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Carney, Steffens Win USA 20K Titles at New Haven
From Jim Estes, USATF

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - (September 1, 2008) - James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) took charge early on his way to his second USA title of 2008, winning the USA 20K Championships in 59 minutes, 11 seconds. In the women's race, Jill Steffens (Athens, Ga.) overtook Elva Dryer (Gunnison Colo.) just after the 12 mile mark to win the women's title in 1:08:48, her first USA crown. The national road championships were hosted again by the Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K on Monday in New Haven, Conn.

The men's race saw Carney, 30, take the lead from the gun, with only Josh Rohatinsky (Beaverton, Ore.) and defending champion Dan Browne (Beaverton, Ore.) briefly able to make contact near five miles. From that point, Carney surged ahead to open a five-second lead at six miles. By ten miles, passed in 47:26, the 2008 USA half-marathon champion continued to extend his lead, and from there he easily cruised to the national title, finishing 47 seconds ahead of Rohatinsky. Team Running USA's Browne held on for third, running 1:00:06. Fernando Cabada (Boulder, Colo.) and Celedonio Rodriguez (Flagstaff, Ariz.) rounded out the top five, finishing in 1:00:39 and 1:00:42 respectively.

In the women's race, Dryer, a two-time Olympian, led much of the way, occasionally opening a small gap on a chase pack that included eventual champion Steffens and third place finisher Ilsa Paulson (Flagstaff, Ariz.). Near the seven mile mark, new masters standout Stephanie Herbst-Lucke (Atlanta, Ga.) briefly challenged for the lead, before Dryer surged to a four second lead.

Approaching eight miles, Steffens and Paulson began to work together to close the gap on Dryer and just past 12 miles, Steffens, 24, moved past Dryer to hit the finish at the New Haven Green with a six-second win, while Paulson, the 19-year-old former Northern Arizona University star, narrowly missed overtaking Dryer for third, running 1:08:55. Herbst-Lucke held on for fourth in 1:09:24, while Dot McMahan (Rochester Hills, Mich.) took fifth in 1:09:33.

With a total prize purse of $41,550 on the line, Carney and Steffens earned $8000 each as U.S. champion and were also the top athletes to qualify for the Team USA squad that will compete at the IAAF World Road Running Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, October 12.

At the 31st edition, nearly 5,000 runners completed either the 20K, 5K or kids race during the New Haven Labor Day tradition.

31st Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race: USA 20K Championships
New Haven, CT, Monday, September 1, 2008

MEN
1) James Carney (CO), 59:11, $8000
2) Josh Rohatinsky (OR), 59:58, $4500
3) Dan Browne (OR), 1:00:06, $2500
4) Fernando Cabada (CO), 1:00:39, $1500
5) Celedonino Rodriguez (AZ), 1:00:42, $1000
6) Nick Arciniaga (MI), 1:00:47, $700
7) Edwardo Torres (CO), 1:01:01, $600
8) Ian Burrell (AZ), 1:01:02, $500
9) Justin Young (CO), 1:01:12, $400
10) Matt Downin (WI), 1:01:21, $300

WOMEN
1) Jill Steffens (GA), 1:08:48, $8000
2) Elva Dryer (CO), 1:08:54, $4500
3) Ilsa Paulson, 19, AZ, 1:08:55, $2500
4) Stephanie Herbst-Lucke, 42, GA, 1:09:24, $1500
5) Dot McMahan (MI), 1:09:33, $1000
6) Melissa White (MI), 1:09:47, $700
7) Zoila Gomez (CO), 1:09:52, $600
8) Kristen Fryburg (CO), 1:10:33, $500
9) Ann Alyanak (OH), 1:10:37, $400
10) Paige Higgins (CO), 1:11:02, $300

Complete results at: NewHavenRoadRace.org

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Kwambai, Masai Win 8th Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach
By Dan Cruz

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - (August 31, 2008) - Kenyans James Kwambai and Edith Masai were crowned champions at the 8th Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach on Sunday morning.

Kwambai, who also won the race in 2006, finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes and 11 seconds, 22 seconds ahead of Ethiopian Tadesse Tola, who clocked a 1:02:33.

Kenyans McDonald Ondara (1:04:45) and Samuel Ndereba (1:05:38) were third and fifth, respectively, in the men's division with Kazuyuki Maeda of Japan (1:05:18) taking fourth place.

Tola, winner of last month's New York City Half Marathon, pushed the pace at the beginning of the race. At the 10K mark, the lead pack was reduced to Tola, Kwambai and McDonald.

