WHERE IS WALDO?

Maybe the question should have been ‘why do Waldo?’

While reams have been written across the state about the hardy souls who braved the sub-freezing temperatures of the Walt Disney World Marathon, nary a peep has been spouted about the true-to-the-tri athletes who showed up for the start of the third annual Waldo Triathlons that took place in the little town about 30 minutes northeast of Gainesville.

In spite of ice on the ground, these toughie trifolk came ready to rock the sprint or international distances that were to begin with the swims at Lake Alto Park. Thankfully, the race director replaced the frosty freestyle with a 5K run, turning both events into duathlons.

Good thing. Hard to imagine swimming in an open and cold lake with air temps of 24 degrees and then hopping a bike in 10-15mph NW winds.

Ed Donner, left,  probably could have gotten in as good of a workout if he had slept in and went out to play later in the day by himself or with some pals. The Melbourne wealth manager zipped through the 5K/20K/5K course in 1:15:17, averaging 22.7mph on the bike to post the fastest bike split in the field.

“I wasn't worried about ice especially on the bike,” he said. “But I guess that's why everyone biked slower.”

With a final 5K (and fastest split) of 19:22, an icy Ed took the win in 1:15:17 - almost 13 minutes ahead of his closest competitor. Along with his victory, however, Donner received something he had not experienced at prior FL races.

“I could barely talk at the end of the race,” he said “(I had a) frozen mouth.”

Palm Bay’s Anthea Atkinson also grabbed the top spot in the women’s 50-54 division with her 1:53:29 and Malabar’s Mike Smith covered the International-distance in 2:53:20, good enough for first in the male 50-54 age group.

Congrats to all of Brevard’s locals who tackled Florida’s Great White Tri North.

ANOTHER TIP OF THE MOUSE EARS

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Jan. 10, 2010) – Adriano Bastos weathered the elements and a late-race challenge Sunday to snag his sixth consecutive Walt Disney World Marathon present by CIGNA and seventh overall. Likewise, Lisa Mizutani won the women’s title for the second straight year.

Unlike last year when Bastos, 31, led the 26.2 mile race virtually from start to finish, the colorful Brazilian battled temperatures in the low-30s and was pushed much of the race by several competitors, creating the tightest finish among Bastos’ seven victories at Disney. With about three miles to go, Bastos opened a small lead and crossed the finish line at 2:22:08 – 33 seconds ahead of fellow Brazlian Fredison Costa (2:22:41). Jay Lumpkins of Ocoee, Fla., was third (2:24:24).

“The real challenge wasn’t the cold weather, but it was the fact that I had someone challenging me for first place,’’ said Bastos, whose goal is to win 10 straight Disney Marathons. “This is the first time that I felt that I had runners at the same level with me. I was scared. I thought my streak might be broken.’’

Mizutani, 24, of Japan won just as easily as she did a year ago, this time crossing the finish line in 2:51:20 - more than five minutes ahead of Christa Benton of St. Petersburg, Fla (2:56:43).

Matthew Dobson of Jay, Fla., was the top men’s Masters Division finisher (runners age 40 and over) with a time of 2:38:15 and Terri Rejimbal won the women’s Masters Division with 3:14:26. In the wheelchair division, Krige Schabort of Cedartown, Ga. (1:42:35) and Shirley Reilly of Tucson, Ariz. (2:22:30), both won the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, for the second straight year.

The Disney Marathon capped a weekend of endurance events at Disney, including the Disney Half Marathon, the Disney-Pixar Up and Away Family Fun Run 5K, Disney’s Kids Races and a Health & Fitness Expo. In all, more than 55,000 runners registered for events throughout the weekend, making this the largest Disney Marathon Weekend since the event’s debut in 1994. (Press release courtesy Walt Disney World)

THE LOCAL TAKE

Most of us who ran today slept in later than usual to let things warm up a bit. Not so for the 220 locals who had to roll out of bed at O-dark-30 to make the pre-dawn start of the Walt Disney Marathon.

With temperatures hovering below freezing at the start and then dropping some more before the sun came up, volunteers at the water stations were cautioning runners to “watch out for ice”. When was the last time you heard that at a local race?

And, while running 26.2 miles in freezing temperatures is a challenge enough for Floridians, 44 of today’s Brevard runners had also suffered through sleet and rain during yesterday’s half marathon, earning the coveted (or just plain nuts) ‘Goofy’ moniker, special medal and extra race shirt.

After last year’s Goofy, Cocoa’s Danny Barrett, left, said he wanted to come back this year and become Brevard’s fastest ‘Goofy’ runner.

The 45-year-old, single father-of-two did just that covering 13.1 miles in 1:43:09 and then crossing today’s finish line in 3:30:31, good enough to qualify for Boston.

Barrett was Brevard’s only Goofy participant to run a Boston-qualifier on the weekend’s second freeze-fest.

Others who earned the Beantown nod today include Thaddeus Austin, 33, Merritt Island, 3:06:17; Danny Barrett, 45, Cocoa, 3:30:31; Dan Cochran, 48, Titusville, 3:21:32; Megan Jaunich, 25, Satellite Beach, 3:40:47; Kelsey Kramer, 23, Satellite Beach, 3:40:53; Tricia Rydson, 36, Melbourne Beach, 3:42:06; David Taurasi, 46, Titusville, 3:28:10; Tammy Wieand, 43, Melbourne Beach, 3:28:46 and Marty Winkel, 65, Titusville, 4:14:48.

Special kudos to Merritt Island’s Susie and RC Koontz as well as Cocoa Beaches Mike Vincent who are three of the very few athletes in the world who have completed each of the 17 Walt Disney World Marathons.  Today’s finish line allowed Suzie Koontz to chalk up another Goofy, as well.

Other local Goofy runners include Andrew Adams, 6:49:22, 3:10:43; James Adams, 5:00:44, 1:50:13; Jan Adams, 6:43:03; 2:38:15; Danny Barrett, 3:30:31, BQ, 1:43:09; Michael Blanchard, 6:19:37, 3:08:01; Diana Burton, 6:41:42, 2:56:45; Catherine Callender, 4:58:35, 2:19:14; Ryan Caudill, 3:58:35, 1:48:25; Wilson Causey, 3:37:24, 2:50:55; Carole Chamberlain, 6:36:40, 3:12:17; Cedric Ching, 5:38:35, 2:18:53, photo left: Cedric and his harem of volunteers at the 2009 Space Coast Marathon); Cameron Cole, 4:28:15; 1:59:50; James Croft, 4:28:41, 2:11:34; Lee Fairchild, 5:57:44, 2:58:59; Bill Floyd, 5:55:29, 2:57:05; Janice Gagnier, 5:11:16, 2:58:39; Charis Gaines, 5:43:13, 2:27:40; Michael Glover, 4:14:08, 1:57:00; Elizabeth Gmerek, 5:58:41, 2:47:41; Katie Halley, 5:48:12, 2:57:36, Jeff Hedrick, 5:30:33, 2:27:15; Rayanne Kelly, 4:55:55, 2:15:52; Brian Kennedy, 4:26:28, 2:31:58; Susie Koontz, 4:51:19; 2:23:09; Robin Lewis, 6:47:40, 3:23:17; James Mankowski, 4:44:42, 2:08:14; John Noll, 6:41:42, 2:56:45; Sean Odle, 7:20:24, 3:26:48; John Rice, 6:15:30, 2:52:12, Julia Rojas, 6:33:24, 2:53:33; Chris Romano, 3:44:14, 1:47:15; Andrea Schaffner, 4:50:48, 2:08:41; Shawn Schaffner, 4:13:02, 1:57:29; Lew Schwartz, 5:46:03, 2:26:18; Michael Weiss, 6:31:22, 2:57:56, Robin Weiss, 6:31:22, 2:58:01; Angela Wells, 3:58:09, 1:31:44; Alan Wilkerson, 4:19:42, 1:50:08; Robin Williams, 5:30:34, 2:27:26; Mickey Wright, 6:46:33, 2:01,13; Sally Wright, 5:51:24, 2:45:49; Gina-Marie Zingarelli, 5:50:45; 2:34:29.

