Running USA wire 86, October 18, 2009

Event records set in men's ½ marathon and hand cycle divisions; TweetMyTime successfully Tweeted 2,000 participant times; event record field of 15,000

COLUMBUS, Ohio - (October 18, 2009) - Despite nearly freezing temperatures at the 7:30am start on Sunday, the cool weather and sunny skies made for near-perfect running conditions for a sold-out field of 15,000 runners and walkers participating in the 30th Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon and Corporate Wellness 5K.

For the third year in a row, an Ohioan bested a field of 5,000 marathoners as Matt Folk of Perrysburg won the event in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 45 seconds. Second place went to Richard Kessio of Kenya in 2:20:50. Kessio was leading the race until Folk, 33, passed him in the final stretch of the race.

In the women's marathon race, Rachel Kinsman, 35, of Archbold, OH ran a dominating race to win in 2:47:44 and like Folk, she earned $2500. The runner-up was Maureen Bean Wrenn of Boulder, CO in 2:48:34.

A new course record was set in the 4th Nationwide Better Health Columbus ½ Marathon when Daniel Kipkoech of Kenya blasted a 1:03:38, besting the previous record of 1:04:10 set last year. Countryman Peter Matelong was second in 1:03:40, also under the old record.

On the women's side, Nicole Fisher of Indiana covered 13.1 miles in 1:17:14 to claim the first prize ($1000), while Marian Pyles of West Virginia finished second in 1:21:09.

In the hand cycling division, added last year, Dane Pilon of North Carolina blew away the field and set a course record in 1:12:15 (last year's top time was 1:37:16). Jeffrey Fisher of Medina placed first in the wheelchair division in 1:45:41.

TweetMyTime, the social media experiment that allowed participant's progress to be tweeted at various points along the course, successfully debuted at the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon by sending out tweets for more than 2,000 participants who registered for the service.

The event record field of 15,000 marathon and half-marathon runners and walkers and 5K Corporate Wellness participants enjoyed great spectator support and more than 65 live bands and other entertainment along the course which includes parts of Columbus, Bexley, German Village, Short North, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Victorian Village.

The 31st Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon will take place Sunday, October 17, 2010.

30th Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon
Columbus, OH, Sunday, October 18, 2009

MEN
1) Matt Folk (OH), 2:20:45, $3250
2) Richard Kessio (KEN), 2:20:50, $1000
3) Jeremy Zarins (OH), 2:23:28, $1250

WOMEN
1) Rachel Kinsman (OH), 2:47:44, $3250
2) Maureen Bean Wrenn (CO), 2:48:34, $1000
3) Molly Watcke (OH), 2:49:50, $1250

4th Nationwide Better Health Columbus ½ Marathon
MEN
1) Daniel Kipkoech (KEN), 1:03:38*, $1000
2) Peter Matelong (KEN), 1:03:40, $750
3) Emmanuel Korir (KEN), 1:04:56, $500
*course record (previous record, 1:04:10, Joseph Ngetich (KEN), 2008)

WOMEN
1) Nicole Fisher (IN), 1:17:14, $1000
2) Marian Pyles (WV), 1:21:09, $750
3) Tanya Thatcher (OH), 1:21:48
4) Leslie Kraus (OH), 1:22:13, $500

Complete results and more at: www.columbusmarathon.com

Race draws strong local talent and nearly 10,000 participants; part of Rock 'n' Roll Series in 2010

DENVER - (October 18, 2009) - The Denver Marathon, the largest marathon event in Colorado, celebrated its fourth edition on Sunday morning in the Mile High City, including a marathon, a half-marathon, ING Marathon Relay and the McDonald's Mile Kids Race. Nearly 10,000 runners competed in all events over the course of race weekend with the many of the top place winners representing all areas of Colorado. More than 700 participants represented a dozen charity programs selected by the Denver Marathon raising more than $200,000 for their organizations.

In the marathon, a local Coloradan from Arvada, Chris Siemers, 28, led the men's field in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 3 seconds. The defending champion Jynocel Basweti, 22, of Kenya placed second in 2:23:56. Another Colorado resident Andrew Smith, 33, from Denver, took third (2:28:35).

"I had settled for second place, and was more worried about being caught by third," said Siemers. "At mile 24, I saw my friend Mike Aish (winner 2008 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon), and he said to me you can catch him, go for it. I threw down my sunglasses and put my head down and went for it. I caught him at 26 so I'm obviously very happy to have come here and won."

In the women's marathon, Holly McIlvaine, 36, of Seattle, WA finished first in 3:00:26, while Ashley Anderson, 25, from Denver was second in 3:03:03 and Jeanne Cooper, 31, from Eagle, CO third (3:05:42).

