Download - California Track & Running News - April–June 2009

Official Publication of theCalifornia/Northern Nevada

Associations of USATF

Includes the Runner’s Schedule Calendar!

www.caltrack.com

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CaliforniaTrack&RunningNews

April–June 2009

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In March at the Nike Indoor Nationals, CONORMcCULLOUGH (Canoga Park) set a new highschool record in the weight throw with his

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The city of Santee in San Diego County hosted the National50K Race Walk Championships on Feb. 15. Philip Dunn

claimed his 5th title in a time of 4:28:53. Story on page 46.

Cal Track & Running News

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

Central California Association: 661.758.5719Pacific Association: 916.983.4715 or [email protected] Diego/Imperial Association: 619.275.6542 or sdi_trackand

[email protected] California: 562.859.4574 or [email protected]

ontents

Features16 The Golden West Invitational Turns 5036 Running Network Spring Shoe Review45 Miracles Happen: Mark Winitz’ Journal

The Basics6 From the Publisher

10 Regional USATF Association News17 The Runner’s Schedule Calendar

Departments34 Long Distance Running/Mtn-Ultra-Trail46 Race Walking

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APRIL–JUNE 2009

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From the time we are little children we’re involved in athletics—throwing rocks into the localcreek, jumping over mud puddles (and in them) and racing home with friends or seeing whocan 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 run-ning footwear businesses are quietly noting strong profits. If the federal government truly wants tocut health care costs, perhaps it should begin by mandating a half-hour of aerobic activity twice aday at schools. Such activity would do a lot for the demeanor and health of the 44 million 6- to17-year-olds in our country.

In May, the ING Bay to Breakers will welcome 60,000-plus runners and walkers. The raceand city created quite a furor by asking people to actually sign up for the race and to refrain frombringing their own adult beverages to the race. CTRN agrees with the vast majority of race partici-pants—if you want to run a race, then do the right thing and pay the entry fee! This is just a no-brainer. When you run races for free, you fail to pay for the hours, months, and years of race man-agement that go into making your race experience a safe and enjoyable one.

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

Regards,

Larry Eder

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

From the Publisher

Publisher recommends, as with all fitness andhealth issues, you consult with your physicianbefore instituting any changes in your fitnessprogram.

Let Us Hear From You!California Track & Running News welcomes your sug-gestions, comments, and questions. Direct them to:

Christine Johnson, Group EditorShooting Star Media, Inc./[email protected]

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

Member of:

CaliforniaTrack&RunningNewsPublisher’s InformationCalifornia Track & Running News (ISDN #1098-6472), incor-porating Pacific Athlete, is the official publication for theUSA Track & Field associations in California and NorthernNevada. It is produced, published, and owned by ShootingStar 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 toShooting Star Media, Inc., at the above address.

Publisher assumes no liability for matter printed.Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for contentof paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paidadvertising. Publisher expects that all claims by advertiserscan be substantiated and that all guarantees will be hon-ored. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authorsand not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Copyright © 2009 by Shooting Star Media, Inc. AllRights Reserved. No part of this publication may be repro-duced in any form without prior written permission of thePublisher. California Track & Running News is solely ownedby Shooting Star Media, Inc.

CaliforniaTrack&RunningNews

Volume 35, Number 2April–June 2009

Group PublisherLarry Eder

Group & Coordinating EditorChristine Johnson, [email protected]

Contributing EditorsCregg Weinmann Apparel, Footwear Reviews

Dave Shrock Community CollegesMark Winitz Northern CaliforniaKees & Sandy Tuinzing Calendar

PhotographersVictor Sailer www.PhotoRun.NETJohn Magnussen, Pedro Santoni

Don Gosney

Association ConsultantsJohn Mansoor PacificDon Chapin CentralSkip Stolley Southern

Mike Rouse San Diego/Imperial

ProofreaderRed Ink Editorial Services, Madison, WI

Pre-Press/PrinterW. D. Hoard & Sons Co., Fort Atkinson, WI

WebsiteChuck Bartlett

ADVERTISINGPublisher

Larry Eder, Shooting Star Media, Inc.phone: 608.239.3785; fax: 920.563.7298

[email protected]

Publisher’s RepresentativesPeter Koch-Weser [email protected]

phone: 310.836.2642; fax: 310.836.7093

Running Network LLC920.563.5551, ext. 112

Special Projects ManagerAdam Johnson-Eder

608.957.2159; [email protected]

Advertising Production ManagerAlex Larsen

CounselPhilip J. Bradbury

Melli, Walker, Pease & Ruhly, S.C.Madison, WI

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EXPERIENCE MORE...

As I sit here writing my last note as president ofthe Pacific Association, I have to reflect on allthat has happened since I was first elected tovice president in 2000 and then president in2004.

The Association has been the venue tomany large scale competitions. Olympic teamtrials, NCAA track & field championships,many high profile collegiate meets, state juniorcollege track & field championships, state highschool track & field championship meets,

along with the many youth and masters meetsthat have been held here. In addition, thenational USATF club cross country champi-onships were contested here.

We instituted a track & field grand prixwith $15,000 yearly and training grants for ourOlympic hopefuls in 2008 who are based in thePacific Association.

After reflecting, I look to the future. Weare hosting the USATF and the World Masterstrack & field championships, the USATFJunior Olympic cross country and track & fieldnational championships in the next few years.

It has been a long eight years, but a pleas-urable journey. To my replacement, I pass thebaton, knowing that the great cadre of volun-teers in the Pacific Association will rally aroundhim/her and continue to raise the bar to makethis the #1 association in USA Track & Field.

President’sMessage

FROM JERRY COLMAN

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

Kara June says, “Thank You!”The Pacific Association LDR Committeeawarded Kara June travel funds to assist withher participation in the 2009 USA CrossCountry Championships held Feb. 7 inDerwood, Maryland. Kara, an ASICS Aggiesteam member, resides in San Luis Obispo and iscoached by Joe Rubio. She was a Fresno StateAll American distance runner and steeplechaserwho qualified for the Olympic Trials and placed6th. She won the final three 2008 PA GrandPrix cross country events, including the cham-pionships. Below is a thank you note that Karawrote to the Pacific Association, along with abrief description of her experience at thenationals.

“The experience I had at the USA CrossCountry Championships is one that I will remem-ber for a long time to come. I had higher expecta-tions for myself than what the outcome of my per-formance actually was, but I did learn a lot frombeing in Derwood, MD.

“The course was challenging, to say the least.I was so thankful that my particular race was onlyan 8K. The poor open men! The crowd was phe-nomenal, as there were cheers heard on every inchof the course. The weather was absolutely perfect

for racing. It was in the mid to low 50s at the timethe 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 theconditions some of us experienced in Spokane forClub Nationals.

“My XC season had gone exceptionally wellpre-U.S. Championships, so my expectations werehigh. I had hoped to finish in the top 10, with theopportunity to race in a USA uniform, but mybody didn’t want to work that hard. Top 20 wasall I could muster. As with every sporting event,some people perform to the expectations they haveset, some don’t. But I have learned that you cantake something away from even the worst of races.I was very excited for two of my friends who madethe U.S. team. They had outstanding performanc-es, finishing in the top six. Seeing my friends suc-ceed adds fuel to my fire.

“I would like to thank the Pacific Associationfor supporting its athletes. The support I receivedfrom the PA, as well as the support I receive fromthe ASICS Aggies, helps a tremendous amount. Itenables me to compete against the best of the bestand to reach my running goals. Now I get to hitthe track!”

Good luck in 2009,

Kara

PA LDR Notes

FROM CYNCI CALVIN

Association News continues on page 12

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Association News continued from page 10

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

Pacific Association Officials Notes

FROM BRUCE COLMAN, COMMITTEE CHAIR

We congratulate Dick Connors, inducted intothe Pacific Association Hall of Fame inFebruary, and George Kleeman, inducted intothe national officials committee’s Hall of Famethis past December.

Officials at NationalsSome 14 Pacific Association officials werepicked to work USATF championships in2009: Tiffany Banks (starter, outdoors); JohnBowen (discus alternate, outdoors); DickCochran (hammer throw, outdoors); JerryCollet (starter, outdoors); Teddy Hayes (hori-zontal jumps, outdoors); JR Heberle (electron-ic measurement, outdoors); Charles Murphy(horizontal jumps, outdoors); John Murray(javelin head official, outdoors); Sue Murray(discus alternate, outdoors); Joe Nemeth(implement inspector, outdoors); RoryOsborne (marshal, outdoors); Bob Rauch(marshal, indoors and outdoors alternate); JohnShirey (pole vault, outdoors); and Jim Waldron(indoor combined).

As always, some great PA officials appliedfor selection to USATF championships andwere not accepted. But there are new names onthis list as well, and all will do fine work andrepresent Pacific Association at our best.

Up (or Over) From CompetingThe certified officials roster now boasts at leasttwo Olympians.

Mike Buncic, who doubles as a scienceteacher and head track coach at Wilcox HighSchool in Santa Clara, threw the discus for theU.S. in the 1988 and 1992 games.

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

This is very cool.

ThanksPA’s officials clinics were hosted this year byUniversity of Nevada-Reno, City College ofSan Francisco, American River College, UCDavis, CSU Sacramento, Wilcox High School,Serra High School (San Mateo), OakmontHigh School (Roseville) and Hartnell College(Salinas). All provided great facilities, and we’revery grateful.

Rejoining and Joining UpAt this writing (a week after Valentine’s Day),some 220 veteran officials have recertified forthe current Olympiad and we have certifiedbetween 60 and 70 “newbies.” You can get acopy of the new, improved, generally accuratedatabase of these officials by e-writing to theofficials’ chair at [email protected]. ▲

Southern California Association

SCA Report

FROM SKIP STOLLEY,VICE PRESIDENT

Following its bi-annual election, the SouthernCalifornia Association of USA Track & Field ispleased to announce the election of the follow-ing Open Athletics Sport Committee chairs for2009–10.

WAYNE JONESSChair, Open AthleticsRoad Running SubcommitteeA native of AppalachianVirginia, Wayne Jonessreceived a B.A. in Englishfrom the University ofVirginia where he also studied music—the fieldin which he works since moving to Los Angelesin 1990. He became a distance runner in highschool and, after that, was a recreational runneruntil relocating to the Los Angeles runningmecca.

Over the past 18 years, Wayne has beenactively competing in road racing throughoutSouthern California. He’s run more than 200So Cal races in total, including 111 10Ks, 26marathons, and 14 half-marathons. In 2008,Wayne ran the Tokyo Marathon and the his-toric Boston Marathon. He has been a memberof Track Club LA since 2004 and participatedwith the club in numerous masters-level crosscountry events.

Since being appointed as Open RoadRunning Committee chair last February,Wayne has done a terrific job of creating aSouthern California Road ChampionshipSeries. In 2008, the series featured the SCA 5KRoad Championship held in conjunction withthe Buena Park Coaster Run, the SCA Half-Marathon Championship held in conjunctionwith the Long Beach Half-Marathon, and theSCA 10K Road Championship held in con-

junction with the Dana Point Turkey Trot.These are the first local USATF road champi-onships that have been held in SouthernCalifornia in more than 20 years. In 2009, theAvia Orange County Marathon on May 3 willbe the first-ever SCA marathon championship.In just 8 months, Wayne has created a programthat offers opportunities for runners in 13men’s and women’s 5-year age-groups to beSouthern California champions at four roaddistances and greatly expanded awareness ofUSA Track & Field development initiativeswithin the Southern California road runningcommunity.

LILY ZEPEDAVice Chair, Open AthleticsRoad Running SubcommitteeA native of the mile-high,runner-friendly town ofAlbuquerque, Lily Zepedareceived a B.A. inJournalism from the University of NewMexico. She became a recreational runner inhigh school and after college began racing atdistances from 1500 meters to the marathon.Lily came to Los Angeles in 2005 in pursuit ofthe warm weather and a career in marketing. Inaddition to being our Road RunningCommittee vice chair, Lily is the director for aSouth Bay marketing firm which maintains topaccounts in the healthcare, real estate, and retailindustries.

Since relocating to Southern California,Lily has competed in more than 50 Southlandraces, including the Santa Clarita Half-Marathon where she was the second womanfinisher in 2006 and 2008. After posting a3:20:52 time at the 2008 Phoenix Rock ‘N’Roll Marathon, she qualified for and ran the2008 Boston Marathon. Lily is a member ofTrack Club LA and the Santa Monica TrailRunners Club. She hopes to become moreinvolved in the Southern California runningcommunity by helping plan and conductUSATF events.

2009 Pacific Association USATF Road Race Grand Prix Schedule

Date Event Division Points Detail4/19 Zippy 5K Short 1.04/26 Big Sur 5K Short 1.05/25 Marin Memorial Day 10K Long 1.0 (1)6/20 Shriners 8K Short 1.0TBA Fleet Feet Mile Short 1.0 (2)TBA Banana Chase 5K Short 1.0 or 1.5 (1,3)10/18 Humboldt Half Marathon Long 1.5 (4)11/8 Clarksburg 30K Long 2.011/26 Synaptics 5K Short, open individual only 2.0 (3)TBA CIM Long 2.0 (3)TBA Christmas Relays Team only 1.0 or 2.0 (3)

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

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

MIKE MAHURINChair, Open Cross CountrySubcommitteeA native of Seattle, MikeMahurin’s running careerbegan after he had becomea practicing attorney, notwhen he was in high school or college.

