The 10 Best Moments for U.S. Distance Running in 2007
By Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire

What a difference 7 years can make. Back in the "Dark Ages" of U.S. distance running circa 2000, there wasn't a lot to cheer about or acknowledge, or put simply, U.S. distance running was in a funk. And now, in 7 short years, due mainly to training groups, dedicated athletes and coaches, increased financial support, more promotion and success (think Meb & Deena) begetting more success (see the below), the United States has dramatically more to cheer about and moreover, has inspiration and a foundation for current and future stars. From a shortage of best moments 7 years ago to a surfeit of best moments, here are the best of 2007 for U.S. distance running:

#10
Rupp Runs 27:33.48, New U.S. Collegiate Record
At the Cardinal Invitational on April 29, University of Oregon's Galen Rupp, 20, continued his 10,000 meter development with a solid, negative split win against a deep field (15 went sub-28) and moreover with a new U.S. collegiate record in 27:33.48. Dathan Ritzenhein from Colorado held the previous record (27:38.50) at the same meet in April 2004.

#9
Team USA Wins Silver Medal at Yokohama Int'l Women's Ekiden
At the 25th Yokohama International Women's Ekiden marathon road relay in late February, led by 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Team USA earned the silver medal in 2:16:04 to hold off host Japan who finished third (2:16:07). Russia won the event in 2:14:48.

Their performance was the fastest marathon ekiden by a U.S. women's team. Previous best was 2:17:09 at Chiba, Japan 1988 (also silver medal). The 2007 team - Jen Rhines, Kastor, Carrie Tollefson, Amy Rudolph, Katie McGregor and Elva Dryer - also tied for the second best place at a women's ekiden (Yokohama 1986 and Chiba 1988). Team USA won the 1989 Kagome-Ekiden International for Women (2:19:22) in Barcelona, Spain.

#8
Tegenkamp Breaks U.S. 2 Mile Record at Pre
With his third place 8:07.07 in the 2 mile, Matt Tegenkamp, at the Prefontaine Classic in June, set his first U.S. record (unofficial because the 2 mile is not an official USATF record distance). Tegenkamp, who broke Alan Webb's 2005 record (8:11.48), ran a controlled negative split (4:05/4:02).

#7
Goucher Beats Radcliffe, Runs Fastest U.S. Half-Marathon at Great North
At the BUPA Great North Run in late September, Kara Goucher beat marathon great Paula Radcliffe, 1:06:57 to 1:07:53, and in the process, the Portland, Ore. resident ran - on the point-to-point, downhill course - the fastest half-marathon time ever by a U.S. woman.

#6
Flanagan Sets U.S. 5000m Record at Mt. SAC Relays
Friday the 13th was not bad luck for North Carolina grad Shalane Flanagan as she broke the U.S. 5000m record with her 14:44.80 last April at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif. (near Los Angeles). Flanagan surpassed Regina Jacobs's mark of 14:45.35 from the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento that July.

#5
Hall Shatters Long-Standing U.S. Record at Aramco Houston Half Marathon
Ryan Hall of Big Bear Lake, Calif. started the year off with a "bang" as the Team Running USA athlete shattered the long-standing U.S. half-marathon record with his scintillating and solo 59:43 at Houston on January 14. Hall's Splits: 5K - 14:05, 10K - 28:21, 15K - 42:21, 10 miles - 45:33 and 20K - 57:06

#4
Hall Sets U.S. Marathon Debut Record at Flora London
On April 22, at the Flora London Marathon, against a top international field, Ryan Hall ran like a veteran to finish 7th in an impressive 2:08:24 to set the U.S. marathon debut record. The old record was 2:09:41 by Alberto Salazar (New York City 1980) and Alan Culpepper (Chicago 2002). Hall now is the second fastest U.S. marathoner all-time - behind only Khalid Khannouchi.

#3
Lagat Makes History with 1500m / 5000m World Title Double
In Osaka, Japan, at the World Championships, Bernard Lagat became the first runner ever to win the 1500m / 5000m double, and only the third in the history of global championships - Hicham el Guerrouj in 2004 and Paavo Nurmi in 1924 also won Olympic doubles. In addition, Lagat, 32, a two-time Olympic 1500m medalist for Kenya, won the first gold medals at both distances for the U.S. by one athlete.

