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Gits, Brown, Torres Score Top 20 Finishes for Team USA at World Cross Country Championships
Bekele, Dibaba world champions again; U.S. women just miss team bronze medal
From Jim Estes, USATF, and the IAAF

EDINBURGH, GBR - Alex Gits (Edina, Minn.) finished 13th in the Junior women's race and Emily Brown (Minneapolis, Minn.) was 18th and Jorge Torres (Boulder, Colo.) 19th in the Senior races to lead Team USA at the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships Sunday at Edinburgh's Holyrood Park in Scotland.

Gits, a freshman at Stanford University, led the Team USA Junior women with a 13th place finish and a sixth place team finish (100 points), only one point out of fifth behind Canada. Despite a fall near 3K, Gits ran 20:41 for the 6K distance.

Ethiopia won the team gold, led by Genzebe Dibaba's winning run of 19:59. Kenya was second in the team race with 20 points with Japan taking third with 57 points.

In the Junior men's race German Fernandez (Riverbank Calif.) covered 8K in 24:15 to finish 25th, leading Team USA to sixth place. Emil Heineking (Hartsgrove, Ohio) finished one second and one place behind Fernandez.

The Junior men's individual title was won by Ibrahim Jeilan of Ethiopia in 22:38, while Kenya won the team competition with 21 points. Ethiopia was second with 28 and Uganda was third with 37 points.

Brown led the Team USA Senior women to fourth place, running 8K in 26:36 for 18th. Teammates Katie McGregor (St. Louis Park, Minn.), Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.) and Kathy Newberry (Williamsburg, Va.) finished within two seconds of each other to take places 22-24 respectively. Renee Metivier-Baillie (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Amy Hastings (Flagstaff, Ariz.) finished 49th and 62nd respectively.

Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won her third 8K World Cross Country title, running 25:10 to lead Ethiopia to their second team gold of the day with 18 points. Kenya was second with 22 as Australia took the team bronze ahead of the U.S. by just three points with 84.

In the Senior men's 12K, Torres ran 36:03 to finish 19th, while leading Team USA to seventh place. His place was the first individual top 20 finish for the U.S. in the event since 2003. Following Torres to round out the team score was Josh Rohatinsky (Portland, Ore.) in 44th, Edwardo Torres (Boulder, Colo.) in 46th, Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.) in 52nd, Max King (Eugene, Ore.) in 55th and James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) in 85th.

"I told myself that I wasn't going to be afraid to run with those guys. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't finish in the top 10. I gave it a good honest effort, and that's all that I can ask for," Torres said post-race.

Kenenisa Bekele completed Ethiopia's sweep of the day's individual titles with his 12th World Cross Country title and 6th at the 12K classic distance. After losing a shoe six minutes into the race, Bekele rallied to run 34:38 for the 12K course. Kenya won the team title with 39 points, while Ethiopia scored 105 and Qatar was third with 144 points.

36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships
Edinburgh, Scotland, Sunday, March 30, 2008

12K SENIOR MEN
1) Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), 34:38, $30,000
2) Leonard Patrick Komon (KEN), 34:41, $15,000
3) Zersenay Tadese (ERI), 34:43, $10,000
4) Joseph Ebuya (KEN), 34:47, $7000
5) Moses Ndiema Masai (KEN), 35:02, $5000
6) Felix Kikwai Kibore (QAT), 35:15, $3000
U.S.
19) Jorge Torres (CO), 36:03
44) Josh Rohatinsky (UT), 36:52
46) Edwardo Torres (CO), 36:56
52) Scott Bauhs (CA), 37:15
55) Max King (OR), 37:20
85) James Carney (CO), 38:04
97) Jonathan Pierce (NC), 38:23
110) Ryan Bak (OR), 38:36

TEAM
1) KEN, 39 points, $20,000
2) ETH, 105, $16,000
3) QAT, 144, $12,000
4) ERI, 164, $10,000
5) MAR, 197, $8000
6) UGA, 211, $4000
7) USA, 301

