 50-Mile, and Diablo 50-Mile. In addition, Skaden was the top PA/USATF finisher overall in his 2 intensely competitive Grand Prix races (MiWok 100K and American River 50-Mile).

The nod for the 2008 male Ultrarunner of the Year Award narrowly went to Skaden.

Among women, Diana Fitzpatrick, age 50, may have competed only twice in the year, but Continued on page 44.

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Coming to Folsom:

+ + + THE BEST + + + High School Track & Field Athletes …where Olympic careers begin!

Celebrating 50 Years!

Saturday + June 13, 2009 Folsom High School Folsom + California

New !

Standardsy! a Enter toadtional.org stinvit

goldenwe

adidas Golden West Invitational 2009 Entry Standards

Event 100m Freshman Boys 100m Freshman Girls 100m 200m 400m Freshman Boys 400m Freshman Girls 400m 800m Freshman Boys Mile Freshman Girls Mile Mile (1600m) 3200m 110m/100m H 300mH High Jump Pole Vault Long Jump Triple Jump Shot Put Discus Hammer Javelin

Boys 10.99 11.99 22.50 49.99 51.99 1:59.99 4:45 4:25 9:40 15.50 39.99 6-05 14-08 22-00 44-00 53-00 150-00 175-00 175-00

Girls 12.30 13.3 25.50 59.99 61.99 2:22.00 5:45 5:15 11:25 15.50 47.50 5-00 11-00 17-00 34-00 40-00 125-00 125-00 125-00

New Freshman Events!

2008 Golden West Invitational Action Above Right: D’Angelo Cherry (Mt. Zion HS; Jonesboro, GA) sets a #10 all time 100m best for all conditions.

Below Left: National prep star Jordan Hasay (Arroyo Grande, CA) wins the 800 meter event. photos by Don Gosney

To ENTER, for more information & to purchase tickets visit:

GoldenWestInvitational.org

Organized by the Pacific Association - USATF 120 Ponderosa Court, Folsom, CA 95630 + 916/983-4715 + pausatf@aol.com + PAUSATF.org

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Shoe Review 2009 SPRING

SHOE REVIEWS: Neutral

iii

Motion Stabilizing

iv

Performance

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Two trends are in the forefront this season: gender and money. A few seasons back, some brands attempted to market to men and women separately—even with different names for the same shoes—with lessthan-successful results. This season, the shoes carry the same names and attempt to provide the same kind of running experience for runners of each gender. More than one-third of the shoes in our Review have been modified to account for differences between male and female runners. Men generally weigh more than women and have more muscle mass, which means they can more easily flex running shoes. They also land a little harder than women do. Designers adjusted their shoes to accommodate these very real differences. For men, the landing area is a bit larger and firmer, while the women’s models are, in comparison, softer and more flexible.

The second trend has been a noticeable jump in prices. This may have been some time in coming, as the world economy is shifting. Workers everywhere expect higher wages, the costs of resources and transportation have increased, and the bottom line is the bottom line—running shoes are not what they used to be. While they’re not rocket science, running shoes are technical, and technology, research, and delivery have very real costs associated with them.

Both trends coincide with the continued push to make running shoes better able to handle the idiosyncrasies of the human foot and, by extension, make your daily run more beneficial.

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Welcome to the Running Network’s 2009 Spring Shoe Review!

If you’ve been a longtime reader of our Reviews, you may notice that the review is now part of each Running Network magazine partner’s regular pages. We have done that, quite frankly, in response to the challenging economic times. Our focus is the weartesting and review of running footwear and providing that information to you, the running consumer, in a timely fashion. We publish two large reviews a year (in the spring and fall), and additional shoe features in the May, July, September, and November issues. In addition, we are excited to provide you with an expanded version of this Review—with reviews on an additional 10 shoes— online at www.runningnetwork.com in April 2009.

Please remember that our reviews are only the starting point on your personal journey to find the best running shoe for you. We urge you to visit your local running store for more help. If you don’t know where to find one, visit our website and we’ll help you locate your local running store.

Happy (and Healthy) Running and Walking!

Running Network LLC Partners

W ELCOME American Track & Field www.american-trackandfield.com Athletes Only www.atf-athlete.com Athletics (Canada) www.otfa.ca Austin Runner www.austinrunner.com California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com Club Running www.rrca.org/clubrunning Coaching Athletics Quarterly www.coachingathleticsq.com Colorado Runner www.coloradorunnermag.com Get Active! www.getactivemagazine.com Greater Long Island Running Club’s Footnotes www.glirc.org Latinos Corriendo www.latinoscorriendo.com Michigan Runner www.michiganrunner.net

Larry Eder President, Running Network LLC

Missouri Runner & Triathlete www.morunandtri.com

Award Winners BEST SHOE Neutral

SP

RIN G 200

9

BEST SHOE Performance SP

RIN G 200

9

BEST SHOE Motion Stabilizing

SP

RIN G 200

9

BEST VALUE SPRING 2009

BEST NEW SHOE SPRING 2009

BEST RENOVATION SPRING 2009

Saucony Triumph 6 Best Shoe—Neutral Zoot Ultra TT 2.0 Best Shoe—Performance adidas adiStar Salvation Best Shoe—Motion Stabilizing ASICS GEL–1140 Best Value

Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson Designer: Kristen Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: Running Network LLC, Larry Eder, President, 920.563.5551, ext. 112, larry.eder@gmail.com Publisher: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785 Website: www.runningnetwork.com For a Media Kit, please visit our website.

This 2009 Spring Shoe Review is produced independently by Running Network LLC for its partner publications. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.

Copyright © 2009 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC.

K-Swiss Run One miSOUL Tech Best New Shoe Diadora Mythos 280 GB Best Renovation

Running Network LLC and its partner publications suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.

ii | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

New York Runner www.nyrrc.org Running Journal & Racing South www.running.net RunMinnesota www.runmdra.org RunOhio www.runohio.com Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com USATF’s Fast Forward www.usatf.org USATF/New England’s Exchange Zone www.usatfne.org The Winged Foot www.nyac.org The Winged M www.themac.com Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com

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N EUTRAL adidas Supernova Glide—$100 The Supernova Glide is as good as the best neutral shoes in the adidas line. The name is new (it was previously the Supernova Cushion), but the other changes seem cosmetic until closer inspection. The changes, though slight, do improve the shoe. The upper features better breathability and reduced weight, thanks to a change in the mesh that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The GeoFit memory foam ankle collar still provides a cozy fit around the ankle. The midsole sports slight changes to the molding and retains the ForMotion cassette, so the ride is still the same. Subtle changes in the outersole’s appearance improve its flexibility, and adidas has kept the carbon heel-and-blown rubber combination that has worked well for the Supernova series. If the adidas fit and the neutral Supernova shoes have been your cup of tea, drink up.

