L.A.'s Sports & Fitness Blog

Devine Racing promotes L.A. Marathon VP

2005-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Nick Curl Named VP Of Business Development For Devine Racing

(From Devine Racing press release) -- Nick Curl, one of the most respected race directors in the world of marathons, having served as Director of Operations and Vice President of the Los Angeles Marathon for the past 15 years, has been named Vice President of Business Development for Devine Racing.

Since the L.A. Marathon was acquired by Devine Racing in 2004, Curl has shared his expertise and experience with the race directors of the company's Salt Lake City Marathon, New Las Vegas Marathon and other events in the company's portfolio. As Vice President of Business Development, he will supervise operations of all the company's events and take a leadership role in expanding its portfolio of races.

Steve Miller, President/CEO of Devine Racing commented, "Nick Curl provides Devine Racing with 22 years of experience, global insight and business expertise. I feel like we won the 'personnel lottery'. As VP of Business Development, he will lead our team in a variety of disciplines including international expansion, acquisition strategy and event management."

Curl began his tenure with the Los Angeles Marathon in 1986 where he served as Director of Operations for five years. In 1991, he took the position of General Manager of the Olympic Velodrome on the campus of Cal State Dominquez Hills. Charged with increasing revenue and exposure, Nick was able to turn a 10,000 seat cycling venue into a regular stop on the Los Angeles concert circuit. Between 1991 and 1996, Nick booked hundreds of events, including national concert tours with headliners such as Metallica, Green Day, Beastie Boys, Lollapalooza and many more. Additionally, Curl and his team were contracted to promote and book all concerts, commercials and filming on campus.

In 1996, Curl returned to the Los Angeles Marathon as Vice President and Race Director. Charged with directing all aspects of the event, he handled all staffing, promotions and securing agreements with all race related venues. He coordinated sponsor commitments as well as relations with City, County and State agencies. From 1997 through 2000, Curl also directed the NASCAR LA Street Race held on a temporary street course in downtown Los Angeles.

Kastor Shatters U.S. Half Marathon Record

2005-09-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

From Elite Racing press release:

America's Distance Sweetheart Shatters U.S. Record
Deena Kastor Lowers Joan Benoit's 21-year-old Mark

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2005 -- In a city rich with tradition and history, America's distance sweetheart Deena Kastor wrote her own chapter when she shattered the American half marathon record at the 28th annual Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run Sunday morning. Kastor, 32, covered the 13.1-mile distance in a time of 1:07:53, to lower Joan Benoit's 21-year-old mark of 1:08:34 set at this same race in 1984. She also eclipsed the event mark of 1:08:30 set by Catherine Ndereba in 2001.

Kastor, who is prepping for the Oct. 9 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, earned a total of $16,000 for her efforts with $8,000 for her victory plus an additional $5,000 for the event record and $3,000 for breaking the American mark. In addition to her new half marathon mark, she now owns American road records in the 5K (14:54), 8K (24:36), 15K (47:15) and the marathon (2:21:16). Kastor won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and was only the second American ever to win an Olympic medal, after Benoit captured the gold in the marathon in 1984.

"I'm ecstatic," said Kastor. I couldn't ask for a better race. It was a gorgeous morning. It was a little harder than I expected and I knew it was going to hurt a little. I'm glad it's over. I wasn't sure I would run that fast and I was starting to tire at the end. I wasn't really sure I had it until I saw the clock at the finish.

"No one will ever match what Joan (Benoit Samuelson) has done," Kastor said of breaking the record held by one of her idols. The times may be different but nobody will ever match what she has done for the sport. She is an icon."

Margaret Atodonyang, 26, of Kenya was the second woman across in 1:09:55, followed by Japan's Rie Ueno, 29, in 1:10:02. The Olympic gold medalist from 2000, Naoko Takahashi, 33, of Japan was fourth in 1:11:28.

Ethiopia's Gudisa Shentema, 25, captured the men's crown in a time of 1:02:23, followed by Kenyans Simon Kirprop (1:02:34) and Linus Maiyo (1:02:40).

"I did not come here expecting to win, but I came here to run my best," said Shentema after his victory.

Running away from the women's pack at the start, Kastor cruised thru the first two miles at 10:19 to establish what was to be a healthy margin all the way to the finish line. Kastor, who had no other women around her from the start, finished 21st overall.

Mbarak Hussein, originally from Kenya and now training in Albuquerque, New Mexico, also ran an American master's record 1:03:23 en route to winning the over-40 title and finishing ninth overall. Russia's Ramilia Burangulova, 41, won the women's masters competition in 1:16:01. Fifteen-year-old Kaitlyn Willard won the wheelchair competition in 1:15:24.

