Road Runners Club of America

Historically Fast Fields Set for 54th Running of AJC Peachtree Road Race

programs — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:10:58 +0000

Defending Champions, Atlanta Debuts Headline Iconic July 4 Race

ATLANTA – June 26, 2023 – The 54th Running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race features the deepest women’s field in the storied history of the iconic 10K. It includes five women who have personal bests faster than the course record of 30:22 – one of the fastest ever recorded on U.S. soil.

As previously announced, the race will welcome back defending champion Senbere Teferi who hopes to become the first back-to-back Peachtree champion since 2010, as well as Joyciline Jepkosgei, past winner of both the TCS London Marathon and TCS NYC Marathon and the third-fastest 10K runner in history. Sheila Chepkirui, the fourth-fastest in history, remains one of the pre-race favorites.

They will be challenged by Jesca Chelangat of Kenya, who is 11th all-time after running 30:01 in Valencia this winter. At 25, she is the youngest of the top competitors and will run Peachtree for the first time. Fellow Kenyan Vicoty Chepngeno, winner of the Houston and Philadelphia Half Marathons with a 10K best of 30:14 will likely be a factor in the race as well.

The Peachtree will feature the 10K return of three-time Olympic gold medalist Tirunesh Dibaba. The 38-year-old Ethiopian legend last raced the distance in 2018 prior to stepping away from competition for five years during which she gave birth to the two youngest of her three children.

Sharon Lokedi, who was previously announced, has withdrawn with an injury.

Annie Frisbie returns to defend her title as top American, while 2021 Peachtree runner-up Emily Durgin and Roswell, Georgia, native Emma Grace Hurley will also contend for top U.S. honors.

Course record-holder Susannah Scaroni leads the women’s field of the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division. Scaroni, winner of the most recent Chicago, New York and Boston marathons, will look to better her 2022 course-record winning time of 21:14. She’ll face Jenna Fesemyer, who won last weekend’s Grandma’s Marathon in Minnesota, and Paralympian Yen Hoang.

The men’s footrace field features eight men who have run under 27:30 on the road for 10K. That includes Tadesse Worku of Ethiopia who has run 26:56, five seconds faster than the Peachtree course record of 27:01. Also coming in with fast times, Charles Langat of Kenya who ran 26:57 in Valencia in January as well as last year’s third-place finisher, Jemal Yimer, and 2023 Publix Atlanta Half Marathon winner Tsegay Kidanu, both of Ethiopia.

But none of those men has experienced winning the Peachtree. Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay was just 19 when he broke the tape in 2016. Now, 26 and the runner up at this year’s Boston Marathon, he returns to Atlanta as one of the race favorites. Geay comes into the race having won the B.A.A. 10K in Boston just this past weekend.

Elkanah Kibet leads the American field and hopes to continue the tradition of strong performances by members of the U.S. Army team at Peachtree. Other top Americans include Ben Blankenship, a 1500-meter Olympian in 2016 now transitioning to longer distances, and World Cross Country qualifier Andrew Colley.

Daniel Romanchuk will seek his sixth Peachtree title in the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division. The course record-holder will face two-time Peachtree champion Josh Cassidy and last weekend’s Grandma’s Marathon winner, Aaron Pike.

The 54th Running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race will be held Tuesday, July 4, in Atlanta,Georgia. 50,000 runners and walkers will make their way from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park in what has become known as the world’s largest 10K. The event will be shown live on Atlanta Track Club’s YouTube and Facebook pages as well as locally on WXIA-11Alive with Carrie Tollefson, Lewis Johnson and Amanda McGrory leading the broadcast team.

Women’s Open Division

Joyciline	Jepkosgei	29:43	KEN
Sheila	Chepkirui	29:46	KEN
Jesca	Chelangat	30:01	KEN
Senbere	Teferi	30:12	ETH
Vicoty	Chepngeno	30:14	KEN
Hailyu Fotyen	Tesfay	30:26	ETH
Tirunesh	Dibaba	30:30	ETH
Dorcas Jepchirchir	Tuitoek	30:44	KEN

