Hall Shatters U.S. Record at Aramco Houston Half Marathon
Dryer wins USA women's half-marathon title; Tune breaks course and state records in marathon
Race report from Steve Karpas

HOUSTON - (January 14, 2007) - Ryan Hall separated himself from his competitors with a blistering 4:36 first mile, then ran the rest of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon alone on Sunday en route to a pending U.S. half-marathon record.

The 24-year-old runner from Big Bear Lake, Calif., ran 59 minutes, 43 seconds and became the first American ever to break an hour in the half-marathon distance on a record standard course. Hall beat the previous U.S. record, set by Mark Curp in 1985, by a minute and 12 seconds. The Team Running USA athlete obliterated the previous course record, set last year, by 2:24.

"I train in altitude," Hall said when asked about this significant record. "I saw my splits around 4:30 and then thought, 'I can do this.'"

Hall, in his half-marathon debut at the USA Championship, ran the last 12.1 miles through the streets of Houston alone in what was arguably the best-ever road performance by an American distance runner (and the 8th fastest man all-time at the distance on an unaided certified course).

Fasil Bizuneh and Meb Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, were left to battle for second place, finishing two seconds apart in second and third place, respectively, but more than two minutes behind Hall. Brian Sell, who won the U.S. half-marathon title here last year, finished sixth.

Hall, a Stanford grad, took home $21,000 for his efforts: $12,000 as national champion, $4000 in bonus money for the course record and an extra $5000 for the U.S. record.

Temperatures in the low 50s on Sunday morning made it a great day for setting records, and Hall was not alone in erasing past marks.

Dire Tune, 21, came to Houston to set a course record, according to her agent, and could proclaim "mission accomplished" 2:26:52 later. Tune shattered the old course and state records - set 23 years ago by former world marathon record-holder and 1987 10,000 meter world champion Ingrid Kristiansen - by 59 seconds.

Her previous best was 2:30:48 set in Los Angeles in 2005, where she finished fourth. The Ethiopian pocketed $25,000 for first place and an additional $10,000 for the Chevron Houston Marathon course record.

In the men's marathon, Feyisa Tusse of Ethiopia crossed the finish line in 2:11:39 - over two minutes ahead of his closest competitors. David Cheruiyot, 36, who won the race in 2005 and 2006, finished fifth. Tusse took home a $3000 bonus for running a time below 2:12 in addition to the $25,000 first place prize.

In the USA Women's Half-Marathon Championship, Elva Dryer and Kate O'Neill battled for the lead throughout the race. Dryer, a two-time Olympian, pulled ahead in the final stretch, clocking 1:11:42, a five-second victory over O'Neill, a 2004 Olympian.

"I had to maintain a good steady pace," said Dryer who won her fourth USA road crown. "A couple of us were together at the beginning. I knew she wasn't far behind the whole time." Dryer collected $12,000 for her title.

In the marathon, 14 athletes (ten men and four women) qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials by running under 2:22:00 and 2:47:00 respectively.

At Houston's largest single-day sporting event, more than 18,000 runners took part in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half-marathon, 5K and children's run).

5th Aramco Houston Half Marathon: USA Championship
Houston, TX, Sunday, January 14, 2007

MEN
1) Ryan Hall, CA, 59:43*, $21,000
2) Fasil Bizuneh, VA, 1:02:20, $6500
3) Meb Keflezighi, CA, 1:02:22, $4000
4) Andrew Carlson, MN, 1:02:44, $2000
5) Jason Lehmkuhle, MN, 1:02:51, $1500
6) Brian Sell, MI, 1:03:10, $1250
7) Joe Driscoll, NC, 1:03:27, $1000
8) Dan Browne, OR, 1:03:55, $750
9) Travis Laird, MI, 1:03:57, $500
10) Justin Young, CO, 1:03:58, $250
*pending U.S. record (previous record, 1:00:55, Mark Curp, Philadelphia Distance Run, September 15, 1985)