#1 - TIE
Goucher Earns First U.S. 10,000m Medal at World Championships
At the World Championships in Osaka, Japan in late August, Kara Goucher, 29, ran a smart race under challenging conditions - warm and humid weather as well as pushing and shoving in a tight, large pack - to earn a surprise bronze medal in the 10,000 meters. Over the final laps, Goucher battled Briton's Jo Pavey and New Zealand's Kim Smith and the three-time NCAA champion at Colorado produced the best kick and a less-than-two-second edge over Pavey, 32:02.05 to 32:03.81, for the coveted hardware and a spot on the podium. Goucher's medal was the first for the U.S. at the distance in eleven World Championships. Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia defended her world title with a 31:55.41 clocking.

#1
Hall Sets U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Record for Beijing Berth
With seeming ease, Ryan Hall, 25, floated over the 5-loop Central Park course to become Olympic Marathon Trials champion on November 3. His awe-inspiring 2:09:02 performance set a Trials and USA Championship record and against one of the best U.S. marathon fields assembled, it was the largest men's Trials victory margin ever: 2 minutes, 5 seconds. On the challenging course, the Team Running USA athlete produced a huge negative split: 1:06:17 (first half) vs. 1:02:45 (second half), 3 minutes, 32 seconds, and the first sub-2:10 at the Trials and USA Championship.

From 5K to 35K, Hall ran each successive 5K faster than the previous one. His progression went: 5K - 16:51, 10K - 15:35, 15K - 15:26, 20K - 15:12, 25K - 15:05, 30K - 14:48 and 35K - 14:28. His final 5K - where he celebrated the last 400 meters - was 14:57.

HONORABLE MENTION
* By just .03 seconds, Matt Tegenkamp misses a 5000m bronze medal at the World Championships.

* At the 15th Pan American Games, Ed Moran and Sara Slattery not only won gold medals in their respective 5000 and 10,000 meter races, but in the process set PAG records, 13:25.60 and 32:54.41, respectively.

* Although technically not a distance event, Alan Webb's U.S. mile record deserves recognition. On Saturday, July 21 in Brasschaat, Belgium at the low-key Flanders Cup, Webb, who has a 27:34.72 debut 10,000m to his credit, broke Steve Scott's 25-year-old U.S. mile record (3:47.69) with his stunning 3:46.91 (#8 all-time individual).

* In Greece, under hot conditions, Scott Jurek defended his Spartathlon 246K title as he covered the 152.8 mile course from Athens to Sparta in 23 hours, 12 minutes, 14 seconds.

* At the Reebok Boston Indoor Games on January 27, Shalane Flanagan, who was returning to action after a year long plus hiatus due to a foot injury, ran 8:33.25 for 3000 meters to shatter Regina Jacobs' U.S. record of 8:39:14 from 1999.

* Abdi Abdirahman's 1:00:29 at the NYC Half-Marathon in August. Abdi finished second to the great Haile Gebrselassie and became the third fastest American at the distance from a course without excessive drop.

* The women's Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team defended its gold medal at the World Mountain Running Trophy in Switzerland in September, while Laura Haefeli won the first ever U.S. women's individual medal with her bronze medal and the U.S. Junior team won its first ever medal too (silver, women).

* The U.S. men's team - led by Howard Nippert's 8th place - earned the bronze medal at the IAU 100K World Cup in Winschoten, Netherlands last September.

* With limited training due to injury, Khalid Khannouchi's 4th place at the Olympic Marathon Trials and breakthru races at the same Trials by Jason Lehmkuhle (5th) and Nate Jenkins (7th).

* The New York Road Runners and the athletes, in totality, producing the best Olympic Marathon Trials to-date. Great setting, great competition, extensive media coverage. Bravo.

* Kudos to "Chasing Glory", a wonderful and engaging 7-week on-line video and text series for the 2008 U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials that showcased the contenders, their coaches and their training environments as they prepared for the Trials race. Thank you to the NYRR and Matt Taylor, Tessa Olson and Toni Reavis for putting it all together. Worth checking out again at: www.nyrr.org/races/pro/mens_trials/glory/index1.asp

Finally, the worst moments in 2007 were the sudden deaths of Ryan Shay at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and in July, Mike Long, Professional Athlete Coordinator for Elite Racing. Words cannot adequately describe the shock and sadness of their passing, but their memory and spirit will live on. Both gave their best to the sport.

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Ted Corbitt, "The Father of American Ultrarunning", R.I.P.
1952 Olympian, record-setter, pioneer, gentle giant in the sport
From Dan Brannen

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, Ted Corbitt passed away at the age of 88 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He had been fighting a personal battle against cancer, but then developed heart and respiratory complications which could not be cured.