Viola	Cheptoo	30:55	KEN
Viola	Chepngeno	31:19	KEN
Tadu	Teshome	31:28	ETH

Stacey Chepkemboi	Ndiwa	31:35	KEN
Emily	Durgin	31:35	USA
Cynthia Jerotich	Limo	31:27	KEN
Selam Fente	Gebre	32:17	ETH
Veronicah	Wanjiru	31:55	KEY
Annie	Frisbie	31:55	USA
Dom	Scott	31:59	RSA
Ftaw	Zeray	32:07	ETH
Emma Grace	Hurley	32:32	USA
Tristan	Van Ord	32:34	USA
Olivia	Pratt	32:38	USA
Yeshi Kalayu	Chekole	32:47	ETH
Anne Marie	Blaney	32:57	USA
Susanna	Sullivan	33:01	USA
Vibian	Chepkurui	33:56	KEN
Sophia	King	34:35	USA
Bridget	Lyons-Belyeu	34:16	USA
Joanna	Stephens	36:21	USA

Women’s Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division

Susannah	Scaroni	21:14	USA
Jenna	Fesemyer	24:50	USA
Yen	Hoang	24:53	USA
Hannah	Dedrick	25:30	USA
Ivonne	Reyes	20:12	MEX
Michelle	Wheeler	26:12	USA
Chelsea	Stein	24:32	USA
Hannah	Babaloa	24:55	USA
Aerelle	Jones	30:55	USA
Emelia	Perry	28:18	USA
Camryn	Ledford	24:37	USA
Emily	Shryock	24:51	USA
Eva	Houston	30:00	USA

Men’s Open Division

Tadesse	Worku	26:56	ETH
Charles	Langat	26:57	KEN
Tsegay	Kidanu	27:14	ETH
Kiprono	Sitonik	27:14	KEN
Philemon	Kiplimo	27:23	KEN
Hillary	Kipkoech	27:23	KEN
Nibret Melak	Bogale	27:24	ETH
Isaac	Kipkemboi	27:29	KEN
Jemal	Yimer	27:50	ETH
Mogos	Tuemay	27:50	ETH
Reid	Buchanan	27:52	USA
Gabriel	Geay	27:58	TAN
Sikiyas	Misganaw	28:01	ETH
Rory	Linkletter	28:06	CAN
Andrew	Colley	28:45	USA
Daniel	Chaves	28:46	BRA
Michael	Somers	28:52	BEL
Elkanah	Kibet	28:57	USA
Rob	Mullett	29:20	GB&NI
Craig	Lautenslager	29:26	NZL
Charlie	Smogoleski	30:07	USA
Ben	Blankenship	30:11	USA
Zacchaeus	Widner	30:51	USA
Edwin	Kurgat	DEBUT	KEN

Men’s Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division

Daniel	Romanchuk	18:11	USA
Aaron	Pike	18:00	USA
Raphael	Botello Jimenez	20:10	ESP
Josh	Cassidy	18:52	CAN
Herman	Garic	20:51	USA
Luis	Francisco	20:19	COL
Evan	Correll	22:26	USA
Brian	Siemann	20:00	USA
James	Senbeta	20:05	USA
Valera “Jacob”	Allen	20:58	USA
Alfonso	Zaragoza Solorio	21:04	MEX
Dustin	Stallberg	21:43	USA
Peyton	Gunnarson	21:50	USA
Jason	Robinson	23:08	USA
Phillip	Kroft	24:00	USA
Jose	Pulido	24:22	USA
Juan Pablo	Cervantes	22:00	MEX
Aiden	Gravelle	20:54	USA
Wyatt Bruce	Willand	20:53	USA
Miguel	Jimenez Vergara	21:48	USA
Laurens	Molina	22:19	CR
Juan Ramon	Vallado	23:00	VEN
Sairo Moises	Fernandez	24:00	COL
Brad	Smith	27:05	USA
Colby	Higgins	22:05	USA
Dan	Berschinski	37:00	USA
Darius	Barrow	39:53	USA
Natan	Morales Vela’zquez	39:34	MEX
Dwain	Farley	45:00	USA

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Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

knaackj — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:09:12 +0000

As heat grips parts of the US, the RRCA reminds runners and walkers that knowing the warning signs and symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save a life. During hot and humid conditions, heat illness and heat stroke are likely to become apparent shortly after a run is completed and when the body temperature is elevated following exercise.

Heat Exhaustion signs include:

Dizziness
Thirst
Heavy sweating
Weakness
Nausea

If you experience or witness someone with heat exhaustion, help them cool down in the shade, sip water, and loosen or remove clothing layers as needed.

Heat Stroke is LIFE THREATENING and can develop quickly after heat exhaustion. Signs include:

Confusion
In ability to regulate body
Body temperature reaches dangerous/deadly levels
Loss of Consciousness

If you experience or witness someone with heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Make all efforts to cool a person with water, if possible use air conditioning in a car – keep windows open for airflow as a car cools down. Access a nearby business that has AC. Do not leave someone experiencing heat stroke alone until emergency services arrive.

Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

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Women Set the Stage for Legendary Matchups at the 45th Bank of America Chicago Marathon

knaackj — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:51:17 +0000

CHICAGO – Today the Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced the return of two-time defending champion Ruth Chepngetich and American record holder Emily Sisson. Joining Chepngetich and Sisson is 2023 London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan, one of distance running’s most accomplished stars who will be making her American marathon debut on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Chepngetich of Kenya will attempt to capture her third consecutive Bank of America Chicago Marathon victory. Last year, after setting a blistering early pace, she narrowly missed breaking the world record, finishing in 2:14:18. It is the second fastest time ever behind fellow-Kenyan Brigid Kosgei who ran 14 seconds faster to win the Chicago Marathon in 2019. The stage is set this year for Chepngetich to challenge the women’s world record and reclaim victory.

“I am planning to defend my title and improve my time,” said Chepngetich. “There’s no better race in the world than the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.”

To do so, she will have to defeat two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands. Hassan made her marathon debut in London last April. After stopping to stretch twice, she closed a 25-second gap on the leaders to win and set a new national record of 2:18:33. Hassan said she will return to the track this summer, competing at the World Championships in Budapest less than six weeks before lining up in Chicago.

“At the moment, my focus is on the World Championships in Budapest, so my marathon preparation will be very short, but as most people know, I like to be challenged,” said Hassan. “I will see how my body responds and how my mind handles it. The good thing is that I have the experience from London so I’m looking forward to Chicago, to see what the marathon can teach me this time.”

Unlike Hassan, Sisson will skip the summer track season to focus on getting ready for Chicago. Last year’s runner-up, Sisson finished in 2:18:29, demolishing the American record by 43 seconds. Sisson, who also holds the American record in the half marathon, said the deep field improves her chances of running even faster this year.

“Chicago is where I set the American marathon record last year,” said Sisson. “I am really looking forward to coming back for another great race in October!”

Legendary matchups have long made for thrilling finishes in Chicago. In 1985, a grueling duel between Olympic champion Joan Benoit Samuelson and then world record holder Ingrid Kristiansen saw Benoit Samuelson outlast her Norwegian competitor and set an American record. In 2002, British world champion Paula Radcliffe defeated Kenya’s Catherine “The Great” Ndbera and shattered Ndbera’s world record in the process. And in 2017, three-time Olympic gold medalist Tirunesh Dibaba took down rising star and future world record holder Brigid Kosgei.

“Epic battles between the fastest women in the world are a hallmark of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “As we celebrate four and a half decades of racing this fall, we look forward to seeing Ruth, Sifan and Emily set the tone and provide inspiration for the next 45 years.”

Chepngetich, Hassan and Sisson will be three of 45,000 participants taking part in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s 45th running on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

For the latest event updates, registered participants and community members are encouraged to visit the Event FAQ which is available at chicagomarathon.com.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class elite field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants. The race’s iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park on Sunday, October 8, 2023. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 5, Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.

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RRCA Accepting 2023 Kids Run the Nation Grant Applications

Erica Gminski — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:33:09 +0000

RRCA to award small grants to youth running programs across the U.S.

ARLINGTON, Virginia – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) developed the Kids Run the Nation Fund to assist running clubs, events, and schools that are interested in implementing or currently offer a youth running program. Since 2007, the RRCA has awarded more than $310,000 to deserving programs around the United States. Through the Kids Run the Nation program, the RRCA’s goal is to help establish locally managed, gender-inclusive, youth running programs in every school and community across the US.

Small grants ranging from $500 to $1000 will be awarded to youth running programs across the US. Running clubs, events, or other organizations with the IRS 501(c)(3) designation are eligible to apply. Elementary and middle schools that provide organized after-school running programs are eligible, as well. No grants will be given to individuals under any circumstance. All applicants must be an official 501(c)(3), school, parent booster club, PTA, or a similar entity and meet our stated criteria. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2023. Apply now>>

This small grant program is funded by restricted contributions from RRCA members, individuals, foundations, and corporations. One hundred percent of the money raised is restricted to the grant fund and no portion of contributions to the Kids Run the Nation Fund are used for administrative expenses. Grants are awarded on an annual basis through an application and selection process. Donate today to the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation Fund.

About RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to empowering everyone to run since 1958. The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being, and competition. Learn more at: www.rrca.org

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RRCA Adds Air Quality Index Recommendations to its Safe Events Guidelines

knaackj — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:15:41 +0000

As the threat of forest fires around the US and Canada increases, the RRCA has updated its Safe Events Guidelines to assist race directors facing high AQI conditions and how to proceed with events. Air quality index (AQI) has become a nationwide condition that race directors should be aware of. In recent years, forest fires have been a driving force in high AQI and have forced cancellations of events.

Airnow.gov is an excellent resource for understanding AQI data, both locally and nationally. This is also a great resource for monitoring forest fires, especially important for trail events.

The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. Each category also has a specific color. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.

The following is a list of considerations involving AQI:

Plan Ahead. As the race date gets nearer, the AQI conditions will become more predictable. Use tools such as Weather.com or Airnow.gov to monitor conditions. As a rule of thumb, plan with the thought in mind that the conditions will be more extreme than predicted.

Medical Team. Make sure to contact the medical team so that they are able to prepare in advance for any additional material or personnel they will need if AQI is in the 100-150+ range. Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger attacks. Even people who do not have asthma could experience asthma like symptoms when the AQI is 100+.

Course Conditions. If the general condition of the course has become extremely hazardous due to the high AQI, then a decision to cancel the event must be made. Common sense should prevail. Consult with local authorities in making your decision. Many local governments have adopted guidelines for outdoor activities, which include cancelling events/outdoor activities for “Code Red” days or AQI at 151+.

Understand that local authorities may expect you to make the call to cancel the event to protect them from cancellation liability.

When to Cancel/Postpone/Modify an Event due to Adverse AQI Conditions:

Yellow to Orange (50-100). Consider alerting participants and outline the AQI is elevated but within acceptable limits for the event to occur, and no changes to the event are planned.

Orange (50-100+) Consult with your medical team and local officials. If your local AQI is closer to 100, consider reducing the distance of the event to reduce exposure time for participants and volunteers in poor AQI conditions. For example, reduce a marathon to a half marathon or convert the event to a fun 5K to limit time outside to approximately 60 minutes or less.

Red (151-200) Consult with your medical team and local officials. If you can postpone your event to another weekend, that may be the best option from a safety, risk management, and to avoid any claims of negligence if your run your event in a “Code Red” condition. If you are not able to postpone your event, it is best to cancel if the AQI is unsafe/unhealthy.

Purple/Maroon (201++). 100% cancel the event.

Download communication templates for addressing high AQI or forest fire concerns.

About the RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to empowering everyone to run since 1958. The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being, and competition. Learn more at: www.rrca.org

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Global Running Day 2023: 4 Ways to Better the World through Running

knaackj — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:15:47 +0000

by: George Rehmet, RRCA President

Today, June 7, 2023 is Global Running Day – the day we celebrate the diversity of our sport of running. Celebrate the day with a run either individually, or with a group to celebrate this day. Many of us will make a commitment to sign-up for our goal race, splurge on a running product, or try a new route, which is all great! At RRCA, we encourage you to use our sport to make our world a better place. Consider our recommended action items to help us achieve our vision of Empowering Everyone to Run:

Get inspired! A favorite technique is to read books about runners helping others. Devoted: The Story of a Father’s Love for His Son is about the Dick and Rick Hoyt team. The story covers how, Dick and Judy, fought to keep their son Rick included in society. It outlines how running together created a powerful bond between parent and child. Races organizers around the country were inspired to assist this famous team to participate in the sport, and Team Hoyt created groundbreaking opportunities for adaptive athletes to participate in events.

Inspiration can also come from people breaking down barriers created by society. Running While Black : Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us, by Alison Mariella Désir, is about how running helped her, but more important, the book outlines the barriers and dangers that exist runners of color and how people must work towards addressing the issues to make running safe and accessible for all.

Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World, by Lauren Fleshman, a professional runner who won five NCAA Championships at Stanford and two national championships, details the dark underbelly of women’s sport, abuse of athletes, and the need for reforms.

Alternatively, watch a film. 26.2 TO LIFE is a new documentary that tells the story of incarcerated men who are members of the 1000 Mile Club at San Quentin prison, the prison’s long distance running club. They train all year to complete the marathon distance, over 105 dizzying laps around a crowded prison yard. This club is led by Frank Rouna, 2022 RRCA Volunteer of the Year. Of the 45 inmates from the Mile Club that have been released, none have re-offended. The documentary shines a light on the humanity of these prisoners, and shows the power of running to positively affect if those that society may not consider redeemable.