After becoming active in the SouthernCalifornia road running scene, he took a briefbreak from running-only to compete intriathlons, including the 2003 Hawaii IronmanWorld Championship. In 2005, Mike joinedTrack Club LA and returned to competing inlong distance races throughout SouthernCalifornia.

His primary focus has been on themarathon, where his best time to date has been2:38:00 at the Tucson Marathon in 2006. Itwas while training for that race that Mike hadhis first real exposure to cross country, compet-ing in several races that autumn as part of hismarathon training. In December, Mike wentback to the Tucson Marathon and returnedwith the men’s individual title. Mike is 38 yearsold and a Los Angeles–based real estate attor-ney. He received B.A.s in Philosophy andPolitical Science from the University ofWashington in 1992 and a J.D. fromPepperdine University Law School in 1995.Since I appointed Mike as Open Cross Countrychair last May, he has used his newfound excite-ment for cross-country running to help revital-ize the Southern California cross country scenein a way that will create more open-level meets,attract more of the great distance runners in ourarea to the sport, and see us bidding to bringthe USA National Cross CountryChampionships back to Southern Californiasoon.

ERIC BARRONChair, Open Track & FieldSubcommitteeEric Barron is a graduate ofHarvard University, wherehe competed in collegiatetrack and cross country,and the University of Michigan Law School. In1996, he created Track Club LA—a team ofsome 90 men and women competitive andrecreational long distance runners. Since 1999,he has been the distance coach and headwomen’s cross country coach at Santa MonicaCollege, where he has also been active in theCalifornia Community College Track CoachesAssociation. Eric holds USATF Level I andLevel II coaching certifications. In 2006, hebecame the head coach for Nike Team Run LA,a USATF elite development club of LosAngeles–based men and women distance run-ners. Its men’s team placed 10th at the 2008USA National Club Cross CountryChampionships in Seattle.

Eric has been active in growing our Jim

Bush Southern California USATFChampionships and when we hosted threemeets in 2008 that produced 94 qualifiers forthe U.S. Olympic Trials. This summer he’ll beconducting a new series of open-level trackmeets at Santa Monica College that will greatlyexceed any summer program we’ve previouslyattempted to offer in support open-level track& field in Southern California.

CHRIS RAELChair, Open Race Walking SubcommitteeChris Rael resides in Laguna Niguel and is agraduate of Magnolia HS and Cal StateFullerton. He is a high school biology teacher atSanta Ana High School and over the past 17years has also taught history, English, math, andSpanish. Chris began race walking at age 15and 30 years later continues to compete at anelite level, be a member of the USA NationalRace Walk Team, and compete internationally.

Chris was a finalist in the 1992 U.S.Olympic 50K WalkTrials, raced as a member ofthe 2005 USA 50K National Team, won a U.S.Masters indoor walk title, and earned a Bronzemedal in the 20K walk at the 2005 WorldMasters Championships. As a race walkingcoach, Chris has stayed abreast of the scientific-based training techniques that have advancedboth his sport and long distance running.

Since being appointed our Open RaceWalk Committee chair, Chris has been thearchitect of an incredibly successful elite racewalk development initiative in SouthernCalifornia that has become a model for otherUSATF associations across the country. In itsfirst year, Chris’ initiative focused on the sixNAIA schools in Southern California, recruit-ing their second-tier men and women distancerunners to try competitive race walking (anNAIA championship event), and conductingcoaching clinics to provide the technicalinstruction, training methods, and encourage-ment necessary for them to experience successat the national level. With only 4 months ofintensive training, walkers from ConcordiaUniversity in Irvine and Westmont Collegequalified for the men’s and women’s NAIANational Track & Field Championships, thenwon Southern California USATF race walktitles.

Since then, Chris has encouraged thesepromising walkers in the sport after their colle-giate careers, help them improve, and keepthem competing at the next level in open,national-class events, with the ultimate goal ofvying for a spot on our USA race ralk nationalteams.

GARY HILLIARDChair, Open M.U.T. SubcommitteeNew SCA Open AthleticsM.U.T. Committee chairGary Hilliard lives in SierraMadre with his wife of 17

years, Pamela. Now 54, he was born nearPittsburgh and is a registered/licensed civilengineer for the Los Angeles CountyDepartment of Public Works.

Although he says he has always enjoyedrunning, he didn’t start running in organizedevents until the 1980s. His running resume listssome of the better known ultra marathons suchas the Western States 100-Mile, Angeles Crest100-Mile, nearly all the events in the SouthernCalifornia Ultra Distance Running Series, andnow includes more than 150 marathons andultra-marathons.

Gary’s running slowed down a little thispast year and a half after a near-fatal motorcycleaccident in which he broke his back, neck, botharms, lost a kidney, punctured a lung, and sev-ered his liver and spleen. While this slowed himdown, he says he just doesn’t have it in him toquit.

Some of Gary’s other M.U.T. activitiesinclude serving as logistics director of the Mt.Wilson Trail Race and assistant race director forthe Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Race.He is also director of the Southern CaliforniaGrand Prix Ultra Series and the race director forthe Mt. Disappointment 50K and 50-MileEndurance Race. The 50-mile distance, he isproud to say, has served as the USATFSouthern California Association 50-mile trailchampionship for 2007 and 2008. He is alsothe director of the Mt. Disappointment U.S.Forest Service Trail Maintenance and WorkProjects Program—approved to work to pre-serve trails and stations for all users in theNational Forest.

Working with the Southern CaliforniaAssociation and Lorraine Gersitz (who is nowthe SCA Masters Committee M.U.T. chair),Gary says he looks forward to this new endeav-or representing Southern California USATF asits Open Athletics MUT Committee chair.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATIONLAUNCHES 2009 ROAD RUNNINGGRAND PRIX

Following the successful launch of the 2008Road Championship Series, SouthernCalifornia USATF Open and Masters RoadRunning Committee chairs Wayne Joness andSissel Berntsen-Heber have announced a 2009Southern California Road Running Grand Prixthat will provide cash awards and champi-onship medals to the top-10 overall men’s andwomen’s scorers. Gold, Silver, and BronzeUSATF medals will also be awarded to the top3 scorers in 26 men’s and women’s individual 5-year age-groups and championship plaques willbe awarded to the top 10 scoring clubs.

“We believe this Grand Prix series willencourage more runners to participate in ourSCA road championship races and other pre-

Association News continues next page.

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

Association News continued from page 13

mier Southern California road race events,” sayWayne and Sissel. “It will also recognize theclubs that are supporting and developing run-ners and provide important incentives for thecreation of new clubs.”

The seven Grand Prix races (see box nextpage) include two 5Ks, two 10Ks, a 15K, a half-marathon, and marathon to accommodate run-ners who prefer either shorter or longer dis-tances. The Road Running Grand Prix alsospans the Southern California Association geo-graphically from Dana Point in the south toSanta Barbara in the north. “Our associationcovers 34,000 square miles, so it is a challengeto create a series within reasonable driving dis-tance of all our runners,” says Wayne. “But wethink we have an exciting mix of races that iseach well worth the drive, no matter where youreside.”

How the Grand Prix WorksRunners must be 2009 members of SouthernCalifornia USATF and finish four of the sevenraces during the calendar year—including atleast one SCA road championship race.Afterwards, they must record their official, web-published finish time using the “ReportResults” link on the Grand Prix home page atwww.scagrandprix.org, and forward their finishtime via e-mail to the Grand Prix scorer, SisselBerntsen-Heber, to generate an age-gradedscore.

For a USATF club to post a score in aSCA Road Running Grand Prix race, it must bea 2009 member of Southern California USATFand have a minimum of five members post afinish time. Club members can be of any ageand gender. The club score is determined byadding their 5 highest age-graded scores fromthe race. The club’s 2009 year-end total scorewill be determined by adding its highest clubscores from four grand prix races.

EligibilityThere is no additional fee for SouthernCalifornia USATF members to participate inthe SCA Road Running Grand Prix or the SCARoad Championship Series. Runners can enterthe SCA Road Running Grand Prix at any timeduring the 2009 calendar year. Their age-groupcategory will be determined by their age on the

date of the first GP race they finish.For club scoring, only those registered

with the Southern California USATF for 2009can participate and all its individual scorersmust be listed on the club’s on-line roster.Information about registering as a USATF clubcan be found at www.usatf.org/clubs.

Qualifying RacesTo be eligible for grand prix individual awards,runners must finish a minimum of four GPraces—at least one of which must be an SCARoad Championship. To be eligible for GrandPrix club awards, clubs must compete in at leastfour GP races with at least 5 finishers and atleast one of those races must be an SCA RoadChampionship.

Individual ScoringAge-graded scores are computed by dividingthe runner’s finishing time by the world recordfor his or her age and gender and multiplying itby 1000. For example, a 46-year-old male whorecords 39:19 for 10K for which the age worldrecord is 29:51 would be: 29:51 ÷ 39:19 =0.759 x 1000 = 759 points. A runner’s year-endtotal score will be determined by adding togeth-er his or her highest age-graded scores from fourgrand prix races. The age-graded scoring calcu-lator used for the SCA Road Running GrandPrix scoring is posted on the SCA RoadRunning Grand Prix home page(www.scagrandprix.org).

How to Enter the Grand PrixIndividual Southern California USATF mem-bers who finish an SCA Road Championshipseries race will automatically have their resultsposted in the SCA Road Running Grand Prixseries. However, results for non-championshipGrand Prix races must be self-reported.

Current SCA Road Running Grand Prixstandings will be posted on the SCA RoadRunning Grand Prix home page(www.scagrandprix.org) within one week ofeach successive race in the GP series (althoughresults may be delayed pending official revi-sions). It is the responsibility of individual par-ticipants to submit their results from GP racesthat are not SCA Road Championship events.They can do so by using the “Report Results”

link on the SCA Road Running Grand Prixhome page, or by sending an email with theirofficial published finish time and current 2009USATF membership number to [email protected].

All club results, including those from SCARoad Championship races, must be self-report-ed. It is the responsibility of participating clubsto report official web-published results for fiveor more of its individual members from a GPseries race. They can do so by using the “ReportResults” link on the SCA Road Running GrandPrix page, or by sending an e-mail to the GPscorer with each runner’s official web-publishedfinish time and 2009 USATF membershipnumber to [email protected].

Grand Prix Prize Money and AwardsThe top 5 men and top 5 women with thehighest individual 2009 year-end total scoreswill be awarded the following cash prizes andSCA grand prix championship medals:

1st place: $200, plus Gold medal2nd place: $100, plus Silver medal3rd place: $50, plus Bronze medal4th place: $30, plus Bronze medal5th place: $20, plus Bronze medal6th–10th places: Bronze medals

Cash prizes will be awarded in the form ofchecks issued by Southern California USATF.2009 grand prix checks and championshipmedals will be mailed to recipients no later thanJan. 15, 2010.

The top 3 men and women scorers withhighest individual 2009 year-end total scores inthe following 13 individual 5-year age-groupswill receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze USATFmedals: 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 highest2009 year-end point totals will receive GrandPrix championship plaques from the SouthernCalifornia Association in recognition of theiraccomplishments.

For more information, contact:Wayne Joness, ChairSCA Open Athletics Road RunningCommitteeRes (310) 390-5357Cell (310) 600-5332E-mail: [email protected]

Sissel Berntsen-Heber, ChairSCA Masters Road Running CommitteeCell (415) 652-9221E-mail: [email protected]▲

2009 Southern California Association USATF Road Running Grand Prix Schedule

Date Event Location Championship3/15 Coaster 5K Buena Park SCA 5K Road Championship5/3 AVIA Orange County Marathon Newport Beach SCA Marathon Championship6/7 Brentwood 10K Brentwood7/4 Semana Nautica 15K Goleta Valley10/11 International City Bank 5K Long Beach11/7 Santa Barbara Half-Marathon Santa Barbara SCA Half-Marathon Championship11/27 Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K Dana Point SCA 10K Road Championship

For more details, visit www.scagrandprix.org

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

Initially conceived as a post-season Southern California invita-tional, then as a western regional meet, the Golden WestInvitational debuted in 1960 as the first national prep meet sincethe early 1930s.

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

2009 will be the 50th edition of the Golden West. It is by farthe longest running post-season high school meet; the nextlongest are two regional meets, the Golden South and the GreatSouthwest Meet of Champions, which have each been around forabout 30 years.

For many years, the Golden West was a meet built on theidea of “go for broke” competition—no heats, no trials, no teamscore, no relay pressures. The desire was simply to bring athletesfrom throughout the country to a common site—all experienc-ing the same weather, the same conditions—and provide thoseathletes an opportunity to establish supremacy, to challengethemselves, to achieve personal bests. It’s done in events witheight or nine contestants which lead to great competitions andperformances.

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

In recent years, the meet, which is now presented by thePacific Association of United States Track & Field (PA/USATF)and sponsored by adidas, has changed the format to permit wider

participation. Now, there are often several races or flights, in eachevent with the entrants with the best performances competingagainst 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, longjump, triple jump, shot put, and discus throw. There havebeen dozens of state records and uncounted personal bests inall the events. Even a glimpse of the top 10 performancesreflects the quality of the athletes who have competed in theGolden West Invitational and the level of the competitionwhich they have faced. (Check those marks and more, atwww.GoldenWestInvitational.org.)

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

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

Golden West Invitational:

A Prep Classic Turns 50!BY BOB JARVIS

(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 atthe 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.