Generally regarded as "the father of American Ultrarunning," Ted Corbitt, born in 1919 in South Carolina, was a sub-49 second quarter-miler at the University of Cincinnati, and began training for marathons in 1950. He had almost instant success. He won both the U.S. and Canadian national championship marathons, and was selected to the 1952 U.S. Olympic marathon team. He missed the 1956 Olympic team by one place.

At the same time, he became involved in the organization and administration of long distance running on a national scale. He was a co-founder of the Road Runners Club of America (and elected its president in 1960) and the New York Road Runners Club, and was elected the latter organization's first president in 1958. An African-American, as both athlete and administrator, he faced and conquered many challenges posed by racial discrimination in the pre-civil rights era.

Corbitt's lobbying efforts for accurate road course measurement led to the formation of the AAU's National Standards Committee, the precursor of the Road Running Technical Council (RRTC). He was personally, "hands-on" responsible for the introduction of road course certification in America.

An ultrarunning pioneer, Corbitt finished out his world-class career with a series of track races in London, all of them when he was over the age of 50. In these races, he set long-standing American track records for 50 miles, 100 miles and 24 hours.

This November in New York City, Corbitt was honored (and participated) as a Runner's World "Hero" for his contributions to the sport. He is also a member of several Hall of Fames.

Rich Innamorato, President of the Broadway Ultra Society and Ted Corbitt's longtime friend and colleague, sent out the following personal note:

Today the music has died...for the running community and for humanity.

We all know his legendary feats as a runner, but he was even a far greater person.

He was a humanitarian. One of his great gifts was not to prejudge people just as he would not want to be prejudged. He accepted you for who you were and allowed you to be yourself.

He was [a] healer...and dedicated his life to provide cure and comfort to the critically disabled and injured. He was still treating patients just before his latest illness.

He was a scholar. He had a great propensity to "learn" no matter the subject matter. His own success, whether it was cerebral or physical, was due to that desire to learn...

He was a marvel...he would push his limits no matter the obstacles. Even as an octogenarian, he walked 303 miles in 6 days while enduring shin splints. Life was a series of tests for him, and it was the partaking that was the most important, not the passing or failing.

He led by example every single day, and his character, dedication, kindness and values all touched our lives. We are richer to know him or know of him.

May he always live in peace and be blessed by God.

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Donovan, Marsted Win Rose Bowl Half Marathon
Inaugural event attracts 2,000
From Megan Rowe

PASADENA, Calif. - (December 8, 2007) - The runners of the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K enjoyed clear skies and cool temperatures as they toured through the scenic and historic roads of Pasadena on December 8. Approximately 2,000 runners registered for the inaugural event, solidifying its presence on the Southern California running calendar. As partners in this endeavor, the Rose Bowl Operation Company and Pacific Sports LLC hope to make this race a winter tradition for years to come.

Saturday's race led runners through a scenic and technical course that included hills, 3 miles of trails, river crossing and a tour of the Rose Parade route. A good portion of the half-marathon distance was led by Arthur Tang. After exiting the trail-portion of the 13.1 mile course, Patrick Donovan of South Pasadena took the lead with just over 2-miles of downhill running remaining and never looked back to win in 1 hour, 21 minutes, 1 second. The women's title was captured by Melissa Marsted of Santa Barbara in 1:29:55.

The 5K course followed the traditional and popular Rose Bowl loop leading runners around the stadium and Brookside Golf Course and finishing just outside the Rose Bowl Court of Champions. The overall winners of the inaugural Rose Bowl Half Marathon 5K were Alberto Ramos of Los Angeles and Sue Zihlmann of Long Beach in 17:08 and 19:45, respectively.

Following the race, competitors enjoyed the Finish Festival located inside the Rose Bowls' Court of Champions. The stadium was open for viewing. While enjoying a refreshing drink from the well-stocked Michelob Ultra beer garden, competitors were able to walk the Rose Bowl concourse and take a look at the newly laid field that is being prepared for the world famous Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2008.

Complete results at: PacificSportsLLC.com

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RRCA Awards Kids Run the Nation® Grants

ARLINGTON, Va. - (December 13, 2007) - In response to the growing national concern for children's health status in the United States, the RRCA launched the Kids Run the Nation Fund in 2007 to assists running clubs, events and schools that are interested in implementing or currently have a youth running program. This small grant program is funded by restricted contributions from RRCA members, individuals, foundations and corporations.

"As a leader in the health and fitness industry, the RRCA has embarked on a long-term investment in promoting running as a significant opportunity to address the growing obesity epidemic with our youth," explains Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. "Our goal with the Kids Run the Nation Fund is to raise awareness and provide needed resources to youth running programs around the country. In addition, we hope to provide the national infrastructure where corporations, foundations and major donors can invest in the Kids Run the Nation Fund and ensure that 100% of their contributions are distributed appropriately to youth running programs around the country."