Nearly 11,000 participants made up the largest field ever for the 28th annual Jefferson Hospital Distance Run. The masses were surprised by music on the course including the Rittenhouse String Quartet, a 14-piece jazz swing band and others, while seven local high school cheer squads lined the route to entertain and motivate the runners.

-- TOP 10 RESULTS FOLLOW --

2005 Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run
Philadelphia, PA
Sept. 18, 2005

Top 10 Men
Place, Name, Age, Country, Time, Prize money
1, Gudisa Shentema, 25, Ethiopia, 1:02:23, $8,000
2, Simon Kiprop, 28, Kenya, 1:02:34, $5000
3, Linus Maiyo, 22, Kenya, 1:02:40, $3,000
4, Christopher Cheboiboch, 27, Kenya, 1:02:45, $2,000
5, Mohammad Amyn, 29, Morrocco, 1:02:48, $1,500
6, Samuel Ndereba, 28, Kenya, 1:02:53, $1,250
7, Francis Bowen, 31, Kenya, 1:02:58, $1,000
8, Ernest Kimeli, 19, Kenya, 1:03:03, $750
9, Mbarak Hussein, 40, Kenya, 1:03:23, $1,600*
10, Michael Aish, 29, New Zealand, 1:03:24, $500

* Includes $1,000 for winning the Master's competition.

Top 10 Women
Place, Name, Age, Country, Time, Prize money
1, Deena Kastor, 32, USA, 1:07:53, $16,000*
2, Margaret Atodonyang, 26, Kenya, 1:09:55, $5000
3, Rie Ueno, 29, Japan, 1:10:02, $3,000
4, Naoko Takahashi, 33, Japan, 1:11:28, $2,000
5, Kathy Butler, 31, Great Britain, 1:11:53, $1,500
6, Natalya Berkut, 28, Ukraine, 1:12:22, $1,250
7, Laura O'Neill, 25, USA, 1:13:52, $1,000
8, Tatyana Chulakh, 24, Russia, 1:14:18, $750
9, Teresa Wanjiku, 31, Kenya, 1:14:30, $600
10, Shitaye Gemechu, 24, Ethiopia, 1:14:37, $500

Salt Lake Marathon Moves to June

2005-09-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Devine Racing's Salt Lake City Marathon is moving from April to June and adding a half marathon. Read more in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Thanks for Helping Houston

2005-09-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on the Inside Texas Running clothing drive to help those Hurricane evacuees in Houston.

CLOTHING DRIVE DEEMED A SUCCESS!

Dozens of events and countless individuals have helped make the transition to their new life a little easier for thousands of evacuees from Hurricane Katrina! An estimated 20,000-25,000 items of clothing (many of them brand new) were received as a part of the Inside Texas Running clothing drive. The clothing has been provided to the evacuees and it was greatly appreciated!

Long-sleeve T-shirts and jackets were provided by nurses working at the Astrodome to those evacuees waiting for medical attention (apparently the medical area of the Astrodome was kept rather chilly). Those were certainly greatly appreciated!

We ask that anyone who is preparing to ship items to the ITR clothing drive please donate the items to their local charities and shelters. There are many people who have been relocated all across the United States, so there is a need for clothing items throughout the U.S. Please do not send additioanl donations to the ITR clothing drive, as it has been deemed successful and the need for clothing items locally has abated.

RAD 8K to Benefit Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

2005-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

This is the first running event in the area to help with the hurricane recovery efforts. If you know of others, let us know and we'll post them here.

City of Agoura Hills Press Release:

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR
CITY OF AGOURA HILLS
REYES ADOBE DAYS 8K & FUN RUN

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS

(AGOURA HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 ) On Sunday, October 16, beginning at 8:00 a.m., runners can have a change of pace in a new distance challenge, a USA Track and Field certified and sanctioned 8K Race, the only one offered within Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Pre-registration is now being taken at runRAD.com to participate in the RAD 8K Run or the Family Fun Run at Reyes Adobe Days, coming this fall, Friday to Sunday, October 14 – 16, 2005 throughout the City of Agoura Hills.

The scenic, point-to-point 8K Run starts near Reyes Adobe Park and heads downhill toward Lady Face Mountain, turning east on Agoura Road ending at the Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in 28 age groups and Evolution Audio & Video is providing $5,000 worth of prizes for the top three overall male and female winners.

Participants will be shuttled back to Reyes Adobe Park for post-race activities including a health and fitness expo, free refreshments and to a community pancake breakfast for a discounted breakfast costing only $2.00 for registered runners.