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CaliforniaTrack&RunningNews presents the April-June 2009

Runner’s Schedule CalendarYOUR COMPLETE

GUIDE TO RUNNING,WALKING, TRAIL &

MULTI-SPORTSIN CALIFORNIA

containing events throughDecember 2009!

45,000 Copies Distributed!

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The ING Bay to Breakers is the official siteof the World Centipede RunningChampionships. The centipede competitionis the result of a historic run in 1978 when13 leggy Aggie Running Club athletescompeted in the race tethered together withplastic garbage bags and duct tape.

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

• ING Bay to Breakers 12K

• Lake Tahoe Marathon

• Big Sur International Marathon

Check inside for information on these upcoming races:

specialspecialspecial

Calendar EditionCalendar EditionCalendar Edition

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

What is a centipede?In ING Bay to Breakers terms, a centipede is composed of tethered runners (or segments) whoparticipate 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. Adultcentipedes consist of 13 runners, plus floaters who may run alongside and substitute for any ofthe other runners (1 floater for Fun Runner Centipedes and 2 for Seeded Centipedes). Youthcentipedes consist of 6 runners tethered together and 1 floater.

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

IInterview with Peanut Harms, Original ’Pede SegmentCTRN contacted Dwayne “Peanut” Harms, a co-founder of the Aggie Running Club, for aninside story about centipede mania..California Track & Running News: Who originally had the idea for tethered runners, andhow did it come about?

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

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

PH: Probably Angel. He was the president of the club and ended up single-handedly writingup the Official Centipede Rules [see sidebar], and in his own creative way, crafted 99 percentof the original centipede. He drew the first concept drawing of a centipede, as well. In allhonesty, though, the number of runners (13), and the spacing between them (5 feet) was purelyarbitrary. 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 whoparticipated at that time. It was a co-ed team made up of Aggie Running Club members. Weweaved in and out of the crowd until we reached the finish line. After the race, we went to ourspecial 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?

Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar EditionSpecial ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

Centipede Participant’s &Spectator’s GuideBy Mark Winitz

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a p r i l — j u n e 2 0 0 9 • c t & r n 19

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

CTRN: When did real centipede competition start?

PH: I think it was in the second year, in ’79. We said, “Last year was fun. I wonder how fastwe can run?” We didn’t change our preparation, and didn’t change much else, but we just ranfaster. Then came the sponsors for our ’pede, and, as it turned out, our pace was close to thepace 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 femaleAfrican runners, “Do you think you can beat the centipede?” Joanie [Benoit] was particularlygood at answering this question in a fun kind of way at the pre-race press conference. But manyof the invited female runners were often perplexed or incredulous when they were asked thisquestion by the media. This same dialog goes on to this very day.

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

PH: We had friendly ’pede competition with the West Valley Track Club at Breakers in the earlydays. The Aggies and West Valley TC would hammer at each other frequently in PacificAssociation/USATF [then Pacific Association/TAC] competition, and it was an outgrowth ofthat. 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 becausewe were the two top clubs in Northern California.

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

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

PH: I was the lead ’pede’s number 1 runner during many of the real fast years when we brokeinto the top 15 overall places, beating many of the seeded male runners. I sort of lost track ofrecord times when the race changed to 12K [in 1983]. We’ve always stayed with all-AggieRunning Club members for our ’pedes—no all-star teams. Ex-steeplechasers do well in ’peding because they’re used to the closeness ofthe 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 issimply remarkable.

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

PH: Ivan Huff [a world-class U.S. steeplechaser in the 1980s], MarkSchilling [NCAA double champion at 880m and one mile]. MarkConover [1988 U.S. Olympic marathoner] may have run, 1984Olympian 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 ’08Olympic Trials qualifier] is the fastest. Today, many excellent youngrunners in the club have embraced centipede racing as the ultimate teamsport.


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

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

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’resmoking 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 andstarted slowing down a bit, being lifted off the ground and dragged along through the parkwhen we hit sub-4:40 pace. Running behind Mark Schilling, all 6-3, 200 pounds of him, andnot being able to see, was absolutely frightening at times. But when we hit the Great Highwayand 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 peopleto go nuts. The fact that we were featured on the front page of the San Francisco newspaper thenext 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, folksstarted getting creative with centipedes, stamping San Francisco’s flavor as a city that likes oddstuff 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 Sweeneyvisited Poland and befriended the entire Town of Lenichi in 1978. Marathon champion andUCD 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 atleast two Bay to Breakers. They occupy a cherished place in the Centipede Hall of Fame. I thinkAngel created the stinger. The amazing transformations in the costume itself could be a chapterin 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. Thedanger comes when the end of the ’pede is whip-lashed at the end of the turn. There is also theinsane move of turning and going head-on into as many as 70,000 to 100,000 people. You justwant 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 substitutesin a basketball game. Today, the floaters and blockers are used as a safety issue as much asanything else. They’re the eyes and the ears for the centipede in many respects. They let otherrunners know that a centipede is coming through, and it could be coming through fast. What’s


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

Year Men Time Women Time1978 First centipede (Aggies) ...1981 Aggies 41:50 —1982 Aggies 41:04 —1983 Aggies 40:21 —1984 Aggies 41:37 —1985 Aggies 40:24 —1986 Aggies 38:581987 PowerBar 39:14 Aggies 50:401988 Aggies 38:30 Aggies 48:471989 Aggies 38:14 Aggies 49:201990 PowerBar 38:26 Aggies 47:381991 Aggies 37:40** Aggies 48:381992 Aggies 39:12 Aggies 51:551993 Aggies 38:55 Aggies 48:471994 Aggies 38:51 Tamalpa 48:461995 Aggies 38:19 Aggies 48:041996 Aggies 38:43 Aggies 47:571997 Aggies 39:24 Clif Bar 51:441998 Aggies 40:09 Aggies 48:451999 Aggies 39:26 Aggies 47:11**2000 Aggies 39:33 Aggies 49:052001 Aggies 40:54 Impala N/A2002 Aggies 39:20 Impala N/A2003 Aggies 39:06 Aggies 49:242004 Transports N/A Aggies 48:182005 Aggies 39:17 Aggies 48:302006 Transports 39:16 Aggies 49:132007 Transports 39:01 Aggies 47:522008 Aggies 38:05 Aggies 47:54

**records


amazing is that over the years I don’t think anyone has been seriously injured while running ina 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 wholecentipede concept. The bottom line is, no matter whether you’re running fast or slow ... theimportant thing is to have fun and celebrate the diversity of the experience.

CTRN: What’s your most memorable centipede experience?

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

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22 c t & r n • a p r i l — j u n e 2 0 0 9 Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar EditionSpecial ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

COURSE MAPCOURSE MAPCOURSE MAP

Fun Runner Centipede RulesING Bay to Breakers does not require groupregistration for Fun Runner Centipedes.Each individual should register separately.

Competition guidelines were adoptedby the International Centipede Congresslong, long ago.1. Each adult centipede must consist of

13 runners plus 1 floater who runsalongside, substituting for runners wholose a shoe, drop off the pace, or need tomake a pit stop.

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

3. The adult centipede body must be 60feet long. Youth centipedes mustmeasure exactly 32 feet. Judges willmeasure every centipede in order tocurtail illegal modifications.

4. A centipede may be made of anymaterial that an organization, school, orclub deems appropriate. However, try tokeep it light, flexible, and well-ventilated. Allow at least 4 feet betweenindividual leg segments.

5. Twinkie feelers on the head of eachsegment are required.

6. The final segment of each centipedemust wear a stinger of appropriatedesign.

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

8. During the entire competition, allrequired body segments must be presentin the centipede body. If a segment is tobe exchanged, the replacement mustgive the centipede’s official password toexclude unauthorized participants.

9. To re-enter the centipede, a displacedrunner must catch up with the body andresume his original segment, which thefloater has been occupying. The officialpassword and secret acknowledgmentmust be repeated each time. If thefloater makes a permanent substitution, no other substitutions are allowed.

10. An adult team must finish with 13runners including at least 12 of theoriginal runners comprising thecentipede, plus the official floater. Ayouth team must finish with 6 runners

including 5 of the original runners plusthe floater.

11. Decals or other advertisements for highperformance may be displayed on anycentipede body.

12. A Lenichi Turn, a 360-degree turn madefamous by two Eastern Europeancentipede runners (Oscar and IgatooLenichi) in the 18th century, must beexecuted at Lindley Meadow in GoldenGate Park just beyond the 6-mile point.The Lenichi Turn must not interferewith other runners.

13. All centipedes must start from the rearof the Fun Runners’ pack with theirstingers up against the remnants of Pier16 on the Bay’s edge at the foot ofHoward Street. Each centipede will bechecked in prior to the race to preventquestionable starts.

Centipede Categories• VELOCIPEDE: Men only.• SPEEDYPEDE: Women only.• SPLITPEDE: Coed. No more than 7 of

one gender.• MINIPEDE: Youth, 9th grade or below,

Centipede Rules


a p r i l — j u n e 2 0 0 9 • c t & r n 23Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar EditionSpecial ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

with 3 boys and 3 girls.• SEEDED-PEDE: Male and female. See

Seeded Centipede below forinformation. Awards will be given to thefastest Seeded Centipede.

Seeded Centipede Registration InstructionsSeeded Centipedes must follow the sameguidelines 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. Pleasespecify your preference when yousubmit your applications.

• Registration forms can be found on theSeeded Registration Page of the INGBay to Breakers website. Onlineregistration is not available.

Seeded Centipede Competition Instructions1. A centipede consists of 13 connected

individuals and a maximum of 2unconnected alternates.

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

the race in the seeded section.3. Men’s qualifying times are 34:30 10K;

42:30 12K; 2:44 Marathon. Women’squalifying times are 40:00 10K; 48:3012K; 3:08 Marathon.

4. Each member of the centipede must present written proof of that qualifyingtime. Qualifying time must be from aUSATF-certified race within onecalendar year of the ING Bay to Breakersand may include last year’s ING Bay toBreakers.

5. To ensure safety, please keep costumessimple.

6. Seeded centipedes start the race at theback of the seeded section. Placementviolations will result in disqualification.

7. Seeded centipedes must check in before 7a.m. on race morning. The check-in areais located at Mission and Main Streets.Any team or individual membersarriving after 7 a.m. will not be admittedto the seeded section.

8. The first person in each centipede tocross the finish line determines thefinishing time for all 13 individuals inthe centipede and the official finishingtime for that centipede. The 14th and15th members of the centipedes(alternates), whether or not they finish

with the other 13 members, will betreated as individual finishers with theirown times.

9. There must be 13 connected finishers in acentipede to win or place. All 13members must exit the rear of the finishline chute or the centipede will bedisqualified.

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

11. (Optional) The Lenichi Turn isoptional for seeded competition.

12. (Optional) Twinkie feelers for the firstperson in each centipede, but the entireteam is encouraged to wear them.

13. (Optional) The end of each centipedeshould have a stinger at least six inchesin length.

14. The centipede must be no more than 60feet long, allowing at least 4 feet betweenleg segments. Race officials prior to thestart will measure each centipede fromnose to stinger.▲

ingbaytobreakers.com


24 c t & r n • a p r i l — j u n e 2 0 0 9 Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition

Palo Alto: Skyline Ridge Half Marathon & 10K™ - 19thannual. $30-10K/Half, $35 after 2/28. w/t-s. We like to call thetrails at Skyline Open Space Preserve "skyscrapers." Why?Because while your running along the exposed ridge, you feellike you can almost reach out and touch the clouds. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970;[email protected]; 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 thebeautiful Gold Country. Online TheSchedule.com;[email protected]

Granite Bay Duathlon (4mR-14mB-4mR), www.tbfracing.com

April 19, SUNIce Breaker Tri, www.tbfracing.com

San Rafael: Marin County Marathon, Half, 10K, Kids Run,7am. McNear’s Beach. www.Marincounty.com,[email protected]

April 26, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs5K, 10K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members. SailboatHouse, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Certified, flat loopcourse. Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org

Pope Valley: Golden Gate Bi Series-Pope Valley Biathlon(5KR-21mRB-2mR), 10am $35, $40 race day w/t-s andawards to all finishers, Teams $40/$45. Located east of Angwinat Pope Valley Farmer’s Center; very scenic slightly hilly run,slightly hilly bike. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778 (7-10am& pm).

May 2, SAT Napa: Napa Valley Vintage Half-Iron Triathlon™ - 5thannual. $160- Individual, $225 – Relay Team, w/t-s. Prices goup 9/13. 1.2m swim, 56m bike, 13.1m run. Enjoy the coursealong Lake Berryessa through the rolling countryside of Chilesand Pope Valleys. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach,CA 94970; [email protected]; www.envirosports.com;415/868-1829.

Sacramento: Parkway Half Marathon & 5k (3rd),$38/$48/$60 – 4/6, 4/25, 4/26-5/2, 7:15am Walker Start,8:15am Runner Start, 8:30am 5k Start. William Pond RecreationArea. Both courses take place on the American River Parkway –

DISCLAIMEREvery effort is made to insure the accuracy of theinformation provided in the Calendar. However, thepublisher is not responsible for errors, omissions orchanges made after publication. You can save yourselftime, money and frustration by pre-registering for events(especially before making any travel arrangements). Youmay wish to confirm by telephone with organizers thedate, time and location just prior to the event.

LISTING YOUR EVENTFor $75, your listing will be in print and online through theevent date. Changes may be made at any time at noadditional charge. Call 415-472-7223 for information.