“Fits great, very comfortable, and wraps around the foot nicely. They felt light weight and felt great while running. The cushioning was very noticeable—almost bouncy, but protective. The shoes are very comfortable, but I think a little overpriced.”

Sizes: Men 6.5–13 (whole & half sizes), 14–20 (whole sizes only); Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 11); Women 10.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, adiPRENE+ Strobel board (heel) • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

Diadora Mythos 280 GB—$100 The Mythos series displays the best Diadora Running offers, and the 280 GB is a nod to Olympic Marathon champion Gelindo Bordin, longtime brand icon and one of its key developers. The Mythos 280 improves the ride by adjusting its Axeler technology. The threadlike titanium wire is unchanged, but Axeler WI5 adds angled thermoplastic elements to absorb shock by flexing and then springing back to shape, providing an energetic toe-off. The upper is open airmesh with synthetic leather overlays to support the foot, and accommodate a range of foot shapes. Reliable Elaston foam means that the midsole is well cushioned and durable. The shank is vented, providing support and breathability.The outersole is Duratech 5000 and Flexoft (carbon rubber heel, blown rubber forefoot) because it works. New cushioning technology, fine-tuned fit, cushioned ride, and flexibility have earned the the Mythos 280 GB our Best Renovation award.

“The fit allows good heel fit and support with a good amount of toe room. I was impressed with the cushioning and forefoot flexibility, though they were heavier than other Diadora shoes I have tried.”

BEST RENOVATION SPRING 2009

Sizes: Men 6–13.5; Women 5.5–10 • Weight: Men 13.8 oz. (size 11); Women 11.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

New Balance 1063—$125 The 1063 stays true to the mission of its predecessors: providing great cushioning for low-arched, neutral feet. The upper has been upgraded for a bit more support, with a full rand, redesigned and repositioned overlays in the saddle and the toe, and a little softer mesh to go with the same smooth interior. The midsole sports a new configuration of DTS (Dynamic Transition System): a crash pad that improves the lateral release on touchdown and better smooths the foot’s transition through the footstrike. The forefoot cushioning has been enhanced with a little more Abzorb SBS, but, almost magically, the weight has been reduced (by almost 3% in the men’s shoe), which means less work for runners, and a little faster time on the watch.

“The shoes felt supportive and fit quite well. Excellent cushion, especially for long training runs. The support and cushion were better than expected, and this is a good step forward for NB.” Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E,4E); Women 7–11,12 (B,D) • Weight: Men 13.2 oz. (size 11); Women 11.0 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, Abzorb Strobel board • For: low- to medium-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Reebok Premier Ultra KFS VI—$120 If there were an award for best aesthetic improvement, the Premier Ultra KFS VI would certainly be in the running. Reebok has raised the bar to a new height, gaining ground in both fit and performance. The upper has received improvements to fit, support, and comfort. The KFS inserts have been repositioned nearer the instep, which opens the stretch mesh across the metatarsals, and the overlays have been enhanced from the midfoot to the heel to better secure the shoe to the foot. The midsole is still responsive, but a little better cushioned than version 5, thanks to minor tweaks to the DMX Shear and the shank.

The outersole features new flex grooves for better flexibility, and a noticeably more energetic toe-off. Runners looking for high mileage performance will do well to slip their neutral mid-arched feet into the Premier Ultra KFS VI. “Good fit, snug on the heel, and comfy toe box. Bit of a lift (roll up) at the tip of the toe box, which fosters a natural toe push-off. Definitely durable. After 100+ miles, no noticeable wear and tear—shoes still feel like new.”

Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 14.0 oz. (size 11); Women 11.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, DMX Foam Strobel board • For: medium to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Saucony Triumph 6—$125 The Triumph epitomizes the Saucony commitment to producing quality running shoes. The sixth edition, like other updated shoes in this review, requires close inspection to see the changes. The upper is much the same, but the tongue is better padded (though a good deal thinner), and the overlays have been trimmed back or repositioned to provide more open space across the metatarsal area, making the shoe bunion-friendly. The midsole appears largely untouched, though the shank reveals a bit more of the thermoplastic than the Triumph 5 did. The ride is responsive, with cushioning befitting the Triumph legacy. As with many of the shoes in this review, the Triumph 6 will cost a little more, but it’s worth it. The overall feel, craftsmanship, and ride were responsible for the Triumph 6 earning our Best Neutral Shoe award.

“The shoe felt light as I ran, probably from the comfortable fit through the arch. I liked the supportive stable feeling, and the good measure of cushioning. There are tiny differences [but] the shoe is very close to the last few versions I have used.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 12.7 oz. (size 11); Women 10.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, HRC Strobel board • For: low- to medium–high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics iii | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

BEST SHOE Neutral

SP

RIN G 200

9

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N EUTRAL /M OTION S TABILIZING Under Armour UA Apparition—$110 Under Armour is new to running footwear, but its development team is not. The UA Apparition, flying a bit under the radar, is actually the best shoe in its new line. The upper utilizes FootSleeve technology, which is similar to the gusseted tongue construction or monosock used in other running shoes. Like all such construction, whether it fits you is largely dependent on the shape and volume of your foot, so it really requires a try-on to tell if it works. The midsole is a combination of EVA and rubbery inserts—ArmourBound, ArmourLastic, and Cartilage—which make for quite a comfortable ride. The flat sole, which keeps the foot in contact with the ground during transition, and good flexibility permit the foot to move naturally. The carbon rubber outersole is unremarkable, except in its durability and good traction.

“This shoe fit very well. The more that I wore the shoe, the better it fit, but it had a lengthy break-in period. The cushion felt about right; it felt stiff at first, but broke in with running. Fairly comfortable shoe, I was pleased with its overall feeling.”

