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2008 State of the Sport Part II: New "Core Runner" Profiles

Results from the National Runner Survey conducted for the first time in 2007 by Running USA with the help of RRCA clubs, race organizers and running specialty stores are now available. An email invitation was distributed by 30 organizations to their constituents around the country and more than 8,000 online surveys were completed. The surveyed group described in male and female runner snapshots below are the "core runners", i.e. the more active adult participants who tend to enter running events, buy 3 pairs of running shoes a year, run on the road or on trails, frequent specialty running stores and read Runner's World magazine. Running USA estimates that there were at least 10 million core runners in the U.S. in 2007.

Typical U.S. Female Long Distance Runner (52% of total)
Age: 39.4 years (median = 39)
Married (62% of females; 28% have never been married)
No children in the household (64%; 27.5% have at least 2 children in household)

2006 Individual Income was $50,000 or more (50% of females)
* 64% females had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
* 45% females had 2006 Household income of $100,000 or more

College educated (93% of females)
* 79% have college degree
* 42% have post-graduate degree

Running Patterns:
* Have run for 5 years or more (67%; 28% have run 15 years or more)
* Favorite Race Distances: Half-Marathon, 5K, 10K
* Run 4 or more days/week (65%) for total weekly mileage of 20 miles or more (52%)
* Have entered at least 10 running events as an adult (68%; 24% have entered 40 or more)
* Have completed 1 marathon (55%; 25% have completed 4 marathons)
* Would consider joining a Running Team in the future (65%; 16% are on a team now)

Product Preferences:
* Last running shoes purchased: ASICS (32%), Nike (14%), Saucony (13%)
* Shoes are purchased at Running Specialty Store (58%) [See bar graph below.]
* Favorite brands of Running Apparel: Nike (60%), Champion (37%), Under Armour (34.6%)
* Running Apparel also purchased at Running Specialty Stores (71%) or Sporting Goods Stores (68.5%)

Internet Usage:
* Internet is used at least 7 hours/week (63%)
* Internet is used for email (97.6%), research (86%), news (82%), making travel plans (78%) and shopping (76%)
* Favorite running related websites: Active.com (59.8%), RunnersWorld.com (58.5%), CoolRunning.com (24%)

Typical U.S. Male Long Distance Runner (48% of total)
Age: 45.1 years (median = 45)
Married (74% of total; 15% have never been married)
No children in the household (55%; 29% have at least 2 children in household)

2006 Individual income was $75,000 or more (50.6% of males)
* 76% males had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
* 57% males had 2006 Household income of $100,000 or more

College educated (94% of males)
* 80% have college degree
* 37% have post-graduate degree

Running Patterns:
* Have run for 10 years or more (60%; 47% have run 15 years or more)
* Favorite Race Distances: Half-Marathon, Marathon, 10K
* Run 4 or more days/week (67%) for total weekly mileage of 20 miles or more (64%)
* Have entered at least 20 running events as an adult (62%; 43% have entered 40 or more)
* Have completed 2 marathons (57%; 43% have completed 4 marathons)
* Would consider joining a Running Team in the future (60%; 15% are on a team now)

Product Preferences:
* Last running shoes purchased: ASICS (31%), Nike (14%) or Brooks (13%).
* Shoes are purchased at Running Specialty Store (56%) [See bar graph below.]
* Favorite brands of Running Apparel: Nike (51%), ASICS (34%), Under Armour (31%).
* Running Apparel also purchased at Running Specialty Stores (75%), Sporting Goods Stores (65%) or Online (46%)

Internet Usage:
* Internet used at least 7 hours/week (65%)
* Internet used for: email (97%), research (89%), news (87%), making travel plans (79%) and shopping (71%)
* Favorite running related websites: RunnersWorld.com (55.4%), Active.com (51%), MarathonGuide.com (26%)

Where Running Shoes were PurchasedEquipment sources

Runner Types: Males vs. Females

Note that some of the gender differences in the Runner Snapshots above such as income and number of years running can be attributed in part to the 6 year difference in average age. As the pie charts below illustrate, there are also differences for each gender in the level of seriousness and competitiveness with whick they identify.

F runner typesM Runner types

  Runner Type: Females   Runner Type: Male

Primary Motivators for Running

Both sexes agree on the primary benefits of running: weight loss, health maintenance and stress relief (see tables below).