Volunteer at races! Volunteering is always on the top of the list for people who make a difference in our sport. Without volunteers, there would be no races. Yes, it’s great to thank the volunteers at races you run, but it’s even better if you take a weekend volunteer yourself as part of giving back to the sport. Be inclusive and welcoming of all people in your volunteer work.

Volunteer for your running club and show appreciation for your club members and board of directors or leadership team. Club board members/leaders serve because they care about their fellow club members and their running community. Just like race volunteers, saying thanks is great, but offering to help and step-up or lead club activities is better. Honor dedicated volunteers with the RRCA 2000 Hour Service pin and certificate.

Donate! With family, work, training, social demands, lack of time may be a factor for engaging in the first 3 action items. Don’t underestimate the importance of giving back to the sport by donating money. If your club has a scholarship program for recent high school or college graduates, give to the fund. If your club or community has an organized youth running program, give to the program to support the next generation of runners. Give to your club’s general fund to support group runs, social functions, and more. Want to make a national impact? Donate to one of the RRCA funds: Kids Run the Nation grants, RunPro Grants, Coaching Scholarship grants, and our Annual Fund. Your donation enables the RRCA to grow and enhance our valuable programs that benefit the running community and Empower Everyone to Run.

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MARATHONERS VAN ORD, CARDIN GO ONE-TWO AT FREIHOFER’S RUN FOR WOMEN

knaackj — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:11:35 +0000

By David Monti, @d9monti
(c) 2023 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved

ALBANY, N.Y. (03-Jun) — In wet and chilly conditions, marathoners Tristin Van Ord and Jessie Cardin took the top two spots at the 45th Freihofer’s Run for Women here this morning, an unusual result for a race where track athletes have traditionally dominated. Van Ord, 28, took the lead in the second kilometer and finished in a solid 15:54, six seconds ahead of Cardin. She set a personal best and won $3000 in prize money.

“Honestly, I just wanted to run fast; that’s it,” Van Ord told Race Results Weekly, her long braids still glistening from this morning’s rain. She continued: “I knew I didn’t want to be in the lead up that first hill, so I was like whoever goes out in front I’m going to stick right behind them and see how I feel.”

It was 2016 Olympian Marielle Hall who decided to lead the field of 2400 women for that first kilometer, an uphill stretch on Washington Avenue which began at the New York State Capitol Building. Hall, 31, hit the first “K” mark in 3:11 with a pack of seven women close behind, including Van Ord who ran about a step behind off of Hall’s left shoulder. Van Ord, who hasn’t run a road 5-K in nearly three years, was right where she wanted to be.

“I just felt really good,” said Van Ord, who represents ZAP Endurance in Blowing Rock, N.C. “After the first mile I was like, this is nothing compared to the marathon.”

As the race turned left into Washington Park in the second kilometer, Van Ord took the lead from Hall who stayed close behind. Cardin was trailing by about 10 meters and she, along with her Hansons-Brooks teammate Anne-Marie Blaney, were working to keep contact. Cardin, who dropped out of the Boston Marathon last April with a medical problem, was using today’s race to get back into racing and rebuild her confidence.

“Honestly, Boston was my second marathon and it didn’t go the way I planned, unfortunately,” Cardin said. “I just kind of came today being like, I want to rip my marathon band-aid off at some point, so I wanted to make it a good one.”

The roadway in Washington Park has several hills and tight turns, and the middle of the race looked more like a cross country meet. Van Ord and Hall were still together through 3-K (9:44) with Cardin a few steps back and Blaney several meters behind Cardin. Hall was in a good position, but she was feeling that something was off.

“I was trying to get out and set a fast tempo,” Hall said of the first part of the race. She continued: “The legs just kind of fell out the last mile. The body didn’t respond how I wanted it.”

Hall began to fall behind, and was soon in fourth place. Cardin closed some of the gap on Van Ord who had a small lead at 4-K (11:20). When Van Ord turned right back on to Washington Avenue for the long, mostly downhill, sprint to the finish she was feeling strong and began to realize that she could win.

“I just kind of listened to my body and I felt good,” she said. “The last, like, three minutes when I hit that I kind of peeked at my watch and it said two and a half miles. I’m good from here and I just have to roll.”