The 8K Run early entry fee is $27 and late entry fee is $32. At the same time, there will be a 1-mile Family Fun Run/Walk for an early entry fee of $15 and late entry fee of $20. Both run entry fees include an event T-shirt. Runners can save $2 on 8K entry fees when they register online by Oct. 2 at runRAD.com

Proceeds from the event will be donated to American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity Hurricane Katrina relief and rebuilding efforts. After seeing the devastation in the Gulf Coast, the race organizers wanted to allow Southern Californians the chance to make a difference by running to support these worthy causes and help the recovery efforts from this catastrophe.

More information on the race may be obtained by visiting www.runRAD.com or calling the race hotline at 877-478-RACE.

Agoura Hills businesses sponsoring the event include Evolution Audio & Video, Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine, Future Track, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill and Head to Toe Massage. Additional major sponsors include Spectrum Health Clubs, Albertsons, West Pac Designs and Endurance Bag Company.

The 3-day, rancho-themed festival, hosted by the City of Agoura Hills, is offering fun and cultural experiences for all ages, celebrating the opening anniversary of the Reyes Adobe Historical Site, a public museum displaying rancho life owned by the City of Agoura Hills. For complete information and times on the events during the 3-day weekend festival, contact the City of Agoura Hills at (818) 597-7361 or visit reyesadobe.org.

Donate Race Shirts to Hurricane Victims

2005-09-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Race Directors Donate Your Left Over Dated Race Shirts

Help Inside Texas Running Magazine's Clothing Drive

From insidetexasrunning.com

HOUSTON, Texas -- Thousands of people in the Louisiana, Mississippi, and surrounding areas were flooded out of their homes by Hurricane Katrina, many of them losing everything -- home, cars, clothes, etc.

Inside Texas Running is calling on all runners, cyclists, swimmers, triathletes, or anyone else to lend a helping hand to those in need. We're calling upon all race directors to donate the leftover or unused T-shirts from their events. For those who have lost everything in the floods, a nice, dry T-shirt would be greatly appreciated, regardless if it was from an event they hadn't heard of or if the shirt isn't from this year's event.

But this call for help isn't limited to just event directors. Everyone has extra race T-shirts sitting in their closet -- now is the time to lighten your laundry load and get them into the hands of people who could really use them. PLEASE NOTE: IT IS OUR UNDERSTANDING FROM THE RED CROSS THAT THEY PREFER NEW CLOTHING ONLY.

T-shirts (and other clothing) can be delivered or shipped (postage-paid, please) to the ITR offices at:
Inside Texas Running
14201 Memorial Drive, Suite 204
Houston, TX 77079
281-759-0555 phone

Large shipments (especially from outside Houston) may be sent directly to:
Salvation Army (they are an official location accepting clothing donations)
2407 N. Main Street
Houston, TX 77009
713-224-2875
They take all of the shipments directly to the Astrodome.

ALL DONATIONS SENT TO OUR OFFICE WILL BE DELIVERED TO AN OFFICIAL RED CROSS DROP-OFF LOCATION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THOSE MOST IN NEED. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM LOCAL CHURCHES THAT ARE ASSISTING THE EVACUEES AND WE WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THESE GROUPS AS WELL.

If you have any questions, please contact Lance Phegley or Loran Sheffer at (281) 759-0555. Please call ahead to arrange delivery time.

New Date for The Great Race

2005-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Great Race of Agoura Hills has announced a date change.

Organizers say due to the change of the L.A. Marathon weekend, The Great Race is moving it's date to Saturday, March 4, 2006. The Great Race consists of the Chesebro Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor 5K and Kids Mile.

Registration for The Great Race opens Sept. 14 at GreatRaceofAgoura.com

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose?

2005-08-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

First there was San Diego then on the West Coast they added Arizona. Next stop: San Jose?

Here's a press release about proposed plans for a new half marathon in San Jose produced by Rock 'n' Roll race producer Elite Racing.

"Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon" Proposed for Downtown San José Next Year

San José, Calif. ---- Accompanied by Goo Goo Dolls drummer Mike Malinin, Olympic
marathon gold medalist Frank Shorter, and local rock and roll band Ro Sham Bo, San José
Mayor Ron Gonzales welcomed the producers of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon race series
proposing to bring the inaugural "musical half-marathon" to San José in October 2006.

The 13.1-mile race on downtown San Jose streets proposed by Elite Racing, Inc., is
expected to attract 15,000 runners and walkers and more than 50,000 spectators. It would feature
live bands and cheer squads at every mile, and finish with a post-race party and headliner concert
at the HP Pavilion at San Jose.

