30th Anniversary Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
Random Lottery To Open December 1, 2009
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will celebrate its 30th year as one of the premier triathlons in the world on Sunday, May 2, 2010. For 30 years, this legendary race has attracted professional and amateur athletes from around the world with its challenging course including the infamous swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, the hilly bike ride and grueling run through San Francisco. The world’s leading sports, entertainment and media company IMG Worldwide once again promises a stellar race ideal for athletes and spectators alike.
“The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is my favorite race,” said Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Three-Time Winner and Professional Triathlete Andy Potts. “IMG puts on a first class race that attracts top athletes from around the world and takes place on a truly unique course only made possible in a great city like San Francisco. I look forward to participating in the 30th Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and being a part of its ongoing history.”
Similar to the world-renowned Kona Ironman race, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of the hardest triathlons to get into and one of only a few triathlons to be nationally televised. Interested participants can qualify to participate by placing in one of the Escape TO Alcatraz Triathlon Series races: Triathlon de Gerardmer France, September 5, 2009; The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, September 11-13, 2009; Jarden Westchester Triathlon, September 29, 2009; San Diego Triathlon, March 20-21, 2010; and GateWay to the Bay, April 10-11, 2010, or by entering the random lottery beginning on December 1, 2009. Due to the race’s extreme popularity, the lottery fills up quickly, with thousands of hopeful participants attempting to secure one of the few coveted spots. Additionally, top men and women from the previous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon automatically qualify for the race.
“From the London Triathlon – the world’s largest, to the brand new Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of nearly a dozen renowned triathlons owned and produced by IMG,” said IMG’s Senior Vice President James Leitz. “IMG is dedicated to the sport of Triathlon and developing world class experiences for athletes around the world.”
Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike and an 8-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the most difficult triathlons in the world. More than 2,000 amateur and professional athletes from dozens of countries will attempt to conquer the icy cold swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, the hilly bike ride and grueling run through San Francisco for the 30th Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
The 30th Anniversary Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will take place on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at 8 a.m., in San Francisco. The public is invited to watch the race and attend the free two-day Fitness Festival & Expo Saturday and Sunday. (Please note, the date has changed from May 30, to May 2, 2010, due to a Doyle Drive construction project and Memorial Day Weekend traffic congestion.) The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is owned and produced by IMG Worldwide with race direction provided, in part, by Premier Event Management.
www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com
Source: IMG Worldwide
Rate of skin infections in high school and college athletes continues to grow
Athletic Trainers are Key to Prevention
A recent survey of nearly 650 athletic trainers across the U.S. revealed that in the past 12 months nearly 76 percent of the respondents’ athletic programs, mostly high school- and college-based, bacterial or viral skin infections have developed. This is up from 73 percent in 2008 and 67 percent in 2007.(1) (2) The good news – infection rates of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics, stabilized at 49 percent, the same as reported in 2008. (2)
The survey, conducted every year since 2006 at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) annual meeting, also showed a significant increase in athletic trainers’ roles in educating key groups including athletes (87 percent, up from 80 percent in 2008), coaches (80 percent, up from 62 percent in 2008) and athletes’ families (40 percent, up from 30 percent in 2008). This is important since these groups are often the “first responders” when it comes to early identification and treatment of a skin infection such as MRSA or sports-related injury.
“While we would like to see the estimated number of skin infections decrease, we are encouraged by the role athletic trainers increasingly play in educating and supporting athletes, coaches and families,” said Marjorie J. Albohm, MS, ATC, president of NATA. “MRSA continues to be an issue our members face on and off the field, but so are heat exhaustion, H1N1 and head concussions. Athletic Trainers deal with everything from cuts and sprains to potentially life threatening injuries on a daily basis.”
MRSA is usually spread from person-to-person through direct skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces such as towels, used bandages, hot and cold tubs, or weight-training equipment that have come in contact with the bacteria. MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils that are red, swollen and painful. MRSA can be life threatening when it enters the body through scrapes and scratches, potentially leading to blood and joint infections, and pneumonia. As the number of cases of MRSA has increased in the community, so have contact sports-related infections. (cite)
To help prevent transmission of infections and illnesses such as MRSA, H1N1 or seasonal flu, it is often recommended that athletes wash with cleansers that contain 4 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). CHG bonds to the skin and continues to actively kill germs for up to six hours without leaving a residue. This offers protection between washings and during competition. CHG has been used in hospitals and operating rooms for decades to help prevent the spread of infection.
“Washing with a cleanser that contains CHG can be especially helpful in amateur sports, since many athletes at that level do not shower immediately before or after activities. By washing even just the hands and arms before an activity, the risk of infection can be dramatically reduced,” said Jack Doornbos, executive director, Molnlycke Health Care, the health care company that supported the survey.