WOMEN
1) Elva Dryer, CO, 1:11:42, $12,000
2) Kate O'Neill, MA, 1:11:47, $6500
3) Michelle Lilienthal, PA, 1:12:46, $4000
4) Alvina Begay, AZ, 1:12:57, $2000
5) Tara Storage, OH, 1:13:14, $1500
6) Jenny Crain, WI, 1:13:37, $1250
7) Zoila Gomez, CO, 1:13:49, $1000
8) Kristin Price, NC, 1:13:52, $750
9) Ann Alyanak, OH, 1:14:24, $500
10) Samia Akbar, VA, 1:14:48, $250

35th Chevron Houston Marathon

MEN
1) Feyisa Tusse, ETH, 2:11:39, $28,000
2) Mikhail Khobotov, RUS, 2:13:46, $12,000
3) Benson Cheruiyot, KEN, 2:14:03, $7000
4) Nicodemus Malakwen, KEN, 2:14:12, $4000
5) David Cheruiyot, KEN, 2:15:55, $2000
Top U.S.
8) Michael Reneau, USA / WI, 2:17:46

WOMEN
1) Dire Tune, ETH, 2:26:52*, $35,000
2) Beata Rakonczai, HUN, 2:30:14, $12,000
3) Firaya Sultanova-Zhdanova, 45, RUS, 2:39:06, $8500
4) Claudia Camargo, ARG, 2:42:32, $4000
5) Jenna Boren, USA / MN, 2:42:39, $2000
*course and state records (previous record, 2:27:51, Ingrid Kristiansen, 1984)

Complete results at: ChevronHoustonMarathon.com

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Yae Captures Second Victory at P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
New Champion Crowned on Women's Side
Race report from Susan Reid

TEMPE, Ariz. - (Jan. 14, 2007) - Ethiopian Terefae Yae returned to the medal stand and the women's race saw a new champion at the fourth edition of the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and ½ Marathon Sunday. Yae, who won here in 2005 and was runner-up last year, used a sprint down the home stretch to win the 26.2-mile race in a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, 13 seconds. Adanech Zekiros, also from Ethiopia, won the women's race in 2:31:43, the second fastest women's time in event history.

Running on a chilly morning where the thermometer read 28 degrees at the start, the men ran a slow, tactical race that quickly broke into two packs. Yae, 25, with countryman and friend Fikadu Degefu, 34, stayed at the front, running 5:23 and 5:22 thru miles 18 and 19. Belarus product Andrei Gordeev, 31, after twice falling off the pack, surged to the front at mile 21 before he and the pack slowed to a 5:36 mile thru 22.

In 2006, it was Yae who lost the sprint to the finish. This year, he turned the table and used a late burst of speed to edge out Degefu who finished just three seconds behind in 2:14:16. Gordeev was third in 2:14:27 and defending champion Shimelis Mola, also from Ethiopia, finished fourth in 2:14:51.

"The Ethiopians are strong in the shorter distances," Degefu said of Yae's sprint. "But I don't have the speed as he does. We are coming into the finish with three people (Yae, Gordeev). I tried to come together with my friend, Terefae, but he has more power."

"Our bodies were not warm," Yae countered as the athletes commented on the unusually cool race conditions. "It is like putting your body in ice. I never could get warm."

Zekiros, who was making her first appearance in the United States, battled the length of the course with Mulu Seboka, passing thru the 10K and half-marathon marks with a course record in sight. Zekiros made her decisive move in the 21st mile and went on to win by nearly four minutes. Salomie Getnet, 20, another youngster making her first appearance in the U.S., was second in 2:35:12.

Three-time defending champion Shitaye Gemechu struggled with a stomach illness and did not finish, dropping out near mile 14.

Over 36,600 participants, including the Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids' Rock racers, registered for the fourth annual P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon. Over $5.8 million (net) was raised by 2,300 runners and walkers representing 13 official charities.

4th P. F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
Phoenix / Scottsdale / Tempe, AZ, Sunday, January 14, 2007

MEN
1) Terefae Yae, 25, Ethiopia, 2:14:13, $20,000
2) Fikadu Degefu, 34, Ethiopia, 2:14:16, $10,000
3) Andrei Gordeev, 31, Belarus, 2:14:27, $6500
4) Shimelis Mola, 24, Ethiopia, 2:14:51, $4000
5) Girma Tola, 30, Ethiopia, 2:16:19, $3000
6) Yuriy Hychun, 29, Ukraine, 2:18:35, $1800
7) Assefa Mezgebu, 23, Ethiopia, 2:19:38, $1400
8) Giday Amaha, 29, Ethiopia, 2:21:41, $1200
9) Dejene Nigussie, 22, Ethiopia, 2:22:08, $1100
10) Tobias Hiskia, 29, Namibia, 2:22:31, $1000