"San Jose is an ideal city for the 'musical marathons' because of our great tradition for
both track and field and for music," said Mayor Gonzales. "Downtown San Jose is a beautiful
setting for a race course, and I'm looking forward to a long partnership that will provide great
entertainment and another outstanding sporting event for our community."

The event also would include elite athletes invited to provide world-class competition, a
wheelchair invitational race, finish-line festival, and a two-day health and fitness expo at the San
Jose McEnery Convention Center. The event anticipates bringing over $12 million in direct
spending to San Jose.

"I'm excited about building on our successful concept in San Jose," said Tim Murphy,
CEO of Elite Racing. "All the ingredients are here for a fabulous race and great musical
entertainment that will bring this community together."

New Date for L.A. Marathon

2005-07-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Due to a scheduling conflict, also known as the Academy Awards, the organizers of the L.A. Marathon have moved back the date of the event two weeks.

Traditionally, the first Sunday in March, the marathon date is now March 19 changed from March 5.

The L.A. Roadrunners training program begins September 10. Read more about the program and new training director Rod Dixon in our July/August issue.

Californians Fare Well on Home Turf

2005-06-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

American Track & Field magazine provides a round up of this past weekend's USA Track & Field Championships at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Find out who qualified for August's World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Photo of the Week

2005-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Got this photo e-mailed to me and thought I'd share it. What a vending machine! Ever think this would catch on in America?

Bike Summer is Here!

2005-06-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a few cycling related stories that you may find interesting...

Did you know that Bike Summer is being held and celebrated in Los Angeles this year? It officially started last weekend -- all the info is here: bikesummer.org, plus you can read about it in this L.A. Times article

And check out this story about "bicycle traps" set up in Utah to catch motorists who are rude and dangerous to cyclists. I'd say the police could bring in some good revenue in L.A. with something this!

Finally, you might have heard about two cyclists who were killed last year while riding in a 300K brevet in Florida. Their killer received fifteen years in jail. Read more here.

Another Tour

2005-06-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's official, the Run Hit Wonder is returning for another go around. This time the tour ends in Los Angeles on Sept. 24 after stops in New York, Chicago and Portland. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will headline the event, which features some newer bands performing along the course.

There aren't many details on the L.A. event -- I've heard that it's supposed to be an evening 5K/10K run this time around at the Coliseum again. Here is yesterday's press release.

Or visit nikerunhitwonder.com for more info.

Big Money in Vegas

2005-06-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

As we first reported in our June issue the New Las Vegas Marathon is offering millions in prize money to anyone who sets the new world record for marathon at their Dec. 4 event.

On top of that bonus, the event is offering $400,000 in prize money. For us mere mortals, the highlight is that the event changes its course to run down the Vegas Strip. However, there is some discussion as to whether this is the first time or not that a marathon in Vegas will run down the street of bright lights and high stakes.

Read more in the Las Vegas Sun.

Nice shot!

2005-06-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this already, it's worth a quick look. The timing and positioning. is perfect for this photo from Saturday's 1,500-meter race at the Prefontaine Classic Track Meet in Eugene, Ore. About half of the field of 16 took a spill, including Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe, perhaps the world's greatest distance runner.

TAKE A LOOK

Going the EXTRA Mile

2005-06-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

You'd probably like a marathon race director to go the extra mile for you, but if you are running a marathon, 26.2 is enough.

Read about the blunder, the extra mile and the vocal participants at Chicago's Lakeshore Marathon.

Records Fall at Saddleback

2005-05-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday, more than 3,000 participants honored U.S. troops at the 7th annual Saddleback Memorial Half Marathon & 5K in Laguna Hills with one runner setting a new course record in the 5K and two runners establishing records on the new half marathon course.

In his half marathon debut, 25-year-old Jason Delaney of San Diego blazed to victory in 1:10:17, easily defeating L.A.'s Saul Bautista, 21, who finished in 1:10:48.

Delaney, who has his sights set on qualifying for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, was uncontested through the race as he averaged 5:21 pace on the recently redesigned 13.1-mile point-to-point course.

In the women's race, Chino Hills resident Jen Montellano, 24, cruised to victory in 1:23, more than two minutes ahead of the closest finisher, 24-year-old Cheryl Smith, of Aliso Viejo (1:25:06).

Cal Coast Track Club members dominated the 5K race, sweeping the men's and women's titles. Huntington Beach's Martin Pennell, 28, and Masters standout runner Ceci St. Geme, 42, of Newport Beach, ran 15:56 and 17:15 respectively. St. Geme's time was a course record, shattering the previous record of 17:48 set by Dolly Ginter in 2002.

For complete results, visit www.MemorialHalfMarathon.com.