Table A. Reasons Females Started to Run (select one)
Weight concerns
22.9%
Family/friend encouragement
19.6%
Competed in school and never stopped
12.0%
To relieve stress
11.3%
Health concerns besides weight
8.0%
To get in shape for another sport
5.7%
To prepare for a charity fundraising event
4.7%
Table B. Reasons Males Started to Run (select one)
Weight concerns
19.9%
Health concerns besides weight
16.5%
Family/friend encouragement
15.0%
Competed in school and never stopped
12.7%
To get in shape for another sport
9.6%
To relieve stress
7.7%
To prepare for a charity fundraising event
2.5%
Table C. Reasons for Females to Continue to Run (select all that apply)lect all that apply)
Staying healthy
86.2%
Staying in shape
86.1%
Relieving stress
74.2%
Meeting a personal challenge
69.5%
Controlling my weight
68.8%
Achieving a goal
68.3%
Improving my state of mind
64.5%
Having fun
61.2%
Improving speed or endurance
54.0%
Appreciating nature, scenery
52.7%
Being by myself for awhile
48.7%
Socializing with friends/family/other participants
48.1%
Competing against others
26.4%
Table D. Reasons for Males to Continue to Run (select all that apply)lect all that apply)
Staying in shape
83.1%
Staying healthy
81.3%
Relieving stress
64.2%
Having fun
61.3%
Achieving a goal
61.1%
Socializing with friends/family/other participants
60.0%
Meeting a personal challenge
59.0%
Controlling my weight
56.8%
Competing against others
52.9%
Improving speed or endurance
43.9%
Improving my state of mind
41.5%
Appreciating nature, scenery
41.0%
Being by myself for awhile
36.7%

Gender and age group demographics and trends associated with running events will be covered in Part III of this series.

Source for Part II
The National Runner Survey conducted by Running USA and RRCA was distributed via email lists to all adult constituents of the participating events, clubs and stores. A weighting procedure was used to ensure that the sample would be representative of all core runners in the U.S.

More complete Survey Results will be emailed to Running USA members in the next 2 weeks. For membership information, go to: RunningUSA.org

The participating organizations for 2007 received very valuable and timely data about their constituents and some customization was provided. Any event, club or store wanting to participate in the 2009 National Runner Survey or anyone with suggestions for questions to include should contact Running USA's Road Running Information Center at rric@runningusa.org.

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Duncan Kibet to Defend Men's Title against New Challengers at Quad-City Times Bix 7
Ben Houtekier vs. the professionals for Rhythm City Casino "Race for the Jackpot"

DAVENPORT, Iowa - (July 24, 2008)- With just three returning professional veterans set to challenge for the men's and women's titles, this year's Quad-City Times Bix 7 is sure to be an open competition. The 34th edition, a Midwest summer tradition, is set for this Saturday, July 26th at 8:00am Central Time over the streets of Davenport.

Duncan Kibet of Kenya is the defending men's champion and will bring his successful experience back to Brady Street Hill and the challenging 7 mile course in hopes that he can rise to the top of a balanced field which also includes countrymen Edward Muge, Abel Kirui, MacDonald Ondara and Dennis Ndiso and Ethiopians Maregu Zewdie, Dmessew Tsega and Dejene Berhanu. Top U.S. entrants include Kyle O'Brien, Nate Jenkins, Tommy Neal and Celedonio Rodriguez.

The women's lineup is slated to include Ashu Kasim of Ethiopia, Kenyan road racers Edith Masai, Pauline Wangui and Leah Malot and Nuta Olaru of Romania who has Bix 7 experience, but could be bolstered with the addition of defending champion Wude Ayalew of Ethiopia. Late reports indicate that Ayalew was passed over for the Ethiopian 10,000 meter squad for the Beijing Olympics and, with an approved visa, she could find herself back as the front runner of the women's Bix race.

The U.S. women will be represented by the up-and-coming Kristen Fryburg. Local flavor will be provided by Diane Nukuri of Burundi who ran collegiately for the University of Iowa - the campus in Iowa City just 45 minutes from Davenport.

The Bix 7 prize purse equals $45,000 with $10,000 or a 2008 automobile to each race champion.

Other Bix 7 news and notes:

* Recent attention was focused on the Midwest devastation due to flooding. In an attempt to remember those that are still battling the effects of this natural disaster, race officials have announced that 50% of registration fees will be donated to Iowa Flood Relief efforts after the race hits the initial goal of 15,000 entries.