WOMEN
1) Adanech Zekiros, 24, Ethiopia, 2:31:43, $20,000
2) Salomie Getnet, 20, Ethiopia, 2:35:12, $10,000
3) Maria Portilla, 33, Peru, 2:37:40, $6500
4) Mulu Seboka, 22, Ethiopia, 2:42:44, $4000
5) Susan Loken, 42, USA / AZ, 2:47:09, $3000
6) Danuta Marczyk Tesch, 33, Poland, 2:52:16, $1800
7) Kara Ryczek, 32, USA / MA, 2:52:22, $1400
8) Michele Suszek, 24, USA / CO, 2:55:09, $1200
9) Amy Regnier, 44, USA / CO, 2:56:28, $1100
10) Sarah Cowles, 32, USA / CA, 2:59:15, $1000

MASTERS (40+)
Male
1) Ron Hyde, 47, Scottsdale, AZ, 2:34:31, $1000

Female
1) Susan Loken, 42, Phoenix, AZ, 2:47:09, $1000

Full results at: RnRAZ.com

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World's Greatest Marathon Runners Set for London: Gebrselassie, Tergat, Baldini, Gharib and Limo
Keflezighi, Khannouchi Lead U.S. Contingent

LONDON - (January 11, 2007) - The world's greatest marathon runners will go head-to-head in a battle for the 2007 men's Flora London Marathon title on Sunday, April 22nd.

Last year's fastest marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie will take on his great rival and world record holder Paul Tergat of Kenya, plus Italy's Olympic champion Stefano Baldini, Morocco's double world champion Jaouad Gharib and the reigning London champion Felix Limo of Kenya, in one of the highest quality men's fields ever assembled for a major city marathon.

"We are delighted to have such a strong field for the men's elite race again," said Flora London Marathon Race Director David Bedford. "The presence of the world record holder, the world and Olympic champions, our reigning champion and the in-form Haile Gebrselassie will, I am sure, mean we have another hugely exciting race through London's streets."

Gebrselassie returns to London 12 months after finishing a disappointing ninth in the 2006 race but on the back of some highly impressive form in the latter part of last year. The Ethiopian - a double Olympic and four-time world 10,000m champion - recorded a personal best of 2:05:56 to win the real,- Berlin Marathon in September, making him the fifth fastest of all-time, and he also won the Fukuoka Marathon in December.

Tergat set his world record of 2:04:55 in Berlin in 2003 but was forced to pull out of the London Marathon last year after sustaining an injury just a few days before the race. The 37-year-old, who finished second in London in 2001 and 2002, will meet Gebrselassie over the marathon distance for the first time since London 2002 after a track rivalry that stretches back to the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart.

But these two will certainly not be the only contenders. Limo proved last year that he is a hard man to beat as he added the London title to previous victories in Rotterdam, Berlin and Chicago, and this year he will aim to become the first man since Mexico's Dionicio Ceron in 1996 successfully to defend the men's London Marathon crown.

Fifth last year, Baldini will be full of confidence for his eighth appearance in London after adding the European Championship title to his 2004 Olympic crown last summer, while Gharib will be hoping to improve on finishing second in 2005 before he defends his World Championship title in Osaka this August.

Other significant contenders include: the surprise winner of the 2006 ING New York City Marathon, Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil; the impressive American pair of 2004 Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi and former world record holder Khalid Khannouchi and Kenya's Martin Lel, the 2005 London champion, who lost to Limo last year by just two seconds.

The addition of South Africa's Hendrick Ramaala, who was third last year, means that the top five finishers from 2006 return to contest the 2007 race.

The British challenge will be led by Jon Brown, who has twice finished fourth at the Olympic Games. Brown was forced to miss last year's race due to injury, but returns to the London field hoping to improve on his sixth place finish in 2005.

As well as chasing prize money and record bonuses totaling more than $250,000, the competitors in this year's race will also be fighting for points towards the World Marathon Majors (WMM) series. The other WMM races this year are the Boston Marathon (April 16), the real,- Berlin Marathon (September 30), the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (October 7) and the ING New York City Marathon (November 4), plus the IAAF World Championship marathon races in Osaka (August 25 for men and September 2 for women).