ONLINE CALENDARAn up-to-date version of the Calendar can be found online atwww.TheSchedule.com.© 2008, The Runner’s Schedule. Reproduction in any form isprohibited without consent of the publisher.

April 4, SATDanville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Comeand join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an oldMarine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5KRun or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. atSycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain orshine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee forvolunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt,and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-yearsupporter. Online www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950

Lodi: Easter Run & Fun 5K, 1M, Kids Run, 8:10am $20, $25after 3/30 w/carnival, pancake breakfast. Lodi Lake.http\\easterrun.cal-events.net; [email protected]

Sausalito: Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, Half Marathon& 7 Mile™ - 21st annual. $30-7mi/Half, $35 after 3/15.$55–Marathon, $60 after 3/15. w/t-s. Along this scenic trail runthrough the Marin Headlands, you'll soak in panoramic vistas ofthe Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco cityscape and thelush Pacific shoreline peppered with vibrant wildflowers.Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970;[email protected]; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

April 5, SUNMountain View: Run for Zimbabwe Orphan & ZimbabweanFair 1/2M & 1M X-C (10h)

Mountain View: 10th Annual Run for Zimbabwe Orphans. 1-4p.m. 1120 Miramonte Ave. St. Joseph School. X-country for acause featuring 100 yd. for Special Olympians; 220 yd. for Pre-School; 1/2 mile for Kindergarten and mile races for gradeschool to adults. Zimbabwean Fair & African raffle prizes. $5entry. $10 T-shirt. Contact Ellen & Bill Clark 650 941 9206 orwww.ZimbabweParaguay.org . Benefits Makumbi Children'sHome.

April 11, SAT Stinson Beach: Muir Woods Marathon, 25K & 7 Mile™ - 21stannual. $30-7mi/25K, $35 after 3/28. $50–Marathon, $60after 3/28. w/t-s. As you run this course, you will drink in thefresh smell of the towering redwoods and oaks that surroundyou. Your summit will be rewarded with panoramic vistas asyou begin your descent back into Stinson Beach. Enviro-Sports,PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970;[email protected]; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

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

April 12, SUN Pescadero: Artichoke Half Marathon, 10K Run/Stride, 9am$25, $30 race day w/t-s and awards to all. Pescadero Exit offHwy One (14M S of Half Moon Bay) Pescadero Road East toStage Road, turn right to Native Son’ s Hall; very scenicout/back level paved road and 3M of trails. Sky High, 4967Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Onlinewww.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778.

April 18, SAT Emeryville: World’s Shortest Triathlon for the World’sSmallest City ( 100ydS-2.6mB-1.9mR)(3rd), 8am 45, $50after 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; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

Calendar


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the nation’s longest, continuous wild and scenic riparianparkway 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 CapitalRoad Race Management and SacFit.

May 3, SUNNapa: Napa Valley Sprint Triathlon™ - 11th annual. $80,$90 after 9/14, w/t-s. 1/2m swim, 15m bike, 4m run. Enjoy thecourse in and along Lake Berryessa as you're surrounded byNapa Valley's beauty. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, StinsonBeach, CA 94970; [email protected];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 4/25w/unique race shirt. Fair Oaks (12M N/E of Sac.). CommunityClubhouse in the old Fair Oaks Village. The Most scenic,challenging and charming 5 mile race you will run/walk allyear. Course is half paved roads and half dirt trail w/four toughhills including The Beast. Food, beverages, awards, music andChampionchip Timing. Limit 1,000. CRRM, PO Box 19027,95819; [email protected]; onlinewww.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'llfollow a combination of paved roadways and dirt singletracktrails offering striking views of Bolinas Lagoon, the PacificOcean and Marin County watershed. Enviro-Sports, PO Box1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; [email protected];www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Pleasanton: California Peace Officiers (CPOA) Memorial Run5K,10K, Kids Run, 9am $30/$35 after 5/6 w/Bar BQ, T-s, raffleprizes, trophies & medals ($10 non-runner BarBQ/$7 Kids);$10/$15 Kids Mile; Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. On Your MarkEvents, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

May 10, SUN Angels Camp: Angels Camp Triathlon (1000ydS-16mB-4mR)(17th), 8:30am $55, $65 after 5/6 w/t-s, Great Prizes,Awards, Very cool Trohpy, Beer & Free Bar BQ ($10 for non-runner); Relay $155/$190. New Melones Lake Recreation area.On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

May 16, SAT Beijing, China; Great Wall marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10k and5k, Contact LeRoy 3 time finisher for registration and packageInformation. leroy@ letatravelvacations.com; www.letstravelvacations.com; 800-383-9648

May 17, SUNBerkeley: 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/backalong Nimitz Way. Sub-60, 70 and 80 minute t-shirts. For entrysend 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 & backcourse on scenic Coyote Creek Bike Path. $45 gift certificate totop overall M/F from Go Run Sports. Proceeds benefit Live OakHigh School Athletic programs. Online registration

www.TheSchedule.com; [email protected], [email protected]

May 24, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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™ - 27thannual. $300-Ind, $375-Teams; w/t-s. New York to Philadelphiastarting with a swim in the Hudson River, a bike ride across theGarden State and a finish at the "Rocky" steps of thePhiladelphia Art Museum. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, StinsonBeach, CA 94970; [email protected];www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

May 25, MONAntioch: Deer Valley Super Sprint Triathlon, 8am Superkidz7yrs-under (50ydS-1mB-.25mR), Superkidz 7-10 yrs (100ydS-2mB-.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 underwill win anaward! Prewitt Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Wy.Swim-pool, bike-slightly rolling loop, Run-paved path. Sky High510/223-5778; www.TheSchedule.com

Kentfield: 32nd Marin Memorial Day Races (formerly PacificSun Races) 10K, 2.5 Mile, and Youth Track Races, 8am-2.5M; 8:15-10k; 9:45-Youth Races. $25/$20 (18-under) or$30/$25 after 5/18. Youth $5 w/o shirt. Flat, fast, certifiedcourses, dramatic stadium finish. PA/USATF 10K RoadChampionship, $3,000 prizes, all divs. Engraved plaques 3deep 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.

Sacramento: Buzz Oates No Excuses 5K (age-graded scoring),8:30am $25/$30 after 5/18 w/t-s. William Land Park VillageGreen. Unique age-grading format, whimsical t-shirt,refreshments, plaques to top 50 overall, random prizes,Championchip Timing, Buzz Oates Hot Seat to 50th PlaceFinisher (Leather Recliner), real-time results on large screentelevision at finish line; _ & _ M Kids’ races,[email protected]; www.capitalroadrace.com;www.noexcuses5K.com; 916/492-8966

May 29-30, FRI-SATReno: Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure 178M(5th), 7am. One of Reno-Tahoe’s newest & most excitingSpecial events; a team relay run on a 178M course through theReno-Lake Tahoe [email protected];www.renotahoeodyssey.com

May 30, SATAlexandria,SD: Greg Wagner Memorial 6 Mile Run, 20 MileWalk, www.Mitchell Redcross.org, [email protected]

May 31, SUNToa Baja, Puerto Rico: Carrera international Abraham Rosa10K, [email protected]; www.raceabrajajamrosa.org

Pescadero: Golden gate Bi Series-Pescadero Biathlon (5kR-17mB-2mR), 9am $35, $40 race day wt-s and awards to allfinishers, Teams $40/$45. Duarte’s Tavern (Stage Rd); out/backrun, bike over flat terrain in rural setting, almost no traffic. SkyHigh, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Onlinewww.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778 (7-10am & pm).

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

Trail through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest.Late spring will provide young growth among the native treesand flora along the trail allowing for stunning views andambient sounds of the Greenbrier River. Enviro-Sports, PO Box1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; [email protected];http://www.envirosports.com, www.westvirginiamarathon.com;415/868-1829.

June 6, SATTri for Fun Sprint Tri #1 (26th), http://www.tbfracing.com

Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Comeand join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an oldMarine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5KRun or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. atSycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain orshine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee forvolunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt,and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-yearsupporter. www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950

June 7, SUNCastro Valley: Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon,5K, & Free Children’s Run (26th), “An East bay Triple CrownEvent”. 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; 5Krolling paved, out/back. Children’s Run-free. [email protected]; www.cvtrackclub.com; www.active.com

Saratoga: Run/Walk for Lupus 5K (15th), 9am $20, $25 after5/27 w/t-s, strawberry shortcake breakfast, and est. $10k inprizes 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 FirstSt., #206, San Jose, CA 95134; [email protected]; Onlinereg. at www.lfnc.org; 408/954-8600; toll-free 800/523-3363

Special ING Bay to Breakers 12K Calendar Edition


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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 encouragedas 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;[email protected]; 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 downtownSan 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/$20after 5/23. S/F North side of downtown plaza; certified paved

loop past vineyards, with one hill. Awards, live music, Ox RoastFestival and art show in Plaza after race. Hit the Road Jack, POBox 1857, 95476; [email protected];www.hittheroadjack.org; Active.com; 707/935-9566

June 13, SATGilroy: Henry Coe 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk, 9am $25, $30after 6/11, $35 race day w/t-s. Henry W Coe State ParkHunting Hollow Entrance. Limited to first 250. Onlinewww.theschedule.com

June 20, SATPt Reyes/Limantour Beach: Limantour Odessey HalfMarathon, 9am $30 until 7/17 10am-only online registration(no mail ins and no race day-National Park rules) w/t-s andawards to all. Limited to 100 participants! Limantour Upperparking lot; scenic out/back beach and trail run. Sky HighEvents; 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 forbeginners/novice, time trial for the more esprienced. On YourMark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

June 21, SUNPleasanton: Plesanton Rotary Spirit Run 5K, 10K, 8am-10K,8:20-5K, $25, $30 after 6/5 w/t-s,Great Prizes, GreatRefreshments, Awards. Main St-Downtown under the arch. Afather’s Day, Downtown Celebration. On Your Mark Events, POBox 1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

June 28, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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, SATGraeagle: Graeagle 5K/10K Run, Walk, Stride, 9am $20, $25race day w/t-s, medals to all. Kids ¼ M Free (no t-s). S/FGraeagle Real Estate (49 miles no. of Truckee, Hwy 89); flat,scenic, road & trail in beautiful Mohawk Valley. Ideal vacationspot, swimming, restaurants, golf, cycling,etc. Sky High Events,4967 Santa Rita Rd, 94820-0963; 510/223-5778; OnlineTheSchedule.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 MarkEvents, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

July 5, SUNMurphy: 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 Box1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

Graeagle: Graeagle Triathlon (.5mS-15mB-5kR), SuperKidzTri, 8am $40, $50-Teams, $45/$55 race day w/t-s and medalsfor all. SuperKidz 7:45am (5-12 yrs) $15. Mill Pond next toGreagle General Store; S-warm water lake, B-loop flat, R-roadrun mostly flat, mild hills. Great for teams! Sky High Events,4967 Santa Rita Rd, 94820-0963; 510/223-5778; OnlineTheSchedule.com

July 11, SATTri for Fun Sprint Tri #2 (26th), http://www.tbfracing.com

July 12, SUNSan Francisco: Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim(1.5mS-7mR), Experience 2 of SF's preeminent landmarks upclose & personal: 1.5 m. swim from Alcatraz with a 7 m. o/brun across the Golden Gate Bridge - swim only & relay optionsavailable. Register early - this event will fill up by Memorial Dayat the latest! [email protected] /www.alcatrazchallenge.us

Tri for Real Olympic Distance Tri Series #2,http://www.tbfracing.com

July 18, SATPlesanton: 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, POBox 1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

THE GREAT RACE® features a unique run-bike-paddlecompetition with many divisions for both ironpersons or relayteams. In its 36th year, the race is held along the beautifulAmerican River Parkway, between Rancho Cordova andSacramento. The three legs of the race consist of a 5.82 milerun, 12.5 mile cycle and a 6.35 mile paddle. Continuing thisyear is the Kaiser Permanente Kids Duathlon, a 2.5-mile runand a 6-mile bike ride that provides kids with their own eventto compete in while family members are tackling THE GREATRACE®.

July 19, SUNDublin: Jail Break Run 5K, 10K, 8am $25, $30 after 7/17 w/T-s, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes, Awards. Run the grounds of thejail; ‘Santa Rita’ Jail (Alameda Country Jail). Benefits theSpecial Olympics. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

July 25, SATLivermore: Del Valle Swim 1/2M, 1M, 2M and a SeparateSwim/Run 1M & 3M (11th), 8:30am $35, $40 after 7/22,$50/$55 Swim/Run w/T-s, Raffle, Awards, Refreshments. LakeDel Valle Regional Park, Open water swim & SeparateSwim/Run. Great for first time w/warm clear 74’ water. OnYour Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

July 26, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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 TheSan Francisco Marathon! Featuring a full marathon, 2 halfmarathons and 5K. All proceeds benefit Youth Run4Fun.Fundraising options. www.runsfm.com

Santa Cruz to Capitola: Wharf to Wharf 6 Mile (37th), 8:30am40 bands along the point to point course. Limit 15,000 people,cash prizes. www.wharftowharf; [email protected]

August 8, SATTri 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; [email protected]; 408/354-2005

August 9, SUNThe Tri fir Olympic Distance Series, http://www.tbfracing.com

August 11, SATLos 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; [email protected]; 408/354-2005

August 15, SATSan Francisco: ALCATRAZ SHARKFEST SWIM™ - 17thannual. $125; w/t-s. This is your chance to escape from theRock. Don't wait to register, this event sells out 6 months inadvance! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA94970; [email protected]; www.envirosports.com;415/868-1829.