Sizes: Men 8–13,14,15; Women 6–11,12 • Weight: Men 13.9 oz. (size 11); Women 11.6 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

adidas adiStar Salvation—$140

BEST SHOE Motion Stabilizing

SP

RIN G 200

9

A new name for the old adiStar Control isn’t all that’s new about this shoe. The last (new about a year ago) has been dialed in to maximize the fit for as many runners as possible—a little to either side of a medium arch. The strength of the Salvation is that it fits well and has outstanding cushioning and stability. The upper switches to EVA in the tongue for better protection, a different open mesh, and repositioned overlays that reduce the weight. The midsole features a minor extension of the ProModerator support and a full-length adiPrene Strobel board for seamless cushioning. Small reductions here and there add up to almost half an ounce shaved off the weight of the shoe. The cushy ride and reliable stability earned the adiStar Salvation our Best Motion Stabilizing Shoe award.

“It fits very well. I feel that it gives very good arch support and toes have enough room. Very good cushion—almost like slippers underfoot. Foot felt stable and secure with no rolling. Pleased with the overall capabilities of the shoe.”

Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 13.3 oz. (size 11); Women 10.8 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, adiPRENE+ Strobel board (heel) • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

ASICS GEL–1140—$85

BEST VALUE SPRING 2009

The GEL-1140 has a lengthy heritage in the ASICS line. Runners looking for effective stability on a budget have always responded to this model. The 1100 series has been the beneficiary of a generous trickle-down of ASICS’ experience and technology.

The upper is little changed from the 1130, even using what appears to be the same mesh, with the expected minor tweaks to the overlays. The tailoring has been adjusted for a better heel fit and more room in the toebox. The midsole is time-proven SpEVA (ASICS’ preferred foam prior to its introduction of Solyte), and this configuration gives the 1140 a stable, well-cushioned ride. The outersole is classic ASICS fare: AHAR (carbon rubber) heel with a blown rubber forefoot. The combination of the fit, stability, ride, and—most of all—price earned the GEL-1140 our Best Value award.

“From the first time I tried the shoes on they fit my foot perfectly. I felt like my foot was supported and cushioned. It's like running on a gel pack. It seems to help my pushoff. My foot feels well balanced and secure in the shoes while I’m running.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16,17 (D), 7–13,14,15,16,17 (2E,4E); Women 5–12 (B,D) • Weight: Men 12.8 oz. (size 11); Women 10.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: slip-lasted • For: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9—$105 Over time, the Adrenaline series has been very consistent; the overall visual impression is one of gradual change. But it also retains the familiar, and that’s a strength of the Adrenaline—it fits and works for its audience. The Adrenaline GTS 9 is “one of the boys,” but with a few tricks up its sleeve. The upper is the same Element mesh, with slightly larger holes to better handle moisture from the foot. The midsole, added this season, is BioMogo, which does a great job of cushioning and, when you’re done with the shoe, it doesn’t last forever in a landfill. The ride is very stable with enough cushioning to keep runners coming back. The HPR carbon heel and blown rubber forefoot are effective and familiar—a known commodity. Runners who swear by the shoe will be pleased, and those looking for stability, fit, and cushioning, have another option to try.

“These shoes fit very well. I didn’t have any break-in period, right out of the box [they] fit. I like that. There were several pluses in these shoes: they were comfortable, durable, and stable. A good training shoe, not too heavy, not too light.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12,13 • Weight: Men 12.5 oz. (size 11); Women 10.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: combination Strobel lasted, Texon board (heel), S257 Strobel board (forefoot) • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

Etonic Jepara 3 SC—$110 The strength of the original Jepara was its combination of cushioning and effective stability. The Jepara 3 has outdistanced the earlier versions by tackling their weakness: weight. The upper is a uniform open mesh, with stretch mesh and HF-welds across the metatarsal region to provide a forgiving, yet supportive fit, and a much plusher feel. The midsole features redesigned flex grooves for better forefoot flexibility, an adjusted second density of foam for better stability, TPR inserts only in key impact areas, and a redesigned shank—all of which save weight while providing better stability and support. The effectiveness of the polyurethane innersole and EVA Strobel board combine to enhance the ride, just as they have in other Etonic shoes. The total weight saving is almost 1.4 ounces, testament to the role judicious use of materials plays in a quality running shoe.

“On the first few runs, I thought [it] was relatively stiff, but after a little break-in [it] fits well and is comfortable. The foot feels slightly controlled, but it does produce a comfortable footstrike. Compares well with the major brands I have tried.”

Sizes: Men 8–14; Women 6–12 • Weight: Men 13.4 oz. (size 11); Women 11.0 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

iv | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

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M OTION S TABILIZING Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride—$140 Karhu’s shoes over the past few seasons were appreciated for their low profile and responsive feeling. The Strong Fulcrum Ride features Karhu’s Fulcrum technology (think “mini teeter-totter”) to improve responsiveness by pivoting the foot forward after touchdown. Shortening the time on the heel also reduces overpronation. The upper is a well-supported airmesh, but with few overlays and a bunion-friendly open forefoot. The interior is plush and accommodating. The multi-part midsole features an effective heel crash pad and a stable configuration of the Fulcrum element with a flexible forefoot. The polyurethane memory foam innersole adds an extra measure of comfort. The durable, full-length carbon rubber outersole provided excellent traction.

“Great, low-profile fit, one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever put on. The cushion is very comfortable, but still bouncy. Strong lateral control, great on the ankles. Have really enjoyed these shoes on runs of 10 miles or shorter.”

Sizes: Men 8–13,14; Women 6–11 • Weight: Men 12.6 oz. (size 11); Women 10.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

K-Swiss Run One miSOUL Tech—$125 K-Swiss demonstrates its commitment to running with its new miSOUL (Modular Interchangeable Sole Technology), a midsole structure designed to accommodate different snap-in innersoles. The Run One comes with two options: a Cushion innersole with resilient rubbery inserts and a Light configuration. By changing them depending on your workout, they don’t get compressed as quickly as the traditional innersole. (You can also purchase replacements.) The combination-lasted design adds stability, along with the dual density midsole and shank supports of the miSOUL components. The upper is open airmesh with cooling perforations through the toecap and the perimeter of the heel, and rubbery thermoplastic overlays give a snug but forgiving midfoot fit. The outersole is traditional carbon rubber in the heel, blown rubber in the forefoot. The combination of the familiar and the innovative earned the K-Swiss Run One our Best New Shoe award.