Flora London Marathon 2007

Professional men / personal record
Paul Tergat (KEN), 2:04:55, world record
Khalid Khannouchi (USA / NY), 2:05:38, U.S. record
Haile Gebrselassie (ETH), 2:05:56, two-time Olympic 10,000m gold medalist
Felix Limo (KEN), 2:06:14, defending race champion
Martin Lel (KEN), 2:06:41, 2005 race champion
Hendrick Ramaala (RSA), 2:06:55
Jaouad Gharib (MAR), 2:07:02, 2003 / 2005 World Champion
Stefano Baldini (ITA), 2:07:22, 2004 Olympic Marathon gold medalist
Benson Cherono (KEN), 2:07:58
Hicham Chat (MAR), 2:07:59
Marilson Gomes dos Santos (BRA), 2:08:48
Jon Brown (GBR), 2:09:31
Meb Keflezighi (USA / CA), 2:09:53, 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist
Juan Carlos De la Ossa (ESP), debut

For more about the Flora London Marathon go to: London-Marathon.co.uk

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

Sell, Bersagel to Defend USA Half-Marathon Titles in Houston
Aramco Houston Half-Marathon opens 2007 USA Running Circuit; $59,500 race purse

INDIANAPOLIS - (January 9, 2007) - Defending USA Half-Marathon champions Brian Sell, 28, (Rochester Hills, Mich.) and Annie Bersagel, 23, (Minneapolis, Minn.), along with two-time U.S. Olympians Meb Keflezighi (San Diego, Calif.) and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.) headline the field for the 2007 USA Half-Marathon Championships this Sunday, January 14 in Houston. The national championship, hosted by the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon, is the first race of the 2007 USA Running Circuit (USARC).

The U.S. record holder and 2006 USA champion at 20K Ryan Hall (Big Bear Lake, Calif.) joins Sell and Keflezighi in the hunt for the first U.S. road championship of the new year.

A field of more than 40 of the top U.S. men will include two-time USA half-marathon champions Dan Browne (2001 and 2005) and Ryan Shay (2003-04) as well as returning top-five finishers from 2006: Max King (Bend, Ore.), Brandon Leslie (Albuquerque, N.M.) and Andrew Carlson (White Bear Lake, Minn.). Fasil Bizuneh (Bristol, Va.), who won the Dallas White Rock Half-Marathon in December with a time of 1:02:59, should also be in contention for the title.

In the women's championship, Bersagel will travel from Oslo, Norway where she is a Fulbright Scholar studying Political Science at the University of Oslo, in an effort to repeat her 2006 title run. Bersagel will face a field that includes three-time USA road titlist Dryer, who was the runner-up at the 2006 USA 20K Championships, and Samia Akbar (Herndon, Va.), who finished third in the 10,000 meters at last summer's AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The USA Championship will feature a total prize purse of $59,500 with $12,000 for the respective men's and women's national champions. The Aramco Houston Half Marathon will also offer a bonus of $4000 for breaking the existing race records of 1:02:07 and 1:10:55 for men and women, respectively, plus an additional $5000 for breaking the existing U.S. records of 1:00:55 (Mark Curp, 1985) and 1:07:34 (Deena Kastor, 2006).

In addition, two of the top five U.S. male and female finishers will qualify for the IAAF World Road Running Championships to be held in Udine, Italy, Sunday, October 14, 2007.

About the USARC
The USA Running Circuit (USARC), a USA Track & Field road series, features USA Championships from 5K to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners, including Olympians Deena Kastor, Meb Keflezighi, Marla Runyan and Anthony Famiglietti. The thirteenth edition for the men and twelfth for the women, the 2007 USARC has nine events for men and seven events for women.

The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6000, $4000 and $2500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships - Boston and New York City - will be doubled.

The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.