A tip of the mouse  ears to all of Brevard’s Walt Disney World Marathon finishers including #15161. Nawal Aboul-Hosn, Rockledge, 6:37:32; 15825. Andrew Adams, Rockledge, 6:49:22; 7750. James Adams, Rockledge, 5:00:44; 15472. Jan Adams, Rockledge, 6:43:03; 3454. Naweed Akram, Melbourne, 4:18:06; 4736. Wade Alliance, Viera, 4:31:34; 5806. Heather Anderson, Merritt Island, 4:42:41; 6868. Kelly Anderson, Titusville, 4:52:38; 2973. Meghann Anderson, Titusville, 4:12:26; 15687. Pascalle Atwell, Titusville, 6:47:01; 100. Thaddeus Austin, Merritt Island, 3:06:17; 15035. Cynthia Bailey, Titusville, 6:35:21; 5049. Wendy Barin, Merritt Island, 4:35:03; 10551. Timothy Barnhouse, Melbourne, 5:31:32; 558. Danny Barrett, Cocoa, 3:30:31; 11210. Andre Beckus, Titusville, 5:39:31; 7553. Kris Behrend, Cocoa Beach, 4:59:04; 15811. Julia Black, Cocoa Beach, 6:49:05; 14169. Michael Blanchard, Rockledge, 6:19:37; 9497. Todd Bogue, Titusville, 5:20:18; 4260. Jacqueline Boughner, Melbourne, 4:26:34; 7822. Angie Brammer, Grant-valkaria, 5:01:41; 1441. Cheryl Brannan, Viera, 3:51:10; 7164. Diane Braswell, Rockledge, 4:55:36; 5531. Jeff Braswell, Rockledge, 4:40:02; 14063. Brian Bridenbecker, Palm Bay, 6:17:52; 8186. Grover Brower, Indian Harbour Bea, 5:05:41; 8185. Joshua Brower, Indian Harbour Bea, 5:05:41; 4258. Shannon Buchanan, Melbourne, 4:26:34; 15396. Diana Burton, Indian Harbour Bch, 6:41:42; 7502. Catherine Callender, Melbourne, 4:58:35; 12125. Kelly Cameron, Indian Harbour Bea, 5:51:18; 7045. Lauren Carlough, Melbourne, 4:54:39; 8151. Anthony Catanese, Melbourne Beach, 5:05:15; 2015. Ryan Caudill, Merritt Island, 3:58:35; 802. Wilson Causey, Viera, 3:37:24; 15118. Carole Chamberlain, Melbourne, 6:36:40; 11960. Daniel Chen, Merritt Island, 5:49:04; 11140. Cedric Ching, Melbourne, 5:38:35; 10765. Chandra Claycomb, Palm Bay, 5:33:49; 10373. Tom Clyde, Palm Bay, 5:29:37; 310. Dan Cochran, Titusville, 3:21:32; 4445. Cameron Cole, Melbourne, 4:28:15; 13460. Sam Collins, Melbourne Beach, 6:09:15; 7730. Christopher Cox, Mims, 5:00:35; 3194. Bill Craig, Rockledge, 4:15:08; 1831. Bruce Crain, Melbourne Beach, 3:56:33; 4451. James Croft, Indian Harbour Bch, 4:28:21; 15291. Randall Crosby, Titusville, 6:39:58; 11380. Curtis Curry, Malabar, 5:41:30; 2311. James D'amico, Melbourne, 4:02:18; 15062. Daryl Davenport, Melbourne, 6:35:44; 11108. Walter Day, Merritt Island, 5:38:10; 73. Jesse Delia, Indian Harbour Bch, 3:02:05; 7043. Anne Doerflein, West Melbourne, 4:54:39; 5424. Richard Dunlap, Melbourne, 4:38:57; 16605. Dalys Dunn, Melbourne, 7:05:25; 3079. Mary Failla, West Melbourne, 4:13:49; 12663. Lee Fairchild, Melbourne, 5:57:44; 2031. Randy Farner, Mims, 3:58:46; 15037. Deborah Ferguson, Titusville, 6:35:22; 10066. Terry Ferrisi, Melbourne, 5:26:13; 6294. Katie Fleming, West Melbourne, 4:47:18; 14247. Diane Fletcher, Melbourne Beach, 6:21:00; 12491. Bill Floyd, Palm Bay, 5:55:29; 5300. Linda Foster, Rockledge, 4:37:39; 15073. William Fry, Indialantic, 6:35:58; 8644. Janice Gagnier, Melbourne, 5:11:16; 11510. Charis Gaines, Viera, 5:43:13; 16153. Larae Gerhardt, Merritt Island, 6:55:25; 3105. Michael Glover, Merritt Island, 4:14:08; 12743. Elizabeth Gmerek, Merritt Island, 5:58:41; 5120. Chad Goff, Satellite Beach, 4:35:46; 9076. Kevin Goins, Melbourne, 5:16:00; 11825. Ronald Gordon, Palm Bay, 5:47:12; 11939. Gary Gowens, Cocoa, 5:48:45; 15043. Miles Green, Palm Bay, 6:35:25; 373. Jeff Grunow, Melbourne, 3:25:01; 14698. Mike Guess, Cocoa, 6:29:04; 16154. Casey Hahn, Cocoa Beach, 6:55:25; 11891. Katie Halley, Melbourne, 5:48:12; 1254. Julie Hannah, Palm Bay, 3:47:39; 14863. Kevin Harris, Cocoa, 6:31:51; 13096. Briana Haut, Melbourne, 6:03:50; 2766. Jon Hays, Melbourne Beach, 4:09:37; 16184. Jo Lea Hearn, Merritt Island, 6:55:58; 10468. Jeffrey Hedrick, Viera, 5:30:33; 4544. Layla Higgins, Cape Canaveral, 4:29:10; 2949. Christopher Hill, Titusville, 4:12:09; 16375. Ken Hill, Merritt Island, 6:59:43; 9142. John Holmquist, Merritt Island, 5:16:45; 12490. Eufemia Howard, Palm Bay, 5:55:28; 16068. Dan Howick, Cocoa, 6:53:43; 13986. Mitchell Hughes, Viera, 6:16:56; 11884. David Huss, Merritt Island, 5:48:07; 9836. Aaron Inman, Melbourne, 5:23:47; 8269. Sara Jackson, West Melbourne, 5:06:42; 954. Megan Jaunich, Satellite Beach, 3:40:47; 10628. Wayne Jentis, Palm Bay, 5:32:28; 11749. David Johnson, Palm Bay, 5:46:11; 14371. Elvira Johnson, Palm Bay, 6:23:15; 16041. George Johnson, Palm Bay, 6:53:08; 6843. Patricia Johnson, Palm Bay, 4:52:23; 10622. Neal Kamphaus, Merritt Island, 5:32:23; 10404. Jacqueline Kappes, Cocoa, 5:29:53; 10530. Adam Kearney, Melbourne, 5:31:15; 13664. Sarah Keating, Melbourne, 6:12:20; 12045. Dean Kellogg, Cocoa Beach, 5:50:02; 7201. Rayanne Kelly, Cocoa Beach, 4:55:55; 4251. Brian Kennedy, Satellite Beach, 4:26:28; 9911. Kenneth King, Cocoa Beach, 5:24:38; 8432. Philip King, Cocoa, 5:08:43; 6731. Kathryn Koontz, Merritt Island, 4:51:19; 14003. Richard Koontz, Merritt Island, 6:17:13; 956. Kelsey Kramer, Satellite Beach, 3:40:53; 312. Brian Lail, Melbourne, 3:21:40; 3301. Kristina Latraverse, Palm Bay, 4:16:22; 14729. Erin Lauscher, Cocoa, 6:29:24; 15722. Robin Lewis, Rockledge, 6:47:40; 14673. Jeffrey Lindgren, Melbourne, 6:28:30; 5951. Matt Lindner, Melbourne, 4:44:13; 465. James Longville, Merritt Island, 3:28:08; 15831. Lydia Loyd, Titusville, 6:49:30; 14824. Rey Luna, Cocoa, 6:31:17; 4659. Larry Malcom, Patrick Afb, 4:30:40; 11317. Dan Maloney, Palm Bay, 5:40:49; 4726. Connie Maltby, Rockledge, 4:31:27; 5997. James Mankowski, Indian Harbour Bch, 4:44:42; 9380. Daniel Marshall, Palm Bay, 5:19:10; 14727. Amanda Mckee, Palm Bay, 6:29:23; 9118. Matthew Mckee, Palm Bay, 5:16:29; 8829. Joan Mcmahon, Melbourne, 5:13:27; 16401. Sandi Melkonian, Melbourne, 7:00:13; 7609. Sean Michaels, Merritt Island, 4:59:29; 6324. Norman Miller, Melbourne, 4:47:39; 14980. Gabrielle Mollica, Satellite Beach, 6:34:09; 16031. Jeremy Moore, Satellite Beach, 6:52:52; 8638. Pauline Morano, Satellite Beach, 5:11:13; 9630. Katie Mulvehill, Indian Harbour Bea, 5:21:38; 11227. Allie Newell, Rockledge, 5:39:40; 15688. Nga Nguyen, Titusville, 6:47:02; 7847. Jeanine Nolan, Palm Bay, 5:01:56; 15394. John Noll, Satellite Beach, 6:41:42; 16824. Sean Odle, Melbourne, 7:20:24; 1138. Steve Oliver, Melbourne, 3:44:55; 5415. Abe Oros, Palm Bay, 4:38:52; 14455. Pam Ouellette, Palm Bay, 6:24:41; 9813. Juan Pinzon, Titusville, 5:23:38; 1446. Graham Poliner, Merritt Island, 3:51:13; 6750. Anthony Porter, Satellite Beach, 4:51:28; 3836. Lynn Preuss, Palm Bay, 4:22:06; 4860. Brenna Reyes, Cocoa Beach, 4:32:53; 14042. Tracy Riazzi, Melbourne, 6:17:42; 13881. John Rice, Cocoa Beach, 6:15:30; 6337. Lea Richard, Melbourne, 4:47:45; 7192. John Roberts, Melbourne, 4:55:48; 14931. Julia Rojas, Titusville, 6:33:24; 1110. Chris Romano, Rockledge, 3:44:14; 12683. Tim Rooney, Titusville, 5:58:07; 9222. Beverly Rose, Melbourne, 5:17:28; 14163. Lindsay Roseland, Merritt Island, 6:19:29; 1700. Lee Rosen, Patrick Afb, 3:54:52; 4681. Terry Rosenbalm, Viera, 4:30:52; 10537. Allyson Ross, Melbourne, 5:31:18; 1006. Tricia Rydson, Melbourne Beach, 3:42:06; 1701. Jamie Sancartier, Melbourne, 3:54:53; 5752. Alicia Saunders, Melbourne, 4:42:04; 13968. Lacey Saxon, Indialantic, 6:16:41; 6915. Sean Sboto, Cocoa, 4:53:07; 5561. Robert Scalero, Indialantic, 4:40:21; 4740. Kim Scales, Cocoa Beach, 4:31:38; 6685. Andrea Schaffner, Cape Canaveral, 4:50:48; 3012. Shawn Schaffner, Cape Canaveral, 4:13:02; 16785. Tina Schantz-Gross, Melbourne, 7:14:53; 8928. Katherine Schindler, Titusville, 5:14:23; 11745. Lew Schwartz, Melbourne, 5:46:03; 14338. Laura Scott, Satellite Beach, 6:22:26; 8635. Cheryl Serafini-Cook, Indian Harbour Bea, 5:11:12; 7243. Don Sgobbo, Se Palm Bay, 4:56:19;16182. Leisha Sinclair, Merritt Island, 6:55:58; 11179. Donna Straka, Rockledge, 5:39:06; 14054. Sharon Suchoski, Indialantic, 6:17:49; 8583. Rod Sulte, Melbourne, 5:10:38; 469. David Taurasi, Titusville, 3:28:10; 2431. Jeannette Thomas, Rockledge, 4:04:50; 16865. Popo Tin, Melbourne, 7:29:22; 1451. Kristen Tinker, Merritt Island, 3:51:16; 5603. Pedro Toledo, Titusville, 4:40:40; 14746. Laura Van Deusen, Rockledge, 6:29:45; 1255. Elizabeth Van Hemel, West Melbourne, 3:47:42; 15117. Teresa Van Valkenburg, Satellite Beach, 6:36:40; 10552. Jill Vanelli, Melbourne, 5:31:32; 6851. Ivan Vincent, Cocoa Beach, 4:52:31; 11162. Zofia Vincent, Cocoa Beach, 5:38:47; 14747. Hedy Von Achen, Melbourne Beach, 6:29:45; 11588. Robert Von Achen, Rockledge, 5:44:21; 3674. Jason Walcott, Palm Bay, 4:20:27; 6447. Tom Ward, Melbourne Beach, 4:48:44; 12970. Mike Weatherspoon, West Melbourne, 6:01:50; 11651. Joe Wehlen, Viera, 5:45:00; 14835. Michael Weiss, Rockledge, 6:31:22; 14834. Robin Weiss, Rockledge, 6:31:22; 1981. Angela Wells, Merritt Island, 3:58:09; 15290. Chaz Wendling, Viera, 6:39:58; 11913. Joseph Werner, Melbourne, 5:48:22; 3923. Jason White, Palm Bay, 4:23:05; 494. Tammy Wieand, Melbourne Beach, 3:28:46; 13269. Midori Wiles, Melbourne, 6:06:17; 3607. Alan Wilkerson, Melbourne, 4:19:42; 10473. Robin Williams, Merritt Island, 5:30:34; 3198. Mary Wills, Cape Canaveral, 4:15:11; 3164. Marty Winkel, Titusville, 4:14:48; 3291. Kendra Wood, Melbourne, 4:16:17; 15661. Mickey Wright, Merritt Island, 6:46:33; 12131. Sally Wright, Palm Bay, 5:51:24; 7559. Tj Wyand, Indian Harbour Bea, 4:59:06; 15034. W. Wyckoff, Titusville, 6:35:20; 11134. Dennis Xiques, Melbourne, 5:38:29; 13574. Linda Yatsko, Melbourne, 6:10:56; 12093. Gina-Marie Zingarelli, Melbourne, 5:50:45.

MOUSE-ICLES ANYONE?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Jan. 9, 2010) – Michigan runners Chad Johnson and Emily Mortensen weathered near freezing temperatures today to take home the men’s and women’s Walt Disney World Half Marathon division titles. (photo left: how often do you see that many clothes at the start of a FL half marathon?)

Braving freezing rain and temperatures in the low-30s, Johnson won for the second time after streaking to the finish at the Walt Disney World Half Marathon presented by CIGNA in 2008 (photo below left). Johnson, 33, who trained for the Disney event by running at times in snowy conditions in Rochester Hills, Mich., battled fellow Hanson’s Brooks Distance Project Running Club member Sage Canaday for nearly 10 miles before pulling away and finishing at 1:07:02 - 18 seconds ahead of Canaday. Luis Rivera from Puerto Rico was third at 1:08:55.

After the race, Johnson said he and some of his Hanson’s Brooks running club teammates were going to celebrate by going to the Magic Kingdom.

Mortensen, 27, took the women’s title with a time of 1:20:58, finishing just ahead of Jen Blue (1:21:37) and Elizabeth Foster (1:21:52).

Jon Williams, 41, of Miami won the Masters division (ages 40 and up) with a time of 1:18:09. Ramilya Burangulov, 48, from Gainesville, Fla. ran away with the women’s Masters race with a time of 1:22:22.

In the Wheelchair division, Germantown, Tenn. resident John Payne won for the second straight year, this time crossing the finish line at 1:40:26.

Despite the unseasonably cold Florida weather, the field featured nearly 23,000 runners who covered the 13.1-mile course while being entertained with fireworks, music and appearances by several Disney characters.

Combined with the Disney Marathon on Jan. 10, more than 55,000 people are expected to take part in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA – the most since the event began in 1994. The weekend also includes the Disney-Pixar Up and Away Family Fun Run 5K, Disney’s Kids Races and a Health and Fitness Expo.

Registration for the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend begins Monday Jan. 11. To register or for more information visit http://www.disneyworldmarathon.com/. The 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is Jan. 6-9, 2011.

Special CONGRATS to the 244 Brevard County half marathon finishers who had to line up more than an hour early for the 6 a.m. start, enduring what was described as “pelting ice and then rain”. Can you say “my legs are numb”?

West Melbourne’s John Davis, 32, turned in Brevard’s fastest finish of 1:21:53, placing ninth in the 30-34 age group. Our fastest local female was Pam Meier, 46, whose 1:37:16 nailed fourth in the 45-49 age group. Not too far behind Meir was 17-year-old Elizabeth Green, who won the 14-17 division in 1:38:01. Jim Weir took the top spot in  the 70-74 age group with his 2:00:41 finish.

