2014 USA Masters 8 km Championships - Course Preview - by Dr. Dale Campbell

2010 Brea 8K Classic (left-to-right) John Gardiner (#402)  Dale Campbell (#602), Jon Megeff and unknown Brooks Runner. Dale Campbell finished first in his division, running 27:40, a 5:33 pace.

The Brea 8K Classic / 2014 USA Masters 8 km Championships course is not flat, but if you run the course the right way, you can indeed get a fast time. Here is a mile-by-mile description of the course.

Course elevation map. Click to enlarge.

Mile 1: The course starts on Birch Street. The first mile loops though the neighborhood just west of the starting area. You will find a couple of brief rolling hills that should not slow anyone down. The first mile marker is on the opposite side of Birch Street, near the starting line.

Mile 2: The second mile is pretty much a flat stretch that is totally on Birch Street. Use this mile to settle into a steady rhythm and shake off any nervous energy from the race start.

Mile 3: The third mile is the most challenging of the course. There are two hills during this stretch, with the second hill bringing you back to mile 3 marker. If you are a strong hill runner, this is the place to make your move and secure a position ahead of the sprinters.

Mile 4: The fourth mile is the fastest mile of the course, as you get to run downhill back to Birch Street. Mentally you should be prepared to take advantage of this stretch. Whatever time you lost in mile 3, this is your chance to make it up.

Mile 5: The last mile of the course is flat all the way to the finish. Keep your focus, and work on reeling in the next runner until the final sprint to the finish.

When you are lining up at the starting line with the best masters runners in the nation, avoid the temptation to go out too hard. Keep in mind the hills in the middle of the course. I have personally raced this course multiple times and talked to many others about the course as well. Those who accepted the challenge in the middle of the course, and took advantage of the downhill stretch in the fourth mile, will have run fast times. Good luck and enjoy the experience!

Can anyone in the nation beat the Southern California Champions? USA Masters 8 km Championships - 02/23/2014

Southern California is quite possibly home to more nationally ranked Masters runners than any other USATF association. Which leads to the question, “Can anyone in the nation beat the Southern California Champions?” Read on for a profile of the varied masters runners who are members of USATF Southern California and their plans for competing at the USA Masters 8km National Championships on February 23, 2014, at Brea CA. – Wayne Joness

The Triumvirate: Christian Cushing-Murray, David Olds, Peter Magill – (Cal Coast Track Club)

Left to Right - Christian Cushing-Murray, Peter Magill, and David Olds

The fearsome trio of Christian Cushing-Murray, David Olds, and Pete Magill represent the vanguard of what may currently be the mightiest force in masters racing in the United States: the Cal Coast Track Club. Local runners are quite familiar with these athletes, as they routinely best runners half their age. Not surprisingly, these runners bring both skill and considerable experience as national competitors to the 2014 USA Masters 8 km Championships.

What is their strategy for winning on February 23? Olds: “Our best strategy for winning the 8km championship is to put three healthy guys on the start line. Fortunately, especially in the 50+ division, we have an embarrassment of riches on the club, with at least 6 guys who have won individual national masters titles either in cross country or on the roads.” Cushing-Murray takes a simpler approach: “Running faster than the guy in second place.” The thoughtful Pete Magill responded to the question of strategy this way: “At this age (52), race strategy no longer revolves so much around beating your opponents as it does around maximizing your own performance. So my focus is on preparing for the race with the kind of whole-body training that lessens the possibility of injury while making sure that my race fitness is high. And then, once the gun goes off and we launch ourselves from the start line, my plan will be to run smart--to run my own race--and let others make the kinds of race mistakes that leave them vulnerable.”

As for race day competition, Cushing-Murray set the bar high, saying he was “Hoping for overweight and out-of-shape competition; unfortunately, I expect to be disappointed...” For Pete Magill, he noted that “Competition in these masters events comes from four different sources: the team championship, the age-graded championship, the age group championship, and the overall championship--and they rank in importance in that order. If there's one thing I've learned over the past 12 years--during which my masters clubs have won 17 national championships in cross country and road racing--it's that you can't predict who's going to be tough on race day simply by looking at names on the entry list or faces on the start line.”

The training for the Cal Coast runners has been challenging, as most of them will also be competing a week before in Boulder, Colorado, at the 2014 USA Cross Country Championships. Taking the long view, Magill noted, “This race is both a focus and a part of the training process. Again, at this age it's a mistake to single out one race and try to peak for it.” Cushing-Murray, proving that he runs without a GPS or on a route of any known distance said: “To keep the math and training simple, I assume that every run I do is at 4 minute mile pace.  Since I run around an hour a day, I assume I'm covering 15 miles/day and about a 105 miles/week.  I doubt anyone else can run an 8k in 20 minutes, so I think I'll be ready for anybody...”

When it comes to the team competition for Brea, Magill takes nothing for granted: “There are some outrageously strong masters squads in the country these days--the Atlanta Track Club, the Bowerman boys from up in Oregon, and others--and we'll have to prepare as if they're all going to be toeing the line alongside us. We run national competition to compete against our peers in the sport--and, of course, to share a meal or a beer afterward. After all, after decades of competition, these guys and gals are some of our best friends!” A confident David Olds remarked “I expect Cal Coast teams to do extremely well in the team competition at Brea. Our 50+ A team will be tough to beat, and I think that our B team will be right at the top of the standings. I expect the same to be true for our 40+ teams, and I think that we will surprise a lot of people in the 60+ division as well. Coach Sumner will need to clear some space on his trophy shelf for this event.”