In the half-marathon, Matt Levassiur, from Alamosa, CO took first in 1:08:05, and Justin Young, 30, of Superior, CO was runner-up in 1:08:59 with Kennett Kiptoo of Kenya, 29, third (1:10:13).

Peris Chumba, 21, of Kenya led the female half-marathon division with her 1:18:53. Cynthia Lauren Arnold, 25, of Glenwood Springs, CO finished second in 1:21:50 and rounding out the top three was Elle Pishny, 24, of Durham, NC in 1:23:07.

ING Four Person Relay
The first place marathon relay team was a Mixed team, Bells Running, from Greeley, CO with a time of 2:30:29. The top Men's team was The GVI Group from Denver in 2:39:40. The Four UPS, all from the Denver Metro area, placed first in the Corporate division with their 3:15:43. The Women's division top relay team was CU Buffettes, all from Denver, in 3:01:28.

McDonald's Mile Kids Race
The McDonald's Mile Kids Race had more than 1,200 participants in its one-mile fun-run and other younger races to promote balanced active lifestyles in the state of Colorado. Ronald McDonald kicked off the event with a stretching and fitness session to prepare for the McDonald's Mile Kids Race.

The course highlighted the cultural diversity of Denver's communities by incorporating a mix of urban neighborhoods, shopping and restaurant districts, city parks and residential areas. The race course, certified by USA Track & Field and a Boston Marathon qualifier, was flat and had little to no elevation change.

"Today signified what the sport of running is all about - dedication, commitment and perfect Colorado weather, which made for an amazing running event in the great state of Colorado," said Anton Villatoro, Founder and Executive Director of the Denver Marathon. "Today, we celebrated with the 10,000 athletes who participated in our event and encourage everyone to start training for the first Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon in the Fall of 2010. See you at next year's finish line."

The Competitor Group announced Friday that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series will officially add the Denver Marathon to its schedule of races for next year. The event will host the Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon, Half-Marathon and the ING Marathon Relay in the Fall of 2010.

With the addition of the Denver event, there will now be thirteen Rock 'n' Roll Marathons and Half-Marathons in 2010. Each event creates a running "block party" with live bands performing at every mile, cheerleaders encouraging runners throughout the race, themed water stations and a post-event concert featuring a headlining act. For more information about the Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon, visit: www.runrocknroll.com

4th Denver Marathon
Denver, CO, Sunday, October 18, 2009

MEN
1) Chris Siemers (CO), 2:23:03, $2000
2) Jynocel Basweti (KEN), 2:23:56, $1000
3) Andrew Smith (CO), 2:28:35, $500

WOMEN
1) Holly McIlvaine (WA), 3:00:26, $2000
2) Ashley Anderson (CO), 3:03:03, $1000
3) Jeanne Cooper (CO), 3:05:42, $500

4th Denver Half-Marathon
MEN
1) Matt Levassiur (CO), 1:08:05, $1000
2) Justin Young (CO), 1:08:59, $500
3) Kennett Kiptoo (KEN), 1:10:13, $250

WOMEN
1) Peris Chumba (KEN), 1:18:53, $1000
2) Cynthia Lauren Arnold (CO), 1:21:50, $500
3) Elle Pishny (NC), 1:23:07, $250

Deeper results at: www.denvermarathon.com

Past ING New York City Marathon champions Tergat, Prokopcuka have withdrawn; slight modifications to marathon course for the 40th running

NEW YORK - (October 14, 2009) - Four-time Boston Marathon champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and 2009 Boston Marathon champion Salina Kosgei (left, PhotoRun), both of Kenya, have entered the ING New York City Marathon 2009 on Sunday, November 1, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO and race director Mary Wittenberg.

"Like all Boston Marathon winners, Robert and Salina are proven champions," said Wittenberg. "They'll both be looking to join the elite few who've become champions of both races."

The ING New York City Marathon 2005 champion, Paul Tergat of Kenya, two-time ING New York City Marathon champion (2005-06) Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia and Irish Olympian Martin Fagan have withdrawn from this year's event. Tergat continues to suffer from a leg injury that forced him to withdraw from the Lisbon Half-Marathon earlier this month. Prokopcuka, a three-time Olympian, withdrew due to pregnancy.

Fagan's manager, Ray Flynn, offered this statement: "Martin Fagan has decided to withdraw from the race because of fears that a slightly injured Achilles tendon may not hold up for the full marathon distance."