Other locals-turned-running Eskimo included #442. Jorge Abreu, Titusville, 1:40:19; 13790. Andrew Adams, Rockledge, 3:10:43; 10591. Cody Adams, Melbourne, 2:48:11; 1140. James Adams, Rockledge, 1:50:13; 9019. Jan Adams, Rockledge, 2:38:15; 11884. Arlene Allen-Buono, Melbourne, 2:56:20; 2920. Wendy Andrews, Viera, 2:04:24; 14531. Carla Arevalos-Eddy, Merritt Island, 3:16:09; 14929. Judy Bailey, Cocoa Beach, 3:19:35; 16760. Gail Bantugan, Melbourne, 3:39:01;6308. Lynette Barberie, Satellite Beach, 2:23:38; 14693. Steve Barberie, Satellite Beach, 3:17:38; 15941. Jane Baron, Melbourne, 3:28:12; 11086. Aubrey Barrett, Rockledge, 2:51:22; 603. Danny Barrett, Cocoa, 1:43:09; 6652. Jeff Barrett, Viera, 2:25:34; 6634. Joe Becker, Mims, 2:25:25; 17028. Asha Beera, Melbourne, 3:48:37; 13557. Gloria Behling, Rockledge, 3:08:51; 12609. Bridget Beitel, Titusville, 3:01:05; 12595. Chuck Beitel, Titusville, 3:01:00; 7773. Michelle Belin, Melbourne, 2:31:20; 5706. Cyndi Bergs, Merritt Island, 2:20:23; 13466. Michael Blanchard, Rockledge, 3:08:01; 3328. John Boehmer, Cocoa Beach, 2:07:03; 3333. Ryan Boehmer, Cocoa Beach, 2:07:04; 9387. Shannon Boos, Melbourne Beach, 2:40:37; 9237. Sharon Bresser, Indialantic, 2:39:40; 11661. Brian Bridenbecker, Palm Bay, 2:54:54; 13040. Eileen Bridenbecker, Palm Bay, 3:04:37; 15270. Pam Brockmeyer, Viera, 3:22:23; 10094. Brenda Brown, Merritt Island, 2:44:48; 9582. Keith Brown, Merritt Island, 2:41:57; 9956. Bob Burgess, Malabar, 2:43:55; 16628. Susan Burgess, Malabar, 3:36:16; 16842. Tracie Burns, Palm Bay, 3:40:19; 11951. Diana Burton, Indian Harbour Bch, 2:56:45; 16939. Elaine Cadore, Cocoa Beach, 3:43:02; 5567. Catherine Callender, Melbourne, 2:19:40; 988. Ryan Caudill, Merritt Island, 1:48:25; 11022. Wilson Causey, Viera, 2:50:55; 1586. Liz Cerow, Cocoa Beach, 1:54:27; 14013. Carole Chamberlain, Melbourne, 3:12:17; 12295. Cathy Chapman, Melbourne, 2:58:55; 16091. Cynthia Chapman, Palm Bay, 3:29:44; 11410. Kevin Chapman, Palm Bay, 2:53:21; 11409. Twila Chapman, Palm Bay, 2:53:20; 14497. Theresa Chau, Melbourne, 3:16:00; 5439. Cedric Ching, Melbourne, 2:18:53; 14612. Christopher Cleasby, Palm Bay, 3:16:56; 14611. Courtney Cleasby, Palm Bay, 3:16:56; 11709. Ed Cloak, Viera, 2:55:08; 2342. Cameron Cole, Melbourne, 1:59:50; 12637. Andrea Collins, Melbourne, 3:01:18; 10222. Jan Conrad, West Melbourne, 2:45:37; 16407. Lori Cooper, Rockledge, 3:33:04; 317. Kati Craig, Rockledge, 1:37:23; 4124. James Croft, Indian Harbour Bch, 2:11:34; 3202. Karla Dalrymple, West Melbourne, 2:06:13; 7375. Shannon Daly, Viera, 2:29:14; 16331. Vanessa Dance, Cocoa Beach, 3:32:20; 2725. Donna Davis, Melbourne, 2:02:55; 35. John Davis, Melbourne, 1:21:53; 8496. Walter Day, Merritt Island, 2:35:26; 11864. Jennifer Dempsey, West Melbourne, 2:56:15; 4444. Brittany Doncaster, W Melbourne, 2:13:23; 16128. Amy Dray, Palm Bay, 3:30:08; 5402. Neal Driscoll, Malabar, 2:18:46; 10183. Christine Ellegood, Cocoa Beach, 2:45:24; 16867. Henry Esterly, Palm Bay, 3:41:00; 13620. Ana Fagan, Malabar, 3:09:25; 1210. Mike Fairbank, West Melbourne, 1:50:52; 12309. Lee Fairchild, Melbourne, 2:58:59; 16439. Laurie Finnegan, Indian Harbour Bch, 3:33:30; 16527. Michael Finnegan, Indian Harbour Bch, 3:34:34; 10040. Julie Fisher, Palm Bay, 2:44:31; 154. Paul Fleming, West Melbourne, 1:30:31; 9330. Diane Fletcher, Melbourne Beach, 2:40:18; 11998. Bill Floyd, Palm Bay, 2:57:05; 3958. Cindy Gaffney, Melbourne, 2:10:40; 2302. Michael Gaffney, Melbourne, 1:59:33 12254. Janice Gagnier, Melbourne, 2:58:39; 5815. Norm Gagnon, Palm Bay, 2:20:53; 7060. Charis Gaines, Viera, 2:27:40; 9513. Ronald Gardner, Merritt Island, 2:41:28; 10586. Karyn Gaudy, Melbourne, 2:48:10; 14926. Kathy Gay, Merritt Island, 3:19:33; 13498. Tonya Gensel, Se Palm Bay, 3:08:18; 5711. Daryl Gilbert, Sr, Viera, 2:20:24; 1901. Michael Glover, Merritt Island, 1:57:00; 10509. Elizabeth Gmerek, Merritt Island, 2:47:41; 10039. Jo Anne Goodson, West Melbourne, 2:44:30; 345. Elizabeth Green, Viera, 1:38:01; 15489. Ellen Grogan, Melbourne, 3:24:31; 13684. Tim Grogan, Melbourne, 3:09:49; 9796. Carol Guthrie, Melbourne, 2:43:02; 10608. Emily Guyer, Titusville, 2:48:13; 11459. Andrew Haddad, Melbourne, 2:53:36; 12071. Katie Halley, Melbourne, 2:57:36; 1105. Annis Halvorson, Titusville, 1:49:48; 422. Erica Halvorson, Titusville, 1:39:46; 12353. Theresa Harrison, Satellite Beach, 2:59:11; 3495. Regina Hayden, Titusville, 2:08:10; 2018. Jon Hays, Melbourne Beach, 1:57:41; 6977. Jeffrey Hedrick, Viera, 2:27:15; 16015. Megan Heronemus, Rockledge, 3:28:55; 14922. Joni Hils, Cape Canaveral, 3:19:31; 11032. Eufemia Howard, Palm Bay, 2:51:01; 6202. Trampas Howe, Satellite Beach, 2:23:03; 5467. Sue Hoyt, Satellite Beach, 2:19:06; 4560. Carmen Hozdish, Rockledge, 2:14:00; 3592. Lisa Hudson, Rockledge, 2:08:43; 15133. Steven Huff, Merritt Island, 3:21:17; 5707. Kelly Hunter, Cocoa, 2:20:23; 2477. Paula Hurd, Merritt Island, 2:00:53; 288. Thomas Jenkins, Melbourne, 1:36:40; 12028. Linda Keller, Satellite Beach, 2:57:15; 4889. Rayanne Kelly, Cocoa Beach, 2:15:52; 7891. Brian Kennedy, Satellite Beach, 2:31:58; 8370. Patrick Kenney, Titusville, 2:34:44; 13199. Tim Kenney, Titusville, 3:05:47; 16261. Marcia King, Melbourne, 3:31:29; 12883. Rusty Klotz, Palm Bay, 3:03:17; 6223. Kathryn Koontz, Merritt Island, 2:23:09; 16438. Cathy Koos, Palm Bay, 3:33:29; 1788. Keith Kowalske, Melbourne, 1:56:07; 11612. Angela Krieger, Titusville, 2:54:33; 13105. Tanya Kuelbs, Melbourne, 3:05:06; 2452. Jennifer Lea, Melbourne, 2:00:42; 13118. Kathleen Lemire, Merritt Island, 3:05:11; 15168. Lou Lemire, Merritt Island, 3:21:34; 15384. Robin Lewis, Rockledge, 3:23:17; 16673. Judy Makela, Cocoa, 3:37:22; 884. David Maltby, Rockledge, 1:47:08; 3507. James Mankowski, Indian Harbour Bch, 2:08:14; 14390. Barbara Marshall, Satellite Beach, 3:15:05; 2127. Charlotte Mcclure, Rockledge, 1:58:27; 12844. Linda Mckee, Melbourne, 3:02:54; 12842. Pat Mckee, Melbourne, 3:02:54; 12307. Savannah Mckendree, Melbourne, 2:58:58; 1804. Danny Mcknight, Rockledge, 1:56:13; 15438. Linda Mcknight, Rockledge, 3:23:53; 15780. Jeffrey Mcroberts, Rockledge, 3:26:51; 310. Pam Meier, Rockledge, 1:37:16; 4700. Michael Melton, Melbourne, 2:14:45; 1304. Alan Mercer, Rockledge, 1:51:48; 12398. Michele Mercer, Rockledge, 2:59:35; 7039. Denise Miller, Melbourne, 2:27:34; 12561. Corrie Musgrave, Titusville, 3:00:47; 11950. John Noll, Satellite Beach, 2:56:45; 1506. Frank Norris, Titusville, 1:53:50; 1508. Katie Norris, Titusville, 1:53:50; 16665. Lena Noto, Rockledge, 3:37:00; 11547. Stephen Novicki, Rockledge, 2:54:13; 12240. Tom O'day, Melbourne, 2:58:35; 14481. Sarah Odle, Melbourne, 3:15:48; 15772. Sean Odle, Melbourne, 3:26:48; 2518. Kevin Oliver, Merritt Island, 2:01:10; 13635. Amy Oros, Palm Bay, 3:09:32; 11764. Phyllis O'toole, Melbourne, 2:55:39; 5996. Cory Patrick, Cape Canaveral, 2:21:47; 14924. Connie Paxson, Merritt Island, 3:19:33; 5634. Lorraine Petersen, West Melbourne, 2:20:04; 7256. Fred Peterson, Malabar, 2:28:45; 6974. Juan Posada, Rockledge, 2:27:14; 7351. Maura Potter, Rockledge, 2:29:07; 7565. Rick Potter, Rockledge, 2:30:14; 9535. Lauren Price, Merritt Island, 2:41:37; 16233. Brion Quandt, Indialantic, 3:31:09; 16238. Thomas Quandt, Indialantic, 3:31:11; 13272. Anne Ramsey, Indialantic, 3:06:27; 16561. Ruey Read, Palm Bay, 3:35:06; 11208. John Rice, Cocoa Beach, 2:52:12; 2041. John Ringenberg, Melbourne, 1:57:53; 13879. Jim Ringrose, Melbourne, 3:11:24; 14046. Ana Rivera, Titusville, 3:12:27; 16147. Christianne Robinson, Winter Park, 3:30:18; 11594. Viviana Rodriguez, Rockledge, 2:54:27; 11449. Julia Rojas, Titusville, 2:53:33; 896. Chris Romano, Rockledge, 1:47:15; 15718. Hal Rose, West Melbourne, 3:26:20; 15590. Susan Rose, West Melbourne, 3:25:21; 8586. Lindsay Roseland, Merritt Island, 2:35:50; 12765. Darlene Rosswick, Merritt Island, 3:02:23; 16273. Terry Rosswick, Cocoa, 3:31:42; 5163. Richard Rozycki, Melbourne, 2:17:24; 15910. Cheri Ryall, Melbourne, 3:28:00; 12922. Laura Sardella, Merritt Island, 3:03:34; 10030. Jennifer Sartori, Malabar, 2:44:26; 3588. Andrea Schaffner, Cape Canaveral, 2:08:41; 1981. Shawn Schaffner, Cape Canaveral, 1:57:29; 14809. Tina Schantz-Gross, Melbourne, 3:18:27; 15012. John Schmidt, Palm Bay, 3:20:17; 2369. David Schroeder, Palm Bay, 1:59:58; 6812. Lew Schwartz, Melbourne, 2:26:18; 13503. Matthew Shogran, Rockledge, 3:08:25; 524. Michael Slomins, Melbourne, 1:41:54; 14921. Candy Smith, Merritt Island, 3:19:31; 13421. Christina Smith, Melbourne, 3:07:34; 13420. James Smith, Melbourne, 3:07:34; 11767. Susan Soughers, Indialantic, 2:55:39; 15841. Caitlin Spisak, Rockledge, 3:27:30; 15840. Rachel Spisak, Rockledge, 3:27:29; 6930. Andrew Stebbins, Palm Bay, 2:26:59; 2698. Michael Stephens, Melbourne, 2:02:46; 2706. Susan Stephens, Melbourne, 2:02:47; 7785. Catherine Stewart, Rockledge, 2:31:24; 5885. Scott Stewart, Rockledge, 2:21:13; 13789. Andrea Stoner, Titusville, 3:10:40; 17027. Yixin Tan, Melbourne, 3:48:34; 1305. Dana Tarasavage, Merritt Island, 1:51:49; 1866. Amanda Templeton, Titusville, 1:56:44; 16909. Edward Terek, Melbourne, 3:42:12; 13152. Jeanette Terek, Melbourne, 3:05:22; 9409. Kevin Terry, Palm Bay, 2:40:47; 8726. Nancy Tilley, Titusville, 2:36:38; 3466. William Towns, Melbourne, 2:08:01; 11599. Rodolfo Valentin, Rockledge, 2:54:28; 16029. Jennifer Van Den Driessche, Cocoa, 3:29:09; 5997. Matthew Van Den Driessche, Titusville, 2:21:47; 913. David Van Duyne, Titusville, 1:47:35; 6992. Barbara Van Hemel, West Melbourne, 2:27:21; 6991. Paul Van Hemel, West Melbourne, 2:27:20; 14016. Teresa Van Valkenburg, Satellite Beach, 3:12:18; 12462. Craig Vasile, Melbourne, 3:00:01; 16468. Pat Villanueva, Melbourne, 3:33:45; 12201. David Watson, Titusville, 2:58:16; 13625. Megan Watson, Titusville, 3:09:26; 3172. Bradley Watt, Indian Harbour Bch, 2:06:00; 2448. Jim Weir, Viera, 2:00:41; 12140. Michael Weiss, Rockledge, 2:57:56; 12153. Robin Weiss, Rockledge, 2:58:01; 514. Angela Wells, Merritt Island, 1:41:44; 13743. Pamela Wheble, Merritt Island, 3:10:16; 13374. Larry Wilcox, Melbourne, 3:07:15; 1134. Alan Wilkerson, Melbourne, 1:50:08; 6100. Michael Wilkes, Rockledge, 2:22:28; 6979. Robin Williams, Merritt Island, 2:27:16; 16014. Erica Wolfgang, Melbourne, 3:28:55; 2529. Mickey Wright, Merritt Island, 2:01:13; 8413. Robert Wright, Indialantic, 2:34:56; 10251. Sally Wright, Palm Bay, 2:45:49; 7639. Douglas Youngblood, Palm Bay, 2:30:43; 8319. Gina-marie Zingarelli, Melbourne, 2:34:29.