The Power of One: Rosalva Bonilla

The mighty Rosalva Bonilla is one of the most consistent competitors in the USATF Southern California Association. If there is a championship race, expect Rosalva Bonilla to be there at the starting line, ready to bring her “A” game. While most runners tend to reach a point of specialization, Bonilla still fearlessly races everything from marathons to track and field events, bringing home medals every time. In 2013 Bonilla earned a number one USATF National Masters ranking for women 50+ in both the 10 km and 5 km competitions. A dual Mexican-US citizen, Bonilla ran in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 1992 and 1996. Her marathon PR is 2:43.42 from 1992. When asked about her strategy for winning the USA Masters 8 km competition, the modest Bonilla replied “Probably I will not be the front runner but I will be doing my best to run close.” With her experience on the national level, Bonilla fully expects some of the best runners to compete at Brea, and at this time of the year she is focusing on training for the track season to prepare her for the 8 km course. Living in Big Bear, and doing training runs at altitude, Bonilla has a routine adapted by many elite runners living in Southern California: train at altitude, then crush the competition at sea level.



First in Southern California – Michael Jay Berger, Five Time USATF Phidippides Award Winner (Track Club LA)

In 2013 USA Track and Field recognized Michael Jay Berger (Track Club LA) as the first member of USATF Southern California to win the Phidippides award for five years in a row. The award recognizes “Outstanding performance and endurance in long distance running.” And Berger has certainly earned it: his first (and so far only) USATF national competition was the 2012 USATF 100K Trail National Championships in Bandera, Texas.  Twenty-eight percent of the starters dropped out before reaching the finish line, including many runners that Berger honestly admits were faster than him. Berger knows that he brings value to the National 8 km Championships not as a super star, but as a team member. Berger’s strategy for the Brea race is to “Recruit as many of my faster TCLA teammates as possible to join me. Then show up, have fun, and run as fast as I can.” Asked about the 8 km team competition, Berger remarked “I am proud to say that I will be competing once again for Track Club LA – the winners of the inaugural USATF So Cal Grand Prix in 2009.” In fact, it was Berger’s consistent participation in the 2009 Road Running Grand Prix that made the TCLA victory possible, with Berger coming in first overall in the men’s 50-54 division. It remains to be seen if Berger can take first in his division on February 23, but you can be certain he will be contributing as a member of his USATF Southern California team, Track Club LA.

Southern California Elites - Tania Fischer, Kirsten Leetch, and Ingrid Walters (The Janes Elite Racing)

Left to Right - Kirsten Leetch, Tania Fischer, and Ingrid Walters

The 2014 USA National 8 km Championships will provide the racing team of The Janes something they really need: competition! Except for the occasional one-off appearance of a women’s team at a SoCal cross country championships event, The Janes have handily run down the competition to take top honors, year after year. Team coach and founder Fischer took first place in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 USATF Southern California Road Running Grand Prix, and Fischer has already led her team to two national victories. Matching Fischer step for step is Leetch, a University of California Berkeley Hall of Famer. New to the mix is long distance running specialist, and 2012 USATF Southern California Marathon Masters Champion Walters. When asked about race day strategy, for Fischer it is all about moderating her pace. Fischer is a 5 km specialist, and so for her the race is about control in the first half. The tough-as-nails Leetch looks at race day strategy differently: “I plan on getting out with the leaders, hanging throughout the race and seeing what I have left near the end of the race.” The Janes know they will be facing some real competition on race day, and Leetch noted “We have plenty of great masters runners in the Southern California area and I am prepared every time I step on any line here in the area. I am hoping that we get a nice national draw to come out here from all over to come and race and I expect the best masters women to be on that line come race day.”

Leetch remarked on the quality of the USATF national competitions saying “USATF Club Nationals masters division stands out to me as the most competitive masters event in the nation. Those women are tough out there and they race hard like any youngster half their age. It's always humbling to go and race at that event.” Like many runners, Fischer and Leetch have been focusing their training for the upcoming spring track and field competition. Fischer finds the 8 km distance a nice fit for her training, while Leetch has been adding distance to her workouts. While the Janes show the modesty of honest athletes who know that training is the key to success, and that there are no short cuts to a first place gold medal, they also have earned a confidence in their ability to do well on race day, with a team made up of so many talented, nationally ranked runners.

The Dynamic Duo: Cindy and John Abrami (Santa Barbara Running and Racing)

Representing the Santa Barbara Running and Racing club is the formidable husband-and-wife duo of Cindy and John Abrami. Like many other USATF Southern California members, the Abramis are kicking off 2014 with the one-two punch of competing at National Cross Country Championships in Boulder, then coming right back the next week to take on the competition in Brea. While John Abrami finished 6th in his division at the 2012 Southern California Association Cross Country Championships, he is modest in his expectations for Brea, saying  the best he is hoping for is a finish in “maybe the top 10%, or if my whole life comes together at that moment a top ten finish in my age group.” While the results will show if John’s whole life comes together at Brea, Cindy’s strategy is remarkably similar to Pete Magill’s: “Keeping myself in top racing form is the best thing I can do to be prepared for the best race possible!  Since there are different ways to win (age group, age grade, overall), my best strategy is to focus on having the best race I am capable of and not worry about who I want to beat.  I love the age-graded system because it rewards runners who have good races within the context of their age and gender.  I will just want to have an excellent race for me!  It is typically best that I try to run my own race and not be pulled into a pace which is too fast for me, and then from there run a negative split and finish very strong.  It's common for competitors to go out too quickly, many of whom fade later in the race.  I run best when I'm consistent and run within myself, and of course gut it out at the end.” Well said Cindy!

Both Cindy and John are anticipating tough competition on race day, with both top Southern California and national runners attending. Cindy commented, “Who's to say how the race will play out for each of us and who will end up being the best on the day, but I fully expect a fast and tough race.” The Boulder competition will be the Abramis’ first national USATF event, and while they have plans for more high-level running, the Brea race, their second national event, will be a much shorter drive!

