Running USA Announces Its 2007 Board of Directors
11 elected to new terms

Running USA recently held elections for 11 Board of Directors seats and its members selected the following distance running industry leaders for the newly constituted 17 member board which is listed below with affiliation.

Elected for two-year terms (7):
Virginia Brophy Achman (Minneapolis, MN), Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Mike Burns (Ann Arbor, MI), ChampionChip USA
Andrew Hersam (New York, NY), Runner's World
Leslie Jordan (Portland, OR), Leslie Jordan, Inc.
Doug Kaplan (Chicago, IL), Gen-A Media & Marketing
Creigh Kelley (Englewood, CO), BKB Ltd.
Tracey Russell (Atlanta, GA), Atlanta Track Club

Elected for one-year terms (4):
Lee Corrigan (Elkridge, MD), Corrigan Sports Enterprises
David Deigan (San Francisco, CA), AFMInc.
Larry Herman (Frederick, MD), Frederick Marathon
Glenn Latimer (Peoria, IL), Steamboat Classic

Previous board members (6):
Dave Alberga (San Diego, CA), The Active Network
Steve Baskin (Atlanta, GA), ING U.S. Financial Services, VP, Head of Brand Development & Sponsorships
Fred Finke (Longwood, FL), USATF LDR Division Chair
Chris Miller (Ft. Worth, TX), brightroom, Inc.
Bill Roe (Bellingham, WA), USATF President
Allan Steinfeld (New York, NY), ING New York City Marathon

The officers of Running USA are: president, Allan Steinfeld; vice presidents, Virginia Brophy Achman and Doug Kaplan; secretary, Tracey Russell and treasurer, Bruce Franke, MarathonFoto.

The new board will hold its first meeting on Monday, February 5 at 1:00pm at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in conjunction with Running USA 2007: The National Conference for the Running Industry, powered by Running USA, The Active Network, Inc. and Gen-A Network. The annual signature event for the road racing and distance running industry returns to the San Diego area, February 5-8, 2007.

More Running USA 2007 conference information including registration, hotel reservations, schedule, speakers and attendees is available at www.runningusa.org/conference/rusa2007_intro.shtml or by calling (805) 696-6232.

About Running USA
Running USA, founded in 1999, is a tax-exempt, non-profit association devoted to improving the status of road racing and long distance running in the United States through education, research, communications, collective marketing, promotions and services to runners and events. Running USA, through its conference and other communication channels, provides the community "meeting place" for major road race, media and athletic industry personnel.

Its event members represent over 500 U.S. races including many of the leading ones with over 2 million participants and millions of spectators and over $3 million in prize money. For more information on Running USA, its objectives, 200 plus members and annual conference, visit RunningUSA.org or call Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232.

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Nyakundi, Bergmann Win Carlsbad Marathon
Kimaiyo, Herron claim Carlsbad Half Marathon crowns
By Patrice Malloy

CARLSBAD, Calif. - (January 21, 2007) - It was smooth sailing for the winners of the 17th Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon held Sunday morning under mostly-sunny skies and temperatures ranging from the high 40s to low 60s.

Charles Nyakundi, of Kenya, cruised to a victory in the marathon in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds. Running alongside countryman Joel Limo the lion's share of the race, Nyakundi pulled away from Limo just past the 18 mile mark. "I felt good today," said Nyakundi, who won the Big Sur Marathon last year. Limo finished second in 2:32:57 and Sammy Kosgei, also of Kenya placed third (2:34:21).

Dolores Bergmann of Eureka, Calif. led the women's marathon field from start to finish winning in 2:55:08. "I'd like to qualify for the Olympics Trials in the marathon," said Bergmann who ran a 2:48:55 at the Newport Marathon in Oregon last June. "I will have to look for a flatter course to qualify though," added Bergmann. Marlene Mueller of Venice, Calif. placed second in 3:08:57.

The sold-out Carlsbad Half Marathon was a one-man show as Hillary Kimaiyo, of Kenya, opened a wide lead early on and led the 7,000-plus field to the uncontested win in 1:04:39; his third half-marathon win in as many weeks. J.T. Service of San Jose, Calif. finished second (1:07:45) and Hector Hernandez of Chula Vista, Calif. finished third (1:07:59).

Camille Herron, of Corvallis, OR, also claimed a wire-to-wire victory in the women's half-marathon with her 1:19:13, a personal best by 8 seconds. Beverly Owen was the runner-up, clocking 1:21:45.

The marathon and half-marathon courses toured through the seaside village of Carlsbad, 35 miles north of San Diego. Runners and walkers were treated to scenic vistas and the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean's pounding high surf, pelicans and surfers.

17th Carlsbad Marathon
Carlsbad, CA, Sunday, January 21, 2007

MEN
1) Charles Nyakundi, KEN, 2:31:36, $500
2) Joel Limo, KEN, 2:32:57, $250
3) Sammy Kosgei, KEN, 2:34:21, $100

WOMEN
1) Dolores Bergmann, CA, 2:55:08, $500
2) Marlene Mueller, CA, 3:08:57, $250
3) Laura Willoughby, CA, 3:11:18, $100

Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Hillary Kimaiyo, KEN, 1:04:39, $500
2) J.T. Service, CA, 1:07:45, $250
3) Hector Hernandez, CA, 1:07:59, $100

WOMEN
1) Camille Herron, OR, 1:19:13, $500
2) Beverly Owen, CA, 1:21:45, $250
3) Kathryn Kasischke, CA, 1:22:27, $100

Complete results at: CarlsbadMarathon.com

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Contact: Rich Sherman, (508) 737-7872 or Lucia Carroll (508) 737-7873; FalmouthRoadRace@gmail.com

CIGNA to Continue as Title Sponsor of Falmouth Road Race
Leading employee-benefits company renews its support of top-rated race

FALMOUTH, Mass. - (January 18, 2007) - Organizers of the Falmouth Road Race have announced that CIGNA will return for the second year as the title sponsor of the 35th annual Falmouth Road Race to be held on Sunday, August 12. CIGNA Group Insurance, which includes disability, life and accident insurance, and CIGNA Dental will continue to provide important financial support as the race looks forward to its 35th edition this year.