Van Ord’s time was a personal best by about a minute, while Cardin’s time was a career best by 52 seconds. Blaney got third in 16:02, while Hall held on for fourth in 16:08. Another Hansons-Brooks athlete, Olivia Pratt, rounded out the top-5 in 16:09 putting three Hansons-Brooks women in the top-5.

For Cardin today’s result was particularly important. She had to be taken to the hospital from the Boston Marathon course after falling late in the race, and emergency medical personnel detected that her heart rate was extremely slow. She feels fully recovered, but it was a scary experience that prompted some self-reflection.

“I really do believe that my gift is from God to run, and I believe it’s a gift,” Cardin told Race Results Weekly. “Having Boston play out the way it did I was very disappointed. A lot of tears, a lot of hard days afterwards, but I knew God allowed it to happen for a reason, and it’s for His glory. So you know what? This doesn’t make me any less of a runner, it doesn’t make me any less-talented and less hard-working.” She added: “Being able to have such success here today for such an amazing event, I want to come back here every year now.”

Two hours after the start, 2389 women had crossed the finish line, up 22% from last year. The last finisher home was Nancy Gerstenberger of Albany. She is 93 years-old and clocked 1:22:23.

PHOTO: Tristin Van Ord wins the 45th Freihofer’s Run for Women in 15:54 (photo by Jane Monti for Race Results Weekly)

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RRCA Announces Coaching Scholarship Grant Recipients

knaackj — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:45:51 +0000

Four organizations to receive grants for coaching education to support fifteen candidates

Arlington, VA – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is proud to announce the first recipients of its Coaching Scholarship Fund grants. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support to organizations seeking to improve access to the RRCA’s Coaching Certification Program for people who are the most impacted by overlapping systems of discrimination.

Four organizations will receive a total of 15 entries to the Level I Coaching certification course valued at more than $5,000. Each organization will nominate the individual recipients of those course entries based on criteria such as current involvement with their community, commitment to the organization’s cause, and anticipated impact.

Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers offers programming and events to members of the Richmond, VA community to improve equity and reduce barriers to participation in the sport of running. Over the past 20 years, more than 50,000 people have participated in training programs for their annual marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 8k events. Their school-based Kids Run RVA program serves more than 2,000 students each year. These programs are led by volunteer coaches, and the Coaching Scholarships will provide training to individuals dedicated to bettering the health and wellness of their neighbors.

The leaders of Native Strength Revolution aim to connect with their respective Native communities in the U.S. and Canada through running groups and wellness activities, directly combatting the physical and mental health challenges prevalent in their tribes, nations, reserves, reservations, and urban Native centers. The Coaching Scholarships will help current and prospective coaches train runners to complete races, plan and host running camps, and offer other activities that will work to build cultures of wellness.

The goal of San Antonio RoadRunners is to reflect the San Antonio, TX community, offering training programs and events in all areas of the city designed to introduce and unite runners of all ages and backgrounds. The Coaching Scholarship recipients will work with the club’s Diversity & Inclusion program to promote running to residents in areas of town that are financially, economically, or socially disadvantaged to broaden the reach and positive impact of the sport.

Each year, Students Run Philly Style offers programs at more than 50 sites in Philadelphia, PA to train more than 1,000 student runners to complete events at the 5k, 5-mile, 10k, half marathon, and marathon distances. Their 300+ volunteer mentors lead teams of 8-20 young runners of different ability and experience levels, and the knowledge gained via the Coaching Scholarships will help coaches adapt their programming to diverse communities of runners.

Organizations interested in the Coaching Scholarship Fund may visit RRCA.org/programs/coaching-certification/coaching-scholarship-fund to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Funding is available exclusively to organizations that apply and are selected as a supported organization. The Coaching Scholarship Fund will not provide funds directly to individuals, nor will it provide discounts to individuals not identified by our supported organizations. Interested individual coach candidates should engage with an RRCA supported organization for potential support.

To donate to the Coaching Scholarship Fund, visit RRCA.org/donate-to-rrca/. Donations made to the Coaching Scholarship Fund in 2023 will be matched up to $10,000 by a private foundation to support the launch and initial investment of $20,000 in coaching education.

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RRCA National Half Marathon Championships Headlines 2023 SDCCU OC Marathon

knaackj — Thu, 04 May 2023 00:46:18 +0000

20,000 Runners Set For 19th Annual SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival This Weekend

ORANGE COUNTY, California – May 3, 2023 – With its spectacular and quintessential Southern California ocean views, the SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival is a distance runner’s paradise.

With some 1,500-plus clubs representing more than 200,000 members, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the leader in supporting grassroots and community running organizations in the United States.

