Women's Team USA Set to Defend Its BolderBOULDER International Team Challenge Crown

BOULDER, Colo. - (May 7, 2006) - The 2006 BolderBOULDER Women's Team USA has been assembled for the 9th International Team Challenge as part of the 28th BolderBOULDER on Memorial Day, May 29. The three-member U.S. team below is set to race against top teams from Ethiopia (runner-up team in 2005), Kenya and Mexico. U.S. women have won three of the last four Challenge titles (2002, 2003, 2005).

Sara Slattery, 24, of Boulder, CO, will be making her professional debut at BolderBOULDER this year. On April 30 in the Kim McDonald 10,000m at Stanford, Slattery finished second in 32:21.64 - a personal record. She also placed 26th at the recent IAAF World Cross Country 8K Championship and 4th at the USA 15K Champs, the USA Indoor T&F Championships 3000m and the USA Cross Country 8K Championships. She placed 3rd at the Boston Indoor Games 5000m with a time of 15:37.68. Slattery is a University of Colorado graduate and won the 2005 NCAA 10,000m title. Sara, sponsored by adidas, is married to steeplechaser Steve Slattery.

Elva Dryer, 34, Albuquerque, NM, is the BolderBOULDER defending champion (2005 - 32:51). Elva is a two-time U.S. Olympian (2000 / 2004), 2001 & 2003 USA 10K Champion, 1997 USA 5K Champion and 2002 USA 15K Runner-Up. She took 2nd place and set a big PR at the 2003 Kim McDonald 10,000 meters at the Stanford Cardinal Invitational with a time of 31:26. Her 10,000m PR is 31:21.92 (2005). Elva is sponsored by Nike and is coached by her husband Russ Dryer and works with coaching legend Joe Vigil.

Jen Rhines, 30, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, is a BolderBOULDER veteran as the two-time Olympian is making her third appearance here. In 2002 and last year, the Team Running USA athlete finished 4th and 3rd respectively to help Team USA win the BolderBOULDER Team Challenge. A five-time NCAA champion at Villanova, Rhines recently finished 4th at the Rome Marathon in 2:29:32, a personal record, and was the USA 15K national runner-up at the Gate River Run in March. The three-time USA Champion (15K-twice and 10,000m) sports a 10,000m PR of 31:26.66 (2005). Rhines, sponsored by adidas, is married to Terrence Mahon, also her coach.

BolderBOULDER officials anticipate strong performances again as the best road runners in the world compete over a criterium course at the International Team Challenge. Other teams competing this year include Ethiopia, Great Britain, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Russia and Team Colorado (developmental team).

Professional Athlete Coordinator Rich Castro spoke about this year's women's Team USA, "This is a talented and experienced team. The U.S. women have proven they can win here and being led by two athletes that have experienced great success in Boulder in Dryer and Rhines will give them the chance to repeat as champions in 2006. They will face the deepest field ever assembled with all the major international distance powers represented in Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Romania, Russian and Japan. History tells us the Africans will provide the stiffest challenge for the Americans, but Mexico and Romania both return with past champions as their team leaders. Whatever happens on the floor of Folsom Field on Memorial Day it will be a race to watch."

The International Team Challenge, started in 1998, is the largest international road racing team competition held annually in the United States. International teams are made up of three runners per gender. The teams compete for the largest non-marathon prize purse in the world. Monies are awarded in the team and individual categories. Teams are scored cross-country style with points awarded on the basis of finishing place. The team with the lowest score for all three runners is the winner. Ties are broken by the position of the third-place finishers. The 2006 guaranteed prize purse, before bonuses, is $110,600.

At last year's International Team Challenge, Elva Dryer became the fourth U.S. woman in five years to win the BolderBOULDER professional race, pulling away from Ethiopia's Merima Hashim over the last third of the race to win in 32 minutes, 51 seconds. That is the fifth fastest time posted by a woman in the race's history, trailing only Delillah Asiago (32:13, 1995), Lidia Simon (32:30, 1999), Anne Audain (32:38, 1982) and Asha Gigi (32:47, 1999). It was the fastest time in the criterium with lap format. The 26-second margin of victory matched that of Deena (Drossin) Kastor in '03, and thus tied for the largest winning margin by an American. Hashim finished second in 33:17, tied for the 16th fastest time in race history - not bad, considering she ran a 32:14 the night before to finish second in the 10,000 at the Payton Jordan Invitational in Palo Alto, CA.