For more information on the 2007 USARC including the schedule, visit: USATF.org

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Past Champions Eye Course Records at P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
Women's three-time race champion undefeated entering 2007 race

PHOENIX - (Jan. 9, 2007) - At last year's P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon Shimelis Mola of Ethiopia used a furious sprint down the final homestretch in his victory (2 hours, 13 minutes, 8 seconds) over countryman and 2005 winner Terefae Yae. This Sunday, January 14, Mola, 24, and Yae, 25, return to the Valley of the Sun, both looking for a second victory and seeking to take down the current course record of 2:10:33 set by Kenyan Haron Toroitich at the 2004 inaugural event.

After witnessing last year how quickly Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie cruised to a half-marathon world record (58:55) over the last half of the marathon course, Mola and Yae both believe they have a strong chance to lower the 26.2-mile course mark.

However, there is a new face and emerging talent who is reported to keep pace with Gebrselassie during his grueling training runs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and who should prove to be a powerful contender in his marathon debut according to Mike Long, elite athlete coordinator for Elite Racing, Inc.

Tariku Aboset, 24, from Ethiopia is the newcomer and though his marathon prowess is yet to be proven on a certified race course, his counterparts will be well-aware of his presence on race day.

"We are hearing lots of talk from all the 'veterans' about this new young guy," Long said. "He knows about the fast Arizona course from his training partners, and obviously from Haile. Tariku is excited to make his debut here and we are excited to see what he can do."

In the 2006 women's race, the diminutive Ethiopian, Shitaye Gemechu, captured her third straight title at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon, winning in 2:31:44. Like the men's race, Gemechu edged out countrywoman Askale Tafa (2:31:46) to remain the only female champion in P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon history.

The 26-year-old Gemechu competed in four marathons, including her Arizona appearance, in 2006. She finished second at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, fifth at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego and was seventh at the real,- Berlin Marathon.

"She is either in great shape or very tired," Long said jokingly, knowing that Gemechu, despite her small size of five feet, 96 pounds, is a giant among marathoner runners.

Gemechu will, most likely, be challenged by Adenech Zekiros, 24, from Ethiopia and Romanian Luminita Talpos (34). Both are new to the Arizona course, but have been training well and feel strong entering Sunday's race.

For more information on the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, visit: RnRAZ.com

4th P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
Professional field as of January 9, 2007

MEN
NAME / AGE / COUNTRY / BEST / FACT-COMMENT
1. Shimelis Mola, 24, ETH, 2:10:11, 1st 2006 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll AZ, 6th 2005 real,- Berlin Marathon
2. Terefae Yae, 25, ETH, 2:11:45, 1st 2005 & 2nd '06 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll AZ, 4th 2006 real,- Berlin Marathon
3. David Kirui, 35, KEN, 2:08:53, 2nd 2006 Country Music Marathon, 8th 2006 Turin Marathon
4. Assefa Mezgebu, 28, ETH, 2:25:24, 2000 Olympic bronze medalist 10,000m, 10th 2005 Las Vegas Marathon
5. Khalid El Boumlili, 28, MAR, 2:10:49, 1st 2006 Casablanca Marathon, 6th 2004 Amsterdam Marathon
6. Tariku Aboset, 24, ETH, debut, N/A
7. Habte Jifar, 32, ETH, 2:12:39, 5th 2006 Los Angeles Marathon
8. Yuriy Hychun, 29, UKR, 2:14:23, 5th 2006 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, 3rd 2005 Country Music Marathon
9. Andrei Gordeev, 31, BEL, 2:11:44, 6th 2005 Country Music Marathon
10. Benson Matheka, 34, KEN, 2:17:14, N/A
11. Fikadu Degefu, 34, ETH, 2:15:26, 3rd 2005 Country Music Marathon
12. Tobias Hiskia, 29, NAM, 2:13:16, N/A
13. Girma Tola, 30, ETH, 2:10:38, 2004 Enschede Marathon winner

WOMEN
1. Shitaye Gemechu, 26, ETH, 2:26:15, 2004-06 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon champion
2. Adenech Zekiros, 24, ETH, 2:27:38, 3rd 2006 Rome Marathon
3. Luminita Talpos, 34, ROM, 2:27:32, 3rd 2006 ING Bay to Breakers 12K, 6th 2003 Osaka Ladies Marathon (PR)
4. Salomie Getnet, 20, ETH, 2:36:55, 4th 2006 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll AZ, 4th 2006 Athens Classic Marathon
5. Mulu Seboka, 22, ETH, 2:30:41, 9th 2006 Nagoya Marathon
6. Danuta Marczyk-Teschner, 33, POL, 2:41:14, 16th 2000 Boston Marathon
7. Maria Portilla, 33, PER, 2:35:24, 3rd 2006 Grandma's Marathon
8. Susan Loken, 42, USA / AZ, 2:41:31, 7th 2006 P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll AZ, 3rd 2005 Twin Cities Marathon

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Contact: Brian Carmichael, (617) 663-4748; bcarmichael@...