MULTISPORT RESOLUTIONS? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

Maybe we're becoming the San Diego of the east coast.

In a nod to our exploding multisport community as well as the abundance of sunshine, warmth and water, Brevard County will play host to seven multisport events between April and October 2010; one per month -- with the exception of September -- Ma Nature’s favorite hurricane month.

The race that started it all in this county -- Pineapple Man Triathlon -- will celebrate its 25^th anniversary on June 6. The .3-mile Indian River Lagoon swim, 15-mile out-and-back speedfest on A1A and the 3.3-mile run through beautiful Mel Beach neighborhoods has sold out for the past three years. Registration for the 2010 race is limited to 550 participants and 140 athletes have already signed on. Complete info and registration available now at http://rotarypineappleman.org/ (above left, Pineapple Man athletes exit the Indian River Lagoon)

Mitch Varnes, left with family,  promoter of the Sebastian Inlet Pro surf contest and the Melbourne and Beaches Music Marathon, is stepping into the multisport world in 2010 with the introduction of the state’s newest series, the SurfCoast Trifecta.  The three-event series will offer something previously unseen in local multisport - a $3,000 prize purse to be split among the speediest overall and age group champs.

Complete details will be available on Jan. 10, when the website (www.surfcoasttrifecta.com) goes live. Below is a boilerplate provided by Varnes of the planned races, all of which will be limited to 500 athletes and start at 7 a.m.:

April 18, 2010
Ron Jon Triathlon
Cocoa Beach
1/4-mile river swim, 12.5-mile bike and 3.1 mile run
First stop in the inaugural Surf Coast Trifecta series along Florida's beautiful Space Coast. 

May 23, 2010
Space Coast Bikearathon (you might know it as a duathlon or biathlon) 
Viera
20-mile bike, 6.2 mile run
A bikearathon is a running and cycling event equal to the distance of a full marathon or 26.2 miles.  Join us on the open roads of one of Florida's fastest growing towns for the second stop of the Surf Coast Trifecta.  

June 20, 2010
Dad's Day Triathlon
Sebastian Inlet State Park
1/4-mile ocean swim, 15-mile bike, 3.1-mile run
The Dad's Day Triathlon is the final stop in the Surf Coast Trifecta and will determine overall and age group series champions and the recipients of the Trifecta's $3,000 in prize purse.  The Dad's Day tri features the only ocean swim tri in the area and will be competed along the awesome scenery of one of Florida's greatest state parks.  The Dad's Day Tri will include father and children relay divisions, best dad and granddad awards; along with other fun categories like the Big Daddy and Sugar Daddy (you know it if you qualify) divisions. 

For those who want something a bit shorter or dislike swimming in salty water, Jeff Kramer will return with the 6^th annual YMCA Family Challenge Triathlon at the YMCA in Titusville, tentatively set for the “last Saturday in July”.

The super-sprint event will offer a 100-yard pool swim, 4-mile bike and 2-mile run. Awards are given to the fastest overall and age group participants as well as the top three ‘fastest friends’ and ‘fastest family’ relay teams. Kramer initiated the mini-sprint event to encourage family togetherness, fitness and fun.

At left competitive runner, Kara Neidermeier, waves before the start of her first multisport race at the 2009 YMCA triathlon.

On August 1, the long-running Publix Family Fitness Weekend Series will be making a stop in Melbourne Beach.

“The Publix Family Fitness Weekend is a series of family oriented events that travel around the Southeast from April through October,” said Matt Lorraine, CEO of Exclusive Sports Marketing, who is teaming with multirace.com this year.  “Each event consists of a 5K run/walk; a kids’ duathlon; a sprint triathlon and a sprint duathlon.  The 5K takes place on Saturday evening; and the rest of the races are on Sunday morning.  We are still working on the exact location of the event site (in Melbourne Beach), but should have that sorted out hopefully within the next month.”

The Mel Beach race will be race number six in the nine-race series. More information and registration can be found at http://www.familyfitnessweekend.com/ Above left, Rob Downey on his way to another Publix Family Fitness Weekend Series age group win.

The last of the local races will kick off on Oct. 3 in Melbourne with the Health First sprint and Olympic-distance events.  Check out http://www.healthfirsttri.com for more info.

PINEAPPLE SANTA

Sometimes Santa shows up in the strangest places.

If you’ve been waiting to register yourself and/or a loved one for the silver (25^th) anniversary of the Melbourne Beach Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon, the timing is perfect. Ho Ho Ho!

Registration is now open for Brevard’s oldest and most beloved hometown multisport event. The 2010 .3-mile swim, 15-mile bike and 3.3-mile run will kick off at 7 a.m. on June 6 from the Ryckman Park pier in Melbourne Beach.

This race has closed out prior to race day for the past three years -- ridiculously early in 2009 -- so check out complete info and then sign up yourself and/or a loved one at http://rotarypineappleman.org/

SANDY PAWS HELP ACHY JOINTS

We love a race that not only supports the prevention and cure of arthritis (One in three Floridians is impacted by one or more of the more than 100 types of arthritis) AND encourages the participation of our furry friends.

Apparently others agree. In spite of little advertising, no ‘series’ association and crummy weather, more than 200 two-legged athletes -- many with their four-pawed friends in tow -- gathered in Melbourne’s Ballard Park on Dec. 5 to run, walk and occasionally stop for a sniff in the Arthritis Foundation Jungle Bell 5K. (left is Sandy Paws and new pal, Dave Hernandez, who worked timing for the race.)

Racing amongst some savvy old-timers, 14-year-old Luke Redito laid down the law as he outbid Thaddeus Austin and Art Anderson for the overall win.  The West Shore freshman sped to the line in 18:45, leaving second up for grabs.  Austin, 33, took that honor in 18:41, leaving third 50-year-old Anderson, who finished in 18:43.

There was much more breathing room on the ladies side. Palm Bay’s Amy Clamons, 26, took the victory in 21:36. Michelle Garcia followed in 23:23 and Abby Cullen took third in 24:10.

Congrats to all who participated and volunteered for this great cause!  Complete results are available at http://mattmahoney.net/scr/09jinglebell.txt

HOW DO YOU SPELL OUC?

Chilly drizzle and slippery cobblestones did little to deter more than 2,000 athletes from completing the 33^rd annual OUC Half Marathon in downtown Orlando on Dec. 5. Although Ocoee’s Jay Lumpkins and Lake Mary’s Erica Taltas, left, took the overall male (1:09:09) and female (1:24:07) spots, Brian Kessler and Brittany Owens took top honors among the three dozen Brevard athletes.

Melbourne’s Kessler, 51, covered the 13.1-mile course in 1:25:04, good enough for 32^nd overall and first in the 50-54 age group. Owens, 21, from Merritt Island, finished first in the 20-24 age group and eighth overall female with her 1:32:18 finish. After a several year hiatus, Cocoa Beaches Liz Cerow is proving her comeback, winning the 55-59 women’s division in 1:54:22.

Congrats to all Brevard’s finishers including Christy Anderson, 2:17:56; Rosette Behymer, 1:51:09; Mike Blanchard, 2:20:06; Natalie Bobleter, 2:20:46; Liz Cerow, 1^st 55-59, 1:54:22; Cedic Ching, 1:56:36; Billy Clifton, 1:40:40; Andrew Collamre, 1:59:10; Garry Conrad, 2:5:24; David Cook, 2:24:19; Jayne Goehmann, 2:41:06; Jorden Halstead, 1:40:23; Karen Hedenschoug, 2:02:22; Andy Hennemann, 2:00:12; Dan Howick, 2:31:06; Kate Howick, 1:59:31; Mitchell Hughes, 2:05:17; Melissa Kastanias, 1:50:07; Brian Kessler, 1^st 50-54, 1:25:04; Philip Lintereur, 2:27:23; Linda Manzano, 2:09:31; Brittany Owens, 1^st 20-24, 1:32:18; Kelsey Post, 2:05:30; Kenneth Rivera, 2:02:22;  William Robbins, 1:51:48; Lindsay Roseland, 2:21:55; Brian Russell, 2:20:59; Loni Serven, 1:55:39; John Sherwin, 1:57:06; Christy Slyaman, 1:40:19; Danielle Stern, 2:08:40; Kim Tillett, 2:17:56; Michael Tuttle, 1:56:14; Kathryn Varnes, 1:55:39; David Winn, 2:02:03; Jessica Zeller, 1:49:02.

RIGHT ON (!) RIDE TO RECOVERY

On Dec. 12, Merritt Island’s Shelley Christian will join about 200 fellow cyclists at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa for the start of the Ride 2 Recovery Project. Five days later, the riders will complete their 350-mile journey at the Mayport Naval Air Station in Jacksonville on Dec. 17.

Along the route, the retired Air Force Colonel will ride amongst and for soldiers with bomb-blasted limbs, quadriplegia and other permanent wounds - many naked to the eye.

Held in partnership with the Fitness Challenge Foundation, the Ride 2 Recovery raises funds to support Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans’ Administration locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome obstacles they face.

The 52-year-old competitive cyclist understands the blessings and power of the sport.

“(Cycling) helps clear my head when I’m confused, helps me feel more physically alive, makes me physically stronger, fights disease and contributes to a deep sense of wellness and peace,” she said.

The goal for R2R is to offer those same miracles to all wounded military veterans.

“Cycling gives these men and women a sense of normalcy, pride, accomplishment, camaraderie and provides relief from depression and other problems that often accompany their physical challenges, Christian said. “To those who have lost a lower limb, cycling allows greater mobility that walking cannot provide.”

“Money raised from the Project will go toward counseling, indoor and outdoor bikes, bike skills training and technical wear.”

The goal for the upcoming R2R is to raise $600,000 for the Project which means that each rider is shooting to raise $3,000.

If you would like to make a tax deductable donation to honor and support our soldiers’ sacrifices, go to www.ride2recovery.com and click on the JOIN THE RIDE button. Scroll to the bottom of that page and click on Rider Sponsorship Page. Make sure to put Shelley Christian in the riders’ name box.

You can also make out a check to “Ride 2 Recovery”, with ‘Shelley Christian’ in the memo section and mail to Shelley Christian, 2870 S. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL  32952.

SPACE COAST MARATHON: A SPECTACULAR LAUNCH!

Perfect weather - the best since 2003 - combined with an excellent race-management team and enthusiastic volunteers passionate about athlete satisfaction turned the 38^th running of the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon into a morning of personal bests, multiple course records and an even larger sense of pride in belonging to our local running community. (Left, volunteers Blanche Morrison and Sharon Gilette sandwich in between Half Marathon athletes Jack Lightle, Marisa Flint and Nancy Buonanni. All three runners set personal bests and Lightle set a course record for the men's 75-79 age group. Photo courtesy Keith Flint)

Check out FLORIDA TODAY’s (Carl Kotala) post-race recap of the winners at http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091129/BREAKINGNEWS/91129011/Marathon-races-draw-2-484-runners  Look for Carl’s complete coverage tomorrow at www.floridatoday.com  The Dec. Space Coast Runners newsletter -- out this week -- will focus on the race and contain plenty of member photos.

Also check out Ron Hoar’s interviews with the male and female marathon winners at the Space Coast Running Report airing on 94.1FM tomorrow (Nov. 30) at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. and on Tues., Dec. 1 at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and again at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m.

In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the amazing stats that were inked today. (Left, Melbourne's Beth Whalen, Space Coast Half Marathon women's winner in 1:26:05, interviews with Space Coast Sports. Photo by Jerry Bird who placed third in the men's 55-59 in 1:36:40.
2009 Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Records

*Largest field - 2,484 registrants

*Largest number of starters - 2,163 with a 98 percent finish rate

*18.5 percent, or 122 athletes, qualified for Boston

*Women’s marathon course record (current course):

Both the first and second place women’s marathon finishers broke the previous course record of 3:06:59 set last year by Mary Middlebrooks. Renae Cicchinelli, 29, of Haines City won the race in 2:59:01, the first time a woman has gone sub-three hours on the current course; and Longwood’s Maite Moscoso, 37, took second overall in 3:06:39.

*15 Marathon age group course records (current course):

Men:
19 and under: Mackenson Timothee, 18, Naples, 3:20:41
25-29: Benjamin Waite, 29, Gainesville, 2:49:37
50-54: Matt Mahoney, 54, Melbourne, 3:21:34, left
55-59: James Wilson, 57, Brookline, MA, 3:04:04
60-64: Richard Nagel, 63, Beavercreek, OH, 3:33:51
70-74: Albert Miclette, 73, Quebec, 3:56:11
Women:
Masters (40+): Linda Hawke, 42, Malvern, PA, 3:08:56
20-24: Heather Schroeder, 24, Tampa, 3:36:01
25-29: Katie Hoover, 28, Ormond Beach, 3:10:37
35-39: Michelle Nunez, 35, Winter Springs, 3:16:40
40-44: Stacy Ferner, 41, New Smyrna Beach, 3:28:14
45-49: Leslie Stallings, 47, Oldsmar, 3:27:59
50-54: Kitty Sokoll, 53, Edgewater, 3:46:50
          Theresa Miller, 50, Merritt Island, 3:49:02, left
55-59: Diane Miller, 58, Alachua, 3:54:08
60-64: Bonnie Stenson, 60, Atlanta, 4:21:13

*10 Half Marathon age group course records (current course)
Men:
20-24: Kyle Hunter, 23, Palm Bay, 1:21:16
45-49: Liam Keenan, 46, GBR, 1:22:36
55-59: John Van De Moortel, 55, San Antonio, TX, 1:31:18
70-74: Tom Ward, 72, Melbourne Beach, 1:48:10
75-79: Jack Lightle, 78, Cocoa, 2:14:23, left in photo courtesy of Keith Flint.