“Quite comfortable, nestles my foot nicely, no signs of blistering or hot spots. I preferred the feel of the Light insole, it enveloped my heel much more snugly. I liked this shoe and the idea of two insoles.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14 (D); Women 6–11,12 (D) • Weight: Men 13.2 oz./14.0 oz. (size 11, with each insole); Women 11.1 oz./11.9 oz. (size 8, with each insole) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel combination lasted, Superfoam (forefoot) and thermoplastic (heel) Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 12—$100 Gender specificity, championed by the Structure Triax+ in the Nike line, is evident in this version, which is precisely tuned for men and women. This version features the unchanged midsole chassis that worked well for the Structure Triax 11: Phylon, an articulated second density with TPU, and a decoupled crash pad that curbs overpronation while allowing the foot to effectively transition. As a shoe that’s largely on target, the upper features only minor changes. The mesh has a better feel to it (smaller holes feel less coarse) and the overlays have been replaced with HF-welds wherever possible to reduce seams. The outersole is almost the same, with a slightly thicker Duralon layer in the forefoot providing extra protection. Devotees will find the Structure Triax+ 12 to their liking, and runners looking for a stable, supportive shoe with a roomy forefoot would be advised to give it consideration.

“The first few miles had a soft footfall and I wondered how many miles the cushion will hold up—it hasn’t quit yet. The shoes performed well, and overall I think they are as solid as the other shoes I’ve tried in the category.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15 (D,wide,narrow,4E); Women 5–12 (B,wide,narrow,4E widths) • Weight: Men 13.3 oz. (size 11); Women 11.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

Pearl Izumi SyncroPace III—$115 The evolution of Pearl Izumi’s SyncroFrame shoes has taken a stable technology and adapted the ride to increase the comfort, finally dialing in the combination of stability and cushion. The ride has been softened with a combination of Skydex and foam.

The major change is in the outersole, which has been segmented into pods to improve transition and flexibility. The cushioned feel up front is achieved by a new Skydex bag in the forefoot (effectively used in last season’s award-winning Streak), combined with a better midsole foam. The strength of the SyncroPace continues to be the stability of the SyncroFrame. A dual density innersole feels soft on top, but has a supportive, dense layer underfoot. The seamless upper offers a snug fit with a plush interior, a fan favorite. Several testers have a newfound respect for the shoes, which is testament to sound design.

“I love the fit of these shoes! They are comfortable the moment you put them on. The cushioning is the first thing you notice. They ride a little firmer than they feel, but I didn’t develop any problems/injuries elsewhere in my leg, hips, etc. I was impressed with it as an excellent, light shoe with a surprisingly long-term cushioning feel.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 • Weight: Men 14.2 oz. (size 11); Women 11.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

Under Armour UA Revenant—$120 After several years of development, Under Armour rolls out its running shoe line. The experienced development team guaranteed that every detail of the technology and function of the shoes was attended to. The upper is open airmesh with a close-fitting, gusseted tongue that Under Armour calls “FootSleeve,” tying its shoes to its compression apparel. The midsole employs ArmourGuide, a cradle that offers stability and support. A rubbery material called Cartilage is designed to improve the cushioning between the cradle and the EVA. The EVA formulations in heel and forefoot—Armourlastic and ArmourBound—contribute to the responsive ride. The articulated heel curbs overpronation by lateral release, stabilizing and smoothing the transition. Relying only on the strength of its own technologies, Under Armour has done a very good job right out of the gate.

“Good fit, no blisters, lots of toe room. The tongue could be a bit longer; it just kind of hits into the top of my ankle. I like the bouncy feel, not too squishy. Great stability, my foot was nice and straight, staying right on top of the shoe.”

Sizes: Men 8–13,14,15; Women 6–11,12 • Weight: Men 13.8 oz. (size 11); Women 11.2 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation v | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

BEST NEW SHOE SPRING 2009

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P ERFORMANCE STABILITY

ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14—$110 ASICS has refined the three key areas of the GEL-DS Trainer: upper, midsole, and outersole. The upper is still open mesh with Biomorphic Fit inserts, but by adjusting the asymmetrical lacing to restore the familiar sizing and support, the upper fits better. The overlays sport new tailoring that gives a better fit through the heel and midfoot. The midsole features a shorter medial second density, which may be partly responsible for the slightly softer feel. ASICS reports that the midsole is a millimeter thinner and the outersole is 2 millimeters thicker, making the forefoot a little more responsive. That extra millimeter has been added to the blown rubber in the forefoot, improving the ride and helping to cradle an insert of high-traction rubber called Wet-Grip that has been added to the forefoot. Fans of the shoe will like the adjustments—it’s still stable, responsive, and light.

“I really like the snugness of these shoes; they fit around my feet very well. Great feel, lighter than average, good cushioning. The flexy region [Biomorphic Fit inserts] of the uppers is fabulous.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11); Women 9.1 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: slip-lasted • For: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation, for faster-paced runs

NEUTRAL

Mizuno Waverider 12—$100 The Waverider alternates between being a performance shoe and a midweight training shoe. Version 12 has slimmed down to a Performance weight (under 340 grams). A quick glance at the upper reveals a more open mesh, with overlays that are a bit more substantial and supportive. Trying them on reveals a snugger fit and a softer step-in feel, thanks to the addition of the Ortholite innersole. The midsole is noticeably thinner. The ride is more responsive, which is good for lighter runners and shorter runs, but on longer runs, testers noted that it seemed a bit less cushioned than earlier Waveriders. In a development new to Mizuno, the shoes have been designed for gender differences, with the women’s version featuring more flex grooves to accommodate less body mass to flex the shoe, while the men’s version has a broader flare in the sole for a better landing area.

