October Running Madness
What a stunning month October has been for the distance running world.
At the beginning of the month, the running community was rocked by the four-year doping ban placed on renowned running coach Alberto Salazar. One week later, the Nike Corporation shut down the Salazar-led Nike Oregon Project. This group has had Olympic champions and world championship medalists in its “stable” under Salazar’s tutelage.
On Oct. 12, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to break the 2-hour barrier for the marathon distance. Kipchoge, the present worldrecord holder (2:01:39), ran 1:59:40 in an exhibition event in Vienna, Austria.
Many people are comparing this performance to Roger Bannister eclipsing the four-minute mile in 1954. Some observers are pointing out that this “time trial” was done under conditions that in a real race would be deemed illegal assistance. They point to the Nike shoes specifically designed for him that some claim improve performance by four percent.
The assistance also included a pace car that projected a laser beam to keep him on pace for 1:59. Kipchoge also had a rotating group of 41 worldclass runners who formed a “wedge” designed by engineers to break wind resistance and allow him to draft for the entire 26.2 miles. He had a bicyclist alongside him to give him nutrition and fluids.
The 1:59 project also scouted the globe to come up with the best course with the best marathon running conditions. They planned the attempt with an eight-day window to take advantage of the best possible weather (cool, low humidity and no wind).
One columnist labeled this assistance “performance-enhancing technology” and compared it to performance-enhancing drugs. However, in the end, Kipchoge had an amazing run and shattered a barrier once thought impossible. I expect others will come through the “door” he opened. I look forward to the day when the best marathoners in the world line up toe-to-toe to accomplish this under real racing conditions. Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 time was running 26.2 miles at a 4:34 per mile pace.
The very next day at the Chicago Marathon, Kenyan Brigid Kosgei destroyed the women’s world record by running 2:14:04. She shattered Paula Radcliffe’s 2003 record of 2:15:32 by 81 seconds. She wore a women’s version of the shoes designed for Kipchoge.
Kosgei was paced by two elite male marathoners who are sponsored by Nike. Personally, I would like to see pacing become illegal again. Some eyebrows have been raised because her agent is Federico Rosa, who was the agent for several athletes banned for performance-enhancing drug use. Being an American, I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but I understand the cynicism and dark shadow that now accompanies any great performance. Another commentator pointed out that in all these situations, the common denominator seems to be Nike.
Catching up
On Sept. 23, the Benedictine Hospital Foundation held its annual Bike for Cancer Care event. This event, which now includes a 5k run and walk, had a record turnout of more than 400 cyclists, runners and walkers. The 5k had 199 finishers.
The top three men were Travis Greaves (19:56) and 13-year-old Chace Snyder (21:34), who was chased to the finish by 13-yearold Mason Eyler (21:37). Coming in fourth overall was Megan Warman in 22:58. Taking second- and third-place honors were Sue Klein (24:17) and Jourdan Pignatelli (25:11). Best of all, this event raised more than $115,000 for the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund.
The Ulster county SPCA organized the Second Annual Doggy Dash held at the HITS complex in Saugerties. Seventy-five runners and walkers participated. The 2.8 mile course took runners and their dogs to every corner of the complex. It was a flat, fast and interesting route.
The overall winner was Renee Kiplinger in 19:22. First finisher with her dog was Karen Miura in 20:19. After the running, all the dogs were treated to “doggie games.” Renee, who seems to be rounding into top form, demonstrated that she can win at big and small events. She just took first place for women at the recent Rhinebeck Fall Foliage 5k. Using a devastating kick, she came from far back to win in 21:32. Eva Cleveland’s lastminute decision to run netted her a first-place finish in the 60-64 age group in a personal best of 30:59. The combination of running and hiking seems to be serving her well.
Quite a few locals traveled up to Albany for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon and Half Marathon. Perusing the results I found in the marathon Ryan Carney (2:55), Kent Rinehart (3:39), Lisa Loughran (PB 3:54), Jennifer Patterson (4:05), Jennifer Braun (4:26), Mary Roosa (4:28), Faithe Anderson (PB 4:31), Christian Rountry (4:56), Deb Domack (5:00) and Theresa Baker (5:00).
In the half, top locals were Catie Barber (1:34), Rosibel Landau (1:43), Mylenda Marroon (1:57), Michael O’Leary (2:06), Rebecca Vogel (2:09), Mary Ellen Decicco (2:19), Erin Spak (2:25), Tammie Allen (2:31), Cyndy BorzumatoCobb (2:36), Vincent Decicco (2:54) and Karen Cable (4:03). More than 1,700 people participated in the two races.
Race Previews
Saturday, Oct. 26, is the date for the 10th Annual UlsterCorps Zombie Escape at Williams Lake in Rosendale. This fun Halloween themed event has a 5k run, 1k hike and a free kids 1k run. Williams Lake is a perfect venue for this event with its wooded trails, ravine, tunnel and cave.
After the run, there will be a bonfire by the lake where participants can enjoy refreshments, including hot chocolate and s’mores. Many of the participants wear costumes. The event has a great looking T-shirt and everyone receives a goodie bag. It is a fun family and community event. For more info: zombies@ulstercorps.org.
Nov. 10 is the date for the Josh Feldt After the Leaves Half Marathon. This year’s race will be at the Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm. The course meanders over to Rhododendron Bridge before returning to Spring Farm via the Laurel Ledge, Maple Path and Cedar trails.
The Preserve’s unpaved carriage paths are among the country’s most runnable trails. The Shawangunk Runners Club tries to keep running affordable for all and purposefully keeps the entry fees inexpensive at $25 for Preserve members and $35 for non-members. All finishers will receive a commemorative pint glass. There are plentiful refreshments and awards for the top three in all standard age groups. This race is limited to 300 participants and usually sells out. For more information, see shawangunkrunners.com. Proceeds benefit the Josh Feldt Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wallkill High School.
Remember crisp autumn air is perfect for running!
Calendar, results
Race directors, please submit information for the race calendar to sports@ freemanonline.com. Information should be in the form of a concise email with important details highlighted and included in the body of the email. No race flyer PDFs.
Race results should be submitted directly to me at ssrun54@aol.com.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.