Plesanton: Tri for Fun #3 (400ydS-11mB-3mR)(22nd), 7am$55, $65 (if available-does sell out) w/t-s, Refreshments, GreatPrizes. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. Outstanding forbeginners/novice, time trial for the more esprienced. On YourMark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

August 16, SUNFelton: 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;[email protected]

August 23, SUNOakland: Time IS ON Your Side 5K, 10K Run, 9am $6/8 non-members, $8/$10 race day w/prizes, awards. Sailboat House,568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Guess your time and the closestwins. 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-daymembership to Lakeridge (discount for LAC members &students w/valid ID). Lakeridge AC; S-pool, B-scenic on SanPablo Dam Rd., R-rolling hills. Medals for all. Lakeridge AthleticClub, 6350 San Pablo Dam Rd., 94803;[email protected]; Onlinewww.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, SUNLUNA Bar Women's Triathlon Festival,http://www.tbfracing.com

Mercer Island, WA: SEATTLE ESCAPE FROM THE ROCKTRIATHLON™ - 13th annual. $60-Ind, $120-Teams, $70/$150after 7/30; w/t-s. Mercer Island, Washington, sets the stage forthis beautiful course. We shut down an entire I-90 freeway justfor this event! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA94970; [email protected]; www.envirosports.com;415/868-1829.

August 31, MonMt. Shasta Tinman Triathlon: A fun, family event. 740 ydswim, 10 mile bike, 4.5 mile run in the woods at the base ofmagnificent Mount Shasta. Benefits Dunsmuir Rotarycommunity & youth projects. Contact Will [email protected]

September 6, SUNBear Valley/N.CA: Bear Valley Triathlon (600yS-10.5mB-3.25mR)(17th), 10am $55, $65 after 9/3, $155/$190 Relayw/Free BarBQ($10 for non-part.) & Beer! Great Prizes, Awards,T-s. Great race in great scenery; Bear Valley Lake, Bear ValleyVillage. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

Danville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Comeand join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an oldMarine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5KRun or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. atSycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain orshine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee forvolunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt,and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-yearsupporter. Online www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950



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September 13, SUNOakland: 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. LakeMerritt/Boat House (560 Bellevue). Celebrating the birthplace ofroad running in the Bay Area. On Your Mark Events, PO Box1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

San Francisco: ALCATRAZ XXIX ESCAPE FROM THE ROCKTRIATHLON™ - 29th annual. $175-Ind, $300-Teams,$190/$360 after 12/31; w/t-s. This is your chance to escapefrom the ROCK and have the world famous triathlonexperience, Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA94970; [email protected]; www.envirosports.com;415/868-1829.

September 19, SATPleasanton: Back to School Scholarship Run 5K, 10K, KidsFun Run(14th), 8:30am $25, $30 after 9/16 w/Monster GoodieBags(25+lbs), Great Prizes(Trips, TVs etc), T-s, Refreshments. Shadow Cliff Regional Park. Presented by NCASMC. On YourMark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

September 20, SUNPlesanton: 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. Thebest trophy in California. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199,Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

September 26, SATBig Sur: BIG SUR TRAIL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5MILE™ 20th annual. $50-Mar, $30-Half/5M, $60/$35 after9/11; w/t-s. You'll wind through the beautiful coastal forestsand hills surrounding Big Sur River with redwood groves, oakand bay forests lining your path. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040,Stinson Beach, CA 94970; [email protected];www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

Manteca: The Central Valley Triathlon Sprint(500yS-16mB-3.1mR) and Super Sprint(200yS-5mB-1mR), 8am $60, $70after 923, $50/$60; Relay $170/$200 w/BarBQ ($10 non-part.),T-s, Awards, Raffle Prizes. Woodland Resevoir. On Your MarkEvents, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

September 27, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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 MicrosoftCampus, Shoreline Blvd exit off Hwy 101; scenic, paved &certified course on Stevens Creek Trail and Shoreline Park. Freechildren's races follow, along with refreshments, raffle, and afestival area. Reg form/and online regwww.stevencreektrail.org; Active.com;[email protected] or 408-255-5780.

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

supportive atmosphere! Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, StinsonBeach, CA 94970; [email protected];www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

October 4, SUNMerced: Gateway to Yosemite Triathlon (800/400/200yS-24/6/4mB-6/2/1mR)(26th), 8:30am $65, $75 after 10/1-Long,$55/$65-Short, $35/$40-Kids w/T-s, Free BarBQ ($10 non-part.), Awards-5Yr age groups, Raffle Prizes. Merced CollegePool-Pol Swim. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold95223; [email protected];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. Microfibershirts, live bands, Chip timing, unique finisher awards, scenic,fast course, post-race party. Capital Road Race Management,PO Box 19027, 95819;www.sacramentocowtownmarathon.com;[email protected]; 916/492-8966

October 11, SUNHealdsburg: Wine Country Marathon, Half Marathon,www.winecountrymarathon.com; [email protected]

Fremont: Happy Fish Run for Education 5K, 10K & Kids1/2M, 1/4M (5th), 9am $25, $30 w/T-s, Refrshments, Awards,Prizes & kids activities (kids $10). Central park/Lake Elizabeth-a beautiful park setting. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199,Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

October 17, SATManteca: Central Valley Triathlon (500yS-16mB-3.1mR),(1.5KS-40KB-10KR), 7:30am $70, $80 after 10/14-International, $60/$70-Sprint, Relay $170/$200(both) w/T-s,BarBQ ($10 non-part.), Awards, Raffle Prizes. WoodwardResevoir. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

October 24, SATBrentwood/Livermore: Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run HalfMarathon,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, GoodyBag, Awards. The 10K & Half Marathon are hilly; Kellog CreekPicnic area in Los Vaqueros Watershed. On Your Mark Events,PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

October 25, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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, SATNapa: 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 willbe your soundtrack as you challenge yourself on the lushsingle-track trail within Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970;[email protected]; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829.

November 1, SUNCamino: Apple Hill Harvest 8.5M, 3.5M Run/Walk, 1/4 & 1/2M Kid’s Runs (30th), 8:55am 8.5M, 9am 3.5M $30/$35 after10/24 w/LS shirt, Chip Timing, refreshments, drawing. 8:30amKid’s _ & 1/4 M $16 w/t-s & special treat. ParaVi Winery; rollingpaved loop through the scenic neighborhoods & fruit ranches of

Apple Hill. Guaranteed LS/t-s to 1st 1,700. Free Satelliteparking w/shuttle to race start. Apple Harvest theme. CaminoSchool Club Benefit, [email protected],www.applehillrun.org; 916/492-8966

November 7, SATKnights 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-halfway between Oakdale and Sonora. On Your Mark Events, POBox 1199, Arnold 95223; [email protected];www.onyourmarkevents.com; 209/795-7832

Knights Ferry: Salmon 5000 (5K) (13th), 9am $30, $35 after11/4 w/T-s, Awards, Refreshments, & Free Beer. S tanislausRiver Park. On Your Mark Events, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; 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 everexperience with a beach start and a climb into the mountainswith beautiful views and surroundings the whole way. Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970;[email protected]; www.envirosports.com; 415/868-1829

November 8, SUNDanville: Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk (14th), Comeand join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an oldMarine, at the 14th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5KRun or Walk on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 10 a.m. atSycamore Valley Park , 2101 Holbrook Drive , Danville , rain orshine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee forvolunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt,and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant, a major four-yearsupporter. www.TheSchedule.com; Sparky 925/855-1950

Fresno: join the legendary Dick Beardsley for the secondrunning of the Eye-Q Two Cities Marathon and half located inthe heart of California, central to San Francisco, Yosemite andthe Sequoia NP. This event has something for everyone.Marathon, half marathon, half marathon walk and 4 personrelay. A $10,000 prize purse has been established to bring thefinest athletes from around the nation to compete in themarathon and half. The course is USATF Cerified, fast and canbe used as a Boston Qualifer. You will run along beautiful treelined paved pedestrian and bike pathways through Fresno andClovis. Last years event sold out early. The entries are limited to5,000 participants. Register at www.RunFresno.com

November 22, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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 Familyof 3 w/Awards, T-s,, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes. TouroUniversity (1310 Johnson Ln); scenic run through the Old MareIsland Navy Base including the Admiral’s housing. On Your MarkEvents, PO Box 1199, Arnold 95223;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

November 26, THURSSacramento: Run to Feed the Hungry 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk(16th), 10k -8:15am, 5k – 9:00am; $35/$40 race day, 15 andunder $20 anytime. A Sacramento Thanksgiving morningtradition. Largest Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk in the U.S. withover 28,000 participants in ’08.Guaranteed LS t-s 1st 28,000.CSUS (J/Carlson Sts.); cert., fast loop through one of Sac’s



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

most beautiful neighborhoods. $6,000+ prize money, $2,500bonus $$, ChronoTrack Timing and live TV coverage, live music,Elvis. Benefits Sac Food Bank & Family Services. Run to Feedthe Hungry, PO Box 19939, 95819; Onlinewww.runtofeedthehungry.com; [email protected];916/492-8966

November 28, SATJoin us for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009! TheRRCA and AIMS certified marathon and half marathon coursesconsist of rolling hilly sections and scenic views of downtownSeattle and Lake Washington. The Seattle Marathon Family ofEvents also includes the Seattle Children’s Kids Marathon, theSeattle Marathon 5K Race presented by Road Runner Sports onNovember 28, and the Health+Fitness EXPO on November 27 &28. For more information visit our website at:www.seattlemarathon.org

November 28, SATJoin us for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009!The RRCA and AIMS certified marathon and half marathoncourses consist of rolling hilly sections and scenic views ofdowntown Seattle and Lake Washington. The Seattle MarathonFamily of Events also includes the Seattle Children’s KidsMarathon, the Seattle Marathon 5K Race presented by RoadRunner Sports on November 28, and the Health+Fitness EXPOon November 27 & 28. For more information visit our websiteat: www.seattlemarathon.org

December 5, SATSan 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;[email protected]; www.onyourmarkevents.com;209/795-7832

December 27, SUNOakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth SundayRuns 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



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a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9 • c t & r n 33

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

meters); and Dwight Stones (two-time Olympic Bronze medalistand former world recordholder in the high jump).More recent GWI alums who have represented the United

States internationally in the Olympic Games and the WorldChampionships include Stacy Dragila (who won the SydneyOlympics in 2000 in the pole vault and is the former worldrecordholder); Jeremy Wariner (the 2004 Olympic Champion inthe 400 and Silver medalist in Beijing); David Neville (3rd in the400 at the Beijing Olympics); Leonel Manzano (who reached thesemi-finals in the 1500 at Beijing); Bershawn Jackson (3rd in the400 hurdles at the Beijing Olympics); Andra Manson (who rep-resented the U.S. in the high jump in Beijing); John Godina (athree-time winner of the shot at the World Championships);Marshevet Hooker (5th in the Beijing 200); Allyson Felix (a two-time winner of the 200m at the World Championships and aSilver medalist at both the Athens and Beijing Olympics);Monique Henderson (member of Gold medal 4x400m relay atBeijing); Nicole Teter (a semi-finalist in the 800m at Athens);Joanna Hayes (the 2004 Olympic champ in the 100m hurdles);

Erica McLain (who represented the U.S. in the triple jump inBeijing); 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 BeijingOlympics in the discus); and Hazel Clark (three-time Olympicteam member in the 800m).Other recent stars include Jordan Hasay, the national record-

holder at 1500, a two-time Golden West mile champion and the800-meter winner in 2008; nationally ranked sprinters BiancaKnight and Sholanda Solomon; middle distance stars Sara BeiHall, Amy Mortimer, Chris Lukezic, Rob Myers, and SaidAhmed; hurdler Nicole Denby; high jumpers Chaunte Howard,Jesse Williams, and Dusty Jonas; 800-meter runners ChristianSmith, Duane Solomon, and Jonathon Johnson, and many more.One of the intriguing questions is which athletes have pro-

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 meetrecords (11.31; 23.01; 20-9) in 1993 although the stunning9:58.51 for 3200m by Caitlin Chock (Granite Bay, CA) in 2004is 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 2003and 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 (5thall-time) sprint double in 1985 and Tim Danielson’s (ChulaVista, CA) 4:07.0 (7th all-time) and 8:55.4 two-mile (3rd all-time) 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 thegreatest demonstration of clutch jumping ever seen; Joeimproved his personal best in the long jump by over 13 inches todefeat another competitor’s 26-0 and improved on his personal

best in the triple jump on his last try by 13 inches to defeat thepending national record holder.What is the best-ever GWI performance? That one is sur-

prisingly easy as it is widely recognized that Michael Carter’s(Jefferson, Dallas, TX) 81-3.5 NR on his final put ever with thehigh school shot in 1979 is the best performance by a highschooler, anytime, anywhere. At the time, it was 9 feet better thanthe 72-3.25 best of the then-number two performer; it is stillover 5 feet beyond the current number two, thirty years later.

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

(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.

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

Long Distance RunningBEST MARKSNumerous 2008 Awards for Region’sRunners

BY MARK WINITZ

It might be hard to find them on the sametrack: Don Bowden, the first American to gosub-4 minutes in the mile, who really consid-ered himself a half-miler; and Tim Twietmeyer,5-time Western States 100 Mile EnduranceRun champion who got his start in ultra run-ning in 1979 by running a 24-hour race on theoval.