Ready to Rumble - Dona McBride (Team Runners High)

The ever competitive Dona McBride is just part of a women’s 50+ masters team from Team Runners High, ready to take on the competition. McBride’s teammates include the talented Suzi Morris, Kathleen Phair, Madson Buchbinder and Laura Sohaskey. Like Michael Berger, McBride has proven credentials as a masters long distance runner, taking home the USATF Phidippides award for several years as well. Asked about her strategy for winning the national 8 km championships, McBride joked, “The element of surprise! No one will imagine that I could win, so they won’t realize I am really competing until it is over (even me, honestly I just hope I am not last).”

McBride is a consistent participant in the Southern California Road Running Grand Prix, finishing first overall in the 2012 in the women’s 60-64 division. She also has previous national USATF experience, competing in the national half marathon championships, where she enjoyed the “excitement that a championship race brings out the best effort you have.” McBride competes in wide variety of races, preferring the longer distances. When asked about her 8 km training routine, she replied only “Track workouts once a week and long tempo runs, exact details are top secret.” In any case, it is no secret that McBride possesses that passion for running so prevalent among USATF masters runners, a burning desire to continue participating in the sport you love, no matter what your age!

USATF Masters 8 km Championships - $11,500 Prize Money and A Snail's Pace Running Shops - Feb, 23, 2014, Brea CA

The USA Track & Field National Masters 8 km Championships - Prize Money and Awards Increase to $11,500! Welcome to our new sponsor, A Snail's Pace Running Shops!

 

A Snail's Pace Running Shops are many things to many people: for some they are a local source for specialty running supplies, staffed by knowledgeable, helpful employees. For others A Snail's Pace is a place to learn to run better and faster: ASPRS organize their own Running Academy, to inspire runners to discover their maximum potential. A Snail's Pace is also a valuable supporter of USATF: they have stepped up to provide additional prizes to participants in the 2014 USATF USA Masters 8 km Championships, on February 23, 2014, in Brea CA.

Prizes for the top three finishers in five-year age-group divisions!

The first place finishers in five-year age divisions will receive a cash prize of $100, and a gold medal. Second place finishers will received a $50 Gift Certificate redeemable at A Snail's Pace Running Shop and a silver medal, and third place finishers will receive a $25 Gift Certificate, also redeemable at A Snail's Pace Running Shop and a bronze medal. Age-group divisions: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85-89.

Who can compete? How do I register?

To participate in the National Masters 8 km Championships, runners must be age 40 years or older on race day, Sunday, February 23, 2014. You must also be a current 2014 member of USA Track and Field, and you need to register for the Masters 8 km Championships through USATF.
Registration for the National 8km Championships is available only through the USATF national website for USATF members. Register NOW!

How do I join USATF? Do I need to be an elite athlete?

Anyone can join USA Track and Field, the governing body for Road Racing in the United States! Membership is $30 a year, and no special  abilities are required for membership. When you join USATF, you support road running across the United States. Every year thousands of
children participate in the Junior Olympics, organized by USATF. And  every year runners in Southern California use their USATF membership to enjoy discounts for race registration in some of the most popular  races in California through the Road Running Grand Prix. And all USATF members get a 10% discount off exclusive Nike USATF running gear available only from USATF. Join USATF today!

Do not miss this rare opportunity!

To be selected as the site of a national competition is a rare honor,  and the Brea 8K has earned it as a key part of the USATF Southern   California Road Running Grand Prix since 2010. If you are a masters   runner, this is your chance to race with some of the best runners in the nation. If you are not a masters runner, you can still register and   race the Brea 8K Classic! The masters competition starts at 7:30 am, the general Brea 8K Classic starts at 8:00 am.

USATF Masters 8K Championships Coming to Brea 8K!

The USA Track and Field National Masters 8 km Championships come to the Brea 8K! Sunday, February 23, 2014, 7:30 am.

USATF Southern California is proud to announce that the Brea 8K has been selected as the site of the 2014 USATF National Masters 8 km Championships. Some of the best masters runners in the United States will travel to this beautiful, challenging USATF certified and sanctioned 8 km course to compete for the title of 2014 Masters 8 km Champion!

$10,000 in prize money package! Individual and Team Competition!

Runners will be competing for a prize money package totaling $10,000. In addition to overall prize money, cash awards will be offered for top age group competitors in five year age groups (40-44, 45-49, etc.). In addition there is age-graded prize money, plus prize money offered for the team competition as well! Prize money details.

Who can compete? How do I register?

To participate in the National Masters 8 km Championships, runners must be age 40 years or older on race day, Sunday, February 23, 2014. You must also be a current 2014 member of USA Track and Field, and you need to register for the Masters 8 km Championships through USATF. Registration for the National 8km Championships is available only through the USATF national website for USATF members. Register NOW!

How do I join USATF? Do I need to be an elite athlete?

Anyone can join USA Track and Field, the governing body for Road Racing in the United States! Membership is $30 a year, and no special abilities are required for membership. When you join USATF, you support road running across the United States. Every year thousands of children participate in the Junior Olympics, organized by USATF. And every year runners in Southern California use their USATF membership to enjoy discounts for race registration in some of the most popular races in California through the Road Running Grand Prix. And all USATF members get a 10% discount off exclusive Nike USATF running gear available only from USATF. Join USATF today!

Do not miss this rare opportunity!

To be selected as the site of a national competition is a rare honor, and the Brea 8K has earned it as a key part of the USATF Southern California Road Running Grand Prix since 2010. If you are a masters runner, this is your chance to race with some of the best runners in the nation. If you are not a masters runner, you can still register and race the Brea 8K Classic! The masters competition starts at 7:30 am, the general Brea 8K Classic starts at 8:00 am.

