April 26, 2009

Kenyan Matui takes Country Music Marathon title

Victory is his first in event run in U.S.

By Jeff Lockridge
THE TENNESSEAN

The 10th annualCountry Music Marathon and Half-Marathon was a hot one.

Kenya's Amos Matui didn't seem to mind.

Matui, 33, made his first marathon in America a memorable one by taming the streets of downtown Nashville on Saturday morning in 2:13:41 — the fastest time here in six years and just 45 seconds off the course record set by Luke Kibet in the inaugural race.

Matui took the lead with less than a mile remaining, as depleted countryman Alphonce Yatich Kibor was unable to maintain the torrid pace he set in the first 22 miles and slowed to a jog. Kibor finished second in 2:14:53, one second ahead of Matui's younger brother, Noah Tatam.

"It was too crazy (a pace)," Matui said. "When I had a view of him one minute ahead, I increased the pace. I realized I could pass, so I tried to boost it a little bit."

But the festive day took a tragic turn.

With temperatures climbing toward the 80s as the sun rose in crystal clear skies, 31,000-plus runners were left reaching for sponges and dousing themselves with water during their 26.2- and 13.1-mile treks.

One runner who took part in the half-marathon portion collapsed and died after crossing the finish line at L.P. Field. The 26-year-old man's name was not immediately released.

"Medical personnel were on the scene and attempted to revive him but their efforts were in vain," read a statement by Bruce Herring, president of Elite Racing, which organizes the event. "This is an unfortunate and tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to family and friends."

Several other runners were carted off on stretchers and packed in ice when they finished.

"It's definitely the hottest one we've had in Nashville," CMM General Manager Adam Zocks said. "It's been a pretty day and we've had a record number of participants. It's not ideal weather conditions…"

The heat got to 23-year-old Tatiana Pushkareva of Russia, but not before she was the first woman to cross in 2:36:43. She vomited several times after crossing the finish line.

"I feel like I was very hot and not used to that because the summers in Russia are cold," she said through a translator.

Pushkareva pocketed $10,000. Matui won $20,000 thanks to the "Battle of the Sexes," a new competition with a $10,000 incentive for the first finisher regardless of gender. The Elite women got an 18-minute, 30-second head start, but the first five to cross were men.

Ben Payne of Columbus, Miss., won the half marathon in 1:10:42. Christina Roberto of New Haven, Conn., was the top female in 1:23:12.

"It got very hot," Roberto said. "I slowed down a lot at mile seven and then the last two miles I was dying. All I thought about was finishing."

The start of the race was picture perfect.

Athlete Village in Centennial Park was packed by 5:45 a.m. Mayor Karl Dean spoke to a rainbow-clad sea of runners lining West End Avenue shortly before they took off at 7:05 a.m. He encouraged everyone to spend money while they were in town.

Temperatures were still pleasant at that hour, but everyone knew it wouldn't last.

"I've heard it's a very hilly, tough course. That makes me nervous," said Jaime Murdoch, a 24-year-old Murfreesboro resident who ran her first half-marathon. "I don't really mind the heat as long as I stay hydrated. I'm definitely planning on walking a little, but I want to finish in two-and-a-half hours."

First-aid stations along the course stayed busy, and the first-aid tent at the finish line looked like a McDonald's drive-thru at lunch hour.

Some runners kept their minds off of the heat by listening to musicians along the route.

Others had iPods strapped to their arms.

"Anything that peps me up and keeps me going," said Mark Best, 43, of Franklin.

Runners received a medal when they finished — often from the willing and eager hands of two Birmingham volunteers: Cole King, 9, and sister Cheyenne, 6.

"Their mom is running, so I'm sure they're looking for her," father Bruce King said. "They were just as diligent at unpacking the medals as they are at handing them out."

From Tennessean.com

Starting from the unspoiled scenic beach town of Prampram through the port city of Tema and ending at the popular La Pleasure Beach in Accra 26 miles away, the Accra International Marathon (AIM) has great potential to truly develop into the “beach to beach” marathon of Ghana's capital city. The vision of AIM is to attract national and international participants to a world-class marathon running and walking event in the nation's capital and to be a fundraising vehicle in support of The Longevity Project (the Project). The mission of the Project is to increase the life expectancy and quality of life of Ghanaians. The prevailing life expectancy is approximately 58 years.

If you are unable to physically join us, please consider sponsoring a participant. To find out how else you can help please visit The Longevity Project website.

From www.aimghana.com

Do Not Publish

Below are some other sorces to refer to: Photos and results

Photo's By Reasons2Run: http://www.reasons2run.net/photogallery/

Photos By Ronald McDonad House: http://www.rmhnashville.com/photos/Moosic_Dairy_Dash

source: http://www.nashvillestriders.com/results/09/Purity%2009%20Corp%20Results.txt

On the 28th, the day before the race, Knoxville hosted an expo at the Convention Center Holiday Inn below the Golden Globe of World's Fair Park in Knoxville.  All participants were to attend the expo to pick up their race day packets which included their bib number, timing chip, t-shirt, and other goodies.  There were all sorts of vendors and information booths set up.  Reasons2Run (R2R) sent out the Street Team Leader and the Organization owner to hand out information flyers about Reasons2Run.  "I don't know what to do," says R2R Street Team Leader. "Me neither, but somehow we need to give these flyers out.  I don't know how to approach the people," replies R2R owner.  The two of them agreed to walk a long extended path back towards the car and agreed to hand a flyer to everyone they passed, eventually coming up with the idea of putting flyers in the windows of the cars.  This was Reasons2Run's first appearance in public, they hope to progress as they slowly get their feet wet.