And for the next two years the two organizations will be joined at the hip. Come Sunday, the SDCCU Orange County Half Marathon will serve as the RRCA’s National Half Marathon Championship. Then in 2024, the SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival will host the RRCA’s 66th annual three-day convention.

“The championship series is all about highlighting and supporting well-run community events and the SDCCU OC Marathon exemplifies that,” said Andy Smith, the RRCA’s program manager. “We are excited to have them serve as the national championship this year as a way to kick off a year of promoting and celebrating our conference next year. Where all our club leaders, race directors and members will come to Southern California, centered around the marathon as the focus-point race.”

Gary Kutscher, race director for Sunday’s SDCCU OC Marathon, said he couldn’t think of a better partnership.

“I am extremely proud that our half marathon was chosen to be the showcase of the RRCA’s half marathon championship in 2023,” said Kutscher, a 25-time marathon finisher. “And we’re very excited to be able to host the RRCA’s convention next year. One of our taglines is inspiring kids and adults to fitness, and the RRCA is empowering everyone to run. I think our two initiatives align perfectly.”

Marathon weekend in Orange County kicks off Friday, May 5 with the two-day OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo at the OC Fair and Event Center. The free expo is open to the public from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm where runners will be able to browse and sample the latest in running shoes, apparel and nutrition from over 75 vendors.

The Kids Run the OC “Final Mile” event will take place from 8 am to noon Saturday morning. Starting at 5:30 pm Saturday, runners will get the opportunity to run 3.1 miles just before the sun sets in the OC 5K – one of Southern California’s largest nighttime running events. Dedicated types who run the 5K and either the marathon or half marathon on Sunday will take home some extra bling with the coveted Combo Crush Medal.

The main events unfold Sunday morning, with the marathon kicking off at 5:30 am and the half marathon at 6:15 am. Both events start in front of the VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Hotel & Spa adjacent to South Coast Plaza. Participants enjoy panoramic Ocean Views running through the beautiful coastal communities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana before finishing at the OC Fair and Event Center.

Both the Road Runners Club of America and the SDCCU OC Marathon promote healthy lifestyles and reach out to youths. In 2022, RRCA issued more than $30,000 in grants to 37 youth running programs in 27 states.

“We try to touch on all aspects of running, support the sport, make sure it’s thriving at the local level,” said Smith.

The Kids Run the OC is a 10- to 12-week program that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle for kids to help prevent child obesity. During the program the kids run before, during or after school, accumulating 25.2 miles of exercise through fun and play activities.

On Saturday, more than 5,200 kids representing more than 100 schools will run their final mile to complete a marathon of running.

One feature to the Kids Run the OC is that leaders offer nutritional challenges to the youths. They might try drinking water instead of sodas for a week, eating baked chips instead of fried, sampling a fruit or vegetable they’ve never eaten.

“We’ve heard countless times from parents or coaches that entire families have been positively impacted by the nutritional challenges,” said Kutscher.

From 2:00 – 7:00 pm. Saturday, the Celebrate OC Festival will be celebrated in conjunction with the expo. Local bands will be jamming everything from punk to pop. Local restaurants and breweries will be on hand so visitors can sample food and drink. The latest in sports and fitness trends will also be on display.

As for marathon and half marathon, the number of participants is returning to pre-COVID days. The marathon is sold out with 2,650 runners. The half-marathon will push 9,600 entrants.

“The numbers tell me that people are now comfortable being around large groups and other endurance athletes,” said Kutscher. “They’re comfortable being in groups of 5,000 to 10,000 people.”

As for the RRCA putting on its national championship, Kutscher said, “We’re honored to have them. It really does showcase what we think is one of the most beautiful half marathons in the country. It lets us know we’re putting on a good event for the runners. We’re extremely proud of them selecting us for their race.”

The marathon and 5K are both sold-out and limited registrations remain for the half-marathon. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit OCmarathon.com.

About the RRCA

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to empowering everyone to run since 1958. The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being, and competition. Learn more at: www.rrca.org

About the SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival

The 19th annual SDCCU (San Diego County Credit Union) OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California the weekend of May 5, 2022 – May 7 ,2023. The SDCCU OC Running Festival showcases three days of events, including the Kids Run the OC mile, the OC 5K at sunset on Saturday and Sunday’s marathon and Half Marathon. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near perfect weather. A free two-day OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo at the OC Fair and Event Center kicks off race weekend, featuring fitness retailers, exhibits and interactive clinics. Over the history of the race, runners have raised more than $7.5 million for a variety of charities and non-profit organizations. For more information or to register for the race, visit http://www.OCmarathon.com.