Nearing mile eight, it was Kwambai's turn to push the pace, and McDonald fell off the lead pack shortly thereafter. The race was then comprised of a two-man showdown between Kwambai and Tola, until mile 10 when Kwambai charged ahead.

"When Tadesse took off fast, I ran hard to close the gap," said Kwambai, who is preparing for the Berlin Marathon. "The weather made the race more difficult, but I am happy with the way it turned out."

A tactical race ensued on the women's side. Masai came from behind to win the women's division in 1:12:54, just seconds ahead of American Katie McGregor (1:13:04).

"The women's race was very competitive in difficult conditions, and it intensified when three runners battled the last mile down the boardwalk," said Matt Turnbull, Athlete Coordinator for Elite Racing. "That type of finish is exactly what you want to see, and to have an American runner right there was great for the home crowd."

Megumi Seike of Japan was third in 1:13:05 followed by Ethiopians Adanech Zekiros (1:13:32) and Tayba Naser (1:13:38).

Masai, who also won Bix 7, Beach to Beacon 10K and the Falmouth Road Race this summer, trailed Team USA Minnesota's McGregor for most of the race.

"The course was great and the pace was relatively even, and nobody really went out very fast," said McGregor. "I'm preparing to run the New York Marathon in November, so this gave me a good idea of where I am with my training."

Will Christian, 25, from Norfolk and Renee High, 26, from Virginia Beach took top local honors as the first male and female finishers from Hampton Roads. Both earned $500 for their efforts.

16,445 runners and walkers toed the start line in a race which featured over 20 live bands and cheerleaders at each mile throughout the oceanfront course. Both the men's and women's professional races were led by Saturn SKY roadsters, the official vehicles of the 2008 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.

"Since its introduction back in 2001, Virginia Beach's Half Marathon is still unique as the first major tourism driven half-marathon in the world," said Tracy Sundlun, Vice-President of Elite Racing.

Although 6,000 miles away and seven hours different in time, over 800 soldiers at Joint Base Balad in Iraq also completed their very own Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in conjunction with the Virginia Beach event.

"The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon is thrilled to collaborate with runners overseas again this year," said Erin Gaul, event manager of the race. "To have this year's Rock 'n' Roll simultaneously in Virginia Beach and Iraq represents the strong ties this community has with the military, and we are honored to have an opportunity to be a part of that bond."

The overseas race involved over 1,000 runners and volunteers and was open to active duty military members currently deployed in Iraq.

"We are proud to be a part of what has already become a strong tradition of military support in the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon," said Captain Jennifer Dunlavy, MD, USAF, MC and military coordinator of the overseas race. "We didn't have the beach or 20 live music bands, but we certainly had all of the spirit!"

8th Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
Virginia Beach, VA, Sunday, August 31, 2008

MEN
1) James Kwambai (KEN), 1:02:11, $3500
2) Tadesse Tola (ETH), 1:02:33, $2000
3) McDonald Ondara (KEN), 1:04:45, $1500
4) Kazuyuki Maeda (JPN), 1:05:18, $1000
5) Samuel Ndereba (KEN), 1:05:38, $750

WOMEN
1) Edith Masai, 41, KEN, 1:12:54, $4000
2) Katie McGregor (USA / MN), 1:13:04, $2000
3) Megumi Seike (JPN), 1:13:05, $1500
4) Adanech Zekiros (ETH), 1:13:32, $1000
5) Teyba Naser (ETH), 1:13:38, $750

Masters (40 and over)
MEN
1) John Piggott, 43, Williamsburg VA, 1:14:35, $500
2) Darren De Reuck, 40, Boulder, CO, 1:17:24, $250

WOMEN
1) Masai, see above
2) Colleen De Reuck, 44, Boulder, CO, 1:14:46, $250

Local - Hampton Roads
MEN
1) Will Christian, 25, Norfolk, 1:09:00, $500

WOMEN
1) Renee High, 26, Virginia Beach, 1:24:07, $500

More results at: www.rnrvb.com

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Marine Corps Marathon Announces Changes to 2008 Course
Runners will overcome the Hains Point Challenge earlier than previous years

QUANTICO, Va. - (August 20, 2008) - Organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon have announced significant changes to the 2008 marathon course. The new route will take runners through Hains Point at miles 12-14, nearly five miles sooner than the previous course.

"Hains Point is always a challenge for runners at such a late point in the race," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "Now runners will reach the Point while they are still fresh, and will be rewarded with the energy of the crowds on the National Mall during the later miles."