“I like the lower cut on the back, many shoes are too high on the Achilles tendon. Need more support and cushioning, though they did fine for mid-length runs. Light compared to what I normally run in—hardly know I’m wearing them.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (D,2E); Women 6–12 (AA,B) • Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11); Women 9.4 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for mid-mileage runs

NEUTRAL

Nike Zoom Start+—$88 The Start was conceived as a shoe for those who want to begin running. No matter what level you are, all runners need good shoes and the Start is a good shoe. The aim was to begin with the Vomaro and create a little sibling. The upper is airmesh in front and closed mesh from the midfoot to the heel. Then Nike minimized the overlays and threw on some Flywire for “tech” appeal. The midsole is Cushlon (thinned a bit to reduce price and weight, and improve flexibility), with a Zoom bag in the heel, and gender-specific design reflected in varied flex grooves and crash pads. The outersole is the Waffle design of the Bowerman shoes, Nike’s best multi-surface traction. The ride is well cushioned and responsive, which is the hallmark of the Cushlon foam.

The price tag is perhaps the best surprise—the value here is outstanding.

“I liked the way these shoes feel from the first time they went on my feet. The cushioning and flexibility in the forefoot make them very comfortable to run in. Overall, I am very impressed with this shoe. Comfortable, light, and stable.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: Men 11.8 oz. (size 11); Women 10.0 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

STABILITY

Puma Complete Concinnity III—$95 With its unique look, the original Concinnity charted a new design direction for Puma. The Concinnity III makes a few wellconsidered changes. The upper is an open airmesh with a well-finished interior. A traditional lacing system replaces the asymmetrical lacing of the I and II, giving this version a secure, but roomy fit. A deeper throat and a reshaped toe also help. The midsole is reconfigured with a smaller second density, a slightly more flexible forefoot, and a lower profile feel. While the cushioning is good for a lightweight runner, some of our testers found that it was not substantial enough for longer runs or heavier runners. The outersole features EverTrack carbon rubber throughout, with blown rubber in the lateral forefoot for durable cushioning. Overall, the improvements succeed in providing a solid stability alternative in the Performance category.

“I really liked the snug fit. The comfort and bounce were great for short fast runs, but would not recommend them for anything long.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16; Women 5.5–11.5 • Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11); Women 9.5 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, full-length EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

NEUTRAL

BEST SHOE Performance SP

RIN G 200

9

Zoot Ultra TT 2.0—$135 Zoot’s Ultra footwear line is geared to triathletes. The 2.0 offers better cushioning while shaving weight from a very light shoe.

The upper has more open mesh, an exposed neoprene insert for a snug-but-forgiving fit, and a DryLex moisture-wicking lining combined with antimicrobial silver nanotechnology. The midsole offers a more generous layer of Z-BOUND, and an extended shank for better stability. Thermoplastic overlays and large holes in the tongue and heel improve the grip and help you get the shoe on fast. The outersole has been upgraded to a tougher carbon rubber in the high-wear areas and combined with blown rubber and TPU to lighten it and improve the ride. All these features meet the needs of triathletes, while providing all runners with low profile, efficient performance. The upgraded materials, design, and performance earned the Ultra TT 2.0 our Best Performance Shoe award.

“Fit like a second skin, very minimal. Great light weight. I like it when shoe companies understand that a shoe doesn’t have to be beefy to be good at what it does.”

Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–10,11 • Weight: Men 9.9 oz. (size 11); Women 7.7 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs vi | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

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LDR continued from page 34 what runs they were! In Ultrarunning magazine’s rankings, she wrapped up the two best age-group performances in the nation—at American River and the Vermont 100-Mile.

Fitzpatrick’s rival nominee for the Ultra ROY Award was three-time defending honoree Beverley Anderson-Abbs, whose depth of resume prevailed in the end. Besides her several victories on the Ultra Grand Prix circuit, Anderson-Abbs set a course record while winning the treacherous Diablo 50-Mile, finished

MUT News SCA/USATF ULTRA RUNNING REPORT GARY HILLIARD & LORRAINE GERSITZ SCA MUT OPEN & MASTERS CHAIRS

Ultra Runners Grand Prix Awards Picnic On Jan. 31, the Series Awards/Run/Potluck Lunch was held in Sierra Madre. It was a huge success with a mountain run followed by good food and camaraderie. Many of the series participants attended, receiving their overall, agegroup, and high mileage plaques. Thanks to the generosity of the SCA USATF board, nine of these overall and age-group winners were also USATF members, so they received prize money totaling $1050. As reported in last month’s MUT report, Patrick Sweeney, USATF member, was the 2008 Overall Male Winner and Gina Natera-Armenta was the 2008 Overall Female Winner. The 2008 Men’s Mileage Champion was USATF member Ted Liao and the 2008 Women’s Mileage Champion was again Gina Natera-Armenta. For complete results see, the series website at www.socalultraseries.org.

Series director and new SCA MUT board member Gary Hilliard introduced MUT chair Lorraine Gersitz, who actively recruited USATF members at the picnic by speaking about the benefits of joining USTAF and emphasized the support MUT events receives from SCA. Ten people joined USATF that day and many more said they would do so online when they got home.

Catalina 50-Mile Trail Run 11/29/08; www.avalon50.com The Catalina 50-mile is an out-and-back on scenic fire roads from Avalon to the Isthmus and return. The course takes runners through island’s interior and is one of the country’s most scenic 50-milers with no cars and no smog, just great terrain, incredible views, fascinating historical sites and even an occasional buffalo sighting. All proceeds from entry fees and sponsored mileage go to charity.

TOP FINISHERS: Men 1. Evan Kimber, 31, Signal Hill, 6:54:10; 2. Fabrice Hardel, 35, San Diego, 7:39:42. Women 1. Michelle Barton, 37, Laguna Nigel, 7:55:39; 2. Jennifer Henderson, 50, Barstow, 8:05:31.

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second woman overall and Masters champion against a national-class field at Way Too Cool 50K, and was second again at MiWok 100K behind the national Ultrarunner of the Year.

Anderson-Abbs also earned a USATF national award as the 2008 Female Masters Ultrarunner of the Year.

Many thanks to the Tamalpa Runners, and particularly their club president, Ken Grebenstein, for organizing a exceptionally memorable 2008 awards banquet.

Mark Winitz welcomes your comments and contributions for this column. Contact him at (650) 948-0618 telephone, or via e-mail at winitz@earthlink.net. Mark has written for CTRN since the mid-1980s and has been running, writing about running, and organizing programs for runners for 30 years. He is a longtime activist within USA Track & Field. He also assists road racing events through his company, Win It!z Sports Public Relations and Promotions in Los Altos.