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Runners to Converge in Toledo for Mercy Health Glass City Marathon

knaackj — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:09:14 +0000

Toledo, Ohio — April 19, 2023: The 46th annual Mercy Health Glass City Marathon (GCM) is set to run at 6:30 A.M. this Sunday, April 23, 2023. The race starts on Bancroft St. at the University of Toledo and finishes inside the Glass Bowl Stadium. An estimated 6,500 participants will attend, with an additional 1,500 volunteers and several thousand spectators on the course. Forty states, the District of Columbia and 8 countries will be represented in this year’s field.

“This is the Toledo Roadrunners Club’s (TRRC) signature event and we’re proud to be able to host the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) National Championship Marathon event. We have a packed elite field and are expecting several to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials this year, which would set new course records for both the men and women,” said Clint McCormick, race director.

The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon is the 2023 RRCA Championship Marathon event. Representatives from RRCA and Mercy Health will be attending the expo and on hand during the race to award the top winners.

Due to the growth and expansion of GCM over an eight year partnership with Mercy Health, the two-day expo has moved to the Glass City Center in Downtown Toledo. Mercy Health’s commitment to supporting Northwest Ohio’s running community through financial contributions, medical support, emergency services, supplies and medical volunteers has been critical to GCM’s rise to prominence, recognition, sustainability in the running world and in the region. With Mercy Health’s continued involvement, the nearly $1M in donations to area nonprofits and annual boost to local businesses positions the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon as a top annual event benefitting Northwest Ohio’s economy.

“Mercy Health is proud to remain committed to the health, well-being and vitality of our community by continuing our partnership as the title sponsor of the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “Since the start of our partnership in 2016, Mercy Health has provided medical expertise both on and before race day and we are excited to once again stand ready to offer support and aide for the thousands of runners taking on this impressive challenge,” he added.

The marathon, half marathon and relay run on Sunday. As a long-time local supporter, Dave’s Running Shop will be providing pacers for runners in the marathon and half marathon distances, as well as official GCM merchandise at the expo and in Celebration Village on Sunday. The 5k and kids events run on Saturday. All events finish on the field inside the University of Toledo Glass Bowl Stadium.

The Owens Corning Half Marathon is the most popular distance and has over 2,500 runners competing this year. The course follows the same route as the marathon through the first nine and a half miles before splitting off and heading back to the finish. The North Star BlueScope 5-Person Relay Marathon follows the same course as the marathon, with exchange zones set off the course for runners to hand off a bib to the next teammate.

TARTA will be providing special event transportation to the start line from many area hotels again this year. An official event guide with pick up and drop off locations, as well as street closure information can be found online at www.glasscitymarathon.org

Being one of the top park systems in the country, Wildwood Metropark and the University Parks Trail make up several miles of marathon course and make for exceptional spectator viewing and video recording of the event.

PNC Bank, Gino’s Pizza, Michelob Ultra and the University of Toledo’s continued contributions to GCM makes the post-race Celebration Village atmosphere one of the best in the Midwest.

As the area’s largest springtime 5k race, the Savage 5K offers runners and walkers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate with friends and family before the big day. The 5k begins at 8:30 A.M. on Bancroft St. at the University of Toledo and concludes with a post-race party, complete with food, drink and live music.

About 500 kids from ages 2 to 12 are expected at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Kids Run on Saturday morning at 11:00 A.M. There are three distances children can run, ranging from 1/4 mile to 1 mile.

The marathon field is sold out, but online registration remains open for other events at www.glasscitymarathon.org until 12:00 P.M. Saturday, April 22.

“TRRC is honored to receive this year’s designation as Road Runners Club of America’s National Championship Marathon. Moving the Tom Falvey Health & Wellness Expo downtown gives participants the chance to explore our great community. Whether you’re running the full, half, relay, 5k, kids race, volunteering or cheering on your favorite runner, this weekend should be a wonderful experience for all,” said Terri Kirtos, president, Toledo Road Runners Club.

Glass City Marathon is the Toledo Roadrunners Club’s premier springtime event. — A nonprofit club, founded in 1976, and open to anyone with an interest in jogging and/or running, regardless of gender, race, religion, age or ability. Whether you are a fitness jogger, fun runner, competitive runner, or a combination of all three, you are invited to join.

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