About BolderBOULDER
The Celestial Seasonings BolderBOULDER 10K, a Running USA Founding Member, is the 2nd largest running race in the USA and the 6th largest in the world. The race attracts up to 50,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers and draws professional racing teams from all over the world to compete for the largest non-marathon prize purse in road racing. The race starts at the north end of 30th Street in Boulder near the First National Bank of Colorado, winds through neighborhoods with live music and entertainment at every corner, and finishes in the University of Colorado's Folsom Field. More than 150,000 spectators watch the festivities from inside the stadium and along the course. CBS-TV broadcasts live for four hours on race day. Every year, the race makes donations to local charities that provide volunteers to help stage the race. Over the years, beneficiaries have included the Boulder Humane Society, Attention Homes, Younglife, Boulder Optimists, local schools, and church youth groups. The BolderBOULDER is proud to be partnered with the following primary sponsors: Celestial Seasonings, Frontier Airlines, Dick's Sporting Goods, King Soopers and Millennium Hotel. The 28th BolderBOULDER will be held on Memorial Day, May 29, 2006. For more information go to BolderBOULDER.com.

Contact: Cliff Bosley, Race Director, (303) 444-7223 x14 or Cliff@BolderBOULDER.com

Return to top / Return to main page

Team Spots Open for Running USA TREK 2007
Are you up for the challenge?

There are openings for prospective team members for the inaugural Running USA Trans-America Relay Engaging Kids (Running USA TREK), a competitive team relay race across the contiguous United States in the spring of 2007.

Interested endurance athletes are invited to apply by email to Ron Kramer at ronkramer@dmsesports.com before June 1, 2006. Participants will be expected to raise funds - 70% for the charity of their choice and 30% donated to Running USA for its children's programs.

In 2004, ten athletes completed TREK I from Pac Bell Park in San Francisco to the finish line of the Boston Marathon. They raised funds from sponsors and donations that covered expenses and contributed $300,000 to charities. It was the adventure of a lifetime and did untold good for worthy causes.

Now's the time to do it again at an even larger scale.

About Running USA TREK 2007
A fundraising endurance relay race across America between three teams is designed to focus continuous public and media attention on and support for:

* PE in schools, children's health and the fight against obesity
* Critical issues of children's health and family fitness and the need for a healthier America
* The Sport and Activity of Running

Return to top / Return to main page

Contact: George Regan, Event Director, Freihofer's Run for Women, (518) 221-3051

Freihofer's Run for Women 2006: New Course, New Online Run for Women "Blog"

ALBANY, N.Y. - (May 3, 2006) - The Freihofer's Run for Women will take place Saturday, June 3 with a new and improved course for all participants to enjoy.

The course, which has welcomed more than 60,000 women from throughout the world since its inception in 1979, is being modified to make it safer and more enjoyable for all participants and the Albany community.

"Since a large portion of the race takes place in Washington Park and because the field of runners has continued to grow (3,600 entries are expected this year), there have been several instances when lead runners return to the park (at Sprague and State) and overlapped with runners who are still on the course," said Course Director Ken Skinner.

The new course remedies this situation by routing runners from the one and a half mile point at Lake Avenue to Western Avenue instead of Washington Avenue. Runners turn right onto Western, past Sprague Place and proceed to Henry Johnson Boulevard where they turn right back into the park and proceed to the finish line.

The previous course does have a historical presence for the race.

"For more than 10 years Lynn Jennings' record (15:24, 1995) has stood the test of time at Freihofer's," said Event Director George Regan, noting that Colleen DeReuck also shattered the Masters 5 km World Record on the course in 2004 (15:47). "With a new course record of 15:18 set by Asmae Leghzaoui last year, we decided to take the opportunity to improve the course for all participants."