Calico Trail Runs 12/06/08; www.calicotrailrun.org Held in the Historic Calico Ghost Town and Mining District, this is one of the most interesting trail runs around—ruggedness combined with the beauty and history of the Calico Mountains. All proceeds from this race go to the Discovery Trails, the non-profit supporting the Desert Discovery Center for the preservation of the Mojave Desert.

Blue Jay the sun had started to shine, but the temp stayed cool. My talented mate, Dean Dobberteen, was on a mission. He knew he had hot competitors on his heels, but with a nice lead back at Blue Jay he said those old guys will have to work to catch me. Included in the following pack was an East Coast runner Gary Harrington… noticeably not carrying a water bottle. New mum Darcy Africa was still hounding the rat-pack in front, with our local favorite Michelle Barton grinding away at staying in the top ten. … The runners were now spread out but our radio team kept us abreast of everyone over the last 12 miles… A few dropped because of various problems, but I did allow a few to continue after our cut-off time at Blue Jay. Sorry we did pull one runner… hopefully she comes back, sometimes an RD has to make tough decisions. All runners thought the course was well marked, for the one or two folks who loved the little loop at the Candy Store so much and decided to go round twice, no extra charge!

“Dean Dobberteen came across the finish line in first place with his new running shoes not so new, his sweaty hug and the smile told us everything. Of course, he did not tell others that he was doing another 20 miles later this evening—pulling a rickshaw at Disneyland.

His competition Big Tom Neilson and his mate with bib #1, Tracy Moore, cruised in 15 minutes later, both happy with their magic day.

They did mention their competition, our man from the East Coast. Tom said they were glad he didn’t carry water as he may have stayed in front of them. Darcy Africa had a great race coming in first and 7th overall, but Michelle Barton was not far behind to take second, a good confidence builder for her WS 100 race in June. One of the late starters ran her legs off to take third and got a top 10 finish; Angela Shartel was now crying cos of her magic day on the trails…. Go girl.”

TOP FINISHERS Men 1. Ben Hian, Carlsbad, 3:54:13; 2. Osvalto Lopez, Madera, 3:57:21. Women 1. Gina Natera-Arment, Oceanside, 5:03:04; 2. Keira Henninger, Laguna Nigel, 5:14:44.

Orange Curtain 50K/100K 12/15/08; www.oc100k.com The Orange Curtain 50 km and 100 km race is a 10 kilometer out-and-back (repeated 5 or 10 times) along a 5-kilometer segment of the asphalt and dirt bike path on the east side of the San Gabriel River in Cerritos, Lakewood, and Long Beach. The race course starts just south of South Street in Cerritos and travels south 5 km to a point midway between Wardlow and Spring Streets. Most of the bike path has a dirt path alongside, so for most of the course runners have a choice of running on pavement or dirt. A well-run, family operation, with lots of 50K runners staying after to crew and cheer for the 100K runners. RD Jay Anderson puts on a true “runner’s race” with a start/finish area aid station that is second none.

TOP FINISHERS: 100K Men 1. Akos Konya, 7:46:20; 2. Brian Krogman, 8:18:50. 100K Women 1. Marisa Willment, 11:19:20 2. Megan Yu, 11:38:36. 50K Men 1. Guillermo Medina, 3:36:53; 2. Eric Garcia, 4:11:46. 50K Women: 1. Laura Sohaskey, 4:49:35; 2. Lorraine Gersitz, 4:51:45.

San Juan 50K 3/14/09; www.bigbaztrailraces.com The San Juan 50K was held in the Cleveland National Forest, starting and finishing at Blue Jay Campground. The seventy-five finishers enjoyed the cool weather, with clouds in the morning giving way to sun later on in the day.

On his website, RD Baz Hawley writes (in part): “The cool weather worked, the first runner came through the first aid station in record time, and a group of about 5 runners were not far behind, including our first women. Must mention the course was changed at the last minute. I did shorten the first 20 miles… By the time the runners where heading back to

TOP FINISHERS: Men 1. Dean Dobberteen, 33, 4:21:00; 2. Tom Neisen, 49, 4:36:01; 3. Tracy Moore, 48, 4:36:01. Women 1.

Darcy Africa, 34, 4:52:45; 2. Michelle Barton, 38, 4:58:32; 3.

Angela Shartel, 34, 5:15:05.

(Hawley’s full report is on the race Web site, www.bigbaztrailraces.com.)

A full list of races that are part of the Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series is on the web at socalultraseries.org. ▲

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MIRACLES HAPPEN One Runner’s Journey Back to the Sport He Loves

BY MARK WINITZ Journal Entry #3: March 2009 As I write this, I’ve just returned from the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon. No, I wasn’t running, although the scenic, rolling course through the Napa Valley wine country is one of my all-time favorites. I ran my first sub3 hour and sub-2:50 marathons there a long time ago. Now I handle media relations and finish line announcing duties for the longtime race.

In recent years, Dick Beardsley has become the unofficial ambassador of NVM. In my current role at Napa, it’s a pleasure for me to spend a bit of time with Dick, whose epic “Duel in the Sun” with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon first inspired me to set my own sites on Boston. That race stands as Beardsley’s all-time best, where he fought Salazar over the last 6 miles and placed a scant 2 seconds behind Salazar’s winning 2:08:52.

Both times broke the American record at that time.

I first met Beardsley at my last Napa as a runner (1987); it was Dick’s first. He had traveled a hard road by then, but nothing compared to his challenges ahead. He’d suffered years of injury after Boston, picked Napa for a comeback, and ran a solo 2:16:20 (which still stands as the NVM men’s course record).

But Beardsley’s ultimate greatness emerges from a personal struggle that he often recounts with heart-wrenching clarity as an inspiring motivational speaker. In my mind, Dick is living proof that, indeed, miracles happen.

There was a time, it seemed, that all Beardsley ran into was bad luck. His comeback, starting in ’87 at Napa, was short-lived. A terrifying accident with equipment on his Minnesota farm in 1989 almost cost him his life and he wasn’t expected to walk again. The albatross seemed to leap on his back as more freak accidents followed into the early ’90s. He was involved in a bad car accident, then was hit by a truck while running, later rolled his vehicle in a snow storm, then fell off a cliff.