World Marathon Majors Leaders Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Prokopcuka to Run 2007 Boston Marathon
WMM Million Dollar Chase Enters Second Season

BOSTON - (January 10, 2007) - In its 22nd year as the major sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial Services has announced the return of two-time race champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and last year's runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia for the 111th running of the race on Monday, April 16.

Cheruiyot and Prokopcuka have chosen to compete in Boston to reinforce their commanding leads in the prestigious World Marathon Majors series and move closer to sharing the million dollar prize awarded at the end of the year. The series brings together the best athletes in the world to compete in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. John Hancock also sponsors a significant purse for the top runners at Boston each year.

Both athletes return to Hancock's professional team with outstanding accomplishments. Cheruiyot, 28, is the reigning Boston and LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon champion, earning the distinction as the only man to have ever won both marathons in the same year. In Boston last year, Cheruiyot claimed the course record in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 14 seconds. He also won Boston in 2003 and the Milan City Marathon in 2002.

"Boston is always an exciting race to compete in and I'd like to thank John Hancock for welcoming me back to run again against a highly competitive field," said Cheruiyot.

Two-time ING New York City Marathon champion Jelena Prokopcuka will be racing for the crown after placing second last year at Boston and fourth in 2004. Prokopcuka, 30, has competed for Latvia in the past three Olympics and is a multiple national record-holder on the track and roads. At the 2005 Osaka Marathon, she won with a national record of 2:22:56. At New York the past two years, she was the undisputed leader despite being challenged by the world's best runners.

"Robert and Jelena are two of the premier marathoners in the world, as evidenced by their current standing atop the World Marathon Majors leader board," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon. "The constitution of the elite athlete field makes Boston one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the spring. Like the rest of the community, we appreciate John Hancock's ongoing support."

"For more than 20 years, John Hancock has fulfilled its promise to the city of Boston and surrounding communities to support the Boston Marathon. By bringing top runners like Robert and Jelena back to the race year after year, John Hancock helps ensure the Boston Marathon remains one of the world's premier road races now and in the future," said John D. DesPrez III, President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial Services. "In addition, beyond being an annual sign of spring in the Boston area, the Boston Marathon also has a tremendous positive effect on the region, generating a direct and indirect economic impact of an estimated $95 million annually, and John Hancock is proud to play its part in this event."

For more race information, go to: BostonMarathon.org

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Hospital Hill Run Becomes Non-Profit

LEAWOOD, Kansas - (January 2, 2007) "The Grandfather of all Kansas City Road Races," the Hospital Hill Run, has incorporated into a not-for-profit entity under the Amateur Running Category.

For the past several years the race has been managed by Lisa Drake, owner of Event Midwest, an event management company, and supported by a variety of organizations including: MARA (Mid America Runners Association), Crown Center, the hosting sponsor and Saint Luke's, the presenting sponsor.

"Lisa Drake was asked by UMKC to step in and oversee the event," stated Tim Donnelly, President of the new Hospital Hill Board of Directors. "She has put in countless hours coordinating the event and surrounding activities."

One of the founders of The Hospital Hill Run was MARA in 1974, and who in the years since has been instrumental to the event as well as offering ongoing support over the years. As the host of the event, Crown Center (the other founding organization of the event) has been a long-time supporter, 32 years, and a huge help with providing such a great venue.

"The organization of the board simply puts a governing body and support mechanism in place for the race director, sponsors and ultimately the participants in making this event the best of its kinds in Kansas City and the surrounding area," stated Donnelly.

"The time had come to take the Hospital Hill Run to a new level by incorporating, thus creating a board of directors," said Drake. "My recent goal was the incorporation of the Hospital Hill Run and creating a board to sustain its growth and status, and I have achieved both of those goals."