Women:
50-54: Linda Peterson, 51, Middleton, WI, 1:38:47
55-59: Josie Costero, 56, Miami, 1:45:26
60-64: Anne Dockery, 61, Melbourne Beach, 1:45:08, left
65-69: Mary Bonetz, 66, Port Charlotte, 2:02:17
75-79: Mary Rooks, 76, Salt Lake City, UT, 3:29:06

LOCAL AWARD WINNERS

Marathon
Thaddeus Austin, 2^nd 30-34, 2:58:41; Bret Halliday, 3^rd 45-49, 3:03:45; Matt Mahoney, 1^st 50-54, 3:21:34; Colin McCleary, 2^nd 19 and under, 3:41:45; Theresa Miller, 2^nd 50-54, 3:49:02; Janet Ritchie, 2^nd 25-29, 3:21:40; Cheng Ten, 2^nd 35-39, 3:20:56; Jim Weir, 2^nd 70-74, 4:44:41.

Half Marathon
Art Anderson, 2^nd 50-54, 1:28:18; Greg Apotsos, 3^rd 30-34, 1:29:24; Jerry Bird, 3^rd 55-59, 1:36:40; Stephanie Bird, 1^st 19 and under, 1:42:52, left in Jerry Bird photo - this was Stephanie's first shot at the half distance; Sean Black, 3^rd 40-44, 1:28:12; Ray Brown, 1^st 60-64, 1:52:11; Nancy Buonanni, 1^st 45-49, 6^th female OA,  1:36:49; Kathy Camick, 3^rd 35-39, 1:41:33; Gary Castner, 2^nd 60-64, 1:52:31; Steve Chin, Masters (40+), 7^th OA, 1:21:31; Brad Cody, 2^nd 45-49, 9^th OA, 1:23:18;  John Davis, 1^st 30-34, 4^th OA, 1:20:17; Jesse Delia, 1^st 35-39, 10^th OA, 1:23:41; Anne Dockery, 1^st 60-64, 1:45:08; Don Dore, Jr., 2^nd 55-59, 1:36:14; Paul Fleming, 3^rd 35-39, 1:30:07; Kyle Giorgio, 3^rd 19 and under, 1:34:10; Robin Hernandez, 3^rd 40-44, 1:42:01, left on the come-back trail after injury, Jerry Bird photo; Kyle Hunter, 1^st 20-24, 6^th OA, 1:21:16; Megan Jaunich, 1^st 25-29, 1:40:33; Howard Kanner, 2^nd 40-44, 1:28:06; Kelsey Kramer, 1^st 20-24, 1:40:33; Jack Lightle, 1^st 75+, 2:14:23; Meredith Luther, 1^st 30-34, 5^th female OA, 1:36:40; Joan Mahoney, 3^rd 70-74, 4:33:39; Debbie Molina, 2^nd 55-59, 1:55:11; Willy Moolenaar, 2^nd 65-69, 2:06:25; Robin Moran, 3^rd 50-54, 1:46:45; Patti Olszewski, 3^rd 25-29, 1:44:33; Bob Pecor, 2^nd 75+, 2:19:58; Megan Pendergast, 3^rd 20-24, 1:45:41; Marines Rivera, 3^rd 30-34, 1:43:56; Jackie Schmoll, 3rd 25-29, 1:44:44; Jo Shim, 3^rd 55-59, 1:59:16; Chuck Urrutila, 3^rd 65-69, 1:50:06; Paul Van Hemel, 3^rd 60-64, 2:07:29; Meredith Van Veen, 2^nd OA, 1:28:47; Nick Vannorsdall, 3^rd 20-24, 1:38:14; Tom Ward, 1^st 70-74, 1:48:10; Beth Whalen, 1^st OA, 1:26:05, interviewed by Space Coast Sports in Jerry Bird photo; Nancy Wilson, 2^nd 70-74, 4:10:00; Michael Zeitfuss, 1^st 65-69, 1:46:01.

Local Boston Marathon Qualifiers
Thaddeus Austin, 33, 2:58:41; Jeff Gleacher, 45, 3:29:08; Brett Halliday, 48, 3:03:45; Travis Hiers, 27, 3:10:18; Dude Kerley, 57, 3:28:55; Alan LaMotte, 56, 3:41:15; Matt Mahoney, 54, 3:21:34; Theresa Miller, 50,  3:49:02; Jeff Reed, 46, 3:27:51; Janet Ritchie, 29, 3:21:40; Ed Springer, 32, 3:03:00; Cheng Ten, 38, 3:20:56; Amy Tompkins, 27, 3:20:56.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Space Coast Marathon results: http://www.runningzone.com/results/2209?type=a
Space Coast Half Marathon results:
http://www.runningzone.com/results/2208?type=a

FLORIDA TODAY (Patti Sponsler) PRE-RACE COVERAGE

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250332
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250333
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250330

Huge congrats to all of the athletes and a special thanks to Don and Denise Piercy and their amazing Running Zone team, Space Coast Runners and the hundreds of incredible volunteers.  The Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon is truly Brevard’s premiere running community race event!

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

We report the following with both sadness and hope.

Merritt Island high school cross-country runner, swimmer and all-round-good-kid, Johnathan Brown, left, lost his family home on Sunday. While the Brown family was attending services at Georgianna Church on Merritt Island Sunday, 80 percent of their home -- along with their golden retriever, Cassie -- was destroyed by fire. There was no insurance.

It is amazing to see how their church, the running community and the students and teachers at Merritt Island high school are stepping up to help out.  Furniture and clothing donations are coming in along with the labor and resources needed to clean up and clear out what was lost.  Several fund-raisers are being planned to raise funds to help with the rebuilding of the home.

Cash donations are greatly needed to help this family rebuild their home and lives and there are several ways to do so: Any inquiries and offers to help can be filtered through Mona at the Georgianna  church office (452-7523)  so that efforts will not be duplicated; Donations are being accepted through the account set up at Regions Bank, 324 Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL  32952 -- make checks payable to Bob or Jill Brown;  Or, if you will be attending the pre-race Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon fun run and pot-luck breakfast on Nov. 22 and want to contribute, cash and checks (preferably) made out to Bob or Jill Brown will be collected.

EAT AND RUN

Itching with energy during your taper for the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon? Come release some tension on Sunday, Nov. 22 as the SCR Sunday Fun Run Group invites EVERYONE (you don’t have to be an SCR member)

to RUN/WALK at 6:30 a.m.

and then a POTLUCK BREAKFAST at 8 am!

Sunday, Nov 22, 2009

Bring a dish to share – we’ll provide the drinks

RIVERFRONT PARK, COCOA VILLAGE

Donations of a non-perishable food item for the Central Brevard Sharing Center are appreciated by not necessary.

CHIN WANTS YOU TO GET DIRTY

Steve Chin loves Dances with Dirt. So much so that he is encouraging everyone he knows to sign up individually or join a team and participate with him in the DWD Green Swamp 50-miler, 50K, 50-mile relay, marathon or half marathon on Feb 13, 2010 in Dade City, FL.

You know Chin wouldn’t push something that isn’t fun. So check out the website at

http://www.dwdgreenswamp.com/ and then contact Chin stz180@msn.com with questions or if you are interested in joining a team. He’ll help you put one together.

THONG BOY GOES VIRAL

Kevin Grogan, aka ‘Thong Boy’ offered unusual cheering attire to those who participated in the Nov. 15 Horrible Hundred century in Clermont. Grogan, co-owner of Gear for Multisport and a professional wrestling announcer, attacked/encouraged/startled the riders dressed  in the infamous thong, wrestling referee shirt, bike helmet and what looks to be one leg sleeve and one leg warmer.  The close-up-and-personal shots come at about 59 seconds into this video.  Kids should be sent to another room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hlUONkXo-g

Before you write him off as a total flake, though, at least understand that he is a fast one. During the 09 tri season, the Minneola father-of-two racked up a number of wins including the Carrollton Tri (GA), Heartland Tri (Sebring), Lake Logan Tri (NC), all three of the Clermont Sprint Series tris, the OUC tri and the Great American Cooter Tri (Inverness).

Grogan earned the Thong Boy moniker after competing in the 2009 Pineapple Man Triathlon in an eye-bleaching thong-decorated speedo (above left).  Not looking at Thong Boy butt might have been the inspiration to keep John Reback one step ahead during the race, leaving Grogan to settle for second.  Grogan also took the bridesmaid spot at the 25^th annual Florida Challenge Half Ironman distance in Clermont in 4:46:06.

In a ‘kids, don’t try this at home move’, the feisty fashionista went 10:50:53 at Ironman Florida on Nov. 7 and then spit out a 4:14:19 at the Ironman World Champioships 70.3 in Clearwater on Nov. 14.  Hmmmm… that might explain his actions in the video.

CONGRATS Thong Boy…

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH PINEAPPLES

Pineapple Man will celebrate its silver (25^th) anniversary on June 6 with a race that you won’t forget. Keep your eye on www.rotarypineappleman.org for registration to open. This race sells out FAST!

RECORD NUMBERS EXPECTED AT SPACE COAST

Before the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon blast off at 6 a.m. from Cocoa Village on Nov. 29, Master of Ceremonies and Congressman Bill Posey will be greeting a record number of participants.

“I am honored to participate in the 38th running of the Space Coast Half and Full Marathon,” the Congressman wrote in an email. “Our community is uniquely and intrinsically linked to Space Exploration and this race is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how exciting, inspiring and motivating our effort to explore this universe can be.”

Race organizers expect registration to grow to “2,500 to 2,600” by race day. Already, a record number of athletes from 37 states and 11 countries have pre-registered with 70 percent visiting from outside Brevard County.

“I believe that we have one of the most unique marathons in the nation,” said Don Piercy, co-owner of Running Zone, the event’s race management company. “As the race is held within the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center, our entire event revolves around a space theme. What other race offers a race start with a Space Shuttle countdown and liftoff on a Jumbotron or a chance to take a picture with the astronauts?”

“There are Space props along the course and at the finish; volunteers in NASA-like uniforms and space- themed aid stations. In addition, all finishers receive the most awesome astronaut medal and a ‘space certificate’ to recognize their accomplishment.”

And it is not just the space theme that has caused event participation to quadruple since 2005. Independent athlete surveys conducted post-race for the past two years have shown that participants believe both races provide the biggest bang for the buck in terms of value, experience and individual support.

The excitement and quality of the event -- which chooses not to offer prize money -- has not gone unnoticed. Runners World magazine dubbed the event “Race of the Month” in 2008 as well as the race with the “Best Schwag” in 2007.

RUNNING TALL FOR WORLD RECORDS

Rory Helzer will be racing head and shoulders above the expected field of 2,500 athletes at the Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa, FL on November 29. The Orlando resident will attempt to break six world records as he contests the 26.2-mile riverfront course on a pair of 44-inch aluminum stilts.

Helzer is hoping to earn the nod from Guinness World Records as the fastest person to cover one mile, 5K, 8K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon on a pair of conventional (non spring-loaded) stilts.

“This year is a milestone birthday for me,” said the 50-year-old father of two, who has collected devotees worldwide from his gigs as a dancing security guard and stilt-walking entertainer for Universal Studios Orlando. “I want to prove to myself that I am as good as my fans say I am.”

Helzer, who took up stilt-walking as a Halloween bar gag some thirty years ago, has filed the necessary paperwork with Guinness and will be accompanied along the route by a videographer to document his stilted feat.

This will be the first attempt at the marathon distance as well as the first road race on stilts for the former 5K and 10K runner. Helzer believes his eight hour days of dancing, san stilts, and even longer evenings of entertaining on stilts have provided him with the conditioning he needs to trounce the current world records that range from 12 minutes and 23 seconds for the mile to almost 20 minutes per mile for the marathon.

And while conquering 13.1 or 26.2 miles will be enough for most of the Space Coast field, Helzer will continue his trek a bit further -- 89 miles, in fact -- to Universal Studios Orlando for a potential seventh world record.

“I’d like to set a new record for the longest distance on stilts in 24 hours,” said Helzer, who will be accompanied by a small support crew to provide nutrition, lighting and traffic support on his journey to Orlando.  “Being on stilts for 24 hours is not a big deal; walking on stilts for 24 hours is.”

GALLOWAY RETURNS FOR SPACE COAST MARATHON

Jeff Galloway, the author and former U.S. Olympian known as “America’s Coach”, is returning to the Space Coast Marathon weekend Nov. 28 - 29.

“This is a well-run event and I want our Galloway members around the U.S. to know about it,” said Galloway, who, in addition to running the marathon, is this year’s keynote speaker at the pre-race pasta dinner on Nov 28. “I enjoy the flat course, which is one of the more scenic in my 147 marathon finishes, now.”

The Space Coast Marathon will be the third that Galloway and wife, Barbara, will have completed in as many months using, of course, the walk-run training plan for which he is famous.

“I’m convinced that this method can keep almost anyone injury-free, almost all of the time,” said Galloway, who has coached more than a quarter of a million runners since he first developed the methodology in 1974. “It gives one control over fatigue, injury prevention and recovery.”

Not just for beginning runners, Galloway’s walk/run method has been used successfully by many to qualify for and run the prestigious Boston Marathon.

“Time-goal runners are surprised to find out that when non-stop runners shift to my method, the average marathon time improves by more than 13 minutes and more than six minutes in the half,” he said.