Recent permanent road reconfiguration required slight modifications of this year's race course. The course has been modified in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Academy of Music at mile 8 and at McCarren Park at mile 12, in Queens coming off the Pulaski Bridge near mile 14, and in the Bronx just past mile 20. No changes have been made from mile 21 to the finish in Central Park.

Cheruiyot, 31, last competed in the ING New York City Marathon in 2005, finishing fourth in 2 hours, 11 minutes, 1 second. A four-time Boston Marathon champion (2003, '06-08), Cheruiyot is the Boston course-record holder (2:07:14, his personal best). Earlier this year, he dropped out of the Boston race after 35K due to back pain; he ran the IAAF World Championships Marathon in August in Berlin, finishing fifth (2:10:46). Cheruiyot has five World Marathon Majors (WMM) race victories, having won the Chicago Marathon in 2006, and was the inaugural WMM series champion (2006-07).

Kosgei, 32, will make her second appearance at the ING New York City Marathon; she finished fourth (2:25:30) in 2005. In April, Kosgei won the closest women's race in the history of the Boston Marathon, crossing the finish line one second ahead of defending champion Dire Tune to win in 2:32:16. In 2008, Kosgei finished fourth at the London Marathon and was 10th in the Olympic marathon in Beijing.

Athletes will be vying for a total guaranteed prize purse of $800,000, the largest in race history. In celebration of the 40th running of the New York City Marathon, a new champion's bonus of $70,000 will be awarded to any past champion who wins this year, bringing a former champion's first-place prize this year to $200,000. The race also is hosting the 85th USA Men's Marathon Championship with U.S. Olympians Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall and Brian Sell.

For more information, visit: www.INGnycmarathon.org

Los Lonely Boys, Grand Funk Railroad to headline post-race concert; Del Castillo to open

SAN ANTONIO - (October 15, 2009) - The second Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon has announced the full lineup for the event's post-race concert. Big names and diversity highlight this year's performers, which include Grammy-winning Texas trio Los Lonely Boys, 70s rock group Grand Funk Railroad and Latin Rock band Del Castillo. Tickets are on sale now for the show at the Alamodome on Sunday, November 15.

The general public can purchase tickets online for $21 and at the door for $30. All ticket information for the concert can be found at www.san-antonio.competitor.com. Admission is free for all race participants and volunteers.

"We are offering a little something for everyone's musical tastes, from Texas soul to rock and roll, and we are thrilled to present three acts at this year's post-race concert," said Lucy Diaz, Event Manager. "The concert is really a community event at its heart. We invite runners, their families and anyone in San Antonio to come enjoy the three unique groups, two of whom are from the event's home state of Texas."

The concert doors will open at 6:00pm, with an awards ceremony at 6:30pm. Music begins at 7:00pm, starting with Del Castillo. Concert tickets can be also purchased at the Alamodome box office or at the event's two-day Health & Fitness Expo on November 13 and 14.

Forming Los Lonely Boys when they were teenagers, the Garza brothers - Henry, Jojo and Ringo - have just released their third album. The band's first two studio albums (multi-platinum 2003 debut, Los Lonely Boys, and 2006's Sacred, a #2 arrival on the Billboard albums chart), solidified Los Lonely Boys place in the Rock genre. The group's hit single, "Heaven", reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in 2005 the song earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance with Vocal. Powered by passion and true brotherly love, their third album, Forgiven, is in every note a rock and roll classic. For more information on Los Lonely Boys, visit: www.loslonelyboys.com

Grand Funk Railroad is known as "The American Band," and is celebrating its 40th birthday in 2009. The high-energy, five-piece group will play forty shows all over the USA this year. Grand Funk Railroad includes founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums) and bassist Mel Schacher, singer Max Carl, and lead guitarist Bruce Kulick. Keyboardist Tim Cashion, affectionately called "Dr. Tim," completes the group and helped carry the group to its April 2006 release of a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package. Grand Funk performed 40 shows in 2008 and now, with the group's 2009 tour, seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 40 years of funk with The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad. For more information, go to: www.grandfunkrailroad.com

Del Castillo began as a CD project for family back in the winter of 2000 and has become a symbol of the cross-cultural power of music with their eclectic blend of Flamenco, Rock, Latin, Blues, and World music. In 2008, the band began playing major festivals all over the country and widening its audience. The band continues to tour throughout the country, thriving on performing live and building new audiences. Songwriting and recording are a priority during breaks in their tour schedule. For more information on Del Castillo, visit: www.delcastillomusic.com

For more information about the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon, or to register for the race, go to www.runrocknroll.com or call (800) 311-1255.