8K WOMEN
1) Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH), 25:10, $30,000
2) Mestawet Tufa (ETH), 25:15, $15,000
3) Linet Chepkwemoi Masai (KEN), 25:18, $10,000
4) Doris Chepkwemoi Changeywo (KEN), 25:34, $7000
5) Hilda Kibet (NED), 25:35, $5000
6) Gelete Burka (ETH), 25:35, $3000
U.S.
18) Emily Brown (MN), 26:36
22) Katie McGregor (MN), 26:40
23) Molly Huddle (RI), 26:40
24) Kathy Newberry (VA), 26:42
49) Renee Metivier-Baillie (AZ), 27:49
62) Amy Hastings (AZ), 28:18

TEAM
1) ETH, 18 points, $20,000
1) KEN, 22, $16,000
3) AUS, 84, $12,000
4) USA, 87, $10,000
5) MAR, 100, $8000
6) GBR, 116, $4000

Complete results, photos and more at: www.iaaf.org/wxc08/index.html

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Wardian, Grenon Win SunTrust National Marathon in DC
Sisay, Akbar set event records in accompanying half-marathon
By Steve Nearman, Running USA wire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - (March 29, 2008) - Michael Wardian quickly dispatched a decent field at the 3rd SunTrust National Marathon on Saturday at RFK Stadium.

That gave him more time to think about getting to the airport by noon, flying to Knoxville and preparing for a marathon in that city the next morning.

"I just went out hard and I kept going," said Wardian, who had nearly a minute on his closest pursuer by the midpoint and nearly four minutes by the finish in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 59 seconds.

Prior to the race, the 6-foot, 145-pound ultra-marathoner expressed concern about two competitors, especially since he had suffered from flu-like symptoms and a sore throat while moving into a new home during the week of the race.

His health was not a factor, nor was Kenyan Charles Kamindo (best time 2:15) who dropped out the race. His other concern was Samuel Gebremichael, an Ethiopian training in Hyattsville, Md., who had outrun Wardian for the win at Shamrock just two weeks before. After the opening mile, Wardian never saw Gebremichael until the finish chute.

The win, in an event record, was no surprise to anybody, including Wardian. The 33-year-old Arlington resident had been triumphant in the other two editions of the National Marathon.

The surprised victor was Myriam Grenon in the women's marathon. She, too, ran solo for most of the race, except that because the half-marathon participants ran the first 13.1 miles with the marathoners, she didn't realize she was leading the marathon until after 22 miles.

The 39-year-old mother of four from Longueuil near Montreal who had never placed better than fifth in six previous marathons won in 2:54:51, nearly seven minutes out in front and good for 26th overall in her first 26.2-mile race in the United States.

It was by sheer coincidence that Grenon and her husband were entered in the marathon, coming to the Washington area to watch their 15-year-old daughter Steffi play in a soccer tournament in Richmond hours after the race.

"I had expected to run 2:52," Grenon said in French while her husband, Serge St-Antoine, interpreted for her after he completed the tour of the neighborhoods of the nation's capital about six minutes quicker. "I thought there'd be more competition."

The competition was in the accompanying half-marathons, where 19-year-old Ezkyas Sisay, an Ethiopian training in Washington, dashed any plans Christopher Raabe of Washington had of repeating his 2007 triumph here. The 2006 Ethiopian steeplechase champion ran 1:06:17, an event record, to edge Raabe by seven seconds.

The women's half-marathon field was loaded with half a dozen athletes sharpening for the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston in three weeks. Samia Akbar of Herndon, Va. controlled the race as expected, yielding the lead only briefly after five miles to Ethiopian and frequent area racer Teyba Naser. Akbar cruised in 1:16:31, another event record, with Naser following in 1:17:00.

"This was a great confidence builder," said Akbar, a 2:34 marathoner who has a legitimate shot for a spot on the Beijing Olympic team. "I haven't raced much in the past few months. Training has been going very well and I'm healthy. I think I can PR in Boston."

Other Trials qualifiers, from third through seventh, were Abby Dean of Philadelphia (1:17:34), Briana Whaley of Culpeper, Va. (1:18:17), 2006 National Marathon champ Susan Graham-Gray of Greencastle, Pa. (1:19:07), Emily LeVan of Wiscasset, Maine (1:19:47) and Phebe Ko of Baltimore (1:19:58).

A total of 4,090 starters - 1,387 marathon finishers and 2,640 half-marathon finishers - were treated to spectacular views of the Capitol from several different vantage points along the course. Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty enjoyed the marathon course and the cool temps, sporting Bib #1 and nailing a personal record 3:40:10.