Galloway will be sharing his philosophy with athletes of all abilities -- beginner to veteran -- at the Jeff Galloway Running School on Nov. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Maxwell C. King Center in Melbourne.

“This will help anyone who wants to improve their fitness through running,” he said. “I will cover the key points on extending endurance; better nutrition; fat-burning; getting faster; mental toughness; motivation and staying injury-free.”

For more information on the Running School or the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon pre-race pasta dinner, log on to http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/  or contact Running Zone at 321-751-8890 for more information.

CHRISTMAS LIST?

Nope. The cappuccino express, Olive Garden gift card and Cuisinart Citrus Juicer were the first, second and third place awards (respectively) given out to each of the age groups at the Runners’ Classic on Nov. 15 at the Omni Orlando Resort. The overall top three and Masters were each rewarded with a Phillips Docking Entertainment System.  Everyone was treated to a chance to chat with Bill Rodgers. Could Santa have been a sponsor? (at left, former Olympian and four-time Boston and New York Marathon winner Bill Rodgers, Tracy Smith and Joan Meadows say ‘cheese’ while Russian elites autograph race numbers)

Congrats to local 10K finishers (some reported that the 10K course was actually 6.4 miles) Jerry Bird, 1^st 55-59, 44:43; Stephanie Bird, 2^nd 19-24, 46:02; Kathy Camick, 47:47; Zach Chandler, 1:01:25; David Dunkle, 51:12; Joy Hunkins, 1:06:47; Tara Lakin, 1:04:55; Joan Meadows, 54:53; Rose Myers, 1:07:01; John Noll, 1:06:23; Shari Parris, 53:06; Tracy ‘T-Sizzle’ Smith, 4^th OA Female, 1^st 35-39, 41:38. Congrats, also, to local 5K finishers Bob Pecor, 1^st 75-79, 27:45; Victoria Santamara, 41:53.

MORE SUNDAY ROAD TRIPS

The 36^th annual Paul DeBruyn Memorial 30K and 15K kicked off at 6 a.m. Sunday from Norwood’s Seafood Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach. Congrats to local 30K finishers Chandra Claycomb, 3:16:59; Tyler Durden, 1^st 30-34, 2:07:57, Nicholas Hermann, 1^st 25-29, 2:33:07 as well as 15K finishers Juan Perez, 1^st 50-54, 1:04:46; Marla Singer, 3^rd OA, 1:11:46, Nancy Rowan, 3^rd 50-54, 1:26:00, left.

In Celebration (FL), more than 1,650 athletes finished the Florida Hospital Health Founder’s Day 10K and 5K on Nov. 15. Congrats to local 10K finishers Kara Cortez, 1:02:18; Travis Hiers, 40:38; Patti Spoerle, 49:16, Jennifer Van Den Driessc, 1:30:25.

JUST WAIT!

It doesn’t have the prestige of Kona - yet. But it should. More than 1,400 of the world’s top 70.3-distance athletes converged in Clearwater Beach for the Nov. 14 and fourth running of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  Like its Hawaiian big brother, the race only accepted to the starting line those who had previously qualified at a prior 70.3 event.

This year, instead of swimming in the usually placid waters of the Gulf, Hurricane Ida forced race organizers to change the venue to the protected harbor basin as well as send the age groupers off with a time trial start. 

The flat, fast waters combined with cool temps, light winds and a $90K prize purse  helped promote some smoking fast times including German Michael Raelert’s winning time and course record of 3:34:04. After swimming the 1.2-mile course in 21:58, Raelert averaged 28.1 mph to snag a sub-two hour 56-mile bike and then followed it up with a 1:09.05 half marathon. His half time earned him the run preem while Andrew Starykowicz’s 28.3 mph ride earned him the bike preem.

Great Britan’s Julie Dibens -- who has earned three 70.3 wins to date - claimed the win with a 3:59:33 -- the first-ever women’s sub-four hour finish. Her splits of 23:48, 2:07:15 and 1:24:37 earned her both the women’s bike and run preems.

Special congrats to local qualifiers and finishers Ed Donner, 4:40:05 (Ed was still recovering from the flu and the swim, bike and partial run of IM Florida the week prior and his time included about eight minutes trying to recover his transition bag); Sage LaJoie, 4:46:16 and Pam Maxwell, 5^th 40-44, 4:34:07, left.

Ironman.com is reporting that NBC Sports will broadcast the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 on June 6, 2010.

IT’S FUN TO RUN AT THE YMCA

It takes a village, people. J There could be some irony in the fact that three 50+-year-olds made the top three overall in the Suntree YMCA 5K on Nov. 14 since all proceeds were to benefit the YMCA youth scholarship fund. 

Perennial speedster, Art Anderson, 50, left, took top honors when he crossed the line in 18:21, exactly 60 seconds ahead of 24-year-old Colby Mack, who finished in 19:21. Jerry Hung, 36, was third in 20-flat.

Viera’s Nicole Williams, 25, managed to hold off her elders as she grabbed the women’s win in 20:47. Kay Rowley and Marlene White, both 51, were second and third respectively in 23:20 and 24:25.

Congrats to all who volunteered and participated. Complete results are available at http://runningzone.com/results/2205?type=a and check out Ken Horton’s photo gallery at http://icunphotos.smugmug.com/Running/SuntreeYMCA5k2009/10317074_TsQ25#713046461_P8MKP

SO, HOW FAR DID EVERYONE REALLY RUN?

Below is Matt Mahoney’s description of the 2009 Baldwin Park Half Marathon that took place on Nov. 14. Being forewarned is to be forearmed.

In Matt’s own words... (Matt at left)

“The Baldwin Park (Orlando) half marathon results are posted to http://www.buttar.com/events/running/baldwinparkhalf/results_2009.htm such as they are. The top three are probably accurate because there was a police motorcycle escort at a critical U-turn at around 7.5 miles. The next several runners missed the turn, with 4th through 6th going over 14 miles. I probably ran 13.6 or 13.7 but it's hard to tell because the mile splits didn't seem to be evenly spaced. It's too bad because it was perfect weather (57 to 62 F, light winds) along a beautiful shaded paved bike path with lakes, parks, and lots of trees in an upscale, residential area. It was hard to tell you were in a big city. There was plenty of aid and police traffic control at every intersection.

But please remind me why I do the Buttar events. In their 10K in August, they had no finish clock or anyone calling times. After waiting about two hours for results, they finally just sent everyone home and said they would mail awards. The problem: they didn't enter the names of the runners in their computers until race day, even though I had registered weeks in advance. A few years ago at the Orlando Xtreme marathon about half of the field cut the course because of a mismarked turn, and then they put some ladies that ran a 2:40 or so half marathon in the marathon results ahead of a lot of fast runners, without bothering to check that they ran two laps instead of four laps (which were chip timed). This morning when I picked up my race packet, instead of giving me the same chip number as my race number, they gave out chips randomly and we had to stand in line for 20-30 minutes so that someone with a laptop could enter the numbers. There were runners still in line up to one minute before the start.

There were 182 runners in the half marathon. For the first mile I found myself in 5th place behind Rick Copley, Jeff Tecau, Michael Jungen, and Brian Kessler (in my 50-54 age group). At mile one (6:50), Kelly Arribas came up alongside and she politely asked if the music in her headphones was too loud. No, I couldn't hear it at all. By mile two (13:50) she had pulled ahead, and I was also passed by Erik Schneider and Nikki Bell, who was in second place for the women. Mile three was 21:00 and started to worry me. Mile four was missing. Mile five was sooner than expected at 34:20. I passed Nikki at an aid station. Miles six and seven were 41:25 and 49:25, but I know it did not take me eight minutes to run that last mile.

Just past mile seven we climbed a pedestrian bridge over Semoran Blvd., the only hill on the course. A cop on a motorcycle with lights flashing came the other way followed by Rick Copley at just over 53 minutes. This was mile eight for him. The next two runners were spread out about a minute back each.

A couple of minutes later I saw a big U-turn arrow painted on the bike path. Was this the turn? Every other turn had clearly marked signs and often volunteers directing us, but there was nothing else, and besides, there were still three other runners ahead of me that had not come back yet. Also, there were many painted arrows and mile splits from other races that were not accompanied by signs. So I kept going.

About 200 yards later was a second U-turn arrow. Again, no signs, no volunteers, and no sign of the three runners still ahead of me, so I kept going.

Another 200 yards and I saw a table on its side, a cooler and cups on the ground, but no volunteers. So there was supposed to be an aid station set up, but nobody here. This confirmed that the two U-turn arrows were not where we were supposed to turn.

Another 50 yards was a third painted U-turn arrow that also said "1/2 marathon". But still there was no sign of the three runners ahead of me. I couldn't turn now. The gap was over five minutes, way too long...

Another couple hundred yards we crossed Forsythe Blvd., a busy four-lane road. There were no police directing traffic, unlike every other intersection at even the quietest streets. Surely the last U-turn was for us. I ran back and met Nikki, who didn't know either. I turned around again, crossed the road, and ran into Brian Kessler, Kelly Arribas, and Erik Schneider in 4th through 6th place. They had gone another 600 yards and asked a jogger if there was a race (no) and decided they had gone way too far and turned around. I turned with them and they pulled ahead.

Mile eight was 1:00:20. This was four minutes slow based on my seven mile split, or five minutes slow based on my five and six mile splits. As I met dozens of other runners still heading out I yelled that there were three turn around arrows and to just choose one because there was nobody telling you where to turn. I also informed some aid station workers of the problem in what must have been a less than pleasant tone of voice.

I was getting tired and my pace slowed to about 7:10/mile for the rest of the race as I dropped from 7th to 9th place. Michael Scures, who is in my age group, passed me around mile 11. I no longer cared because I had been on pace to run 1:31-1:32 but my time would be meaningless now. Marcus Sobering passed me with about 1/4 mile to go. Both had said they turned around at the road. When Marcus passed me, he complained that he would normally be done by now. Me too. At the finish line there was no clock or anyone calling times.

After the race I learned that only the first 100 finishers got finisher medals because they ran out. They also ran out of chips and shirts, I was told. At least the results were prompt, such as they are. They also had enough bagels. Runners who finished later said there was a cone at the turn, so maybe they are accurate.”

Congrats to all locals finishers Kevin Cezat, 3^rd 20-24, 2:06:59; James Daffer, 1^st Military, 1:43:57; Daryl Gilbert, 2:22:54; Brian Kessler, 1^st 50-54, 1:33:55 and Matt Mahoney, 1:36:43.

2009 TRI SEASON: THE END

Good luck to all -- but particularly to locals Ed Donner, #564; Sage LaJoie, #766 and Pam Maxwell, #712 -- who are registered for the fourth running of Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater on Nov. 14. Just like its long-distance counterpart, the IM World Championships in Kona, this race, which includes a 1.2-mile swim; 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, is only available to those who have qualified at a previous 70.3 event. Track the race and your friends live at the website www.ironman.com

AT LEAST IT WON'T BE HOT

On Sunday, Nov. 15, the Florida Freewheelers kick off the 30^th annual Horrible Hundred 25, 70 and 100-mile bike rides through some of Florida’s hilliest routes in and around Clermont. Those doing the century get to tour seven state ‘mountains’. This year also offers a two-day expo at Waterfont Park as well as Saturday pre-rides led by local club cyclists. This is a great event and word has it that more than 1,500 have already signed up. Registration is still open on-site. Check out all the details at http://www.horrible-hundred.com/ 

Local riders pre-registered include from Cape Canaveral: Dave Severn; Cocoa: Juliet Fletcher, Joe Luthman; Cocoa Beach: Mayor Skip Beeler, Sally Bouquot, Stephen Rooks; Don Unsworth; Indialantic: Brian Leander, Albert Steiginga; Gary $tern, left; Indian Harbour Beach: Stuart Chalmers; Jesse Delia; Melbourne: Nicole Aia; Sean Black; Gary Cunningham; Bill Czagas; Steve Czagas, Christine Davis, John Fahnestock, Sam Gill, Samuel Golden, Don Hemmenway, Dale Martin, Anthony Parsells, Bill Patterson, Randy Raczek, Gary Silcox, Jeff Zack; Melbourne Beach: Keith Cook; Merritt Island: Tim Arnold; Robert Beil; Ryan Caudill; Shelley Christian; Dale Dettmer; Laszlo Kosa; William Muddle; Jenell Noland; Michael Taylor; Palm Bay: Gerald Craven, Robert Good, Wayne Jentis, Dinsomore Roach; Lisa Saturday; Rockledge: Edward Cloak; Christine Cruz; Terry Kepner, Scott Richter; Titusville:  Barry Clinger; Terry Hayden; Viera: Scott Ippolito; Nicholas Johansson; West Melbourne: John Smith, Sarah Stillman.

IS THIS KANSAS?

Re: 2009 Miami Man: “One thing nobody could ignore was the gusty, relentless wind, which provided a turbo-charged boost on the outward leg of the bike course and threw up a wall on the way back. The added burden on the legs made the transition to the run more difficult than usual.” - Craig Davis

With sustained winds of 20-22mph by 10 a.m. and pummeling gusts exceeding 30 mph, one participant described the run as “a casualty zone of the walking wounded”. No wonder 92 percent of the DNFs bailed on the run or in T2.

Above left to right: Barbara Nawrocki, Lee Ann Nawrocki, who finished 9th OA and 2nd in the 20-24 AG; Elly Kabboord and Kelly Hunter.