The new board of directors are: Tim Donnelly, President; Mike Roberts, Secretary; Ron Pierce, Treasurer; Rod Murrow, Dan Dolan and Sandy Cohen. Stated goals of the board include: 1) support this historic run as it grows and focuses on health and wellness, 2) support all athletes and 3) create a scholarship endowment fund for a male and female high school athlete. The endowment goal would include supporting male and female high school athletes with a collegiate scholarship.

The 34th running of the Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon, 12K, 5K and 1 mile family fun run will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Runner's World has selected the Hospital Hill Run as one of the top half-marathons in the United States.

For more information or to register for The Hospital Hill Run races, log onto HospitalHillRun.com

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

USATF Announces 2007 USA Running Circuit Schedule
Prize purse exceeds $600,000; Aramco Houston Half Marathon opens 2007 USARC

INDIANAPOLIS - (January 2, 2007) - USA Track & Field on Tuesday announced the USA Running Circuit (USARC) schedule for 2007. The thirteenth edition for the men and twelfth for the women, the 2007 USARC has nine events for men and seven events for women.

The USA Running Circuit (USARC), a USA Track & Field road series, features USA Championships from 5K to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners, including Olympians Deena Kastor, Meb Keflezighi, Marla Runyan and Anthony Famiglietti.

"We are extremely proud of the quality of events that will be hosting USA Championships in 2007," said Fred Finke, USATF Long Distance Running Chair. "Thanks to growing relationships with several major events, our athletes will have the opportunity to compete at some of the most prestigious events in the sport."

In addition to competing for a total prize purse of $632,600, U.S. athletes will have the opportunity to qualify for various Team USA events, including the IAAF World Championships Marathon, the IAAF World Road Running Championships and the Chiba International Ekiden.

The 2007 USARC kicks off at the USA Half-Marathon Championships hosted by the Aramco Houston Half Marathon on Sunday, January 14 and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon in New York City on Saturday, November 3 ends the grand prix circuit as the 2008 U.S. men's Olympic Marathon team for Beijing is determined.

2007 USA Running Circuit
MEN
1) Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Houston, TX, $25,700, January 14
2) Gate River 15K, Jacksonville, FL, $23,500, March 10
3) USA Men's 8K Championship, New York, NY, $30,000, March 17
4) Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, Grand Rapids, MI, $10,600, May 12
5) Peachtree 10K, Atlanta, GA, $30,000, July 4
6) NewAlliance New Haven 20K, New Haven, CT, $15,000, September 3
7) CVS / pharmacy Downtown 5K, Providence, RI, $15,000, September 16
8) Medtronic TC 10 Mile, Minneapolis, MN, $25,000, October 7
9) U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, New York, NY, $250,000, November 3
Subtotal $424,800
USARC Grand Prix $12,500
Total $437,300

WOMEN
1) Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Houston, TX, $25,700, January 14
2) Gate River 15K, Jacksonville, FL, $23,500, March 10
3) BAA Boston Marathon, Boston, MA, $70,000, April 16
4) Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, Grand Rapids, MI, $10,600, May 12
5) NewAlliance New Haven 20K, New Haven, CT, $15,000, September 3
6) CVS / pharmacy Downtown 5K, Providence, RI, $15,000, September 16
7) Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, Boston, MA, $23,000, October 8
Subtotal $182,800
USARC Grand Prix $12,500
Total $195,300

The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6000, $4000 and $2500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.

The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.

For more information on the 2007 USARC including the USARC Grand Prix champions, visit: USATF.org

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ING Georgia Marathon Reaches Registration Milestone in New Year
More than 10,000 sign-up for inaugural event; less than 5,000 spots remain

ATLANTA - (Jan. 4, 2007) - The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon reached a milestone in registrations as more than 10,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes have signed up for the Sunday, March 25 inaugural race. Reaching the 10,000-runner mark more than eight weeks ahead of expectations, the event, which is limited to 15,000 participants, is expected to sell out quickly.

"Safety is our first concern, so once all spots are gone we will not want to expand the field beyond 15,000. Next year, it might be different. This year, it is important to create a race that is safe, fun and memorable for all participants: runners, wheelchair athletes, walkers, volunteers and for the spectators who come out to cheer," said Victoria Seahorn, race director of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.