POSTSCRIPT - Wardian said he "was really pleased with the effort" in Knoxville the next day but he was disappointed that he couldn't improve on his runner-up status from last year's Knoxville Marathon. He said he led from mile 2 to 24 before falling to third Sunday in 2:29:50. "I guess my legs weren't as fresh as they could have been," he offered.

3rd SunTrust National Marathon
Washington, DC, Saturday, March 29, 2008

MEN
1) Michael Wardian (VA), 2:24:59*, $2000
2) Samuel Gebremichael (ETH), 2:28:53, $800
3) Brendon Moody (OH), 2:29:42, $700
4) Philippe Rolly (VA), 2:32:39, $500
5) David Hryvniak (VA), 2:33:27, $300
*Event record (previous record, 2:26:35, Michael Wardian, 2007)

WOMEN
1) Myriam Grenon (CAN), 2:54:51, $2000
2) Denise Knickman (MD), 3:01:39, $800
3) Nicole Hugie (WA), 3:09:53, $700
4) Amanda Starr (PA), 3:11:05, $500
5) Karen Grabowski (IL), 3:12:28, $300

Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Ezkyas Sisay (ETH), 1:06:17*, $1000
2) Christopher Raabe (DC), 1:06:24, $500
3) Will Christian (VA), 1:06:55, $250
4) Paolo Natali (DC), 1:09:22, $200
5) Adam Condit (VA), 1:09:50, $100
*Event record (previous record, 1:07:10, Christopher Raabe, 2007)

WOMEN
1) Samia Akbar (VA), 1:16:31*, $1000
2) Teyba Naser (ETH), 1:17:00, $500
3) Abby Dean (PA), 1:17:34, $250
4) Briana Whaley (VA), 1:18:17, $200
5) Susan Graham-Gray (PA), 1:19:07, $100
*Event record (previous record, 1:21:01, Tamara Lave, 2007)

More results at: NationalMarathon.com

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Alan Webb Highlights 23rd Carlsbad 5000 on April 6, 2008
Opportunity stands to take down U.S. 5K road record prior to U.S. Olympic Trials

CARLSBAD, Calif. - (March 27, 2008) - After breaking Steve Scott's quarter-century old American mile record last summer in Brasschaat, Belgium, 25-year-old Alan Webb will have an opportunity to take down San Diego native Marc Davis' U.S. 5K road record of 13 minutes, 24 seconds, set at the 1996 Carlsbad 5000. Webb has chosen to open his 2008 Spring campaign in Carlsbad as he prepares for an Olympic bid. The Southern California race, set for Sunday, April 6, 2008, was made famous by Scott 22 years ago as both the course designer and champion of the first three events.

"I'm really looking forward to my first trip out to Carlsbad," said Webb, a Reston, Virginia native. "I've always heard about what a great course and event it is, and how fast people have run there. Plus, Steve Scott has been something of a mentor to me over the years, and to run on a course he designed and won on three times just makes it that much more special."

In this Olympic year, Webb is gearing toward the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field set for Eugene, Oregon in June, and the early season road 5K will play well into his Olympic timing.

"I'm in good form," Webb confirmed. "Carlsbad fits my schedule perfectly this year."

Webb first gained national acclaim when he smashed Jim Ryun's legendary 36-year-old American high school mile record in 2001 (3:53.43). Since then he has steadily moved up the ranks of the world's top middle distance runners. In 2006, Webb ran the fastest-ever debut by an American at 10,000 meters (27:34.72), winning at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational at Stanford University. For calendar year 2007, Webb ran the fastest mile (3:46.91), fastest 1500 meters (3:30.54) and second best 800 meters (1:43.84) in the world.

"This is the greatest thing to ever happen to the Carlsbad 5000," said Scott, who broadcasts the Carlsbad 5000 for FSN. "More than any world record, to have a top American competing here in peak physical shape, prepping for the Olympics is a testament to the quality of this race and the outstanding performances that have been staged here in the past. Regardless of the time, it will be world news how he does here."

On race day in Carlsbad, Webb will have plenty of world class company vying for the nearly $30,000 Open prize purse including $5000 to the race champion and an additional $10,000 for a world record and $5000 for the U.S. mark.