73 Olympians at Home Depot Center

2005-05-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Phenomenal Field at Sunday's adidas Track Classic

Justin Gatlin, Maurice Greene, Lauryn Williams, Allyson Felix, Jeremy Wariner, Joanna Hayes, Bernard Lagat and Adam Nelson are among the many star athletes who will compete Sunday at the adidas Track Classic at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Of the 73 Olympians competing at the adidas Track Classic, 50 have represented the U.S. in one or more Olympic Games. One of the most anticipated events on Sunday will feature a match-up of Olympic champions, where former world record holder Maurice Greene will take on three-time Olympic medalist Justin Gatlin in the men's 100 meters.

In the men's 400 meters, Olympic medalists Jeremy Wariner (gold), Otis Harris (silver) and Derrick Brew (bronze) will compete in the strongest 400m field in the world this year.

The opening ceremonies start at 12 noon, although the discus competition is from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. If you can't make to Carson to watch in person, ESPN will be broadcasting live from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Read more at American Track & Field.

More Big Savings at Supergo.com

2005-05-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hurry! This expires Sunday, May 22:

Receive $25 off orders of $100 or more from Supergo.com using Coupon Code 7006622 at checkout from now until 5-22-05. Some restrictions apply*

Men's and Women's Clothing - For a limited time, Buy cycling shorts and get a jersey for $10 (select models).

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Wanna Be a Movie Star?

2005-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Documentary Film in Search of Runners

If you were at The Great Race of Agoura in March you may have noticed a film crew there filming Olympian Deena Kastor. They are in search of two more people to film for their documentary, Land of the Gods: The Legend of the Marathon, to be released in 2006. The documentary follows four runners -- Kastor, a Kenyan, plus the two they are searching for. Read on to see if you fit the description:

A feature documentary on the history and enduring legacy of the marathon is in search of runners, who are training for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2005. If you are a woman (25-34), who will be running your first marathon or man (40-60), attempting to qualify for Boston for the first time please email calicofilm@calico1880.com or visit marathonmovie.com for more information. If you are interested in being considered, you should respond as soon as possible but no later than May 31.

One Crazy Weekend

2005-05-13T01:37:00.000-07:00

If you're one of those spur-of-the-moment kind of people then San Francisco is the place to be this Sunday, May 15, around 8 a.m.

Forget the last-minute Vegas trip, if you're looking for a party, the 94th annual Bay to Breakers run is it. Join an estimated 70,000 people for this 12K race, which showcases the city by the bay, hills and all.

The race starts at the Embarcadero before rising steeply along Hayes Street Hill. Around the 2.5-mile mark, you'll climb an 11% grade between Fillmore and Steiner, bringing you to the highest point in the race. The remainder of the course gradually flows downhill and through Golden Gate Park.

The Bay to Breakers was established in 1912 as a way to boost the spirit of San Francisco after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake. Throughout its long history the race has grown in size to become one of the largest races in the world.

If you can manage to be one the first 10,000 timed finishers your name will be published in Monday's special souvenir edition of the San Francisco Examiner.

For more information, visit http://www.baytobreakers.com/

15% off the Best Selling Sports Bras!

2005-05-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

It only happens twice a year ... the Activa Semi-Annual Bra Sale is here!

With more than 75 styles - Activa has something for nearly every woman, no matter what your activity! Activa carries sports bras ranging from 32A to 44DDD.

Now through June 12th, save 15% off Activa's best selling sports bras!

Sweet Sale at SuperGo!

2005-05-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Save big through Friday, May 6!

Receive $25 off orders of $100 or more from Supergo.com using Coupon Code 5002113 at checkout from now until 5-06-05. Some restrictions apply*

Jersey Combo Sale at SuperGo.com. Buy two select jerseys and save up to 50%! Two jerseys at these deep discounts combined with $25 coupon savings* is a sweet deal!

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Big Sur Results

2005-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Gardena's Mary Akor, first female finisher and sixth overall at the 2005 Big Sur International Marathon on April 24.

Akor ran 2:46:53. The second place female finisher was more than seven minutes behind.

The complete results are available at the Big Sur web site.

The top 500 are here.

From Zero to ...

2005-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

The event you may remember as the Suzuki goes from cars and SUVs to zero calorie beverages.

The Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego signed on Coca-Cola Zero as their new title sponsor. Coca-Cola Zero is a new zero calorie cola drink set to debut in June. The Coca-Cola Zero Rock N Roll Marathon is set for Sunday, June 5.

The good news is there will be plenty of Coca-Cola company beverages at the event -- Powerade, Dasani water and of course, you can be one of the first to sample Coca-Cola Zero.

Read more at Cal Track.