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USA California is Sponsored by Nike
and supported by grants from The New York City Marathon and USA Track & Field
and supported by grants from The New York City Marathon and USA Track & Field
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Team
USA California is Sponsored by Nike
and supported by grants from The New York City Marathon and USA Track & Field |
| Wire 77, Aug 22, 2002 | |
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Contact: Patrice Malloy, (760) 635-2833/cell (760) 519-4871 Neil C. Finn, Race Director, (619) 222-5621 AMERICA'S FINEST CITY HALF MARATHON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS SAN DIEGO - (August 18, 2002) - Mbarak Hussein of Kenya learned his lesson the hard way at the 1999 edition of the America's Finest Marathon Half Marathon (AFC) when countryman, training partner and friend, Simon Sawe, out-sprinted Hussein in the final stretch for the win. Older and wiser at this year's 25th anniversary race, Hussein abandoned Sawe at the 12-mile mark and pushed for a secure 18-second lead in the final mile to win in 1:03:00. Sawe, wearing bib #1, finished second in a time of 1:03:18. Thomas Omwenga of Kenya placed third in a time of 1:03:38. "Simon and I are friends," explained Hussein, "but when it come racing, we are all business." In the women's race, Americans dominated the day when Sylvia Mosqueda, 36, of Los Angeles won in a time of 1:12:34 - a comfortable win over runner-up Rosa Gutierrez, 38, of Glendale, Oregon who finished in 1:14:33. Monica Hostetler, 26, of Kendallville, Indiana finished third (1:15:03). Mosqueda and Gutierrez ran together for the first five miles before Mosqueda, who "came to win" pulled away to run with the men. Just last month it was doubtful if Mosqueda would even be able to compete in the race. A severe case of pneumonia brought Mosqueda to a Los Angeles emergency room last July 4th. After a doctor-ordered running hiatus of three weeks, Mosqueda resumed training on an indoor treadmill to avoid the legendary LA smog. Fourteen years ago, Mosqueda won the 1988 AFC in a course record time of 1:11:31, a record that stood until 2000. American men also shined in America's Finest City's largest and most competitive half-marathon. Brad Hauser, 25, a 2000 U.S. Olympian at 5000 meters, placed fourth overall in a time of 1:03:40 in his half-marathon debut. "I raced twice as far today as I normally do," explained this self-described track runner and member of the Nike Farm Team. "I probably ran too conservatively during the first 8 or 9 miles of the race because I didn't know how my body would react." Feeling stronger than expected, Hauser, a 5000 and 10,000 meter NCAA champion at Stanford, confidently picked up the pace at mile 12 dropping fifth-place finisher James Bungei of Kenya in the process. Bungei, who has been running with Hauser throughout the race, finished in 1:04:10. This was the first time since 1987 that an American male finished in the top five. Competitors in the half-marathon vied for $11,000 in prize money and bonuses. The first male and female San Diego County resident finishers, Nazario Romero (1:06:18) and JulieAnne White (1:19:03) received two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines to any of the 58 destinations served by Southwest. JulieAnne White, 40, also finished seventh overall and first female masters competitor. Danny Reed, 41, of Laguna Beach, CA placed first masters in the men's category (1:11:10). Four runners in the field were honored for completing their 25th consecutive AFC race. Elite and recreational runners from 45 states and 18 countries participated in the 25th annual America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K race. With over 6,000 participants, the AFC is the eighth largest half marathon in the United States and the largest half marathon in west of the Mississippi. Over 1,000 runners participated in the accompanying 5K (3.1 mile) race. The event benefits the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, a private, non-profit cooperating association of the National Park Service. The purpose of the CNMF is to support interpretive, educational, and scientific activities at Cabrillo National Monument. During its 25-year history, the America's Finest City Half Marathon has raised over $1.6 million for non-profit organizations. The event is produced by Neil Finn Sports Management, Inc. of San Diego. 25th America's Finest City Half-Marathon MEN MASTERS MEN WOMEN MASTERS WOMEN For results and more, go to the race website: http://www.afchalf.com
Contact: Audra Hoffmeyer, (800) 311-1255 World Record Holders Set To Compete At 2002 Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach, VA, - (August 15, 2002) - The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon announces its elite field for the second annual event, as world record holders and Olympic medallists face off on September 1, 2002. With one of the fastest and flattest courses in road racing, the 2002 Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon boasts an elite invitational field that includes some of the most prestigious names in road racing. Led by defending champion (1:02:19) Shadrack Hoff of South Africa, the men's field will feature two-time Olympic Silver Medallist and current half-marathon world record holder, Paul Tergat of Kenya (59:17). Tergat has shown incredible versatility and has mastered the demanding terrain of cross-country, the track, and now the roads. Tergat is the 2nd fastest marathoner of all time and one of the greatest distance runners in history. Joining Tergat will be South Africa's Elana Meyer who is the current female world record holder in the half marathon (66:44). "Having two of the greatest distance runners of all time is truly rewarding and makes the field of athletes one of the finest ever assembled on American soil." said Mike Long, Elite Athlete Coordinator for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Meyer will face strong competition from defending Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon champion Deena Drossin. Drossin is coming off of her greatest season in running with her American debut-record at the 2001 New York City Marathon (2:26:58) and a world record performance at the 2002 Carlsbad 5000 (14:54). In addition to Drossin, Morocco's Asmae Leghzaoui is currently at the top of the running world after capturing two world road records in a two-month period of time. Leghzaoui shattered the 10K World Record with a 30:29 finish in June at New York's Mini-Marathon. In July, she headed to Tennessee for the Crazy 8's road race where she seized the 8K World Record in 24:28. "It is very gratifying to have last year's winners return," stated Mike Long. "And when you add in the current record holders for that distance, it becomes evident that the 2002 edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon should be a very special event." For optimal television coverage and spectator viewing, the women's invitational field will start at 6:45 a.m., 15 minutes prior to the official start. This is rarely seen at major U.S. road races. The sold-out event will be televised locally on WAVY-TV 10 and nationally on Fox Sports Net. The Elite Invitational runners will vie for more than $80,000 in cash and bonuses - the largest half marathon purse in the U.S. The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon will host 15,000 runners and feature more than 20 live bands along its 13.1-mile course. In addition, 14 energetic high school cheerleading squads will root for the runners in a "Spirit on the Course" competition. The post-race evening concert on the boardwalk, featuring LIVE, is free to all participants and volunteers. For information on the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon visit www.RnRHalf.com, or call (800) 311-1255 or contact the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon c/o Elite Racing, 5452 Oberlin Drive, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92121.
MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL NYC RUN TO LIBERTY 10K TAKING PLACE IN LOWER MANHATTAN TO KICK OFF LABOR DAY WEEKEND NEW YORK - (August 15, 2002) - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the inaugural Labor Day weekend NYC Run to Liberty 10K, a 10K open race for people of all ages and abilities as well as a series of kids races and a weekend of exciting Lower Manhattan activities for the entire family. Produced by New York Road Runners (NYRR), NYC & Company and the New York City Sports Commission, the NYC Run to Liberty 10K will take place Saturday, August 31 at 8:30am. "I am proud to introduce the inaugural NYC Run to Liberty 10K," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This event is a wonderful way to contribute to the rebirth of Lower Manhattan and I encourage New Yorkers and our visitors to participate in what promises to be an exciting and meaningful running experience." Thousands of New Yorkers and New York visitors are expected to head downtown on Labor Day weekend to participate in festivities. The 6.2-mile race will be capped at 5,000 participants who will run a course that includes prominent Lower Manhattan landmarks including the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, Trinity Church and Fraunces Tavern. "New York City is not only the best running city in the world, it's the best overall sports city as well," said Allan Steinfeld, President and CEO of the New York Road Runners. "NYC Run to Liberty 10K is a wonderful opportunity to get people out to celebrate our great City." "The NYC Run to Liberty 10K is a terrific symbol of the spirit and vitality of New York City and especially Lower Manhattan at this meaningful time," said Cristyne L. Nicholas, President & CEO of NYC & Company, the city's official tourism marketing organization. "In addition to races for the entire family, NYC Run to Liberty 10K will include lots of exciting events that will help entice people downtown while giving a much-needed boost to the local economy." "The NYC Run to Liberty 10K festivities highlight the enormous strength and character of lower Manhattan and the entire City," said Carl Weisbrod, President of the Downtown Alliance. "The event also provides an exciting sports venue for residents and visitors downtown." Kenneth J. Podziba, Commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission said, "Running on this unique course throughout the streets of lower Manhattan will provide race participants with a historic and cultural enriching running experience." For the first time ever, participants' racing bibs will give them access to exciting events such as free one-hour tours on Circle Line Harbor Cruises (Saturday only; friends and family will receive half-price tickets), "buy one meal, get one free" lunches and dinners at Applebee's and Chevy's in Battery Park City, a free three-day guest pass to Equinox and a complimentary all-day Fun Pass. In addition, related events for participants and the general public include "10 for 10," a pre-race carbo-loading celebration on Friday evening hosted by participating restaurants in Little Italy and the South Street Seaport, a post-race family festival in Battery Park and special offers throughout Lower Manhattan. Race registration will be held at Modell's Sporting Goods at 55 Chambers Street from Wednesday, August 28 to Friday August 30. Applications will also be available at NYRR at 9 East 89th Street and at the NYC's Official Visitor Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue at 53rd Street. For more information visit www.nyrrc.org or www.nycvisit.com. NYC Run to Liberty 10K is presented by Modell's Sporting Goods as well as media partners 'KTU 103.5, Q104.3, Z-100, The New York Times and Road Runner High Speed Online. Contact: Edward Skyler/Jennifer Falk, (212) 788-2958
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| Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services USATF Road Running Information Center 5522 Camino Cerralvo Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (805) 696-6232, fax (805) 696-6252 |
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