Additional benefits from the revised course include providing runners with extra protection from the sun along tree-lined Western Avenue and allowing better flow of traffic for emergency vehicles and local citizens bypassing the course during the race. Run organizers will also place mile and kilometer markings onto the course, making it easily navigable for both American and European runners.

The Freihofer's Run for Women 5K will begin Saturday, June 3 at 10:15am. Athletes from around the world will gather to compete in three divisions: professional, masters and open. Entries for this year's race are now being accepted. All entrants will receive a free T-shirt and a box of Freihofer's chocolate chip cookies.

Those looking to perform their best on race day are invited to tap into an online network of athletes, nutritionists, trainers and physicians who are ready to answer their questions. The Times Union has established an interactive blog titled, "Ready to Run," which can be accessed at: http://blogs.timesunion.com/runforwomen5K/

Race day festivities also include the 18th annual Freihofer's Community Walk (8-9:30am) - a fundraiser that has raised more than $1 million for area non-profit organizations since its inception. There is no entry fee to participate. Online and mail-in entries must be received by May 26, or participants may register the morning of the walk from 7:00-8:00am. The first 1,300 walkers to check-in the morning of the walk will receive a free T-shirt and refreshments compliments of the Charles Freihofer Baking Company and Price Chopper Supermarkets.

Concluding the day's events will be the 19th annual Freihofer's Kids' Run, one of the top 10 largest kids' runs in the nation. Held from 11:30am to 2pm on the Outdoor Plaza level, Empire State Plaza, the free event is open to children ages three to 13. Races will take place in small groups to provide for the safety of all kids participating. Participants will receive a free T-shirt, and of course those delicious Freihofer's chocolate chip cookies. Sign-ups will take place through Saturday, June 3.

Participants in the Freihofer's Run for Women, Freihofer's Kids' Run and Freihofer's Community Walk can pick up a registration form at any Capital Region Price Chopper store, or by visiting FreihofersRun.com. Additional information on all three events is also available by calling (518) 273-5552 or via e-mail at info@freihofersrun.com.

Event sponsors include the Charles Freihofer Baking Company (a division of George Weston Bakeries Inc.), Price Chopper Supermarkets, The City of Albany, B95.5 fm, NewsChannel 13, and the Times Union.

Return to top / Return to main page

Wheelchair-Bound Quadriplegics Inspire While Experiencing the Marathon

FREDERICK, Md. - (April 30, 2006) - Seven severely disabled people were pushed by over 50 volunteers in the Frederick Marathon on Sunday, April 30. This was the inaugural race for the "Running Down a Dream" project which promised and succeeded in bringing the experience and joy of running to those who can't.

One-by-one as they rounded the final turn and blazed through the final stretch, crescendos of cheers descended like a waterfall of admiration on Harry Grove Stadium, home of the Frederick Keys baseball team and the finish line of the Frederick Marathon. Tears streamed down the faces of participant riders, volunteer pushers, other runners and spectators alike in what turned out to be a wildly successful, awe-inspiring demonstration of love, courage and hope.

At the area's biggest sporting event, they were up at the crack of dawn and assembled at the rear of the start line to make the trek through the 26.2 miles of streets and roads in and around Frederick.

"I was broken up when I saw the folks cross the starting line, giggling and laughing. When I looked around and saw Race Director Rachel Ridgway crying, I realized the impact that this had on so many more than just those participating. It was as touching a moment as I have ever experienced, and I heard that from hundreds of people all day long," said Running Down a Dream Project Founder, Dr. Larry Herman, a Frederick resident and Chiropractor.

At the end of them all was Kathy Poole in her motorized wheelchair cross the starting mat with a grin that seemed bigger than her face itself.

After each rider finished, got their medal, finisher's shirt and post-race food, they went back to the homestretch to wait for the next one of their friends, some waiting for hours, to share the excitement.

There was Lucas Beall, who needed none of the preparations his family made in case he was bored or unhappy with the experience, smiling and writhing with joy every step of the way with family and friends behind him.