Returning to the Carlsbad 5000 is 2006 race champion Abreham Cherkos Feleke, 19, from Ethiopia, who recently won the 3000 meter bronze medal at the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Track & Field Championship in Valencia, Spain. Also on hand will be Bonface Songok, 27, Kenya, the 2004 Carlsbad runner-up, and countryman, Shadrack Kosgei, 24, who finished third in 2005.

The American Carlsbad contingent also includes Team Running USA's Ian Dobson, Steve Slattery, Sara Slattery and Kassi Andersen and Team USA Minnesota's Mandi Zemba.

Known as the "world's fastest 5K," the Carlsbad 5000, since 1986, has produced 16 world records at the 3.1-mile distance and welcomes over 10,000 runners and walkers to the streets of Carlsbad, Calif. annually.

For more information, the professional field list or to register for the Carlsbad 5000 and the Spenco Insoles Junior Carlsbad, visit www.EliteRacing.com or call (800) 311-1255.

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Marusin, Vinitskaya, Chirlee and Cherobon Win ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Three event records fall; more than 10,700 participants on new course for 2nd edition
From Jenny Schmitt

ATLANTA - (March 30, 2008) - Three champions in the professional field of the second ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon set event records on Sunday. Oleg Marusin of Russia won the men's marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 50 seconds, cutting off 27 seconds of the time set last year by Kenyan Joseph Chirlee. Chirlee, who lives in Acworth, Ga., opted not to defend his marathon title and won the men's half-marathon this year in 1:06:43.

Lawrenceville, Ga. resident Janet Cherobon successfully defended her half-marathon title, winning in 1:13:48. Setting an event record, the Kenyan trimmed 2:45 from her mark in the inaugural half-marathon last year.

"The weather was perfect except the wind. The course was a little hillier than last year, but there were more down hills. I ran a good time so that was good," she said in chilly, overcast conditions following her race.

The women's marathon was won by Alena Vinitskaya of Belarus in 2:41:13. She was 12 seconds faster than the time set last year by Valentina Levushkina of Russia, who finished second in the marathon this year, 2:06 behind Vinitskaya.

"I'm impressed that so many runners came out; they came from all over the country," said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, referring to participants who came from 48 states and the District of Columbia. "ING does a great job of partnering with the city and the local business community. So we are thrilled about that too. This promotes health and wellness and community engagement in a way that very few races do. So congratulations to ING."

The men's marathon winner is a 10,000-meter runner who was competing in just his fourth marathon. Marusin took the lead beyond the 13 mile mark in Decatur and coasted to the record finish. "I was sure of myself that no one would follow to closely. I was comfortable. I am very happy that I won, but I am not completely satisfied with my time. I thought I would do better."

Vinitskaya was unsure of her ability to run in the ING Georgia Marathon, initially, due to a recent injury to her Achilles tendon. "I was injured in Sacramento, but now I am better," said Vinitskaya, who ran the race with special inserts in her shoes to alleviate the pain. "It's a good course for running. The crowds were great; they give you a lift to keep going."

Race Highlights
* 14,000 Total Entrants
* 10,793 Total Starters and 10,711 Total Finishers
* 2,142 athletes finished the marathon (34% were female)
* 8,569 athletes finished the half-marathon (56% were female)
* Age of youngest participant (half-marathon): 8 years
* Age of oldest participant (half-marathon): 85
* U.S. states represented: 48
* Countries represented: 25
* 700 schoolchildren from 19 Atlanta and Decatur middle schools participated in the Final Mile as part of ING's Run for Something Better.

2nd ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Atlanta, GA, Sunday, March 30, 2008

MEN
1) Oleg Marusin (RUS), 2:18:50, $5000
2) Jonathan Ndambuki (KEN), 2:21:22, $3000
3) Kassahun Kabiso (ETH), 2:21:59, $1750

WOMEN
1) Alena Vinitskaya (BLR), 2:41:13, $5000
2) Valentina Levushkina (RUS), 2:43:19, $3000
3) Rima Dubovik (UKR), 2:50:34, $1750

Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Joseph Chirlee (KEN), 1:06:43, $1500
2) Tamrat Ayalew (ETH), 1:07:23, $750
3) Jared Abuya (???), 1:07:35, $250

WOMEN
1) Janet Cherobon (KEN), 1:13:48, $1500
2) Mary Akor (USA / CA), 1:15:13, $750
3) Meseret Kotu (ETH), 1:18:58, $250

Complete results at: INGGeorgiaMarathon.com

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