Congrats to all who stuck it out for the finish including locals Gina Caccamo, 7:08:34; Linda Cowart, 6:04:39; Suzie Enlow, 4^th 45-49, 5:58:24; Jeff Grunow, 5:30:30; Elly Kabboord, 5:43:39; Scott Krasny, 6:07:40; Lee Ann Nawrocki, 2^nd 20-24, 9^th female OA, 5:12:16; Debbie Rescott, 6:59:53; Jim Schaeffer, 6:52:17; Justin Shein, 7:19:35; Scott Sherin, 7:19:35; Kendra Wood, 5:52:36. International distance (.6/22/6.6) finishers Katie Halley, 3:24:01; William Heinlen, 2:40:17; Kelly Hunter, 2:46:53; Cheryl McPhillips, 3:29:58; Carol Scott, 3:42:07. Above seated left to right: Deb Rescott, Gina Caccamo, Suzie Enlow, Kendall Enlow, Linda Cowart. Standing left to right: Kelly Hunter, Kathy Bryant, Cheryl McPhillips, Carol Scott, Juan Posada.

CATCHING UP AND CONGRATS TO:

LONGER DISTANCE - NEAR & FAR
The cooler temperatures and lower humidity will be a boon to all those racing this weekend.  Closest to home, the 24^th Space Coast Classic 15K and 2-miler kicks off in Melbourne’s Windover Farms on Saturday, Nov. 7. The race is the second in the eight-race Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year Series and this year’s events will also be giving awards to the new walking division. Registration is still open at the site on race morning and volunteers and spectators are always welcome.  Good luck to all! Upper left in Gene Ramba photo is John Davis receiving the 2008 SCR Runner of the Year award. Davis was also the overall winner of the 2008 SCC 15K in 55:26 and Jessica Crate took the women's victory in 57:23. Info and application at http://mattmahoney.net/tmp/09scc15k.pdf

Saturday is also a day of hope for those looking to qualify for the 2010 Ironman World Championship in Kona. More than 2,200 athletes from 44 countries will line up on Panama City Beaches beautiful white sands for the start of the 11^th Annual Ford Ironman Florida. This is considered one of the fastest IM courses due to the often calm and wetsuit legal two-loop 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf (may not be so flat tomorrow);  as well as the flat one-loop 112-mile bike and two-loop 26.2-mile run.  The current weather forecast for tomorrow is showing mid-fifties for the start, warming to about 76 degrees by 3 p.m. and dropping back to the sixties by 6 p.m.; maximum humidity of 58 percent and winds from the east at 12 mph.

We wish the best to locals looking for their first (a total of 1,239 first-timers are registered) or PR IM (72 spots available) include Graham Dodson, #515; Ed Donner, #511, left on his way to the win at the 2009 Health First Olympic-distance race in Melbourne; Jennifer Lepper, #2263; Phil Mazzella, #495; Mike Melton, #550; Linda Smith, #2780; Nick Smith, #1907; Christine Tripodi, #2549 and Mary Wills, #2283.

You can follow the race live on-line tomorrow and track your favorite athletes at www.ironmanlive.com  Approximately 50 pros will be sent on their way at 6:50 a.m. followed by humanities masses at 7 a.m.  Don’t forget that PCB is one hour behind us.

Farther south, much windier conditions are forecast for the Miami Man Half Iron distance (1.2/56/13.1) and semi-International distance (.6/22/6.6) races on Sunday at Thompson Park and the Miami Metro Zoo. Current predictions are touting ENE winds at 19 mph; 68 percent humidity and a high by noon of 83 degrees.

The two-loop lake swim kicks off at 7 a.m. for the Half Iron distance athletes, followed by a flat two-loop ride and flat two-loop run through the Metro Zoo. The International athletes follow at 8 a.m. with a single-loop swim; modified bike and run loop.

Good luck to Half Iron distance local registrants Gina Caccamo, John Cavanaugh,  Linda Cowart, above left; James Elmer, Elly Kabboord, Suzie Enlow, Jeff Grunow, Gina Caccamo, Scott Krasny, LeeAnn Nawrocki, Debbie Rescott, Jim Schafeffer, Justin Shein, Scott Shrien and Kendra Wood as well as International distance locals Katie Halley, Kelly Hunter, Cheryl McPhillips, Carol Scott and Ashley Temple.

Good luck, as well, to the Titusville Run and Triathlon Club members racing the OBX Marathon, Half Marathon or 8K on North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks on Sunday including Rosette Behymer, Todd Bogue, Dwight Brubaker, David Cook, Annie Dixon, Mark Dixon, Jorden Halstead, Chris Han, Melissa Kastamias, Richard Klementowski and Tammy Klementowski.

Check out this cool new club that was born in August on Facebook. These guys are active and inclusive. You don’t have to live in The Ville to belong!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Now go answer the door!

BITE THE BIG APPLE

More than 42,000 will be lining up in seven Staten Island corrals tomorrow for the start of the 40^th ING New York City Marathon. Those touring the five Burroughs the fastest will be eligible for part of the more than $800,000 purse.

Good luck to those locals lucky enough to get the nod to join the start including Robert Alkire, Cindy Bishop, left, James Croft, Kira Juranek, Sara Kurth, Kevin Litt, Tegan Litt, Anne-Marie Logan, Gina Rall, Shane Streufert, Melissa Walsh, Scott Wilmont.

Pro men’s entry list and bios, including defending champ Marilson Gomes dos Santos, at http://www.nycmarathon.org/pro_men.htm and women’s, including defending champion, Paula Radcliffe, at http://www.nycmarathon.org/pro_women.htm

Can’t join the more than two million spectators in the City? Follow the race live between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at www.universalsports.com or look for the race wrap-up on NBC stations from 2 p.m. until 4.

SMASHING PUMPKINS

This year’s Pumpkins in the Park 5K on the evening of Oct. 30 had all the makings of a fun, family event. Taylor Park in Cocoa Village was festively decorated; lots of folks showed up in costumes; the temperatures had backed off a bit and included a bit of a freshening breeze off the Indian River and plenty of excited spectators lined the finish area; some enjoying pizza and cocktails in front of Ryan’s. Yup, it could have been a great race except for one little thing….

Gremlins apparently gobbled the race results.

The top three guys to first receive OA awards were not the top three who actually crossed the line first and it all trickled down from there.  Turns out the race organizers, Junior League of Central and North Brevard, used a different timing company this year. Whether it was the JL or the timing company -- someone decided the race would probably cap out near 400 and rented just that number of chips. Problem was that more than 600 registered and ‘plan B’ included hand-timing the folks finishing without chips and writing down their numbers and times. 

As one of television’s hokiest shrinks would ask “how did that work for you?”

Awards were eventually given out, but in the end there were still athletes who weren’t showing up in the results and others wondering if their times were correct. 

What we know for sure is that 19-year-old Ryan Oates, top left, who graduated from Rockledge High in June, and Ceal Muldoon-Walker, bottom left, who coaches cross country and teaches art at Cocoa Beach High, were the overall male and female winners. Sadly we don’t have times. Huge congrats to both of them and everyone else who did their best last night.

Final results and times should eventually be posted by the timing company at http://www.steepletiming.com/

SILVER PINEAPPLES

Next time you see someone from the Melbourne Beach Rotary, let them know how much you appreciate all they have done for the multisport community. The 2010 Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon will celebrate its 25^th anniversary and Race Director, Don Riordan, and the race team are already working hard to ensure a really memorable event for the silver anniversary.

Contrary to what was reported in a local newspaper on Oct. 19, the 2010 race will not be part of the Surf Coast Trifecta, a new series of three triathlons announced earlier this month by promoter Mitch Varnes.

“It was premature to name the Rotary Pineapple Man as part of the Trifecta,” said Riordan in an email. “2010 will be the 25^th year for RPM, and being that it’s the Silver Anniversary…we want it to stand alone in its celebrity and not be wrapped up in a whole new branded activity.”

Look for details of the race that launched Brevard triathlon at http://rotarypineappleman.org/

COOTCHIE COOTER?

What the heck is a cooter? I guess you have to do the Great American Cooter Triathlon at Wallace Brooks Park in Inverness to find out. Or maybe ask some of those locals who completed the quarter-mile swim; 12-mile bike and three-mile run on Oct. 25.

Congrats to our new Cootermen and Cooterwomen Stephan Clark, 1:07:08; William Czagas, 1:15:10; Barry Clinger, 1:19:03; Bill Farina, 1:18:34; Laura Farina, 2^nd overall, 1^st 25-29, 1:07:27; Rick Gaskins, 1:25:38; John Jacobs, 1^st novice, 1:03:52; Meg Lieth, 1:37:05; Thomas Opalewski, 1:30:20; Graham Partain, 1^st 35-39, 1:02:10; Joe Marcinek, 1:05:38; Veronica Sim, 2^nd 40-44, 1:15:14.

Special props to Thong Man, Kevin Grogan, who not only ruled the course again this year but also busted out a new record of 54-flat. Cooter Thong Man, anyone? (How many races did he win this season? We've lost count! Cooter Thong Man photo, above, shamelessly stolen from www.KevinGrogan.com

Complete race results at http://www.drcsports.com/races/tricoot/res09.shtml and lots of info about the Inverness Cooter festival, including the Miss Cooter contest, at  http://www.cooterfestival.com/

OOH RAH!

There is almost no better way to see the sights in D.C. and Arlington than by running the Marine Corp Marathon - the country’s fifth largest 26.2-mile event. Because it offers neither prize money nor appearance fees for elites, the race is known as ‘the people’s marathon’. On Oct. 25, Marines handed finishers’ medals to 21,000 participants who crossed the finish line near the Iwo Jima Memorial.

It seemed fitting that a member of the armed services - Naval Lieutenant Commander John Mentzer - led the throng, finishing more than three minutes ahead of the field in two hours, twenty-one minutes and 47 seconds. It was the first marathon for the new father who is stationed in Kittey, Maine.

A special ‘thumbs up’ to Palm Bay’s Dave Hernandez, (left, after receiving age group Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year award for the 2008-09 season) who ran and walked the race with his 72-year-old father, Don, who was going for the finish of his first-ever marathon. What an inspiring lesson to all of us that we’re never too fast to help someone else along the journey or that we’re never too old to begin our own trip.

Other locals who also finished included Kevin Allen, 4:55:09; David Barnes, 6:22:31; Bruce Barnett, 4:30:18; Diana Burton, 4:58:49; Denise Canina, 4:39:49; Amy Clamons, 3:57:14; Richard Dunlap, 5:17:17; Monique Delauter, 5:24:02; Paul Fontenrose, 3:34:29; Jeff Ferris, 4:57:22; Elizabeth Gmerek, 5:55:43; Gary Ganiban, 4:11:13; Lindsay Graham, 4:03:43; Gary Ganiban, 4:11:13; Lindsay Graham, 4:03:43; Dave Hernandez, 7:02:56; Don Hernandez, 6:20:41; Don Hernandez, Sr., 7:02:56; Joy Hunkins, 6:32:55; Wendy Handy, 4:54:42; Tory Jordan, 4:52:15; Ken Kerstetter, 5:22:20; Stephen Luedtke, 3:45:18; Andrew Maxwell, 4:34:40; Mike Mos, 4:09:09; Charlotte McClure, 5:03:14; John Noll, 6:32:55; Abraham Oros, 4:35:08; Joanne Ratcliffe, 6:23:10; Alex Stachowiak, 4:32:23; Chris Sands, 5:31:31; Sandra Stevens, 6:35:59; Jeff Zipperer, 4:43:54; Susan Zipperer, 6:14:40.

Those from Brevard who completed the corresponding 10K included Arthur Beller, 1:40:38; Matt Bixler, 1:30:52; Sarah Clamons, 1:01:50; Patrick Dunne, 49:45; William Graham, 1:00:45; Linda Lopardo, 1:33:22, Kathy Mos, 1:09:49.

Congrats to all. Complete results at http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventID=1658195

GHOSTS IN EAU GALLIE

You gotta love it when some of our more, ahem, mature runners show the rest of the field how it’s done. And that’s what happened on the evening of Oct. 24 as Melbourne’s Doug Butler (left, Barry Jones photo) bested more than 800 finishers at the inaugural Ghostly Gecko 5K in old Eau Gallie. The 46-year-old coach and teacher -- who has also long been Brevard’s preeminent male runner -- took the win in 17 minutes and 10 seconds just one second ahead of West Melbourne’s John Davis.

“John was right on my heels,” said Butler who coaches, among many, the dynamic duo of Davis and Satellite Beaches Steve Chin. “The goal was to help him and Steve try and get under 17:00. They both will when the temperatures drop and we get a cold race.”

Butler started feeling the humidity and pace after hitting the second mile in 11:02 and told Davis to go ahead for the sub-17.  But, with 26 years of hard-fought and multiple wins behind him, it wasn’t so easy to let his younger competitor go.

“He got about 10 yards on me and I was able to suck it up and make a last ditch effort and get him in the last 100,” Butler said. “(That) might be the last race the teacher beats the student. I’m just trying to stay healthy and hang on.”

Davis earned second with his 17:11 and Chin pulled in for third at 17:21. Titusville’s Frank Kapr, 41, took Masters (40+) in 18:49.

In the ladies race, 24-year-old Jessica Crate (left, Barry Jones photo), who is training for her first marathon with Davis and Chin, walloped the rest of the women with her win of 18:09, also good enough for ninth place overall. Palm Bay’s Tracy ‘T-Sizzle’ Smith crossed the line in 19:38 for second and Melbourne’s Meredith Van Veen, 24, took third in 19:46. Fifty-year-old flight attendant, Karen Minor, nailed Masters in 20:04. (Special congrats to T-Sizzle’s dad, who completed his first-ever race!)