The Kids Run the Nation Grant Selection Committee consisting of David & Sharlee Cotter (co-chairs), Bee McLeod (RRCA President), Don Kardong, Dan Kesterson, Brent Ayer and Beth Onines are pleased to announce the 2007 Kids Run the Nation Grant recipients. Over forty-six applications were received for the Kids Run the Nation Grants. The applicants' programs serve over 41,000 youth around the country. This December, the RRCA is pleased to award a total of $5000 worth of Kids Run the Nation Grants to the following youth running programs:

Salisbury Rowan Runners Kids Run the Nation Afterschool Program - China Grove, NC
The Salisbury Rowan Runners started their program in 2005 after attending the RRCA Convention in New Orleans and learning about youth running programs. The club partnered with their local YMCA which provides afterschool care at 17 different sites around Rowan County. In the 2006-07 school year approximately 500 children participated in the afterschool running program. Club volunteers go to each afterschool site to lead discussions on nutrition, healthy living and running as exercise. The kids run and play running games as part of the program. One objective of the program is to build endurance so every child will be able to run in the one mile fun run held in conjunction with the Healthy Kids Day.

Weddington Windrunners Club - Greenville, MS
The Weddington Windrunners Club was started in August 2007 at the Weddington Math, Science & Technology Academy, a Kindergarten through 6th grade elementary school within the Greenville, Mississippi Public School District. In its first year, the Windrunners accomplished their short-term goal of increasing student physical activity by introducing running to the entire student body, 525 children. 95% of the student population at the school is eligible for free or reduced price meals, which translates into an extremely high concentration of children living in poverty. The Weddington Windrunners Club program consists of two 10-week sessions, one in the fall and one in the spring, during which time students will walk or run a cumulative 25.2 miles. The last mile is run at the Windrunner Marathon during the school's annual Field Day festivities at the end of each school year.

Freedom 7 Elementary School Mileage Club - Cocoa Beach, FL
The Freedom 7 Mileage Club was started in August 2006. The program is approved by the elementary school but is an all volunteer run program. The program serves children in grades Kindergarten through 6th. Students meet twice per week before school for a 45 minute walk or run on a defined course. For each five miles run, students receive a mileage token to proudly display on a backpack chain. The program also promotes good nutritional habits and healthy lifestyle choices.

Magness Creek School Running Club - Cabot, AR
The Magness Creek School Running Club was started in September 2007 as a pilot running program for the local school district. The school added 10 additional minutes to the student's daily recess, and the students spend the first 10 minutes of each recess walking or running around the school track. The students have a goal of logging enough miles to reaching Beijing, China by the Chinese New Year and will celebrate their accomplishment Olympic style. 513 students are participating in the school program. The school also has a free afterschool running club that meets every Tuesday. The goal of the afterschool program is to focus on fun while logging 25.2 miles leading up to the Little Rock Marathon. The final mile is run on the day of the marathon. 51 students are enrolled in the afterschool program. Both programs incorporate a message of healthy nutrition.

Camp Glenwood Boys Ranch Cross Country Program - La Honda, CA
Camp Glenwood is a residential program available to the Juvenile Court for high-risk delinquent males. While the program has been in place for several years, in 2007 the components of a running program, based on the RRCA youth running materials, along with competition in mainstream races were implemented. Camp Glenwood uses running to develop important skills such as patience, goal-setting and perseverance. Many of the program participants have mental health issues and learning disabilities. Their lives have been marked by failure which makes them susceptible to negative influences. For the boys in the program, the completion of a 5K run marks a major milestone in which they set a goal, worked hard and achieve something. Running is also used as a positive alternative to activities such as substance abuse, thievery and gang involvement. A program participant found that running also helped serve as an outlet to release anger.

The Teen Institute Coaching Program - Dublin, OH
The Teen Institute Coaching Program was started in 2006. The goal of the program is to train drug-free high school role models as "coaches" to teach, support and prepare 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students interested in competing in the Here's Looking at You Kid 5K Run/Walk. The high school students have the potential to positively impact the health and well being of the elementary students while simultaneously enhancing their own lives. The "coaches" meet with the elementary students after school for 7 training sessions. The sessions consist of a discussion on topics related to proper training, hydration, what to wear and healthy eating. 110 elementary students are participating in the program along with 25 high school coaches.

To learn more about Kids Run the Nation or to invest in the Kids Run the Nation Fund, visit: www.rrca.org/programs/kids

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