But it was easy to get Bowden andTwietmeyer in the same room as keynote speak-ers for the 13th Annual PacificAssociation/USATF Long Distance RunningAwards Banquet. The banquet was held Jan. 31in the restaurant at the McInnis Park GolfCenter in San Rafael, and was superbly organ-ized and hosted by the Tamalpa Runners.

Listening to Don and Tim speak remind-ed me that regardless of whether we run long,short, or in between, all runners have a lot morein common with each other than differences.Speaking of the long and short, 76 trophieswere awarded at the banquet to outstandingindividual athletes, teams, and volunteers whoparticipated in the four 2008 PA/USATF LDRGrand Prix circuits (short LDR, long LDR,cross country, and ultra running).

Bowden, 74, a 1956 Olympian, kicked offthe banquet with an inspiring talk. The recentUSA Track & Field Hall of Fame inducteedescribed his roots in track at Lincoln HighSchool (San Jose) where he was the studentbody president and set a national prep record inthe half-mile, the influence of his legendarycoach (Brutus Hamilton) at the University ofCalifornia-Berkeley, the challenges of combin-ing collegiate athletics with the pursuit of aca-demic excellence, and his memorable mile race.

On June 1, 1957, while still a junior atUC-Berkeley, Bowden broke through the sub-4barrier that only 3 years earlier people hadcalled insurmountable—until EnglishmanRoger Bannister did it. Bowden ran 3:58.7 in afield of five runners before 2,500 spectators atthe Pacific Association AAU Championshipmeet in Stockton and opened the gateway forAmerican milers.

Twietmeyer then shared his thoughts andremembrances with the banquet attendees in aQ&A interview format with Tamalpa’s capableultra trail runner Greg Nacco asking the ques-tions. Nacco effectively provided an insightinto Twietmeyer’s character by preceding theinterview with a story about how Twietmeyerlent Nacco his gloves as they negotiated a bliz-

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

Twietmeyer, who has completed theWestern States 100 in under 24 hours anunprecedented 25 times, answered questionsfrom Nacco and the attendees such as: Did youever drop a pacer? (Yes, with Ann Trason on hisheels as he led the 1995 WS 100.) How do yourun Western States well? (Hammer the down-hills at half-marathon pace.)

The plethora of awards was bestowed byPA/USATF LDR committee chairs TylerAbbott (men’s LDR), Katie Wasilenko(women’s LDR), and Hollis Lenderking(mountain/ultra/trail). Let’s review the majorawards in three categories (road racing, crosscountry, and ultra running) for the 2008 year.

Road RacingMagadalena Lewy-Boulet (Saucony) receivedthe PA/USATF female Road Runner of theYear Award for the third consecutive yeardespite a disappointment in the biggest race ofher life. At the U.S. Women’s OlympicMarathon Trials in Boston, she placed secondto Deena Kastor in a personal best 2:30:19. Butabout one week prior to the Olympic Games,Lewy-Boulet suffered from a stiff knee after hit-ting it on the arm of a shuttle bus. It forced herto drop out of the Olympic Marathon atapproximately 20K.

On the men’s side, Sergio Reyes (ASICSAggies) earned the Road Runner of the YearAward for the second consecutive year as theleading open men’s point earner on both theshort and long circuits of PA/USATF’s RoadGrand Prix series. Reyes won four of the eightG.P. races in which he competed, and placedsecond in the other four.

Best Road Performance of the Year Awardswent to recent Chico State University standoutScott Bauhs (13:37, Turkey Trot/Synaptics 5K),and former Stanford University All-AmericanTheresa McWalters (16:12, TurkeyTrot/Synaptics 5K). Bauhs’ Synaptics 5K per-formance also earned him the men’s Best Age-Graded Road Performance of the Year Award.53-year-old Christine Kennedy’s 18:10 at theBanana Chase 5K pinned down women’s age-graded performance honors.

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

Cross CountryBrian Pilcher’s (Tamalpa Runners) and KaraJune’s (ASICS Aggies) solid harrier seasons

earned them PA/USATF Cross CountryRunners of the Year awards. Pilcher, 52, domi-nated the highly competitive men’s senior (ages50–59) ranks by racking up age-division winsin all nine Cross Country Grand Prix events.His dominance carried over to the 2009 USACross Country Championships held Februaryin Derwood, Maryland where Pilcher easilytopped the 50–54 age division while defeatinghis closest rival—newly turned 50-year-oldJohn Tuttle, a 1984 U.S. Olympic marathon-er—by 53 seconds over the 8K distance.Experience in PA/USATF competition, nodoubt, assisted Pilcher, who scored a secondoverall men’s age-graded performance at theUSA Cross Country Championships.

“I followed the Fluffy Bunny [a SoCalclub] runners [at the USA Championships],”Pilcher said, “who I had raced with at thePA/USATF Cross Country Championships.They’re very good runners and great guys. Imanaged to stay with a couple of them for mostof the race.”

Kara June carried a successful ’08 trackseason, during which she placed sixth in thesteeplechase at the U.S. Olympic Track & FieldTrials, into a fine cross country campaign.Following a little R&R after her outdoor sea-son, the 26-year-old Fresno State Universitygrad didn’t start racing on the turf until the lastthree PA/USATF Grand Prix events of the sea-son. But she was dominant, winning when itcounted most at the Shoreline Open, TamalpaChallenge, and PA/USATF Championshipcross country meets.

Ultra RunningSummary courtesy Hollis LenderkingFor the first time since the inception ofPA/USATF LDR awards, neither 2008Ultrarunner of the Year was a Grand Prix divi-sion champion. In fact, only one of the fournominees, 2007 Ultra ROY Jean Pommier,won his age group (men’s masters). Plus,Pommier was the strongest Grand Prix com-petitor of the season, male or female. Pommier’sco-nominee for the award, Erik Skaden, ranonly two Ultra Grand Prix races (versusPommier’s 10), but he earned 3 big overall winson some of the toughest courses in the region—at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile, Silver State50-Mile, and Diablo 50-Mile. In addition,Skaden was the top PA/USATF finisher overallin his 2 intensely competitive Grand Prix races(MiWok 100K and American River 50-Mile).The nod for the 2008 male Ultrarunner of theYear Award narrowly went to Skaden.

Among women, Diana Fitzpatrick, age 50,may have competed only twice in the year, but

Continued on page 44.


Coming to Folsom:

THE BESTHigh School Track & Field Athletes

…where Olympic careers begin!

Saturday June 13, 2009

Folsom High School

Folsom California

2008 Golden West Invitational ActionAbove 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

Organized by the Pacifi c Association - USATF120 Ponderosa Court, Folsom, CA 95630 916/983-4715 [email protected] PAUSATF.org

GoldenWestInvitational.org

New

Standards!

Enter today!

goldenwestinvitational.org

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

Celebrating 50 Years!

New

Freshman

Events!

adidas Golden West Invitational

2009 Entry Standards

Event Boys Girls100m 10.99 12.30Freshman Boys 100m 11.99Freshman Girls 100m 13.3200m 22.50 25.50400m 49.99 59.99Freshman Boys 400m 51.99Freshman Girls 400m 61.99800m 1:59.99 2:22.00Freshman Boys Mile 4:45 Freshman Girls Mile 5:45Mile (1600m) 4:25 5:153200m 9:40 11:25110m/100m H 15.50 15.50300mH 39.99 47.50High Jump 6-05 5-00Pole Vault 14-08 11-00Long Jump 22-00 17-00Triple Jump 44-00 34-00Shot Put 53-00 40-00Discus 150-00 125-00Hammer 175-00 125-00Javelin 175-00 125-00


SHOE REVIEWS:

Neutral iii

Motion ivStabilizing

Performance vi

Two trends are in the forefront this season: gender and money. A fewseasons back, some brands attempted to market to men and womenseparately—even with different names for the same shoes—with less-than-successful results. This season, the shoes carry the same namesand attempt to provide the same kind of running experience for runnersof each gender. More than one-third of the shoes in our Review havebeen modified to account for differences between male and female run-ners. Men generally weigh more than women and have more musclemass, which means they can more easily flex running shoes. They alsoland a little harder than women do. Designers adjusted their shoes toaccommodate these very real differences. For men, the landing area isa 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 havebeen some time in coming, as the world economy is shifting. Workerseverywhere expect higher wages, the costs of resources and transporta-tion have increased, and the bottom line is the bottom line—runningshoes are not what they used to be. While they’re not rocket science,running shoes are technical, and technology, research, and deliveryhave very real costs associated with them.

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

Shoe Review2009 SPRING


Welcome to the Running Network’s2009 Spring Shoe Review!

If you’ve been a longtime reader of our Reviews, you may notice that the review is nowpart 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 weartest-ing and review of running footwear and providing that information to you, the runningconsumer, in a timely fashion. We publish two large reviews a year (in the spring andfall), and additional shoe features in the May, July, September, and November issues. Inaddition, we are excited to provide you with an expanded version of this Review—withreviews 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 journeyto find the best running shoe for you. We urge you to visit your local running store formore help. If you don’t know where to find one, visit our website and we’ll help youlocate your local running store.

Happy (and Healthy) Running and Walking!

Larry EderPresident, Running Network LLC

ii | Running Network 2009 Spring Shoe Review

American Track & Fieldwww.american-trackandfield.com

Athletes Onlywww.atf-athlete.com

Athletics (Canada)www.otfa.ca

Austin Runnerwww.austinrunner.com

California Track & RunningNewswww.caltrack.com

Club Runningwww.rrca.org/clubrunning

Coaching Athletics Quarterly www.coachingathleticsq.com

Colorado Runnerwww.coloradorunnermag.com

Get Active!www.getactivemagazine.com

Greater Long Island RunningClub’s Footnoteswww.glirc.org

Latinos Corriendowww.latinoscorriendo.com

Michigan Runnerwww.michiganrunner.net

Missouri Runner & Triathletewww.morunandtri.com

New York Runnerwww.nyrrc.org

Running Journal & RacingSouthwww.running.net

RunMinnesotawww.runmdra.org

RunOhiowww.runohio.com

Track & Field Newswww.trackandfieldnews.com

USATF’s Fast Forwardwww.usatf.org

USATF/New England’sExchange Zonewww.usatfne.org

The Winged Footwww.nyac.org

The Winged Mwww.themac.com

Youth Runnerwww.youthrunner.com

Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann ProjectCoordinator/Editor: Christine JohnsonDesigner: Kristen Cerer Proofreader:Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial ServicesShoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña,Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales:Running Network LLC, Larry Eder, President,920.563.5551, ext. 112, [email protected]: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785 Website: www.runningnetwork.com For a Media Kit, please visit our website.

This 2009 Spring Shoe Review is produced inde-pendently by Running Network LLC for its partnerpublications. All shoes reviewed were tested byexperienced, competitive runners who werematched to the biomechanical purpose of eachshoe model.

Copyright © 2009 by Running Network LLC. AllRights Reserved. No part of this publication maybe stored, copied, or reprinted without prior writtenpermission of Running Network LLC.

Running Network LLC and its partner publicationssuggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meetwith a healthcare professional before beginning orchanging your fitness regimen.

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WELCOME

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

K-Swiss Run One

miSOUL Tech

Best New Shoe

Diadora Mythos 280 GB

Best Renovation

Award Winners

BEST SHOENeutral

S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

BEST SHOE

S P RI N G 2 0 0 9

Performance

BEST SHOEMotion

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adidas Supernova Glide—$100The Supernova Glide is as good as the best neutral shoes in the adidas line. The name is new (it was previously the SupernovaCushion), but the other changes seem cosmetic until closer inspection. The changes, though slight, do improve the shoe. Theupper features better breathability and reduced weight, thanks to a change in the mesh that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The GeoFitmemory foam ankle collar still provides a cozy fit around the ankle. The midsole sports slight changes to the molding andretains the ForMotion cassette, so the ride is still the same. Subtle changes in the outersole’s appearance improve its flexibil-ity, and adidas has kept the carbon heel-and-blown rubber combination that has worked well for the Supernova series. If theadidas 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 cush-ioning 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 neutralbiomechanics to very mild overpronation

Diadora Mythos 280 GB—$100The Mythos series displays the best Diadora Running offers, and the 280 GB is a nod to Olympic Marathon champion GelindoBordin, longtime brand icon and one of its key developers. The Mythos 280 improves the ride by adjusting its Axeler technol-ogy. The threadlike titanium wire is unchanged, but Axeler WI5 adds angled thermoplastic elements to absorb shock by flex-ing and then springing back to shape, providing an energetic toe-off. The upper is open airmesh with synthetic leather over-lays to support the foot, and accommodate a range of foot shapes. Reliable Elaston foam means that the midsole is well cush-ioned and durable. The shank is vented, providing support and breathability.The outersole is Duratech 5000 and Flexoft (car-bon rubber heel, blown rubber forefoot) because it works. New cushioning technology, fine-tuned fit, cushioned ride, and flex-ibility 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 fore-foot flexibility, though they were heavier than other Diadora shoes I have tried.”