For 2008, runners will return to the spectator-filled M Street in Georgetown, and are sure to be dazzled with a breathtakingly close view of the Capitol Building on Pennsylvania Avenue past 3rd Street. Both sections were removed from the 2007 course.

The USATF-certified route starts in Arlington, Va., and winds its way through Rosslyn along Lee Highway before turning on Spout Run and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Runners will experience a climb on Lee Highway in the first few miles of the new course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the Parkway. After crossing the Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners will be on familiar territory through the District of Columbia. The course returns to the Palisades Community for a scenic view of Canal Road, and returning to Georgetown.

Runners will enjoy traveling down M Street, turning on Wisconsin Avenue and then K Street. For the first time, the course will then pass the Kennedy Center and take runners into Hains Point at approximately the halfway point of the race. Afterwards, runners pass the Jefferson Memorial before entering the National Mall and pass numerous monuments, memorials and landmarks, such as, the Lincoln, FDR, Korean War and Vietnam Veteran's memorials, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.

Runners return to Virginia via the 14th Street Bridge and are sure to enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of Crystal Run in Crystal City, VA, along miles 22 and 23 of the course. For the final miles, runners will return past the Pentagon and along Route 110 before reaching the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial finish line.

For more information on the 33rd Marine Corps Marathon set for Sunday, October 26, visit: MarineMarathon.com

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"Saucony Cross Country 2008" Running Initiative Educates and Inspires
Grass roots program helps prepare runners for high school cross country season

LEXINGTON, Mass. - (August 18, 2008) - Continuing to strengthen its premium positioning in the cross country running market, Saucony, Inc., a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, has launched Saucony XC 2008, a nationwide grassroots program designed to educate and inspire young runners prior to the start of their high school cross country season. The Saucony XC 2008 initiative includes a nationwide Spike Night event series; an online partnership with Flotrack; a special training insert with Running Network LLC and a print advertising campaign featuring a tribute to cross country runner and Saucony athlete Ryan Shay and the shoe he inspired - the Shay XC.

"As participation in track and cross country continues to grow, we intend to be there every step of the way, not only with innovative products that enhance this young runner's experience, but with programs that help educate and inspire as well," said Mary O'Brien, vice president of marketing for Saucony. "This program underlines our continued commitment to the specialty run channel, helping to drive new and young runners into their stores," she added.

According to the latest Running Specialty Shop Retail Audit (Fall 2007), Saucony captured the number one market share position for third quarter in the track, field and cross country footwear segment. Since that time, Saucony's cross country shoe sales have continued to grow at specialty run, led by the Kilkenny XC Spike and the Velocity Distance Spike. For Fall 2008, the addition of the Shay XC to the line as a premium price point model reinforces the brand's leadership and commitment to the specialty retailer as well as the serious young runner.

The Saucony XC 2008 program features the following components:

* Throughout the summer, Saucony is sponsoring Spike Nights at over 200 select specialty run retailers reaching an estimated 12,000 high school cross country runners nationwide. Events feature product information clinics, footwear testing, group runs and giveaway items including t-shirts, nylon spike bags, socks, stickers, temporary tattoos and a memorial poster to cross country runner and Saucony athlete Ryan Shay. When an attendee purchases a pair of any Saucony cross country spike at a Spike Night event, they are entered into a drawing to win customized Saucony spikes for their entire cross country team. With any additional Saucony purchase, participants receive an extra entry for the drawing.

* In partnership with www.Flotrack.org, one of the fastest growing track & field community websites, Saucony has launched a branded resource platform where the high school cross country community can gain inspiration from professional athletes and coaches, learn about new product launches, and enter contests, including the Olympic Pick, to win free cross country gear. In addition, runners can access a Spike Night locator to find a participating retailer in their area.

* In order to help young runners get a jump on the cross country season, Saucony has teamed up with Running Network LLC to offer a 12 week summer / fall cross country training program published in American Track & Field, Athletes Only and California Track & Running News. The guide is also available at www.saucony.com, www.atf-athlete.com, www.caltrack.com and www.american-trackandfield.com

In order to support the launch of the Shay XC, Saucony has launched a print ad featuring a tribute to cross country runner Ryan Shay. The ad runs concurrently with the Saucony Summer Training Program. The Shay XC cross country flat and spike is a lightweight, breathable and flexible race day shoe thanks to an air mesh upper with minimal synthetic suede overlays, a bootie construction and premium sockliner. The Shay XC was inspired by Ryan Shay's will, grit and determination. (Sizes: men's 7-13, 14, and women's 5-11, 12; MSRP: Spike: $65, Flat: $60)

To find a retailer, call (800) 365-4933 or visit: Saucony.com

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