An addiction to pain-killing narcotics resulted. In 1996, Beardsley started forging prescriptions. At one point, he was consuming up to 90 painkillers a day. He eventually got caught—a stroke of luck that “probably saved my life,” Beardsley said.

This article is not intended to provide medical or rehabilitative advice of any sort. Please consult with your doctors and physical therapists about your own medical situation.

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At this year’s Napa Valley Marathon College—the popular seminars that the event offers on race weekend—I listened to Beardsley speak about his most recent challenge. Last January, the all-time 5th-ranked U.S. marathoner had total joint replacement surgery of his right knee.

Has it stopped Beardsley? No, it has only temporarily interrupted his running while he rehabs his new knee. And it has given him an opportunity to embrace bicycling.

“I never thought I could enjoy riding a bike, and I never thought that I could get an aerobic fix from riding, but I found out that you can,” Beardsley said. “I’ve really gotten into it, along with some other kinds of cross training. I’m thinking that it will make me a better athlete and, perhaps, even a better runner down the road.”

When a guy like Beardsley, who has endured so many hardships only to emerge and run again, says that, you’re inclined to believe him.

Beardsley admits that some people may think he’s a “stupid fool” to keep on running after total knee replacement surgery. He says his doctor told him that normal protocol is to discourage a return to running because the artificial knee, which may last 15 to 20 years, will wear out more quickly.

My doctor told me the same thing about my artificial hip. He told me I’d probably be better off doing something like bicycling.

“I prefer to see the glass half-full rather than half-empty,” Beardsley told his audience.

“I’ll be 53 next month. If I live into my 70s or 80s, I’m going to need another [artificial knee] anyhow. So, if I can get 12 years of running out of it, who knows what kind of knees they might have then?”

Hey, I’m 6 years older than Dick. A couple of weeks before the Napa Valley Marathon I ran a good workout which included a 5K in 18:40, followed by 2 minutes’ rest, followed by another 5K in 18:10.

Not bad, huh? I know what you’re thinking: What’s the REAL story?

I did it on the G-Trainer treadmill—aided by the G-Trainer’s “unweighting” technology that allowed me to comfortably complete the workout while running at about 30% of full weight-bearing. Although I’m still not able to run on trails, roads, or track, I’m keeping—and even improving—my fitness level. Interval training sessions on the G-Trainer, in the pool, and on the exercyle, plus weight-lifting and strength-building exercises, add up to about 9 to 12 hours of exercise per week. Oh, did I mention good, old-fashioned walking?

Well, the old adage “once a runner, always a runner” still applies to me.

Yesterday (in early March as you read this), I took advantage of a break in almost daily rain showers to get out of the office for a quick, 45minute walk. About halfway through, I heard a

large group of voices behind me and the heavenly sound of running shoes hitting asphalt. In an instant, about a dozen members of the Los Altos High School track team enveloped me on both sides, rubbing elbows with me as they swept past.

For just an instant, I felt the adrenaline rush, and the old familiar feeling of being swept along on a hard training run with my West Valley Joggers & Striders teammates, or working together with my competitive rivals in a tight pack mid-race, working together toward the same goal—the finish line.

Oh, how I wanted to latch onto that animated group of young men and women and complete their run with them. Although the mind is willing, the body (in this case, my hip joint) isn’t...yet.

Am I reaching for long-lost youth?

According to Dr. Walter Bortz, I don’t have to reach that far back. Bortz is a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a distinguished medical expert on the topic of aging and longevity. Among the five books he’s authored is Dare to Be 100, which describes 99 steps to reaching the age of 100. I’ve enjoyed working with Dr. Bortz over the years in conjunction with another race that I work with, the Lifelong Fitness Alliance Dare to Be Fit Races (formerly Fifty-Plus 8K Runs) at Stanford University.

“Use it or lose it. Dare to be fit!” is an urgent refrain heard from Dr. Bortz, age 78, who plans to complete his 40th marathon race this year.

According to Bortz, physically fit people can add years, vitality, and quality to their lives.

“I’d say that fitness offsets aging by about 30 years,” he told me for a press release that I wrote for the Lifelong Fitness Alliance Races.

“For example, a 70-year-old fit person is biologically equivalent to an unfit person of 40.”

I liked hearing that. As a runner, you should, too.

“The older we become, the more urgent being fit is,” he said. “For a kid, being fit is no big deal, but when you get to 70 it becomes discriminating.”

Dr. Bortz cites medical research studies on runners that support his statements. Drop me a line and I’ll direct you to articles in medical journals that summarize them.

That’s all for now.

Don’t forget to take Dick Beardsley’s advice: Wake up every day with a smile on your face and love in your heart, and good things will come your way.

Mark Winitz started this diary to chronicle his return to running following hip replacement surgery in January 2007 and a heart attack in May 2008. You can contact Mark with your comments or your own stories at (650) 948-0618, telephone, or via e-mail at winitz@earthlink.net. april–june 2009 • ct&rn

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SCA/USATF Race Walking Update FROM PEDRO SANTONI, SCA USATF MASTERS RW CHAIR

The 2009 SCA Grand Prix race walking season got underway on Jan. 18 with the 48th edition of the Rose Bowl 10-Miler, hosted by the Walkers Club of Los Angeles (WCLA). With the benefit of balmier-than-usual temperatures (they hovered in the mid-40s by the time the gun went off at 7:30 a.m.), 11 men and 5 women set off to walk a short loop around the grass fields in front of the historic stadium, followed by three longer loops around the perimeter of the Rose Bowl and its adjoining golf course. Three-time Olympian Philip Dunn took a pack of four walkers out at a comfortable tempo (28:14 at the 5K mark). Then he steadily picked up the pace and dropped his competitors to win in 1:25:19. Coming in second with a time of 1:27:03 was José Moncada, a youngster who Philip believes has the potential to become one of the country’s top racewalkers “if he keeps working at it.” José, he noted, “has solid technique and is motivated to do well.”

Other notable performances included those by 71-year-old Paul Johnson and 80-year-old Jack Starr; their times (listed below) graded out at 85.2% and 84.01%, respectively. Utah’s Kathy Frable, who won the women’s race in 1:51:37, also graded out nicely with an 80.10%.