2013 Road Mile Championships "On Ramp" Tour

Road Mile "On Ramp" Tour 2013! USATF Southern California Visits Area Running Clubs and Specialty Running Stores! - Running - Refreshments - Prizes and MORE!

Runners Get Ready for the USATF Road Mile Championships - Saturday, August 24, 2013

• July 30: Track Club LA - Santa Monica College - 6:30 pm
  
  The 2013 On Ramp tour starts with Track Club LA, home to the original 2009 Road Running Grand Prix Champions. Coach Eric Barron is training members of this motivated Santa Monica team to run the legendary Cahn mile on Tuesday, August 20, before taking on the 2013 USATF Southern California 1 Mile Championships at Dockweiler Beach on Saturday August 24.
  
  Join members of this USATF running club Tuesday evenings at Santa Monica College, warm up around 6:00 pm, workout at 6:30 pm.
  
  Track Club LA Online- Contact coach Eric Barron email at eric@trackclubla.org or phone 310-471-8988.
   
• August 7: Run MDR (Marina Del Rey)- The Starting Line - 6:30 pm
  
  For runners looking for a friendly Wednesday evening run in the Marina del Rey area, there is no better place to meet than in front of The Starting Line (114-A W Washington Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292) to join up with the RunMDR social running club. The Wednesday pm runs offer a variety of distances that wind around the beautiful canals of Venice, California.
  
  RunMDR is helmed by organizer Harry Mitterbauer and his team of volunteers. Lace up with Run MDR, now celebrating their 4th year of running in the beautiful Marina del Rey!
  
  Run MDR Online- Contact Harry Mitterbauer at info@runmdr.com Starting Line phone: 310-827-3035
  
• August 8: A Runner's Circle - A Runner's Circle - 6:00 pm
  
  Perhaps no local evening runs brings out more participants than the super popular "A Runner's Circle" Thursday evening fun run. Show up on Thursday night, and you will quickly understand why: well-trained pace leaders take runners on a variety of courses: 3 or 5 miles, flat or hills, run primarily on the soft and scenic trails of Griffith Park.
  
  Starting and finishing at the ARC store, there are always plenty of refreshments on hand, making this an ideal way to spend a Southern California evening. ARC is very active with USATF, not only as a running club, but also organizing the Bell-Jeff Cross Country Invitational, part of the 2013 Cross Country Grand Prix.
  
  A Runner's Circle- Contact email: info@arunnerscircle.com or phone 323-661-8971.
   
• August 14: Club Ed Running - Mira Costa High School- 6:30 pm
  
  Club Ed Running stormed the USATF Southern California Road Running Grand Prix, winning back-to-back club victories in 2010 Road Running Grand Prix and 2011 Road Running Grand Prix.
  
  In addition to the solid coaching skills of Ed Avol, Club Ed Running boasts some of the most talented masters runners in Southern California, winning several USATF Southern California titles. Wednesday nights offered a structured workout at the Mira Coasta High School, with a variety of alternatives runs on other days around Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Palos Verdes.
  
  
  Club Ed Running Online- Contact coach Ed Avol email at ed@clubedrunning.com.
   
• August 14: LA Running Club - Santa Monica High School - 6:30 pm
  
  The LA Running Club describes itself as the place where "friendship and fitness meet." I will bet you have seen their runners training in Santa Monica, with their inspirational slogan: "Run in Feet, Dream in Miles." Many of the participants are loyal LA Marathon runners, who use this Wednesday night track workout to work different muscles from their long marathon training runs.
  
  This group is coached by David Levine, a USATF certified coach and also co-author of the marathon training book: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Marathon Training.
  
  LA Running Club Online- Contact LA Running Club at info@larunningclub.com
  
   
• August 21: Top-to-Top - Top-to-Top - 6:30 pm
  
  In addition to being one of Santa Monica's premier specialty running stores, Top-to-Top also hosts their own running club, beginning at 6:30 pm every Wednesday night in front of the Santa Monica store, with fun announcements and special guests, followed by your choice of runs (5k, 5 miles, 10k), after which they supply food and drink for all. And don’t forget about the raffle prizes!
  
  Santa Monica is home base for some of the fastest runners in Southern California, and if you are looking for a challenge on your Wednesday night run, Top-to-Top may be just the place for you. In addition to the casual runners looking to get their legs moving after the work day, you stand a chance of finding the right partner for a fast-paced tempo run as well.
  
  Top-to-Top Online- Contact email at customerservice@toptotop.com or phone (310)-829-7030.

Special thanks to USATF members Brian Panosian and Lily Zepeda for their help in meeting with running clubs and getting the word out on the 2013 Road Mile Championships!

LA84 Cross Country Coaches Clinics

You will not want to miss the clinic which is absolutely free for all coaches who would like to attend. The June 22 clinic will feature this incredible line-up of championship high school coaches: http://www.la84.org/coaching-clinics/

• Jim O’Brien: Arcadia High School: 2012 National High School Cross Country Champions.
• Roger Evans: Simi Valley: Coach of two time National Individual Cross Country Champion, Sarah Baxter.
• Doug Soles: Great Oak High School: 2012 California State Division 1 Girls Cross Country Champions.
• Dr. Jeff Messer: formerly coach with six time Arizona State Cross Country Champions, Xavier College Prep.
• Joe Snyder: Westlake High School: 2012 California State Division II Boys Cross Country Champions.

We will also offer a full slate on Beginning Level sessions at the same clinic, so you can bring all of your coaches and interested adults who would like to attend and there will be appropriate sessions for everyone.

Also, don't forget the very special July 20 clinic which will feature Dr. Joe Vigil, Steve Chavez and Marco Ochoa.