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—$125The 1063 stays true to the mission of its predecessors: providing great cushioning for low-arched, neutral feet. The upper hasbeen upgraded for a bit more support, with a full rand, redesigned and repositioned overlays in the saddle and the toe, and alittle softer mesh to go with the same smooth interior. The midsole sports a new configuration of DTS (Dynamic TransitionSystem): a crash pad that improves the lateral release on touchdown and better smooths the foot’s transition through the foot-strike. The forefoot cushioning has been enhanced with a little more Abzorb SBS, but, almost magically, the weight has beenreduced (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 cush-ion 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—$120If there were an award for best aesthetic improvement, the Premier Ultra KFS VI would certainly be in the running. Reebok hasraised the bar to a new height, gaining ground in both fit and performance. The upper has received improvements to fit, sup-port, and comfort. The KFS inserts have been repositioned nearer the instep, which opens the stretch mesh across themetatarsals, and the overlays have been enhanced from the midfoot to the heel to better secure the shoe to the foot. The mid-sole 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 highmileage 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 toepush-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 updatedshoes 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 themetatarsal area, making the shoe bunion-friendly. The midsole appears largely untouched, though the shank reveals a bit moreof the thermoplastic than the Triumph 5 did. The ride is responsive, with cushioning befitting the Triumph legacy. As with manyof the shoes in this review, the Triumph 6 will cost a little more, but it’s worth it. The overall feel, craftsmanship, and ride wereresponsible 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, andthe 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

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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, isactually the best shoe in its new line. The upper utilizes FootSleeve technology, which is similar to the gusseted tongue con-struction or monosock used in other running shoes. Like all such construction, whether it fits you is largely dependent on theshape 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 rub-bery inserts—ArmourBound, ArmourLastic, and Cartilage—which make for quite a comfortable ride. The flat sole, which keepsthe foot in contact with the ground during transition, and good flexibility permit the foot to move naturally. The carbon rubberoutersole 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 cushionfelt 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—$140A 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 into maximize the fit for as many runners as possible—a little to either side of a medium arch. The strength of the Salvation isthat it fits well and has outstanding cushioning and stability. The upper switches to EVA in the tongue for better protection, adifferent open mesh, and repositioned overlays that reduce the weight. The midsole features a minor extension of the Pro-Moderator support and a full-length adiPrene Strobel board for seamless cushioning. Small reductions here and there add upto almost half an ounce shaved off the weight of the shoe. The cushy ride and reliable stability earned the adiStar Salvation ourBest 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 likeslippers 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—$85The GEL-1140 has a lengthy heritage in the ASICS line. Runners looking for effective stability on a budget have always respond-ed 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 tothe overlays. The tailoring has been adjusted for a better heel fit and more room in the toebox. The midsole is time-provenSpEVA (ASICS’ preferred foam prior to its introduction of Solyte), and this configuration gives the 1140 a stable, well-cush-ioned ride. The outersole is classic ASICS fare: AHAR (carbon rubber) heel with a blown rubber forefoot. The combination ofthe 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 likerunning 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—$105Over time, the Adrenaline series has been very consistent; the overall visual impression is one of gradual change. But it alsoretains the familiar, and that’s a strength of the Adrenaline—it fits and works for its audience. The Adrenaline GTS 9 is “one ofthe boys,” but with a few tricks up its sleeve. The upper is the same Element mesh, with slightly larger holes to better handlemoisture from the foot. The midsole, added this season, is BioMogo, which does a great job of cushioning and, when you’redone with the shoe, it doesn’t last forever in a landfill. The ride is very stable with enough cushioning to keep runners comingback. The HPR carbon heel and blown rubber forefoot are effective and familiar—a known commodity. Runners who swear bythe 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 severalpluses 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—$110The strength of the original Jepara was its combination of cushioning and effective stability. The Jepara 3 has outdistanced theearlier versions by tackling their weakness: weight. The upper is a uniform open mesh, with stretch mesh and HF-welds acrossthe metatarsal region to provide a forgiving, yet supportive fit, and a much plusher feel. The midsole features redesigned flexgrooves for better forefoot flexibility, an adjusted second density of foam for better stability, TPR inserts only in key impactareas, and a redesigned shank—all of which save weight while providing better stability and support. The effectiveness of thepolyurethane innersole and EVA Strobel board combine to enhance the ride, just as they have in other Etonic shoes. The totalweight 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 footfeels 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: Strobelslip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • For: medium- to high-arched feet with moderate overpronation

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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 Ridefeatures Karhu’s Fulcrum technology (think “mini teeter-totter”) to improve responsiveness by pivoting the foot forward aftertouchdown. Shortening the time on the heel also reduces overpronation. The upper is a well-supported airmesh, but with fewoverlays and a bunion-friendly open forefoot. The interior is plush and accommodating. The multi-part midsole features aneffective heel crash pad and a stable configuration of the Fulcrum element with a flexible forefoot. The polyurethane memoryfoam 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, butstill 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 midsolestructure designed to accommodate different snap-in innersoles. The Run One comes with two options: a Cushion innersolewith resilient rubbery inserts and a Light configuration. By changing them depending on your workout, they don’t get com-pressed as quickly as the traditional innersole. (You can also purchase replacements.) The combination-lasted design adds sta-bility, along with the dual density midsole and shank supports of the miSOUL components. The upper is open airmesh withcooling perforations through the toecap and the perimeter of the heel, and rubbery thermoplastic overlays give a snug but for-giving midfoot fit. The outersole is traditional carbon rubber in the heel, blown rubber in the forefoot. The combination of thefamiliar 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, itenveloped 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) Strobelboard • 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 menand women. This version features the unchanged midsole chassis that worked well for the Structure Triax 11: Phylon, an articu-lated second density with TPU, and a decoupled crash pad that curbs overpronation while allowing the foot to effectively transi-tion. As a shoe that’s largely on target, the upper features only minor changes. The mesh has a better feel to it (smaller holes feelless coarse) and the overlays have been replaced with HF-welds wherever possible to reduce seams. The outersole is almost thesame, with a slightly thicker Duralon layer in the forefoot providing extra protection. Devotees will find the Structure Triax+ 12 totheir 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. Theshoes 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 cushionedfeel up front is achieved by a new Skydex bag in the forefoot (effectively used in last season’s award-winning Streak), combinedwith a better midsole foam. The strength of the SyncroPace continues to be the stability of the SyncroFrame. A dual densityinnersole feels soft on top, but has a supportive, dense layer underfoot. The seamless upper offers a snug fit with a plush inte-rior, 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 younotice. 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 guaran-teed that every detail of the technology and function of the shoes was attended to. The upper is open airmesh with a close-fit-ting, gusseted tongue that Under Armour calls “FootSleeve,” tying its shoes to its compression apparel. The midsole employsArmourGuide, a cradle that offers stability and support. A rubbery material called Cartilage is designed to improve the cush-ioning between the cradle and the EVA. The EVA formulations in heel and forefoot—Armourlastic and ArmourBound—con-tribute to the responsive ride. The articulated heel curbs overpronation by lateral release, stabilizing and smoothing the transi-tion. 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 likethe 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

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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 withBiomorphic Fit inserts, but by adjusting the asymmetrical lacing to restore the familiar sizing and support, the upper fits bet-ter. The overlays sport new tailoring that gives a better fit through the heel and midfoot. The midsole features a shorter medialsecond density, which may be partly responsible for the slightly softer feel. ASICS reports that the midsole is a millimeter thin-ner and the outersole is 2 millimeters thicker, making the forefoot a little more responsive. That extra millimeter has been addedto the blown rubber in the forefoot, improving the ride and helping to cradle an insert of high-traction rubber called Wet-Gripthat 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 cush-ioning. 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

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

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 goodshoes and the Start is a good shoe. The aim was to begin with the Vomaro and create a little sibling. The upper is airmesh infront 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 Bowermanshoes, 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 forefootmake 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

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 well-considered changes. The upper is an open airmesh with a well-finished interior. A traditional lacing system replaces the asym-metrical lacing of the I and II, giving this version a secure, but roomy fit. A deeper throat and a reshaped toe also help. Themidsole is reconfigured with a smaller second density, a slightly more flexible forefoot, and a lower profile feel. While the cush-ioning is good for a lightweight runner, some of our testers found that it was not substantial enough for longer runs or heavierrunners. The outersole features EverTrack carbon rubber throughout, with blown rubber in the lateral forefoot for durable cush-ioning. 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 any-thing 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 mildoverpronation, for faster-paced runs

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 lin-ing combined with antimicrobial silver nanotechnology. The midsole offers a more generous layer of Z-BOUND, and an extend-ed shank for better stability. Thermoplastic overlays and large holes in the tongue and heel improve the grip and help you getthe shoe on fast. The outersole has been upgraded to a tougher carbon rubber in the high-wear areas and combined with blownrubber and TPU to lighten it and improve the ride. All these features meet the needs of triathletes, while providing all runnerswith low profile, efficient performance. The upgraded materials, design, and performance earned the Ultra TT 2.0 our BestPerformance Shoe award.

“Fit like a second skin, very minimal. Great light weight. I like it when shoe companies understand that a shoe doesn’thave 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

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SCA/USATF ULTRA RUNNING REPORT

GARY HILLIARD & LORRAINE GERSITZSCA MUT OPEN & MASTERS CHAIRS

Ultra Runners Grand Prix Awards PicnicOn Jan. 31, the Series Awards/Run/PotluckLunch was held in Sierra Madre. It was a hugesuccess with a mountain run followed by goodfood and camaraderie. Many of the series par-ticipants attended, receiving their overall, age-group, and high mileage plaques. Thanks to thegenerosity of the SCA USATF board, nine ofthese overall and age-group winners were alsoUSATF members, so they received prize moneytotaling $1050. As reported in last month’sMUT report, Patrick Sweeney, USATF mem-ber, was the 2008 Overall Male Winner andGina Natera-Armenta was the 2008 OverallFemale Winner. The 2008 Men’s MileageChampion was USATF member Ted Liao andthe 2008 Women’s Mileage Champion wasagain Gina Natera-Armenta. For completeresults see, the series website atwww.socalultraseries.org.

Series director and new SCA MUT boardmember Gary Hilliard introduced MUT chairLorraine Gersitz, who actively recruitedUSATF members at the picnic by speakingabout the benefits of joining USTAF andemphasized the support MUT events receivesfrom SCA. Ten people joined USATF that dayand many more said they would do so onlinewhen they got home.

Catalina 50-Mile Trail Run11/29/08; www.avalon50.comThe Catalina 50-mile is an out-and-back onscenic fire roads from Avalon to the Isthmusand return. The course takes runners throughisland’s interior and is one of the country’s mostscenic 50-milers with no cars and no smog, justgreat terrain, incredible views, fascinating his-torical sites and even an occasional buffalosighting. All proceeds from entry fees and spon-sored 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. MichelleBarton, 37, Laguna Nigel, 7:55:39; 2. Jennifer Henderson, 50,Barstow, 8:05:31.

Calico Trail Runs12/06/08; www.calicotrailrun.orgHeld in the Historic Calico Ghost Town andMining District, this is one of the most inter-esting trail runs around—ruggedness combinedwith the beauty and history of the CalicoMountains. All proceeds from this race go tothe Discovery Trails, the non-profit supportingthe Desert Discovery Center for the preserva-tion of the Mojave Desert.

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

Orange Curtain 50K/100K12/15/08; www.oc100k.comThe Orange Curtain 50 km and 100 km race isa 10 kilometer out-and-back (repeated 5 or 10times) along a 5-kilometer segment of theasphalt and dirt bike path on the east side of theSan Gabriel River in Cerritos, Lakewood, andLong Beach. The race course starts just south ofSouth Street in Cerritos and travels south 5 kmto a point midway between Wardlow andSpring Streets. Most of the bike path has a dirtpath alongside, so for most of the course run-ners have a choice of running on pavement ordirt. A well-run, family operation, with lots of50K runners staying after to crew and cheer forthe 100K runners. RD Jay Anderson puts on atrue “runner’s race” with a start/finish area aidstation that is second none.

TOP FINISHERS: 100K Men 1. Akos Konya, 7:46:20; 2. BrianKrogman, 8:18:50. 100K Women 1. Marisa Willment, 11:19:202. 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 50K3/14/09; www.bigbaztrailraces.comThe San Juan 50K was held in the ClevelandNational Forest, starting and finishing at BlueJay Campground. The seventy-five finishersenjoyed the cool weather, with clouds in themorning giving way to sun later on in the day.On his website, RD Baz Hawley writes (in part):

“The cool weather worked, the first run-ner came through the first aid station in recordtime, and a group of about 5 runners were notfar behind, including our first women. Mustmention the course was changed at the lastminute. I did shorten the first 20 miles… Bythe time the runners where heading back to

Blue Jay the sun had started to shine, but thetemp stayed cool. My talented mate, DeanDobberteen, was on a mission. He knew hehad hot competitors on his heels, but with anice lead back at Blue Jay he said those old guyswill have to work to catch me. Included in thefollowing pack was an East Coast runner GaryHarrington… noticeably not carrying a waterbottle. New mum Darcy Africa was stillhounding the rat-pack in front, with our localfavorite Michelle Barton grinding away at stay-ing in the top ten. … The runners were nowspread out but our radio team kept us abreast ofeveryone over the last 12 miles… A fewdropped because of various problems, but I didallow a few to continue after our cut-off time atBlue Jay. Sorry we did pull one runner… hope-fully she comes back, sometimes an RD has tomake tough decisions. All runners thought thecourse was well marked, for the one or twofolks who loved the little loop at the CandyStore so much and decided to go round twice,no extra charge!