* Local Moline, IL fire fighter Ben Houtekier was chosen from all entrants to become the latest Rhythm City Casino "Race for the Jackpot" participant. Based on his previous Bix efforts, Houtekier will be given a two mile head start. Should he beat the first professionals back to the finish line, Houtekier will receive $3400 - $100 for each year of the race.

Houtekier has announced that his winning purse will be donated to a fund for Davenport fire fighter Bob Juarez. During the flood fighting efforts in Davenport, Juarez was injured from a fall while battling a blaze within the downtown flood zone. Currently, Juarez is paralyzed from the waist down and has started rehabilitation efforts at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport.

The race weekend will kick off on Friday, July 25th with two events - the Alcoa Jr. Bix 7 which attracts 5,000 kids up to 12 years of age for various distances beginning at 6:00pm next to the Quad-City Times building; following immediately is the Brady Street "Sprint" with individuals and teams testing their speed and relay abilities in a straight line race up Brady Street Hill. On race morning, participants in the big race will again have the opportunity to choose a two-mile option thanks to the Lee Enterprises "Quick Bix."

Registration for the event will continue on site at the Orthopaedic Specialists Sports Expo in the Davenport RiverCenter from 5:00 to 9:00pm on Thursday, July 24th and from 9:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, July 25th. There is no race day registration allowed so those are the final two opportunities to follow the motto of this year's event - "Feel Great - Do The Bix in '08."

For more information, contact Ed Froehlich at (563) 359-9197 or visit: Bix7.com

Quad-City Times Bix 7 Professional Athletes
As of 07/22/08

MEN
Bib# / athlete / country
1 Duncan Kibet, Kenya
3 Maregu Zewdie, Ethiopia
5 Retired
7 Dmessew Tsega, Ethiopia
9 Lishan Yigezu, Ethiopia
11 Dejene Berhanu, Ethiopia
15 Abel Kirui, Kenya
19 Dennis Ndiso, Kenya
21 Edward Muge, Kenya
23 Retired
25 Daniel Kipkoech, Kenya
27 Nicholas Kurgat, Kenya
29 MacDonald Ondara, Kenya
31 Dereje Tadesse, Ethiopia
33 Tekeste Kebede, Ethiopia
35 Celedonio Rodriguez, USA
37 Kyle O'Brien, USA
41 Nate Jenkins, USA
45 Bill Rodgers, USA
47 George Misoi, Kenya
49 Tommy Neal, USA

WOMEN
2 Wude Ayalew, Ethiopia
4 Ashu Kasim, Ethiopia
6 Edith Masai, Kenya
8 Pauline Wangui, Kenya
10 Nuta Olaru, Romania
12 Genoveva Kigen, Kenya
14 Leah Malot, Kenya
16 Ogla Kimaiyo, Kenya
18 Angelina Mutuku, Kenya
20 Irene Limika, Kenya
22 Jane Murage, Kenya
24 Mamitu Daska, Ethiopia
26 Diane Nukuri, Burundi
28 Emebet Bacha, Ethiopia
32 Caroline Chepkorir, Kenya
34 Kristen Fryburg, USA
38 Joan Benoit Samuelson, USA
40 Fatna Maraoui, Italy
42 Marina Ivanova, Russia

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RRCA Announces 2008 Roads Scholars

ARLINGTON, Va. - (July 24, 2008) - Since 1996, the Road Runners Club of America has awarded grants totaling $250,000 through its Roads Scholar® program. The goal of the program is to assist American post-collegiate road runners who show great promise to develop into national and world class road running athletes. The grants awarded by the RRCA go directly to the athletes to help support their goals of becoming world class athletes.

The RRCA is pleased to introduce and congratulate the 2008 Class of Roads Scholars®:

JOSH MOEN
Josh Moen, who grew up in the small northeast Iowa town of Fairbank, figured out he liked to run when he ran the physical fitness test one mile run in 4th grade. He had the fastest time of 8:16.

"My dad always ran and I thought that was cool so I went out for track in junior high and continued through high school," explained Moen. "I didn't accomplish much in my prep career, but I decided to try running at the NCAA Division III level at Wartburg College where I graduated in 2005".

While at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Moen hit his stride and graduated as a ten time All-American and five-time national champion. Following college, Moen started his professional running career, which included several years with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. He participated in several national teams including the 2005-07 Chiba Ekiden. In 2008, Moen was 4th at the USA 10K Championship, 6th overall at the Steamboat Classic 4 Mile in Peoria, IL and 14th overall at the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.