June 22, 2013
High School Cross Country Coaches Clinic
Advanced “Champion Coaches Clinic” & Beginning Level Clinic
Mt. San Antonio College | Walnut, CA
More Details & Register »
July 20, 2013
High School Cross Country Coaches Clinic
Advanced Clinic Featuring Dr. Joe Vigil & Beginning Level Clinic
Mt. San Antonio College | Walnut, CA
More Details & Register »
August 18, 2013
Youth/Age Group Cross Country Coaches Clinic
Balboa Middle School | Ventura, CA
More Details & Register »
August 25, 2013
High School Cross Country Coaches Clinic
Beginning Level Clinic
LA84 Foundation | Los Angeles, CA
More Details & Register »

Tim O'Rourke

2012 SCA Mountain, Ultra, Trail Report

Complete 2012 SCA Mountain, Ultra, Trail Report (PDF)

This is the 2012 United States of America Track and Field (USATF) Southern California Association Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) Report from the 2012 Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series. The Series roster as of December, 2012, for the Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series was at 45 participants, with 9 runners registered as USA Track and Field members. Given California’s economic trends, USATF participation continues unpredictable for 2012 and 2013. We are hopeful that forwarding USATF emails and other USATF on-line news items will help increase the enthusiasm for belonging to the Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series and USA Track and Field for 2012 and 2013 as we continue to promote USA Track and Field and the benefits of membership.

The 2012 Southern California Grand Prix Ultra Series had 20 event dates and 23 event distances for 2012, including the USATF Southern California Association 50k Trail Championship at the High Desert 50k in December. For 2013, the High Desert 50k event will again represent USATF Southern California Association as the 50k Trail Championship.

For 2013, the Series will have 23 event dates and 28 event distances, including the 2013 Southern California USA Track and Field 50-mile Trail Championship. We have added five ultra events on the 2013 Series Calendar. The Series offers a unique variety of running courses and challenges. Events range from the trails on Catalina Island to the unpredictable High Desert. This includes all areas from the San Diego area to the west San Fernando Valley. And, if you like mountains and forests, our events include the Santa Monica Mountains, the Coastal Mountains of the Los Padres Forest, the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles Forest, the Cleveland Forest, and the San Bernardino Forest. All the additions will increase the popularity of the existing calendar.

For the second consecutive year, Race Directors Steve and Anny Harvey offer the Nanny Goat 24/12 Hour,….the Ultra Series’ only 24/12 Hour event. What makes this event uniquely special is that each “lap” is totally counted for each runner. Yes, each runner knows the place of every other runner, both in front AND behind them.

Here’s how Series points are tabulated…..Points are tabulated for each race using this formula: 100 mile, 100k, 50 mile, 50k: The winner’s time is divided by the individual’s time. Then that decimal is multiplied by the distance (in miles). In the 12/24 hour: the runner’s miles are divided by the winner's miles (to establish a percentage). Then that is multiplied by the maximum possible points (100 in a 24 hour/ 50 in a 12 hour). If the winner runs less than 100 miles in a 24 hour or less than 50 miles in a 12 hour, that 2 distance will be used to calculate total points. The maximum point total for any 24 hour run is 100 points and 50 points for 12 hour runs.

For 2012, Ricardo Ornelas of San Dimas won the Series Overall Crown and the Mileage Crown with 305.4 points and 732.7 Series race miles. Former Series Champion and USATF member Jack Cheng of Temple City followed with 222.7 points. Tin Tse was the Men’s Mileage Runner-up with 485.7 Series race miles. Yen Darcy, USATF member, won both the Women’s Overall Crown, with 190.8 points, and the Women’s Mileage Crown, with 479.5 miles. Yen’s mileage total was third overall amongst men and women. The ageless woman-wonder Haw Ja Andrade, 71, USATF member of Cypress, California was the Women’s Mileage Runner-up with 160.0 Series race miles.

For the Complete Series Results and schedule go to http://socalultraseries.org. The following text is a wrap-up of the 2012 year-long Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series events. Please read and enjoy. AND PLEASE….JOIN USATF TODAY! You will support much needed programs while increasing your health insurance, if you get injured!! USATF Insurance covers emergency Helicopter lifts!

AGE GROUP CHAMPIONS

MEN Point total BEST 6 races Series Races Miles AGE

Ricardo Ornelas 305.4 16 732.7 30-39

Jack Cheng 222.7 5 342.5 30-39

Tin Tse 249.4 10 485.7 40-49

Larry Rich 200.7 8 389.0 50-59

Larry Ramaekers 149.5 5 224.0 60-69

Bill Dickey 52.6 3 112.0 70+

WOMEN Point total BEST 6 races Series Races MILES AGE

Yen Darcy 190.8 11 479.5 50-59

Nancy Tinker 32.4 2 62.0 60-69

Haw Ja Andrade 103.8 3 160.0 70-79

2012 USATF Southern California Road Running Champions

Meet Your 2012 USATF Southern California Road Running Champions!