In fact, last year the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) noted that “the single most important thing for prevention is hand-washing with soap and water, or if MRSA is known to be present, with chlorhexidene (Hibiclens).(3)” Hibiclens® skin cleanser is one over-the-counter cleanser that contains 4 percent CHG and has been proven to kill germs on contact and bond with the skin to keep killing microorganisms for up to six hours without leaving a residue. The same cleanser with alcohol is available as a wipe called Hibistat® for on-the-go needs. Both are available at drug stores and pharmacies in the first aid section. For more information about CHG or to download free educational materials about MRSA and sports, visit hibiclens.com/athletes.html.
(1) Molnlycke Health Care, NATA survey of Athletic Trainers, June 2007.
(2) Molnlycke Health Care, NATA Survey of Athletic Trainers, June 2008.
(3) www.NFLplayers.com, “An Increasingly Common Bacterial Infection”, November 28, 2008, Dr. Thom Mayer.
Source: Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC
Scott Burrell promotes children’s fitness during ING Hartford Marathon weekend
Basketball champion teams up with ING Run For Something Better program to encourage young people to lead healthier lives
Former professional basketball player Scott Burrell will trade his high-tops for a pair of orange laces and running shoes as he joins over 1,000 students in Bushnell Park to celebrate ING Run For Something Better Day on Friday, October 9.
Burrell will help spread a positive message to young people about the benefits of health and fitness in connection with the ING Hartford Marathon, which takes place on Saturday morning, October 10.
“As a college coach and a former pro ball player, I know the importance of staying healthy and fit. Unfortunately, too many young people in our country aren’t getting enough physical activity and exercise,” said Burrell. “The great thing about running is that just about anyone can do it. You don’t need a lot of equipment, and you don’t have to be a professional athlete. I’m happy to see a company like ING making a difference and helping children take a positive step toward healthier lives.”
ING Run For Something Better Day takes place at Hartford’s Bushnell Park on Friday, October 9. The race is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.inghartfordmarathon.com.
The ING Run For Something Better program is a national initiative established by financial services leader ING. As a sponsor of premier running events across the U.S., ING has been promoting youth fitness by providing grants and funding to school-based running and health education programs.
In the Hartford area, the ING Run For Something Better program is managed by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. Students from participating schools train by running their own version of a half marathon, covering 13.1 miles in 6 weeks. Those who complete 12 miles prior to marathon weekend are invited to ING Run For Something Better Day where they run their last 1.1 “final mile” in Bushnell Park, crossing over the official ING Hartford Marathon Finish Line. They also receive a finisher’s medal and enjoy lunch as they experience the “World of Fitness” exhibits and activities.
Childhood obesity has become a serious health concern in the United States. Educating kids about the importance of living an active and healthy life is the cornerstone of the ING Run For Something Better.
Since 2003, over 50,000 children have participated in ING Run For Something Better programs across the country. Children in these programs have reached a milestone of running more than 1.5 million miles.
Those interested in following the latest news and updates on the ING Run For Something Better program can do so on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OrangeLaces as well as by visiting a newly launched ING Facebook page (search “ING Run For Something Better” on Facebook).
Source: ING Americas
PUMA Smashes Sprint World Records With Usain Bolt at World Championships in Athletics in Berlin
As the sponsor of the Jamaican track & field team at the World Athletics Championships 2009 in Berlin, Sportlifestyle company PUMA achieved a tremendous track record by endorsing sprint hero Usain Bolt who wrote sports history in Germany’s capital when he smashed the 100m and 200m world records.
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt broke the 100m world record with an amazing time of 9.58 seconds, when he seemingly effortlessly blew away his own world record of 9.69 seconds by 0.11 seconds that he set in last year’s Olympic Games in Beijing exactly a year ago to the day. The PUMA athlete manifested his reputation of a sprint superstar when he smashed his 200 meter world record of last year to become the World Champion in 19.19 seconds. With the Jamaican team coming in first in the 4×100 relay in 42.06 seconds on Saturday night, he finished an amazing race week by adding another gold medal and World Championship title to his track record.
“Usain Bolt wrote again sports history at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin when he shattered his own two world records in amazing times and went home with three world championship titles,” said Jochen Zeitz, CEO and Chairman of PUMA. “We are thrilled to have been Usain’s partner since he was 16 and congratulate him on his incredible success. He pushed the limits of speed and power and stepped into Jesse Owens footsteps who became a legend at the Olympic Games in the same stadium in 1936. Through the enormous brand visibility, that has an estimated media value of several hundreds of millions of US Dollars, PUMA clearly strengthened and further expanded its position as one of the leading running brands.”
“Berlin has been so welcoming to me and to the entire Jamaican team,” said Usain Bolt on the closing day of the 12th IAAF World Championship. “What an experience to come here, the place where barriers were broken by Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics and be able to set new world records. Winning the 4 x 100 on Saturday night as a team was the perfect way to end this race week. Thanks to all of Berlin, the fans worldwide and my sponsor PUMA who have supported us.”