In announcing the sponsorship, CIGNA Group and Dental Insurance president Karen S. Rohan said, "We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Falmouth Road Race in 2007, a race nationally renowned for offering a first-class running weekend for recreational runners and elite competitors alike. CIGNA has a very strong commitment to supporting people of all abilities in leading healthy and productive lives. We are pleased to sponsor this outstanding road race again as it continues to encourage people from all over the world to become more actively engaged in health and wellness."

Last year the race helped raise over $860,000 for 35 local and national non-profit organizations. "This longstanding tradition of fund-raising for numerous non-profit groups makes this race a natural extension of our corporate philosophy of being a "Business of Caring," added Rohan.

CIGNA's sponsorship will enable race officials to continue to attract a world-class field of U.S. and international runners. The prize structure includes a prize purse for the top U.S. finishers. Race co-director Lucia Carroll said, "CIGNA's team members, led by Karen Rohan, serve as an example through their own commitment to healthy living. This leadership, combined with CIGNA's ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of those in the community, makes CIGNA a natural partner for this event. Their support ensures that the Falmouth Road Race will maintain its high standing in the sport."

The Falmouth Road Race is one of the top-rated running events on the international circuit and annually attracts a world-class field, racing seven scenic miles from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. In all, almost 10,000 recreational runners mix with the world's best, with an estimated 50,000 fans lining the course, making this one of the top sporting attractions in New England and a centerpiece of summer on Cape Cod

Last year's champions were Alevtina Ivanova of Russia and Gilbert Okari of Kenya. It was Ivanova's second victory in Falmouth, having also won in 2004. Okari is a three-time champion (2004-06) and the men's course record holder with his 31:08 in 2004.

Past Falmouth winners in the men's division have included Olympians Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Craig Virgin, Rod Dixon and Alberto Salazar. Women's champions have included such luminaries as Olympians Joan Benoit Samuelson, Lynn Jennings, Grete Waitz and Colleen De Reuck.

The Falmouth Road Race, founded in 1973, has been named the "Best USA Road Race" by Runner's World magazine. It has also been featured in Life Magazine and Sports Illustrated, as well as on CBS television and ESPN. In 2005, it was named in Sports Illustrated "One of the 25 essential things to do in the summer." It was the only road race listed. Proceeds from the race benefit Falmouth school programs and youth organizations.

The race annually receives more than 25,000 requests for entry forms and fills its field of 10,000 in less than a week. Forms will be available online from May 1 to May 10. For more race information, go to: FalmouthRoadRace.com

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U.S. Marathons Offer Incentives to U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifiers
From Jim Estes, USATF LDR Programs Manager

As the countdown to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon marches on, several U.S. marathons are offering bonus incentives and special arrangements for athletes who are hoping to secure their Olympic Trials qualifying performances this coming spring.

Enticements ranging from free entry to bonus money are available to U.S. athletes wishing to take advantage of a variety of qualifying opportunities in 2007.

The National Marathon, Washington, D.C.
The second annual National Marathon produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Starting and finishing at RFK Stadium, the course will be certified as an official qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

The National Marathon is pleased to offer the following non-cumulative incentives for runners with U.S. citizenship:
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials "A" standard of 2:20:00 or better will receive a cash bonus of $1000.
* Any U.S. athlete that achieves the "B" standard of 2:22:00 or better will receive $500.
* The same cash incentive is offered to U.S. women who achieve the "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.

Interested athletes should contact race director, Keith Dowling at: racedirector@nationalmarathon.com or for more information, visit: NationalMarathon.com

The Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY
Held in conjunction with the Meijer Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, its companion Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2007. The course is scenic, yet challenging, including segments through Iroquois and Cherokee Parks and historic Churchill Downs, legendary site of the Kentucky Derby.

In the 2002 and 2003 events, three men and two women each qualified for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. 2007 will once again see an American-only time bonus structure, which will allow U.S. athletes to win prize money for finish place and outstanding performances. Limited travel and lodging is available for invited athletes.

U.S. men and women will receive non-cumulative qualifying bonuses of:
* $2000 for achieving the "A" standard of 2:20:00 (men) or 2:39 (women)
* $750 for achieving the "B" standard of 2:22:00 (men) or 2:47 (women)

For more detailed information on the race, visit the event website at: DerbyFestivalMarathon.com or contact: camille@fleetfeetlouisville.com

The Inaugural Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
The first major marathon in Eugene since the early 1980s is set to take place on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the city that many runners consider the mecca of the sport. The course itself is a runner-designed, fast, flat, scenic course that many feel will be an ideal place to qualify for the Olympic Trials.

The marathon will offer up to $7000 in prize money between the men's and women's races. The structured prize money is based on the qualifying marks for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon. There is also a limited travel budget for athletes interested in trying to attain a qualifying mark. More information is available at EugeneMarathon.com.

Interested athletes should contact Andy Downin at: andydownin@eugenemarathon.com

U.S. men will have until October 7, 2007 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, which will be hosted by the New York Road Runners on Saturday, November 3, 2007.

U.S. women will have until March 20, 2008 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon, which will be hosted by the Boston Athletic Association on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

For more information on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, visit: USATF.org

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232
Ryan@RunningUSA.org | www.RunningUSA.org