An expected field of 15,000 would make it one of the largest inaugural events in the country.

"The ING Georgia Marathon will not only be a great event for the participants, but it will create significant economic impact as well," Seahorn added.

Compared to other marathons in Georgia, the inaugural event is quickly on its way to becoming the largest long-distance event in the state. The Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon usually attracts close to 9,000 participants with nearly 90 percent of those participating in the half-marathon. From the entries received through January 1, 2007, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon organizers have confirmed that, approximately 45 percent are registered for the marathon and 55 percent for the half-marathon. Participants have registered from all 50 states and 18 countries.

"With the abundance of successful marathons in the U.S. and around the world, there is always a risk when launching a new event," said Ron Wayne, former U.S. marathon champion and director of running and volleyball promotions for Mizuno, one of the race sponsors. "[Race Director] Victoria Seahorn and her staff have developed a user-friendly, informative race website, have extensively promoted the race within the state of Georgia, and have attended many top national marathon race expos promoting the race on a national and worldwide level. As a result of all their efforts, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is well on its way to reaching its participation goal of 15,000 runners."

For more information or to register, visit: INGGeorgiaMarathon.com

Contact: Javier De Jesus, (404) 210-2780; Javier@...

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Road Runner Akron Marathon Adds Half-Marathon for 2007
Race expo moves to new site too

AKRON, Ohio - For 2007, the Road Runner Akron Marathon - which celebrates its 5th edition on Saturday, September 29 - is planning a full list of promotions and activities to mark the milestone including a new half-marathon.

"With the addition of the half, we now offer a distance for nearly everyone. Now is the time to put your training programs in place and strive to achieve your personal best," said Amy Freeman, Operations Director.

Race weekend will now include the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, the new 13.1 mile half-marathon, a 2-person relay, a 5-person relay and a 1K Kids Fun Run. The half-marathon course is being designed in conjunction with the other distances offered.

"The final course route is still under review, but we have plans of utilizing the existing course as much as possible with the same start and finish," said Jim Barnett, Executive Race Director.

In addition to the half-marathon announcement, the University of Akron Health and Fitness Expo will be moving to a new location in 2007. The expo, which takes place on Friday, September 28, 2007, has out-grown the University of Akron's Field House where it was previously held and is excited to return to the John S. Knight Center.

The Road Runner Akron Marathon, already selected as one of the 50 great marathons in the country (Fairbanks to Boston - 50 Great U.S. Marathons), is also Akron's largest single-day sporting event and is devoted to promoting health & fitness and economic development for our region.

Registration for the marathon, half-marathon and Chase team relays have already begun. For information on or to register for the 2007 Road Runner Akron Marathon, please visit: AkronMarathon.org

Contact: Jim Barnett, Executive Race Director, (330) 657-2224

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Windermere Real Estate / Teton Valley to Sponsor Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team

The Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team has announced Windermere Real Estate / Teton Valley based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as its Official Real Estate Company.

"Developing partnerships with industry leaders is integral to the future of our sport and the future of our team in terms of promotion, visibility and success. Our relationship with Windermere Real Estate / Teton Valley will help us achieve our goals," said Nancy Hobbs, Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team manager.

According to Julie Bryan, owner of Windermere / Teton Valley, "As a member of the Mountain Ultra Trail Council and also as a past member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team, I believe in supporting my passion of running. My hours at work mean nothing if I can not place some of the money back into what I love. Windermere is a quality-over-quantity company and we believe in service, ethics, integrity and community. If I worked less, I would probably still be running at 4:30am. I am pleased to be a part of the backbone of the sport I live and breathe."

In addition to Windermere / Teton Valley, the USA National Team has been title sponsored by Teva, the official footwear of the team, since 2002. Its team uniforms are sponsored by official apparel sponsor SportHill, while 180s is the team's official ear warmer, glove and sunglass sponsor and FuelBelt, Inc. is the official hydration system of the team.

The Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team will compete at the 23rd World Mountain Running Trophy in Saillon, Switzerland on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16, 2007. Last year, the U.S. women's team won this country's first ever gold medal at the competition.

Contacts: Nancy Hobbs, (719) 573-4133; trlrunner@... or Richard Bolt, (603) 494-6947; r_boltski@...

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