One hour after the 10-milers took off, the WCLA held its annual Richard Oliver 5K Memorial Walk. Thirteen walkers competed in the race, and two local veterans, 61-year-old Yoko Eichel and 74-year-old Carl Acosta took

top honors with times of 29:52 and 34:25, respectively.

Nearly one month later, on Feb. 15, the city of Santee in San Diego County hosted the 2009 U.S. 50K Race Walk Championship; athletes who didn’t want to tackle the 50K distance could participate in either the Western Regional 20K championship or a non-championship 10K. The 30 competitors who entered the three races not only encountered perfect racing conditions, with temperatures ranging between 45 and 55 degrees, but also a newly designed 1.25-kilometer loop course that many officials characterized as faster than the one previously used for the event when it was held in nearby Chula Vista. 50K titles went to Philip Dunn—his fifth at that distance—and Karen Karavanic with times of 4:28:53 and 6:24:22, respectively, while the 20K winners were Tim Seaman and Canada’s Rachel Lavallee in 1:37:49 and 1:38:30 (a PR). Mike Tarantino and 13-yearold Nicolette Sorensen prevailed in the 10K with times of 44:43 and 55:10. Five SCA race walkers—myself, José Moncada, Rick Campbell, John Magnussen, and Wayne Wurzburger— took part in the 20K, while Liz Salvato joined eight others in the 10K. But perhaps the day’s most outstanding performance—“the revelation of the day,” as SCA racewalk chair Chris Rael put it—was sixteen-year-old Trevor Barron’s demolition of the American Junior 20K record set in 1990 by Philip Dunn during his freshman year in college. Back then, Philip clocked a 1:42:15 but Trevor, who lives in Bethel Park, PA, took nearly 4 minutes and 30 seconds off that time as he walked a 1:37:49. This effort, in the words of long-time coach and official Wayne T.

Pacific Association USATF Race Walk Events Schedule 1. 2009 Grand Prix (six events planned) May PA Open Track & Field Championship 5000m – TBD 6/6 PA Distance Carnival 1500m – Castro Valley HS 8/22 West Region / PA Championship 3000m – Reno HS 9/13 PA 20K Championship – Oakland October PA 10K Championship – Carmichael Note: Shorter races of 3K, 5K, and 10K are being considered to be held concurrently with the 20K in Oakland.

3000m may also be held at the Distance Carnival.

2. Developmental Races - Draft (monitored) 6/18 – 8/6 (consecutive Thursdays)

All-Comers 1-Mile Walk (track) – Los Gatos HS

3. Other PA Judged Events Planned (partial list) June 6/20 8/8, 8/12

PA 1-Mile – University of the Pacific, Stockton PA Masters T&F Championship (5000m) – Stanford University, Palo Alto 2009 National Senior Games – Stanford University (5000m on campus road, 1500m on Cobb Track) Note: A clinic is planned the day preceding each of the race walks at the National Senior Games.

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John Magnussen

Race Walking

2009 50K RW Champions Philip Dunn and Karen Karavanic Armbrust, was “quite respectable” for a boy his age. He noted that Trevor’s 20K time, according to the International Association of Athletics Federations scoring tables, would be worth 868 points, and that those tables award the same number of points to the following times in these five running events: 100m-11.02; 400m–50.28; Mile–4:17.74; 5K–14:41.02; and 10K–31:02.95. Wayne believes that Trevor has “a bright future ahead of him if he maintains the same level of dedication that he has shown up until now.” U.S. racewalking enthusiasts sure hope so.

Rose Bowl 10-Miler MEN Open 1. José Moncada 1:27:03 (1DQ). 30–39 1. Philip Dunn 1:25:19. 50–59 1. Pedro Santoni 1:31:48; 2. John Magnussen 1:48:50; 3. Raymond Billig, 1:52:36.60-69 1. Norm Frable 1:39:18; 2. Wayne Wurzburger 1:43:30; 3. Rick Campbell 1:46:58. 70–79 1. Paul Johnson 1:39:21. 80+ 1. Jack Starr 1:55:58. WOMEN 40–49 1DQ. 60–69 1. Kathy Frable 1:51:37; 2. Darlene Backlund 1:54:38. 70–79 1. Joan McIntyre 2:12:54.

Richard Oliver Memorial 5K Walk MEN 60–69 1. Stuart Ray 37:45. 70–79 1. Carl Acosta 34:25; 2. Lloyd McGuire 42:50. 80+ 1. Bill Moremen 36:15. WOMEN Open 1. Julia Townsend 37:43. 50–59 1. Holly Osborne 44:09.

60–69 1. Yoko Eichel 29:52; 2. Martha Fitzpatrick 34:47; 3.

Mary Jo Sullivan 40:46. 70–79 1. Grace Moremen 43:46. 80+ 1. Soula Thomas 43:40.

2009 United States 50K Race Walk Championships 50K Men 1. Philip Dunn 4:28:53; 2. Theron Kissinger 5:04:33; 3. Steven McCullough 7:00:21; DQ Ray Sharp. 50K Women 1.

Karen Karavanic 6:24:22; DQ Dorit Attias.

2009 20K Western Regional Championships Men 1. Tim Seaman 1:37:49; 2. Trevor Barron 1:37:49; 3. José Moncada 1:45:13; 4. Pedro Santoni 1:55:53; 5. Adrian Jaime 2:05:30; 6. Norm Frable 2:07:26; 7. Rick Campbell 2:08:28; 8.

John Magnussen 2:14:02; 9. John Backlund 2:16:51; 10.

Wayne Wurzburger 2:25:33; DQ Paul Johnson; DNF Steve Pecinovsky. Women 1. Rachel Lavallee (Canada) 1:38:30 2.

Solomiya Login 1:48:43 * 1st in Western Regional Champs; 3.

Darlene Backlund 2:23:06 * 2nd; 4. Kathy Frable 2:25:36 * 3rd.

Non-Championship 10K Men 1. Mike Tarantino 44:43; 2. Tyler Sorensen 47:06; 3.

James Paschall 1:07:06; 4. Jack Cassidy 1:08:24; DQ Matthew Forgues. Women 1. Nicolette Sorensen 55:10; 2. Liz Salvato 57:20; 3. Lillian Cordova 1:01:59; DQ Patricia Paschall. ▲

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