Crowd favorites Walter Greene and Jimmy Nicewarmer had the times of their lives as well. High-fiving spectators all along the course, hooting, hollering and yelling for the volunteers to push faster and not let the other get ahead, they gave the experienced marathoners all the reasons they needed to push and run like they had never done so before.

Led by 14-year-old Team Coordinator Caroline Browning, the Urbana High School Girls Track Team pushed fellow student Erin Kiernan to a second place age group finish in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 20 seconds. Seasoned runner and veteran finisher of 25 marathons, John Kinnaman ran next to the girls in case they needed his help on any tough parts of the course. They didn't. But, when with a mile left to go, the girls realized that their adrenaline had left Mr. Kinnaman behind, they did what their hearts told them. They stopped, cheered on other runners, and waited so they could finish next to the man that was next to them through the entire run. A powerful and beautiful gesture from girls that live lives bigger than their years would suggest.

During one of the practice runs leading up to the race, Erin spoke of how she had spent her entire life in a wheelchair, and was finally having fun in it. After the race, the look on her and her parents, Pat and Karen Kiernan's faces, was an unforgettable memory for all, as they placed the finisher bumper sticker on the back of Erin's wheelchair.

Truly a day filled with memories that will last lifetimes and stories that will inspire smiles every time they are told.

Herman hopes to eventually recruit participants, sponsors and support for entrance in races throughout the United States and beyond and welcomes pushers, riders, volunteers and sponsors for teams to contact "Running Down a Dream" at RDAD.org. Contact Larry Herman at (301) 667-2517 or larryherman@earthlink.net

Return to top / Return to main page

Contact: Pam Stewart, Essenza Comm. Inc., (303) 442-2032; pamela@essenzacomm.com

Monitoring Caloric Intake a Click Away with Revolutionary Calorie Scanner™
First Portable Electronic Calorie Monitor from Training Peaks Tracks Calories for Athletic, Weight Management Goals

BOULDER, Colo. - (May 4, 2006) - Training Peaks, LLC, the leading provider of online training technology for endurance athletes and coaches, has developed the Calorie Scanner™, a cutting edge nutrition tracking system. Ideal for anyone interested in monitoring their caloric intake, from professional athletes to business professionals, the Calorie Scanner fits on a keychain, in a pocket or purse. The database recognizes over a half million UPC bar codes and includes nutrition information for 50,000 "branded" foods, allowing the user to track calories per serving on the go or right in their kitchens. With each UPC scanned, an audible chirp confirms to the user that the barcode has been stored and time stamped. The scanner holds up to 150 scans. The Calorie Scanner is available exclusively at TrainingPeaks.com.

Building on its expertise of providing supporting software technology for devices such as Polar, Garmin and Timex watches that monitor calorie expenditure, Training Peaks developed the Calorie Scanner using the Symbol Technology CS 1504 device.

Training Peaks Messenger is a Windows application that is provided with every Calorie Scanner. With just a few clicks, the time-stamped UPC scans are easily transferred to TP Messenger via the included USB cable, then instantly uploaded to the user's private Scanner Inbox via the Internet. The Scanner Inbox provides a web-based interface to match UPC scans to food information in the Training Peaks Nutrition Database. The web-based system provides additional functionality that gives users the ability to "clone" nutrition information from thousands of generic foods from the USDA Database to create "custom" foods. Custom foods are shared by the entire Training Peaks user community.

"The first step to achieving your nutritional goals - whether it's for weight loss, athletic performance or managing your health - is to be aware of what you are putting into your body," emphasizes Jenna A. Bell-Wilson, PhD, RD, LD, nutrition and fitness expert. "The Calorie Scanner is the ideal way to accurately monitor and create a personalized nutrition plan."

"We all know calories count, but counting calories is a pain", explained Donavon Guyot, CEO of Training Peaks. "Before we developed Calorie Scanner, counting calories was like exercising with your finger pressed into your neck to take your pulse. The Calorie Scanner will do for nutrition what heart rate monitors did for exercise."

Calorie Scanner support and the next generation of nutrition management functionality are currently available exclusively at TrainingPeaks.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director

(805) 696-6232
Ryan@RunningUSA.org

RunningUSA.org