1 Mile Champions:

Open - Tanya Zeferjahn, San Clemente - 4:47:72 (F-28)
Open - Andrew Acosta, Los Angeles - 3:58:98 (M-24)

Masters - Genevieve Graff-Ermeling, Santa Monica - 5:09:50 (F-41)
Masters - Ray Knerr, Los Angeles - 4:37:69 (M-52)

---

5 km Champions:

Open - Tanya Zeferjahn, San Clemente - 16:52.9 (F-28)
Open - Luis Ibarra, Montebello - 14:30.6 (M-32)

Masters - Grace Padilla, Los Angeles - 18:13.7 (F-41)
Masters - David Olds, Los Angeles - 16:20.5 (M–51)

---

10 km Champions:

Open - Mary Akor, Hawthorne, 34:16 (F–35)
Open - Luis Ibarra, Montebello, 30:59 (M–31)

Masters - Nathalie Higley, Redondo Beach, 36:58 (F–42)
Masters - Ken Ernst, Mission Viejo, 33:24 (M–50)

---

Half Marathon Champions:

Open - Carlos Carballo (M-30) 1:07:25
Open - Holly Hobson-Gery (F-29) 1:29:02

Masters - Kevin Broady (M-51) 1:14:17
Masters - Caroline McAndrews (F-51) 1:40:30

---

Marathon Champions:

Open - Sara Raschiatore, Joshua Tree, 2:50:04 (F-31)
Open - Justin Patananan, Palmdale, 2:31:16 (M–31)

Masters - Ingrid Walters, Santa Monica, 3:07:34 (F-40)
Masters - Nicholas Bowden, Los Angeles, 2:38:19 (M–40)

Congratulations 2012 Road Running Grand Prix Champions!

A record breaking 557 USATF Southern California runners posted scores in the 2012 Road Running Grand Prix series. Leading the way for the youth division are runners Ashling Carr (10) with 2590 points and returning 2011 champion Anthony Palazzo (15) with 2610 points. Youth runners were required to run 3 races for end-of-year awards, adults run five races.

Full 2012 Results.

Tania Fischer gets her third title as first place overall finisher, while Ken Ernst takes first place in the men's division, each winning $500. Second place awards go to Jon Megeff and Erika Aklufi with a $250 prize. Third place: Rich Gust and Rosalva Bonilla winning $150. Fourth place: Gregory Keyes and Yayoi Liu winning $75, and fifth place kudos to Oliver Gallego and Linda Hodgson taking home $25.

"Most Valuable Runner" award (we just made that up) has to go to the indefatigable Thomas "Tom" Albright, 7th overall finisher, who ran no less than 10 (ten! yes! ten!) Grand Prix races this year, missing only the Semana Nautica 15 km. Tom ran the Magic Shoe 5K on Satuday, May 20, in 19:12, then ran the Pasadena Half Marathon on Sunday, May 21, in 1:36:11!

2012 was the year of the Cal Coast Track Club. It is hard to find the right superlative for Cal Coast; far from just beating the competition, they become something of a hurricane force, a road running Death Star. Cal Coast runners turned up in huge numbers at Grand Prix races, a sea of blue running singlets taking top prizes, age-group awards, and in the case of Peter Magill, setting a new American age-group record in the 5 km. 90 open/masters members of Cal Coast posted scores in the Grand Prix, with another 12 runners in the youth division, bringing the Cal Coast participation to 102 total! No wonder that five of the top ten finalists are Cal Coast runners! And Tom Albright - he's a member of Cal Coast as well!




Youth Individual Division Road Running Grand Prix Champions:

Sub-Bantam - Sofia Gibson (F), Noah Lindo (M)
Bantam - Ashling Carr (F), Jackson Coney (M)
Midget - Chloe Arriaga (F), Daniel Bautista (M)
Youth - Hannah Hall (F), Colby Penn (M)
Intermediate- Maily Wong (F), Anthony Palazzo (M)

In the youth division, The Equalizers take their third title, but this year they faced competition from Junior Cal Coast, the youth division of the Cal Coast Track Club.

Thanks again to Nicole Luque for scoring the 2012 Road Running Grand Prix!

2011 Road Running Grand Prix Results
2010 Road Running Grand Prix Results
2009 Road Running Grand Prix Results

2012 SCA Road Running Grand Prix - Dino Dash 5 km and 10 km Results

2012 SCA Road Running Grand Prix

2012 Dino Dash

Sunday - November 4, 2012

• SCA Dino Dash Grand Prix 5 km and 10 km Results (PDF)
• Dino Dash Results (5km and 10km)
• SCA Road Running Grand Prix Standings

5 km Awards - Overall Open Winners

Open 1st: Roosevelt Cook, M-33, 15:10.0
Open 1st: Lilyana Morejon, F-23, 17:33.4
Open 2nd: Sydney Gidabuday, M-16, 15:17.1
Open 2nd: Leilani Rios, F-32, 17:54.1
Open 3rd: Sergio Olivarrias, M-22, 15:24.0
Open 3rd: Ashley Teran, F-26, 18:11.1

5 km Awards - Overall Masters Winners

Masters 1st: Christian Cushing-Murray, M-45, 15:34.8
Masters 1st: Nathalie Higley, F-42, 17:36.8
Masters 2nd: Jon Megeff, M-49, 16:30.2
Masters 2nd:Kirsten Leetch, F-46, 17:43.4
Masters 3rd: Dan Arsenault, M-49, 16:38.7
Masters 3rd: Kathleen Cushing-Murray, F-47, 19:37.0

5 km Awards - Youth Division 10 and Younger

1st: Jonathan Manara, M-9, 20:27.0
1st: Devin Ito, F-9, 19:44.9
2nd: Noah Lindo, M-8, 21:17.1
2nd: Ashling Carr, F-10, 20:21.3
3rd: Nicholas Allred, M-8, 21:30.4
3rd: Autumn Clarke, F-10, 20:31.0
4th: Noah Ta-Perez, M-9, 22:32.3
4th: Aleksandra Crampton, F-10, 21:00.1
5th: Anthony Kennen, M-10, 24:32.0
5th: Sofia Gibson, F-8, 21:54.9

5 km Awards - Youth Division 11 - 12

1st: Daniel Bautista, M-11, 19:05.2
1st: Hannah Hall, F-12, 19:06.8
2nd: David Crampton, M-12, 19:14.9
2nd: Chloe Arriaga, F-11, 19:13.8
3rd: Liem Nguyen, M-12, 20:07.3
3rd: Rocio Bartolo, F-12, 19:47.6
4th: David Garcia, M-12, 20:32.9
4th: Casey Hulme, F-12, 20:04.5
5th: Bryan Llopis, M-12, 20:44.6
5th: Raegan Peterson, F-12, 20:12.3

10 km Awards - Overall Open Winners

Open 1st: Robert Olivera, M-26, 31:14.7
Open 1st: Erika Aklufi, F-36, 36:13.0
Open 2nd: Juan Morales, M-32, 35:17.7
Open 2nd: Jenni Johnson, F-32, 37:45.7
Open 3rd: Dave Withers, M-38, 39:56.3
Open 3rd: Andrea Palacio, F-30, 38:13.3

10 km Awards - Overall Masters Winners

Masters 1st: John Gardiner, M-40, 32:41.3
Masters 1st: Ingrid Walters, F-40, 39:30.7
Masters 2nd: Juan Ramirez, M-41, 35:46.5
Masters 2nd:Diana Keyes, F-43, 54:50.2
Masters 3rd: Mark Steyvers, M-42, 34:50.0
Masters 3rd: Jennifer Lazio, F-44, 49:24.9

10 km Awards - Youth Division 11 - 12

1st: Gavin Hancock, M-12, 54:13.1
1st: Amber Spees, F-12, 51:12.4
2nd: Patrick Paragas, M-12, 55:06.1

2012 USATF Southern California Road Mile Championships



Andrew (AJ) Acosta runs a sub-4:00 mile, finishing in 3:58!


The 3rd time proved to be the charm at the 2012 USATF Southern California Road Mile Championships when AJ Acosta (M-26) rocketed across the finish line in 3:58.98, delivering a blistering finish to the excitement and applause of runners and spectators who hoped to witness the phenomenon of a sub 4:00 mile. Second place finisher Jon Rankin (M-30) nearly missed the sub 4:00 mark, running 4:00.43. Despite the strong competition and record turnout in other divisions, Acosta was the only runner to set a new course record at the Championships, held on Sunday, August 26, at the El Toro Airfield. In fact, both Acosta and Rankin’s time would beat the previous open men’s course record of 4:01.24 run by Brandon Bethke (M-24) in 2011.

3rd place - Brosnan, 2nd place - Rankin, and winner AJ Acosta

Events kicked off at 7:00 am, start of the combined race walk competition, with Janelle Zamora (F-10) winning the 12 and younger division with a time of 10:47.76, and Patsy Hurley (F-17) winning the 13-18 bracket with a time of 7:59.70. This was one of several “three-peat” performances for Road Mile veterans, with Zamora and Hurley winning in 2010 and 2011 as well.
In the boy’s division Andrew Paez (M-12) walked 9:39.20. After a strong record as a youth competitor, Julia Townsend (F-19) took the open competition in a time of 8:29.49. The 40-54 men’s competition was won by Joseph Nierosku (M-50) with a time of 7:42.85, and Carol Alexander (F-52) won with a time of 9:18.52. The final division was for walkers 55+, with Rick Campbell (M-66) 8:58.44 and Donna Cunningham (F-65) 9:20.76 besting the sizeable field of age 55+ race walkers, the largest single division of race walkers at the 2012 Road Mile Championships.

For the youth runners, each USTAF youth age division competed in their own race, making for an hour of exciting youth competition. The sub-bantam division was won by Melina Gonzalez (F-7) 6:56.81 and Noah Lindo (M-8) 6:07.76. Bantam division winners were Brianna Valles (F-10) 5:46.81 and Coney Jackson (M-10) 5:35.24. Gonzalez and Valles were among a number of USATF members representing the McFarland Track Club who made the long trip to Irvine to compete and show the depth of talent in the Central California Association.

In the midget division first-place gold medals were awarded to: Chloe Arriaga (F-11) 5:22.17 and Raymon Ornelas (M-11) 5:13.10. In the youth division: Bianca Alonzo (F-14) 5:08.02 and Hugo Nova (M-13) running 4:43.36. Intermediate division: Laura Guidolin (F-15) 5:00.97 and Anthony Palazzo (M-15) 4:37.82. Wrapping up the hour of youth competition was the Young division, with top awards going to Sara Kebede (F-17) 5:25.03 and Michael Pincchini (M-17) 4:28.43.

Youth participation expanded in 2012, with The Equalizers posting 4342 points in the youth club competition, besting the South Orange County Wildcats with 4141 and the Chino Hills Flash with 3999.

The spectators were truly impressed with the outstanding performances of the youth athletes, so the adults, parents and coaches in the open competition had quite a high bar to meet. Leading the way for the general open competition was Vanessa Lordi (F-35) with a mile time of 5:23.73. Luis Palacios (M-32) squeezed out a victorious 4:30.95 mile, but only in the final 50 meters of the race was he able to pull around the remarkable Brian Duff (M-35) who finished just behind Palacios with a time of 4:32.23. Duff ran a few seconds slower than his 2011 finish of 4:30.46, but this year he was pushing his daughter Marly Duff in a baby stroller!

Luis Palacios edges out Brian (and Marly, in the stroller) Duff.

In the masters division Kathleen Cushing-Murray (F-47), of the famed Cushing-Murray running dynasty, took first place with a time of 5:35.03, and Bill McQuown (M-55) won in 5:22.35. Taking home the title of most “experienced” runner was Gunnar Linde (M-84) running a strong 8:01.09

As with previous years, when the elite USATF runners stationed themselves at the starting line the cloud cover cleared, and conditions on the course heated up. Runners at the Road Mile Championships stare down one solid mile of orange cones marking the way to the finishing line, punctuated every ¼ mile by electronic timing clocks.