The 29th marked the day of the race.  R2R had two athletes participating in the events: Ericha Baskerville and Sean Powell.  Sean and Ericha originally planned to run the half-marathon together, but the both of them faced obstacles before the race even began.  Ericha arrived late to the start line and could not figure out what to do with her bag. "I just left it at the hotel front desk.  I'm very thankful that they were able to hold it.  I promised them t-shirts in return" says Ericha.  She was able to start her race just minutes before the next race started.  As she ran along she was trying to catch up with Sean, but never found him in the race.  This was Ericha's first race since an injury in 2007, so she was excited to finish 13.1 miles with no injuries.

Sean Powell also faced an obstacle before the race, but was determined to complete the half marathon. "My wife messed me up," he says "She signed me up for the wrong race."  Sean had been registered to run the 5k.  He completed the 5k race, and afterwards, he ran the second half of the full marathon.  Sean completed his first half-marathon.  On that day he actually completed two races in one day, running 16.2 miles total.

Sean and Ericha are both looking forward to future races.  They are also recruting people for Reasons2Run.  R2R will have more information about how to become an athelte for Reasons2Run and the benefits of serving causes through them.

After the race, Knoxville hosted an afterparty which consisted of food and drinks for the athletes.  They also showed the runners coming accross the finish line on the jumbo-tron in the Tompsin Boling Arena where the Vols Basketball teams compete.  The video for the jumbo-tron was delayed a few minutes so that the participants could see themselves crossing the line.  The run was a success, and every year the race and supporters get better and better and more resourceful.  Many atheletes complete the Knoxville Marathon in order to train for other events because its hills.  It can be certain that next year, March of 2010, will exceed that of the Knoxville Marathon's past.

-Article By

Ericha Baskerville

Here is the site for the race : www.knoxvillemarathon.com/

This event does not need sponsorship, but donations are always welcomed.

-Article by

Bridgette R.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am committed and training to running 26.2 miles in the Accra International Marathon in Accra, Ghana on September 27, 2009.

I consider myself to be an average athlete and have participated in many races for several cures and causes, this will be my second full marathon and my first time running for a cause outside of the country.  I have ran several 5k's, 4 half-marathons, and one other full marathon, but training to run in Africa has been a dream and goal of mine for a while, and now is the time that I am making it happen.  I enjoy helping others for good causes.  Running for Ghana's Longevity Project aids me in fulfilling that need to help others and also helps me achieve a personal athletic goal.

The life expectancy in Ghana is about 58 years. Their quality of life is fairly low due to ill health, low productivity, and poverty. This is due to malaria, malnutrition, non- communicable disease (ex. diabetes), lack of awareness, and lack of fitness. The Longevity Project's Goal is to "increase the life expectancy and quality of life of Ghanaians."  Funds raised are used to increase public awareness of health risks and available solution, and to provide education on diet and fitness.

As a participant,  I have committed to raise $4,000 by May 1, 2009. I plan to raise my goal amount by receiving donation and by engaging in sponsorship projects. I am personally concerned with the health of others an how daily practices and education affect the futures of individuals.  I am currently in college studying mental health with interests in how nourishment and fitness plays a role.  This is why I stand behind the intentions of The Longevity Project. One U.S. Dollar goes a long way in Ghana.  Each dollar may add an extra year to a Ghanaian. So, please consider making a donation at any level.  Every dollar makes a difference.

Click Here To Make Donation

If you have any questions or concerns please refer to the website provide above or email me: reasons2run@gmx.com

Sincerely,

Ms. E Baskerville

Reasons2Run Hompage

Longevity Project Homepage

Accra International Marathon Homepage

This website was launched in order to help raise money for the different causes for which I run.  I started out doing half-marathons that benefit at risk children and Leukemia.  I have ran 3 races for Leukemia, several races to benefit children, and two races in Knoxville, TN for Covenant Health .  My next big goal is to run in Accra, Ghana next September.  The money raised goes towards a local health care system which will  aid in the maintenance of water purification, education about communicable diseases, vaccinations,  research and more.  Their focus in Accra is Longevity, since the expected age of death is only in the 50's.

I call my project Reasons2Run, because in the beginning I had no reason.  I had no motive to run.  It is much easier to run for someone else  or something else than it is for my own health.  Then running became my therapy, a way for me to meditate.  So here are my reasons to run: there are others who cannot run, there are people dying, poverty, Cancer, Leukemia, Education, Children.  I run knowing that the awareness I'm raising helps foundations to gain the tools they need in order to damper the distress of the suffering.

Help me raise awareness, or help me to raise funds for these causes by telling others about me and my site or by making a donation.

You are appreciated!

- Article by

Ericha Baskerville