JONATHON PIERCE
Jonathon Pierce was first exposed to road races by his mother around the age of ten. Shortly thereafter he started to run in the events and realized he enjoyed them. He continued to play other sports in school but would do summer fun runs and local 5Ks to help prepare for the fall soccer season. From junior high to sophomore year in high school, he played other sports, but it became clear that his calling was running. He ran indoor track as a sophomore, and at that point, he gave up baseball, then soccer to compete in track year round.

While at Stanford, Pierce set a freshman record in the 3000m steeplechase, and later was All-American in the steeplechase. He was a member of the NCAA Championship team in Cross Country. In 2007-08, Pierce was 11th at the US Cross Country Championships and was a member of the U.S. team in Edinburgh, Scotland for the World Championships. He finished 3rd at the USATF Club Championships in December 2007. Pierce recently competed in the steeplechase at the recent Olympic Trials.

"The Roads Scholars grant means so much to me, because it will allow and encourage me to continue on this path as I strive to attain new successes and face the challenges of professional running while staying afloat financially," explained Pierce. "I am really excited about getting involved in longer races and the professional road running scene and this will support that pursuit. Thanks very much for this honor. I know that it will help me a great deal in the coming year."

BRETT GOTCHER
Brett Gotcher grew up in Watsonville, CA and began running in 8th grade when his school started a Cross Country program. He ran cross country to get in shape for basketball, but ended up winning a few races and fell in love with the sport.

"I had a great coach in high school who brought me along slowly so that I could really enjoy running and not overdo it," explained Gotcher.

He continued his running at Stanford University where he had the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the World Junior Cross Country Championships in Switzerland and at the Pan-Am Championship in Barbados. There he came away with the gold medal in the 10,000 meters.

A recent highlight of Gotcher's running career was competing in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Gotcher currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ with the McMillan Elite training group where he is working on taking his running to the next level.

"Being honored with the RRCA Roads Scholar grant is going to help me make that jump to the next level," remarked Gotcher. "At this point in my running career, every bit of financial assistance can make a huge difference. With this grant, I will now be able to take the time necessary to train at the highest possible level."

SALLY MEYERHOFF
Sally Meyerhoff started running when she was about eight or nine years old. She participated in a youth track club that offered a month long running program with an event at the end. In middle school, she participated in cross country and would grow to love running, eventually dropping swimming as a sport. Meyerhoff ran for Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix where she was a nine-time Arizona state champion. She is currently coaching part-time at her high school alma mater.

Meyerhoff ran track and cross country at Duke where she was a 3-time All-American. In 2008, she ran her debut marathon, the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix, finishing with a time of 2:42:47. This qualified her for the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials where she finished 20th with a personal record of 2:39:39.

"The RRCA Roads Scholar grant is something I have been hoping for, for a very long time," explained Meyerhoff. "When I found out I was chosen it truly made my day, and I wanted to yell with excitement. I feel incredibly honored to be chosen as a recipient and I intend to represent the RRCA at the highest level possible."

JULIA LUCAS
Julia Lucas began running as a freshman in high school more for the social aspects as opposed to the competitive aspects. She would go on to win six North Carolina state titles for Myers Park High School, as well as the 2002 National Scholastic Indoor Championship in the mile.

"To the delight of my poor father's heart I finally acknowledged athletics, and joined the only team I know wouldn't cut me," explained Lucas. "Who would have thought the geek in the knee socks would wind up a jock?"

Lucas attended North Carolina State, where she was a five-time All-American and a three-time ACC champion. She represented the U.S. at the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 2003. In December 2007, Lucas joined Team Running USA based in Mammoth Lakes, CA. She was 9th at the 2008 USATF Cross Country Championships held in February, and she recently ran the Central Park Challenge 8K, finishing 10th with a time of 26:46.

"Due in part to the RRCA's support I've got no excuses. The resources that elite athletes require are now available to me," explained Lucas. "All I worry about now is running as fast as I can and being worthy of all this support."

EMILY MCCABE
Emily McCabe, a Queensbury, NY, native began her competitive running career when she was in junior high on the Queensbury modified cross country team. Thanks to the enthusiasm and inspiration from Coach Nancy Micich, she realized that she had the potential to excel in the sport. Along with varsity cross country and track, McCabe also competed on the varsity alpine ski team. After culminating her high school running career by becoming a member of the All-New York State Cross Country Team, she decided to continue her running career at the Division I level by becoming a member of the cross country and track & field teams at Cornell University.