The elite women started in one wave, hoping to best the overall open course record of Brenda Martinez (F-23), 4:38.43, set in 2011. First across the finish line was Tanya Zeferjahn (F-28) in 4:47.72 winning the women’s open division, with Genevieve Graff-Ermeling (F-41) running 5:09.50 for the women’s 40-49 win, and Debbie Lee (F-55) running 5:40.70 for the 50+ age-group title. Lee’s finish put her in the top slot for age-graded Grand Prix points in the women’s division on Sunday, scoring 937.

Tanya Zeferjahn (F-28) finishers in 4:47.72.

The men’s race was divided into two starts, with men 40 to 49, and 50+ racing as one group. Repeating their 1-2 top performance in their age division from 2011 was Ray Knerr (M-52) with a time of 4:37.69 and Rich Burns (M-57) in 4:42.53. Like Lee, Burns distinguished himself as the overall leader in age-graded Grand Prix points, scoring 951 points, contributing to the victory of the Cal Coast Track Club in club scoring at the Road Mile Championships. Jon Megeff (M-49) raced 4:40.38, right behind Knerr, taking the 40-49 division. Megeff’s excellent finished contributed to the scoring of his club, Club Ed Running, taking second place to the members of Cal Coast.

Masters: Ray Knerr (4:37), Jon Megeff (4:40) and Rich Burns (4:42).

The Road Mile Championships are starting to feel like a new Southern California institution, marking the end of summer, before runners embark on a season of fall cross country racing. Look for the Road Mile in 2013, when runners can again challenge themselves to run “their best mile” at the El Toro Airfield.




USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Californians Uceny and Rowbury Make U.S. Olympic 1500m Squad

Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

Morgan Uceny had nothing to prove in the women’s 1500m final at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. After all, in 2011, Uceny (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) was ranked #1 in the world in the 1500m and dominated the IAAF Diamond League circuit.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada

2012 SCA Road Running Grand Prix - Semana Nautica 15K Results

2012 SCA Road Running Grand Prix

2012 Santa Barbara Semana Nautica 15K

Wednesday - July 4, 2012

• SCA Grand Prix 15K Results (PDF)
• Santa Barbara Semana Nautica Results
• SCA Road Running Grand Prix Standings

Awards - Overall Open Winners

• Open 1st (M): Robert Olivera, M-26, 0:49:55
• Open 1st (W): Mandy Grantz, F-26, 0:57:11
• Open 2nd (M): Craig Pansing, M-30, 0:57:14
• Open 2nd (W): Ann Wilson, F-35, 1:08:23
• Open 3rd (M): Eduardo Villegas, M-36, 0:58:32
• Open 3rd (W): Pureza Bacor, F-35, 1:33:02

Awards - Overall Masters Winners

• Masters 1st (M): Miguel Magana, M-45, 0:58:13
• Masters 1st (W): Cindy Abrami, F-43, 0:58:36
• Masters 2nd (M): Kent Harris, M-45, 0:58:10
• Masters 2nd (W): Ingrid Walters, F-40, 1:02:02
• Masters 3rd (M): David Grethen, M-53, 1:06:08
• Masters 3rd (W): Rhonda Kelly, F-48, 1:29:00

Awards - Overall Youth Winners

• 1st: Ariel Van Riper, F-11, 1:15:58
• 1st: Bryan Fernandez, M-17, 52:20
• 2nd: Ben York, M-17, 58:25
• 3rd: Joshua Fry, M-15, 1:07:42

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Californians Stand Out on Day 7 of U.S. Olympic Trials

Jeneba Tarmoh and Allyson Felix - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

A drizzly Day 7 of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon ended with Californians Allyson Felix shattering the women’s 200m Olympic Trials record and Carmelita Jeter taking the runner-up slot.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Uceny Leads Golden State's 1500m Contingent at the Olympic Trials

Morgan Uceny - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET

California will be well represented in the women's 1500m final that will take place on Sunday. Golden Stater Morgan Uceny was the fastest qualifier so, in anticipation of what we expect will be an excellent race, we thought we'd post Mark Winitz's Q&A with Morgan that ran in our June-July issue.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Kim Conley Captures Olympic Team Spot in Women’s 5000m | California Track & Running News

Kim Conley - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

Few might have given 26-year-old Kim Conley (West Sacramento, Calif.) a chance at gaining an Olympic team spot in the women’s 5000m race at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada .

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Olympic Trials 20K Race Walk Produces Top Results for Californians

Trevor Barron - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET

On a muggy morning at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, the men’s 20K race walk featured several new American records and a number of California connections among the top placers.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials: Coaches Instrumental for California's 800m Olympic Team Members

Alysia Montano - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

The 800m finals at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials featured strong performances by Golden State athletes as three Californians plus one athlete with strong California ties earned spots on the U.S. team headed for the London Olympic Games.

 Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada .

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Stephanie Brown Trafton's Mental Focus, Faith, Produce U.S. Trials Discus Victory

Stephanie Brown Trafton - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

Even a reigning Olympic gold medalist and American record holder who has enjoyed a ranking as #1 in the world in her event can have doubts when the big meets come along. Only three weeks before the 2012 U.S. 

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada.

USA Olympic Track & Field Trials Coverage: Hastings Realizes Olympic Dreams In Women's Trials 10,000m

USATF Southern California 2011 Marathon Champion Amy Hastings wins 10,000m trials - Victor Sailer/www.PhotoRun.NET.

Amy Hastings (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) says that one of the best pieces of advice that Deena Kastor, her Mammoth Track Club teammate, has given her is to keep fighting; never give up. In running, just as in the rest of life, there are good miles and bad miles, good times and bad times. The good times are easy.

Read More at California Track & Running News, the official publication of USATF for California and Nevada.