The currently fastest man on earth has joined the group of successful PUMA athletes and teams, whose outstanding performances strongly influenced international sports through innovative PUMA products and creative marketing initiatives during the last 60 years.
The Theseus Pro sprint spike, dubbed the PUMA YAAM, that propelled Usain Bolt to victory was developed by a team of PUMA designers and technicians who studied and measured Bolt’s stride and foot form. With this information and ongoing track-testing, they created a custom-made sprint spike that best suits Usain’s unique body kinetics. The vibrant orange color was chosen to contrast the Olympic Stadium’s signature blue track. The shoe is designed to provide power, speed and stability. The “engine” of the show is a carbon plate, which adds speed and power but no weight. PUMA has also designed an athletic, low-profile version of Usain’s signature track spike, called the PUMA STREET YAAM, which will be available at select retail locations later in the year.
PUMA’s activities around the World Championships were accompanied by the global PUMA marketing campaign “Who faster?” which included several marketing initiatives focussing on in store and viral marketing.
On August 23rd, at the conclusion of the World Championships, the city of Berlin said “Thanks” to Usain when the capital’s mayor Klaus Wowereit, handed over an original piece of the Berlin Wall 20 years after its fall to the fastest man on earth. The unique souvenir has a height of about 3.60 meters and a width of 1.20 meters and weighs 2.7 tons. It was designed exclusively for Usain Bolt and the front displays him on his way to break the 100 m world record on the legendary blue of the Berlin tracks.
Other teams that PUMA sponsored at the World Athletics Championships were Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Uganda, Botswana and the Czech Republic.
Source: PUMA AG Rudolf Dassler Sport
3,000 Athletes Race in 9th Annual Nautica New York City Triathlon
New York Woman Takes Lead for First Time
More than 3,000 athletes took the plunge into the Hudson River along Manhattan’s West Side in Riverside Park at the 9th Annual Nautica New York City Triathlon on Sunday, July 26, 2009.
The only Olympic-distance triathlon in New York City, the event hosted athletes from 45 states and 18 countries and offered $30,000 in prize money. The course consists of a 1,500-meter swim in the Hudson River, a 40-kilometer bike ride along the Henry Hudson parkway, and a 10K run in Central Park.
In its inaugural year, 683 people signed up for the NYC Triathlon; in November of 2008, registration was closed in 22 minutes.
This year, the Nautica New York City Triathlon hosted the USA Triathlon’s Accenture ParaTriathlon National Championship with nearly 100 athletes. This race is their only qualifying event for the World Championships. To qualify, they must finish in less than 4 hours.
“This triathlon began as part of New York City’s 2012 Olympic bid effort and has grown beyond our wildest imaginations,” said John Korff, the race’s organizer. “The sport of triathlon continues to be America’s fastest-growing spectator sport and every year, we regret that we have to turn people away.”
The Tri also featured the second annual IAMS 5-Mile Doggy Dash, with nearly 20 dogs and their humans vying to be the first to cross the finish line in Central Park to win the coveted red fire hydrant.
Below are the results for the top finishers.
TOP MEN:
1. Greg Bennett, 37, formerly North Sydney Australia, now Boulder, CO–1:45:50 (4th consecutive win)
2. Andy Potts, 32, Boulder, CO–1:46:27
3. Matty Reid, 33, Boulder, CO–1:47:43
TOP WOMEN:
1. Rebeccah Wassner, 33, New York, NY–1:58:25
2. Becky Lavelle, 34, Los Gatos, CA–2:00:17
3. Margaret Shapiro, 32, Herndon, VA–2:03:21
The winners of the IAMS 5-Mile Doggy Dash were:
1. Nathan Kucera and Beowulf, New Haven, CT
2. Bryan Scherich and Blue, Durham, NC
3. Kurt Skalamera and Bean, New York, NY
Official New York City Triathlon sponsors include Nautica, FOX 5 New York, Toyota, Accenture, Janus, jetBlue Airways, The Vitamin Shoppe, Muscle Milk, SNY, RCN, United Healthcare, POM Wonderful, Minute Rice, Xterra Wetsuits, IAMS, Reebok Sports Club/NY, Power Crunch, Jamaica Tourist Board, Edge Infused, Athletes for a Fit Planet, TYR, SpongeTech, Sistem, The Capital Grille, Huggies, and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series.
Source: Nautica(R) New York City Triathlon
2008 Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Sammy Wanjiru Selects 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for U.S. Debut
Former Chicago Marathon Champions Evans Cheruiyot, Patrick Ivuti and Lidiya Grigoryeva to Contend for Repeat Championships
2008 Olympic Marathon gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru (KEN) today announced he will make his first U.S. appearance at the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in an attempt to better his current personal marathon record (2:05:10). With two sub-2:06 marathons to his credit and the benefits of Chicago’s sleek course, the 22-year-old Kenyan’s goals are within reach.