“Dean Dobberteen came across the finishline in first place with his new running shoesnot so new, his sweaty hug and the smile told useverything. Of course, he did not tell othersthat he was doing another 20 miles later thisevening—pulling a rickshaw at Disneyland.His competition Big Tom Neilson and his matewith bib #1, Tracy Moore, cruised in 15 min-utes later, both happy with their magic day.They did mention their competition, our manfrom the East Coast. Tom said they were gladhe didn’t carry water as he may have stayed infront of them. Darcy Africa had a great racecoming in first and 7th overall, but MichelleBarton was not far behind to take second, agood confidence builder for herWS 100 race inJune. One of the late starters ran her legs off totake third and got a top 10 finish; AngelaShartel was now crying cos of her magic day onthe trails…. Go girl.”

TOP FINISHERS: Men 1. Dean Dobberteen, 33, 4:21:00; 2. TomNeisen, 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 theSouthern California Ultra Runners Grand PrixSeries is on the web at socalultraseries.org. ▲

MUT News

what runs they were! In Ultrarunning maga-zine’s rankings, she wrapped up the two bestage-group performances in the nation—atAmerican River and the Vermont 100-Mile.Fitzpatrick’s rival nominee for the Ultra ROYAward was three-time defending honoreeBeverley Anderson-Abbs, whose depth ofresume prevailed in the end. Besides her severalvictories on the Ultra Grand Prix circuit,Anderson-Abbs set a course record while win-ning the treacherous Diablo 50-Mile, finished

second woman overall and Masters championagainst a national-class field at Way Too Cool50K, and was second again at MiWok 100Kbehind the national Ultrarunner of the Year.

Anderson-Abbs also earned a USATFnational award as the 2008 Female MastersUltrarunner of the Year.

Many thanks to theTamalpa Runners, andparticularly their club president, KenGrebenstein, for organizing a exceptionallymemorable 2008 awards banquet.

Mark Winitz welcomes your comments andcontributions for this column. Contact him at(650) 948-0618 telephone, or via e-mail [email protected]. Mark has written forCTRN since the mid-1980s and has been run-ning, writing about running, and organizing pro-grams for runners for 30 years. He is a longtimeactivist within USA Track & Field. He also assistsroad racing events through his company, Win It!zSports Public Relations and Promotions in LosAltos.

LDR continued from page 34


a p r i l – j u n e 2 0 0 9 • c t & r n 45

MIRACLES HAPPENOne Runner’sJourney Backto the SportHe Loves

BY MARK WINITZ

Journal Entry #3: March 2009As I write this, I’ve just returned from theKaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon. No,I wasn’t running, although the scenic, rollingcourse through the Napa Valley wine country isone of my all-time favorites. I ran my first sub-3 hour and sub-2:50 marathons there a longtime ago. Now I handle media relations andfinish line announcing duties for the longtimerace.

In recent years, Dick Beardsley hasbecome the unofficial ambassador of NVM. Inmy current role at Napa, it’s a pleasure for meto spend a bit of time with Dick, whose epic“Duel in the Sun” with Alberto Salazar in the1982 Boston Marathon first inspired me to setmy own sites on Boston. That race stands asBeardsley’s all-time best, where he foughtSalazar over the last 6 miles and placed a scant2 seconds behind Salazar’s winning 2:08:52.Both times broke the American record at thattime.

I first met Beardsley at my last Napa as arunner (1987); it was Dick’s first. He had trav-eled a hard road by then, but nothing comparedto his challenges ahead. He’d suffered years ofinjury after Boston, picked Napa for a come-back, and ran a solo 2:16:20 (which still standsas the NVM men’s course record).

But Beardsley’s ultimate greatness emergesfrom a personal struggle that he often recountswith heart-wrenching clarity as an inspiringmotivational speaker. In my mind, Dick is liv-ing proof that, indeed, miracles happen.

There was a time, it seemed, that allBeardsley ran into was bad luck. His comeback,starting in ’87 at Napa, was short-lived. A terri-fying accident with equipment on hisMinnesota farm in 1989 almost cost him hislife and he wasn’t expected to walk again. Thealbatross seemed to leap on his back as morefreak accidents followed into the early ’90s. Hewas involved in a bad car accident, then was hitby a truck while running, later rolled his vehi-cle in a snow storm, then fell off a cliff.

An addiction to pain-killing narcoticsresulted. In 1996, Beardsley started forging pre-scriptions. At one point, he was consuming upto 90 painkillers a day. He eventually gotcaught—a stroke of luck that “probably savedmy life,” Beardsley said.

At this year’s Napa Valley MarathonCollege—the popular seminars that the eventoffers on race weekend—I listened to Beardsleyspeak about his most recent challenge. LastJanuary, the all-time 5th-ranked U.S.marathoner had total joint replacement surgeryof his right knee.

Has it stopped Beardsley? No, it has onlytemporarily interrupted his running while herehabs his new knee. And it has given him anopportunity to embrace bicycling.

“I never thought I could enjoy riding abike, and I never thought that I could get anaerobic fix from riding, but I found out thatyou can,” Beardsley said. “I’ve really gotten intoit, along with some other kinds of cross train-ing. I’m thinking that it will make me a betterathlete and, perhaps, even a better runner downthe road.”

When a guy like Beardsley, who hasendured so many hardships only to emerge andrun again, says that, you’re inclined to believehim.

Beardsley admits that some people maythink he’s a “stupid fool” to keep on runningafter total knee replacement surgery. He says hisdoctor told him that normal protocol is to dis-courage a return to running because the artifi-cial knee, which may last 15 to 20 years, willwear out more quickly.

My doctor told me the same thing aboutmy artificial hip. He told me I’d probably bebetter off doing something like bicycling.

“I prefer to see the glass half-full ratherthan half-empty,” Beardsley told his audience.“I’ll be 53 next month. If I live into my 70s or80s, I’m going to need another [artificial knee]anyhow. So, if I can get 12 years of running outof it, who knows what kind of knees they mighthave then?”

Hey, I’m 6 years older than Dick. A coupleof weeks before the Napa Valley Marathon I rana good workout which included a 5K in 18:40,followed by 2 minutes’ rest, followed by anoth-er 5K in 18:10.

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

I did it on the G-Trainer treadmill—aidedby the G-Trainer’s “unweighting” technologythat allowed me to comfortably complete theworkout while running at about 30% of fullweight-bearing. Although I’m still not able torun on trails, roads, or track, I’m keeping—andeven improving—my fitness level. Intervaltraining sessions on the G-Trainer, in the pool,and on the exercyle, plus weight-lifting andstrength-building exercises, add up to about 9to 12 hours of exercise per week. Oh, did Imention good, old-fashioned walking?

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

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

large group of voices behind me and the heav-enly sound of running shoes hitting asphalt. Inan instant, about a dozen members of the LosAltos High School track team enveloped me onboth sides, rubbing elbows with me as theyswept past.

For just an instant, I felt the adrenalinerush, and the old familiar feeling of being sweptalong on a hard training run with my WestValley Joggers & Striders teammates, or work-ing together with my competitive rivals in atight pack mid-race, working together towardthe same goal—the finish line.

Oh, how I wanted to latch onto that ani-mated group of young men and women andcomplete their run with them. Although themind is willing, the body (in this case, my hipjoint) 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 clinicalassociate professor of medicine at StanfordUniversity School of Medicine, and a distin-guished medical expert on the topic of agingand longevity. Among the five books he’sauthored is Dare to Be 100, which describes 99steps to reaching the age of 100. I’ve enjoyedworking with Dr. Bortz over the years in con-junction with another race that I work with, theLifelong Fitness Alliance Dare to Be Fit Races(formerly Fifty-Plus 8K Runs) at StanfordUniversity.

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

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

“I’d say that fitness offsets aging by about30 years,” he told me for a press release that Iwrote for the Lifelong Fitness Alliance Races.“For example, a 70-year-old fit person is bio-logically equivalent to an unfit person of 40.”

I liked hearing that. As a runner, youshould, too.

“The older we become, the more urgentbeing fit is,” he said. “For a kid, being fit is nobig deal, but when you get to 70 it becomes dis-criminating.”

Dr. Bortz cites medical research studies onrunners that support his statements. Drop me aline and I’ll direct you to articles in medicaljournals 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 yourface and love in your heart, and good thingswill come your way.

Mark Winitz started this diary to chroniclehis return to running following hip replacementsurgery in January 2007 and a heart attack inMay 2008. You can contact Mark with your com-ments or your own stories at (650) 948-0618,telephone, or via e-mail at [email protected].

This article is not intended to provide medical or rehabilitativeadvice of any sort. Please consult with your doctors andphysical therapists about your own medical situation.


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

SCA/USATFRace Walking Update

FROM PEDRO SANTONI,SCA USATF MASTERSRW CHAIR

The 2009 SCA Grand Prix race walking seasongot underway on Jan. 18 with the 48th editionof the Rose Bowl 10-Miler, hosted by theWalkers Club of Los Angeles (WCLA). Withthe benefit of balmier-than-usual temperatures(they hovered in the mid-40s by the time thegun went off at 7:30 a.m.), 11 men and 5women set off to walk a short loop around thegrass fields in front of the historic stadium, fol-lowed by three longer loops around the perime-ter of the Rose Bowl and its adjoining golfcourse. Three-time Olympian Philip Dunntook a pack of four walkers out at a comfortabletempo (28:14 at the 5K mark). Then he steadi-ly picked up the pace and dropped his com-petitors to win in 1:25:19. Coming in secondwith a time of 1:27:03 was José Moncada, ayoungster who Philip believes has the potentialto become one of the country’s top racewalkers“if he keeps working at it.” José, he noted, “hassolid technique and is motivated to do well.”Other notable performances included those by71-year-old Paul Johnson and 80-year-old JackStarr; their times (listed below) graded out at85.2% and 84.01%, respectively. Utah’s KathyFrable, 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, theWCLA held its annual Richard Oliver 5KMemorial Walk. Thirteen walkers competed inthe race, and two local veterans, 61-year-oldYoko 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 Countyhosted the 2009 U.S. 50K Race WalkChampionship; athletes who didn’t wantto tackle the 50K distance could partici-pate in either the Western Regional 20Kchampionship or a non-championship10K. The 30 competitors who entered thethree races not only encountered perfectracing conditions, with temperatures rang-ing between 45 and 55 degrees, but also anewly designed 1.25-kilometer loopcourse that many officials characterized asfaster than the one previously used for theevent when it was held in nearby ChulaVista. 50K titles went to Philip Dunn—hisfifth at that distance—and Karen Karavanicwith times of 4:28:53 and 6:24:22, respectively,while the 20K winners were Tim Seaman andCanada’s Rachel Lavallee in 1:37:49 and1:38:30 (a PR). Mike Tarantino and 13-year-old Nicolette Sorensen prevailed in the 10Kwith times of 44:43 and 55:10. Five SCA racewalkers—myself, José Moncada, RickCampbell, John Magnussen, and WayneWurzburger— took part in the 20K, while LizSalvato joined eight others in the 10K.

But perhaps the day’s most outstandingperformance—“the revelation of the day,” asSCA racewalk chair Chris Rael put it—was six-teen-year-old Trevor Barron’s demolition of theAmerican Junior 20K record set in 1990 byPhilip Dunn during his freshman year in col-lege. Back then, Philip clocked a 1:42:15 butTrevor, who lives in Bethel Park, PA, took near-ly 4 minutes and 30 seconds off that time as hewalked a 1:37:49. This effort, in the words oflong-time coach and official Wayne T.

Armbrust, was “quite respectable” for a boy hisage. He noted that Trevor’s 20K time, accordingto the International Association of AthleticsFederations scoring tables, would be worth 868points, and that those tables award the samenumber of points to the following times inthese 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 Trevorhas “a bright future ahead of him if he main-tains the same level of dedication that he hasshown up until now.” U.S. racewalking enthu-siasts sure hope so.

Rose Bowl 10-MilerMEN Open 1. José Moncada 1:27:03 (1DQ). 30–39 1. PhilipDunn 1:25:19. 50–59 1. Pedro Santoni 1:31:48; 2. JohnMagnussen 1:48:50; 3. Raymond Billig, 1:52:36.60-69 1. NormFrable 1:39:18; 2. Wayne Wurzburger 1:43:30; 3. Rick Campbell1:46:58. 70–79 1. Paul Johnson 1:39:21. 80+ 1. Jack Starr1:55:58. 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 WalkMEN 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. WOMENOpen 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 Championships50K 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 ChampionshipsMen 1. Tim Seaman 1:37:49; 2. Trevor Barron 1:37:49; 3. JoséMoncada 1:45:13; 4. Pedro Santoni 1:55:53; 5. Adrian Jaime2:05:30; 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 StevePecinovsky. 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 10KMen 1. Mike Tarantino 44:43; 2. Tyler Sorensen 47:06; 3.James Paschall 1:07:06; 4. Jack Cassidy 1:08:24; DQ MatthewForgues. Women 1. Nicolette Sorensen 55:10; 2. Liz Salvato57:20; 3. Lillian Cordova 1:01:59; DQ Patricia Paschall. ▲

Pacific Association USATF Race Walk Events Schedule

1. 2009 Grand Prix (six events planned)

May PA Open Track & Field Championship 5000m – TBD6/6 PA Distance Carnival 1500m – Castro Valley HS8/22 West Region / PA Championship 3000m – Reno HS9/13 PA 20K Championship – OaklandOctober PA 10K Championship – CarmichaelNote: 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 PA 1-Mile – University of the Pacific, Stockton6/20 PA Masters T&F Championship (5000m) – Stanford University, Palo Alto8/8, 8/12 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.

Race Walking

2009 50K RW ChampionsPhilip Dunn and Karen Karavanic

John

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