Emily's college running career blossomed her senior year during outdoor track in the Spring of 2006 when she earned All-Ivy accolades in the Outdoor 10,000 and 5000 meters, was the Outdoor ECAC Track & Field Champion in the 3000 meters and was a finalist in the 5000 meters at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships. Due to a season-ending injury suffered during her senior year in cross country, Emily had a remaining season of cross country eligibility to use while pursuing a Master's degree at Duke University's Graduate School in the Fall of 2006. She had her most successful collegiate season while competing for the Blue Devils, culminating in her 14th place overall finish at the 2006 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships earning All-American honors. Under the tutelage of Coach Kevin Jermyn, Emily's professional distance running career got off to a great start.

"I believe I have shown a lot of potential to be a great road racer, especially at the longer distances," explained McCabe. "The Roads Scholar Program Grant will not only provide me with support to enhance my running career and hopefully qualify to compete at more international competitions, but it will also allow me to become an active and involved member of the running community."

The RRCA Roads Scholar® selection Committee for 2008 included Carl Sniffen (Chair), Don Kardong, Deena Kastor, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Mike Morgan, Phil Stewart, Bea McLeod, Brent Ayer and Jean Knaack.

For more information, contact, Jean Knaack, execdir@rrca.org, (703) 525-3890 or visit: RRCA.org

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Reyes, Kibii Debut at and Win Wine Country Half Marathon
Kibii smashes women's course record at Napa-to-Sonoma race
From Matt Dockstader

SONOMA, Calif. - (July 20, 2008) - On Sunday, Sergio Reyes of Palmdale, CA cruised to victory in the fifth running of the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon in 1 hour, 7 minutes, 2 seconds, beating runner-up Cheyne Inman by two minutes. Reyes charged up Duhig Hill first and then gradually lengthened his lead throughout the race. Allen Wagner of San Diego was third in 1:09:32.

Jane Kibii of Kenya, who is now residing and training in Davis, CA, won her first Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, setting a women's course record of 1:18:11 defeating Megan Daly of Menlo Park who finished in 1:18:27. Andrea Jarzombek of San Antonio took third place (1:19:20).

The women's field proved to be exceptionally fast, as all three women bettered the previous course record of 1:19:47 by Johanna Olson set in 2005. The Impala's, a predominantly women's running club from the North Bay Area, won the team competition. Overcast skies helped keep temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s during the race, which was a relief to runners used to hot July temperatures.

"I thought the event was great" said Reyes, who was also running in his first Wine Country Half Marathon and was duly impressed. "The course was a little more challenging than I expected and I started out too fast so which is not my style. I have not trained much lately for longer distances and was feeling some pain but was happy with the result."

Each winner was awarded with a magnum of wine from Cuvaison Carneros Estate Vineyards, a Ball Watch and a $500 check from Sonoma Valley Bank. Second and third place finishers received magnums of Gundach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon and cash awards.

Over 2,000 runners and wine enthusiasts from all over the world enjoyed the 13.1 mile course that runs through the Carneros wine region and finishes in downtown Sonoma for the popular Wine and Music Festival. Twenty percent of the field crossed the finish line after raising over $2 million for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation through its half-marathon training program, Team Challenge.

"We are so excited to have our group, from all over the country, here this weekend to experience California wine country," said Staci Brown, National Event Director for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "It was an incredible event and being here this weekend symbolizes the great strides the Foundation has made in raising awareness and funds for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis."

The event is produced by Destination Races whose sister races include the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon and the new Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon scheduled for October 25, 2008. For more information, visit: DestinationRaces.com

5th Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
Napa-Sonoma, CA, Sunday, July 20, 2008

MEN
1) Sergio Reyes (CA), 1:07:02, $500 + Ball Watch + wine
2) Cheyne Inman (CA), 1:09:02, $300 + wine
3) Allen Wagner (CA), 1:09:32, $200 + wine

WOMEN
1) Jane Kibii (KEN), 1:18:11*, $500 + Ball Watch + wine
2) Megan Daly (CA), 1:18:27, $300 + wine
3) Andrea Jarzombek (TX), 1:19:20, $200 + wine
*course record (previous record, Johanna Olson, 1:19:47, 2005)

For complete race results, go to: RunCarneros.com

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