“My plan for the fall is to lower my personal record and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course offers the best opportunity for me to achieve that this year,” said Wanjiru from Kenya. “My only focus between now and October is to prepare and train aggressively for my best performance yet.”
Wanjiru has quickly made a name for himself in the world of distance running, first capturing the half marathon world record in 2005, lowering it in 2007 and winning three of the four marathons in which he has competed. His Olympic gold medal performance last summer in Beijing was the first ever for a Kenyan athlete in the marathon and marked his first World Marathon Majors (WMM) victory. This spring, he captured a second consecutive WMM win with his fastest time yet at the 2009 London Marathon (2:05:10).
“Sammy is certainly the athlete to watch in this sport right now and we are honored to be able to host him at such a pivotal point in his career,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. “We have had the pleasure of witnessing four previous world records in Chicago and if conditions are right, the enthusiastic sports fans in this city could have the opportunity to see that again.”
Challenging Wanjiru for the title will be 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion Evans Cheruiyot (KEN) and 2007 champion Patrick Ivuti (KEN). Cheruiyot, 27, has competed in only three marathons including his WMM debut in Chicago last fall. He broke the tape in a personal best 2:06:25, an impressive feat considering the unseasonably warm weather.
Ivuti, 31, will make his third Chicago appearance this fall, returning to the site where he posted the closest margin of victory in Chicago Marathon history in 2007. Amid record heat and humidity, Ivuti thrilled fans with a shoulder-to-shoulder sprint against two-time World Champion Jaouad Gharib (MAR), crossing the finish line only half a second ahead of Gharib (2:11:11). In 2005, he made his marathon debut in Chicago where he posted his current personal best (2:07:46) in a fifth-place finish.
Reigning women’s Chicago Marathon champion Lidiya Grigoryeva (RUS) will defend the title she earned in Chicago last October with a finish time of 2:27:17. Grigoryeva, 35, is the 2007 Boston Marathon champion and owns a personal best of 2:25:10 set in Los Angeles in 2006. Her primary contender is 2005 Chicago Marathon champion Deena Kastor (USA) who has already set her sights on lowering the American marathon record she currently owns (2:19:36).
“Today’s announcement significantly advances the depth of our elite athlete field for the October 11 race and continues the tradition of world class marathon competition in Chicago,” said Pinkowski.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most competitive marathons in the world. In its storied history it has hosted some of the great names in the sport including Steve Jones, Joan Benoit-Samuelson, Khalid Khannouchi, Catherine Ndereba, Deena Kastor and Paula Radcliffe. Currently, the 2009 start line will feature four former Chicago Marathon champions, eight World Marathon Major victories and two Olympic medalists.
In its 32nd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 runners including a world class elite field and 1.5 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising $10 million for a variety of charitable causes while generating an estimated $140 million economic impact to its host city.
The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on the race and how to get involved is available at the event Web site, chicagomarathon.com.
www.chicagomarathon.com
Source: Bank of America
Spots still available to run 2009 ING New York City Marathon with Team Reeve
July 20th application deadline fast approaching
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation announced that it has a limited number of spots available for the 2009 ING New York City Marathon.
The benefits of being part of Team Reeve include: personalized training plan from our team coach; running performance t-shirt; team newsletters; fundraising assistance and tips from Reeve Foundation staff; personal fundraising webpage and ongoing assistance with the management and maintenance of your site; runner’s online discussion group; overall support leading up to race day; and multiple Team Reeve cheering squads along the course. Aside from the satisfaction of accomplishing such athletic achievement, you will run with the motivation of knowing with each mile marker you pass, your efforts will truly make a difference in the lives of people living with paralysis.
Recently, Matthew Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve and member of the Board of Directors of the Reeve Foundation, announced he will run the 2009 ING New York City Marathon as a member of Team Reeve. Matthew was inspired to compete on behalf of the 1.275 million Americans living with spinal cord injury.
In April, the Reeve Foundation released the results of the largest paralysis population survey ever conducted, which reported that 5.6 million Americans live with paralysis, 1.275 million of whom are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury. To honor this community, he will be wearing bib number 1275.
“We all know someone — a brother, sister, friend, neighbor, or colleague — living with paralysis,” stated Reeve. “They are only one degree of separation from all of us. They live with a condition that affects their family life, their ability to work, and their capacity to enjoy even the most routine everyday activities that others take for granted.”
In order to be considered, visit www.ChristopherReeve.org/TeamReeve and fill out online application. If you have your own entry and want to run with Team Reeve, email TeamReeve@ChristopherReeve.org. The application deadline is Monday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. For questions, please call (800) 225-0292.
Source: Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation