National News
Preview: 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon
January 6, 2009 from press release (HOUSTON, TX) Fresh off a fourth-place finish at the 2008 Olympic Marathon in Beijing, Deriba Merga (ETH) has committed to the January 18 running of the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon. Merga's performance in China (2:10:21) was part of an impressive year of running for the 28-year-old from Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Regional Race Preview: 5430 Sports Triathlons (CO)
Registration for the 2009 summer series of 5430 Sports triathlons opens on January 1. The races have all sold out early in previous years, “And, we expect the races to sell out even earlier this year,” says Barry Siff, Owner of 5430 Sports.
Marine Corps Marathon Announces 2009 Event Series Schedule
January 5, 2009 from Running USA wire (QUANTICO VA) The Marine Corps Marathon Event Series returns in 2009 with old favorites and exciting new races. The MCM Event Series, held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, welcomes the military community and is open to the general public.
Quigley, Aliyu Welcome the New Year with Wins at the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run
January 5, 2009 From NYRR/Running USA wire (NEW YORK NY) Freezing winter weather failed to deter more than 5,000 runners from getting a healthy start to the new year at the 30th Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. In addition to a four mile run, the event featured a dance party, costume contest, parade and spectacular fireworks.
PRRO Circuit Eases Bonus Purse Eligibility Rules
January 5, 2009 from Running USA wire - The Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO) Circuit has adopted new eligibility rules for runners planning to compete for the 2008-09 PRRO Circuit Bonus Purse ($35,000).
Welcome 2009
Happy New Year! Around the country many runners closed out 2008 with a run and others---like these folks at the New Year Run 5K in Chicago---started their year off with a celebratory run. Now is the time to start thinking about your 2009 race schedule - be sure to check our online calendar to find an event that fits your training schedule. If you are an Event Director, don't forget to add your 2009 listing to our online calendar - it's free!
Dobriskey, Soos, Olinger to Celebrate the Countdown to 2009 at the 31st Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park on December 31
December 30, 2008 from Running USA wire (NEW YORK NY) British Olympians Lisa Dobriskey and Ricky Soos and NCAA All-American Brian Olinger lead a competitive field and more than 5,000 participants that will ring in the new year at the 31st Emerald Nuts Midnight Run on Wednesday, December 31 in Central Park.
Stu Mittleman Inducted into American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame
December 30, 2008 from press release Stu Mittleman began his ultra career inauspiciously in 1978, running a modest 6:11 for 50 miles in the Metropolitan 50 Mile in Central Park, New York City. Within two years, he had notched his first national class ultra performance, running 3:52 for 60K.
2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon sells out with 35,000 entries
December 27, 2008 from press release (INDIANAPOLIS IN) The 500 Festival announced today the 33rd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has sold out with 35,000 entries. The event is schedule for May 2, 2009. Participants from all 50 states and 9 countries have registered. Entries postmarked on or before, December 26, 2008, will be accepted.
Best Wishes Throughout the Holidays!
The new year is right around the bend and many of you are making plans for your 2009 racing season. To get your new shoes, apparel and running accessories, we always recommend supporting local specialty running stores. When deciding which events to do this coming year, check our online National Calendar for a listing near you and you can also click on the Go To a Publication Near You link at the top to find links to several regional running magazines from across the country. If you are an Event Director, don't forget to add your 2009 listing to our online calendar - it's free!
---The Running Network LLC wishes you a wonderful and safe holiday!
CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Announces Challenge For A Free Trip To The 2009 Race
December 22, 2008 from press release On your mark, get set, go! Enter to win the second annual “CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge” national essay contest. As of Jan. 1, CIGNA will begin accepting entries to win an all-expense-paid trip, valued up to $5,000[1], to participate in the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Aug. 9, 2009 in Falmouth, MA.
USATF Amends Headphone Rule
December 22, 2008 from USATF press release (INDIANAPOLIS IN) USA Track & Field has amended Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, to enable race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races.
Regional Race Report: Rudolph's Revenge 5K/10K (CO)
December 22, 2008 from Colorado Runner A record crowd of just over 600 runners gathered at Chatfield State Park for the fourth running of Rudolph's Revenge, the first race in the Winter Distance Series. Clear skis and calm winds help the chilly temperature of 20 degrees feel manageable and the weather leading up the race helped keep the course free from slick spots.
Regional Race Preview: Rudolph's Revenge 5K/10K in CO this Saturday
December 19, 2008 from Colorado Runner (Littleton, CO) Rudolph's Revenge is a 5K and 10K run/walk at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, CO. This race is the first race in the Winter Distance Series. The other two events are Frosty's Frozen Five and the Snowman Stampede.
USA Triathlon Announces Course Changes for Duathlon Nationals
December 18, 2008 from press release (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) USA Triathlon and Richmond Sports Backers have announced changes to the race course for the 2009 USAT Short Course Duathlon National Championship being held in Richmond, Va., April 26. The championship is part of the second annual National Duathlon Festival that features eight duathlon races over two days (April 25-26).
The 10 Best Moments for U.S. Distance Running in 2008
December 18, 2008 By Ryan Lamppa, Running USA wire (CA) Since 2001, U.S. distance running has produced some noteworthy and historic achievements, particularly compared to its status the years before 2001, and 2008 was another year of achievement and outside powerhouses Kenya and Ethiopia, no country had a better year than the USA if one considers the entire sport. In 2008, U.S.
More than 10,000 Women expected to Race in MORE/Fitness Marathon & Half Marathon in April 2009
December 17, 2008 from press release (New York, NY) For the first time ever, two national brands in support of women's wellness and empowerment, More and Fitness magazines, are joining forces to present the sixth-annual More / Fitness Marathon + Half-Marathon on April 26, 2009 .
Kara Goucher to Run 2009 Boston Marathon
December 16, 2008 from press release (BOSTON, MA) In its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the signing of Olympian and World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher (file photo) for the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009.
USA Triathlon to Induct Inaugural Hall of Fame Class at Ceremony in Colorado Springs in January
December 16, 2008 from press release (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that it will induct its Inaugural Hall of Fame Class at a banquet on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 in Colorado Springs, CO. The ceremony - scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - will be part of the annual USAT Race Director's Symposium at the Broadmoor Resort.
Industry News: IPICO Acquires Mercury Sports
December 15, 2008 from press release (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) IPICO Inc. (TSX-V: RFD) announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in the business of Peoria, Illinois-based Mercury Sports Group, Inc. (operating as IPICO Sports).