The Ghostly Gecko was race number three in the six-race Running Zone Race Series and proceeds will benefit the City of Melbourne Leisure Services.

Complete results are at http://running-zone.com/event_results and check out the great race shots by TriHokie’s Barry Jones for Running Zone at

http://www.trihokie.com/gallery/10094575_pJWH6#692936820_vuoZc

STAYING UP LATE

Not content with finishing just one Oct. 24 race, John Davis, Steve Chin and Cathy Chapman hit the line of the 6:30 p.m. Ghostly Gecko 5K in Melbourne -- with Davis and Chin taking second and third overall respectively -- jumped in their cars and sped to Orlando for the 10:30 p.m. start of Disney’s Tower of Terror 13K.  The 8.1-mile race was started in 2007 to celebrate the 13^th anniversary of Disney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Part of the allure of the race is the late-night start, midnight awards and post-race party with open rides until 2 a.m. Sadly, this was the last year the event is planned to be held.  Congrats to all local finishers including (below l to r: Pat Mckee, Linda Mckee, Cedric Ching):

CHERYL AVENA , 1:36:00; DANNY BARRETT , 3^rd 45-49, 52:59:00 JANICE BECK , 2:00:45; KUANG YU BERES , 1:35:33; STEVEN BERES , 1:21:49; CYNDI BERGS , 1:57:19; MARK BERGS , 1:57:17; DOROTHY BOURLIER, 1^st, 50-54, 1:10:13; SHARON BRESSER, 1:28:26; TRACIE BURNS, 2:15:25; CATHY CHAPMAN , 1:40:55; STEVE  CHIN ,2^nd 40-44, 49:21:00; CEDRIC CHING , 1:15:53; MELANIE  CLEGG , 1:44:25; ED CLOAK , 1:27:03; CHRISTI CURTIS , 1:30:16; DONNA DAVIS, 1:06:41; JOHN DAVIS , 1^st 30-34,  48:41:00; MICHAEL DRAPER , 54:44:00; ANN  EHLER, 1:09:14; RANDY FARNER , 58:56:00; JOSEE FORTIN , 1:14:29; JANICE  GAGNIER , 1:51:51; CHARIS GAINES , 1:23:25; JIM GERARD , 2:07:14; STEVEN GILLIS , 1:34:57; KELLY GORMAN, 1:58:06; JORDEN HALSTEAD, 1:00:43; KATHRYN HERMAN, 2:04:03; COLLETTE HEUSINKVELD, 2:00:57; KEN HILL, 1:22:58; SUE HOYT, 1:16:13; KELLY HUNTER, 1:18:10; PATRICIA JOHNSON, 1:24:35; CHRISTEY KRAUSE, 1:21:29; HARRIS KRAUSE, 54:44:00; TANYA  KUELBS , 1:52:40; SERENA LEDIG, 1:27:46; RYAN LOMBROIA, 1:24:23; TERRI  LOVELACE , 1:09:56; KIRSTEN MCDOUNOUGH,  2:01:07; LINDA  MCKEE,  1:34:15; PAT MCKEE,  1:34:15; GARY MEIER,  1:31:03; PAM MEIER, OA Master (40+),  1:01:19; AIMEE MOLINEAUX  1:25:4 SUSAN MOLINEAUX , 2:17:27; ROSE  MYERS,  1:27:51; DIANNE ORTT , 1:42:35; DAVID POPE , 1:57:21; ERMIN RAMISCAL , 1:15:05; RACHEL RAYBURN , 1:33:47; JAMES ROEDER , 1:11:17; TIM ROONEY , 1:25:30; DAMARIS SARRIA , 1:15:15; AMY SCHELL , 2:05:18; JOHN SCHMIDT , 1:51:51; JOSEPH SMITH , 1:20:21; TIMOTHY SMITH , 1:29:14; JAYNA  SNYDER  1:35:19; LAYLA SNYDER  1:20:55; MARCELLA SOLOMON , 1:42:09; DAVID STARK  1:33:35; GARY STUTTE  1:02:49; NANCY TILLEY ,1:26:49; MATTHEW VAN DEN DRIESSCHE, 1:20:40; JENNIFER VAN DEN DRIESSCHE , 2:02:01; JOE WEHLEN , 1:24:58; DOROTHY WELLS, 1:22:20; JASON WHITE, 1:14:26; TERESA WILLIAMS, 1:22:20; JENNIFER YOUNG , 2:01:07.

DO IT FOR THE KIDS!

Seems like when the economy goes south, crime goes up and, sadly, child abuse is no exception. Since 1981 the Dick Batchelor 5K Run for the Children has raised more than $1,000,000 to help support our youngest victims and help increase awareness of their often undisclosed plight. Even with last year’s recession, the race that was started by Florida Representative, Dick Batchelor, donated more than $50,000 to the Howard Phillips Center for Abused Children, a part of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Congrats to the 1,100 walkers and runners who came out for the Lake Eola event on Oct. 24. Brevard locals who competed included Ken Flieder, 33:01; Jessica Kriewaldt, 45:34; Jim Kriewaldt, 49:15; Joanne Kriewaldt, 45:41; Tara Lakin, 29:35; Leah Ivey, 49:09; Nancy Rowan, 26:19; Erin Rutenler, 34:42; Sharon Smith, 31:25; Patti Spoerle, 2^nd 45-49, 23:44; Jayne Wilkerson, 28:14; Karen Wysocki, 29:51.

Check out this 2007 Growing Bolder video on the race. There is quite a lot of smack-talk by some of Florida’s Grand Masters runners! http://growingbolder.com/media/living/volunteering/run-for-the-children-479437.html#content_tabs

140.6 IS TOUGH STUFF

No matter what ya call it, racing 140.6 miles is tough stuff. It’s kind of a shame that independent races can now get slapped if they use the term ‘Ironman’ to describe their 2.4-mile swims, 112 mile bikes and 26.2-mile runs. The Great Floridian is such an event. Established by Fred Sommer 19 years ago in Clermont, the race was the first IM distance in Florida and athletes came from all over the US to test their mettle on the course that is often described as ‘sadistic’ and ‘surprising’. Very few people expect what the weather and the un-Floridalike course throws their way.  Whether WTC owns the race or not, those who go the distance still deserve the title ‘Ironman’.

Congrats to Melbourne Beaches Brian LaJoie, left, who finished ninth overall in the insanely hot and humid Great Floridian on Oct. 24 and first in the 30-34 age group with his time of 11 hours, thirty-seven minutes and 10 seconds. This year’s brutal race made it hard to retain salt and electrolytes and probably saw record numbers walking on the run.

Happy anniversary to Matt and Joan Mahoney, who were married at the finish line of the 1993 Great Floridian after Matt finished the race in 14:18 and Joan in 17:30.

Congrats, also, to LaJoies wife, Sage (left), who took fourth overall in the corresponding short course race (1.2-mile swim, 38-mile bike and 15K run) in 3:52:34. LaJoie was joined on the podium by Melbourne’s Pam Maxwell who took Masters in 4:00:21 and Joseph Von Edwins, who placed third in the 20-24 division.

Both the LaJoies competed at Coeur d’Alene in August with Brian finishing in 10:44:40 and Sage taking sixth in the 30-34 age group in 11:38:28.  Sage also won the women’s division of the Great Floridian - her first Iron-distance event - in 2007 in 11:17:50. Both of the LaJoies and Maxwell have qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater next month.

WE ARE FAMILY-I GOT ALL MY SISTERS AND ME

More than 200 women lined the shores of Lake Mary Jane on Oct. 24 to participate in the 4^th Orlando Women’s Triathlon Festival. Buttar.com offered the ladies their choice of a semi Olympic-distance (.93/21.6/5.5); sprint-distance (.5/12.4/2.8) My First Tri (.25/12.4/2.8) and an Aqua-bike (.93/21.6)

Congrats to all who participated including Olympic distance finisher Christy Zieres, 2^nd 45-49, 2:32:35; Olympic Aqua Bike finishers Kathy Bryant, 1^st OA, 1:33:42; Sue Stidham, 1:43:44. Sprint distance finishers Bridget Beitel, 1:38:42; Melissa Evziere, 1:22:21; Carrie Fast, 1:31:40; Susan Goodman, 1^st 55-59, 1:24:31; Jamie Guth, 3^rd 25-29, 1:19:41; Joy Hess, 1^st 30-34, 1:16:17; Nicole Kurschat, 2^nd 25-29, 1:19:36; Kathy Lawler, 1:37:26; Kara Marcinek, 1:35:38. My First Tri finishers Aimee Asher, 2^nd 30-34, 1:18:16; Anthea Atkinson, 1^st 45-49, 1:20:52; Vanessa Dance, 1:45:28; Susan Ivey, 1:56:22; Casey Orlando, 1^st 14 & under, 1:29:03.

And, on Oct. 18, about 19,000 women, as well as a few gents, competed in the Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in San Francisco. The race partners with Team-in-Training and this year alone, more than $14,000,000 was raised in the fight against cancer. (Above left, Marisa Flint and Sharon Gillette at the start of the Nike event, photo courtesy Sharon Gillette)

Liz Plosser’s race blog about the expo and finish (never mind the spectacular views on the race course) will give you an idea why this race closes out in just a couple of days after Nike opens registration in March.

“…It’s an expotique! Taking over Union Square in the heart of SF were the red and white tents of the race expo. Every participant wandered through in order to pick up her timing chip and race number. In keeping with the girl-power vibe, the expo featured uber-feminine bells and whistles. There were manicures. Smoothies. Chocolate samples. It was girl heaven. Across the street at the mega Niketown, runners were drinking more of the Nike Kool-Aid. In a tiny font, the names of every runner racing on Sunday, October 18 took over a massive window.

Just beyond the finish line arch, there were firemen. Wearing tuxedos. Smilingly offering every runner turquoise Tiffany boxes. (Yes, I’m serious.) Inside, I found the race medal—a silver necklace from Tiffany with the Nike swoosh and etched with the words “Run Like a Girl.” It was the kind of race (and bling) that made you very happy to be one.”(photo, left, courtesy Sharon Gillette)

Congrats to local marathon finishers Barry Birdwell, 6:14:21; Marisa Flint, 4:45:00; Hatice Foell, 4:35:11, Pamela Peters, 4:45:41 and half marathon finishers (yes, they got the necklace too) Michelle Birdwell, 2:58:17, Sharon Gillete, whose bum knee forced her to walk, 3:21:05 and Marla Rhodes, 3:06:21.

Read Plosser’s entire blog at Time Out Chicago at:

http://www3.timeoutny.com/chicago/blog/out-and-about/author/lbaker/

TWO-TIMING CHIN

Congrats to Steve Chin on his repeat win at the Second Annual  Witch Way 5K in Indialantic on Oct. 17.  Running only three years now and charging with Brevard's best, Chin beat his 2008 course record by 11 seconds as he crossed this year's line in 17:43.

COMING UP:

Saturday: Witch Way 5K, 7:30 a.m., Nance Park, Indialantic Info and registration at http://mattmahoney.net/tmp/09witch.pdf

Saturday: Cycling Tour of KSC/CCAFS - sold out at 500 participants

Saturday: Nike 26.2, Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco; lots of local TNT participants. Complete info at http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon

Sunday: 3^rd annual Ride 4 aBreast to benefit the Cancer Care Foundation. 100 percent of the proceeds earmarked for breast cancer patients. Ride 12, 28, or 42 miles.  Info and registration at http://spacecoastvelosport.com/downloads/RFAB_09.pdf

Sunday: Free long runs from Riverfront Park (Harrison St.) in Cocoa Village. Runners leave at 6:30 a.m. and head out-and-back along Indian River Drive -- the same course as the Space Coast Half Marathon.  Water and Gatorade are provided at no charge by Space Coast Runners at miles two and four on the way out and same spots on way back. All distances/paces welcome. Contact Linda Cowart at landclearing@bellsouth.net for more info.

RIDING FOWARD

CONGRATS to the newly elected Space Coast Velo Sport (SCVS) Officers. Leading the 2010 charge will be President-elect Tom Hoffman supported by Vice President Keith Cook; Treasurer and Secretary Geri Egan; Membership Coordinator, Laura Blackwood; Sponsorship Coordinator and Director Sportif, Terry Crovo and Advocacy Coordinator, Rob Downey.  Not a member? Check out the benefits of belonging to the club at www.spacecoastvelosport.com

JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT WON’T END…

It’s been a long season for cyclists competing in the Florida Points Series. 2009 issued a challenging combination of 30-plus races including time trials, road races, and criteriums staged throughout the state from early February through mid-October.

Last weekend, Jos Chalmers, left, was awarded the State Championship Time Trial (15-18 division) jersey as well as his trophies for finishing second in the Junior 15-16 division of the Florida Points Series and second in the Florida State Cup.  Oh, and don’t forget that after a week at a training development camp in June, the Holy Trinity sophomore whose interim GPA is currently a 4.1, blew the field away in North Carolina to take the State Road Racing Championship (15-18 division) on June 13.

Kudos also to Phil Moore who, with only four races under his belt, finished 6^th in Cat 5; Gary Stern, State Time Trial Championship, Masters 35+; Anselm Teather who took first in the Junior 10-12 and Anselm’s brother, Christian, who placed fourth in the Junior 13-14.

HOW FAR IN THIS HEAT?

Although the Withlacoochee forest was named one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, the temperatures at the John Holmes 50K and 16-mile trail run on Oct. 11 were anything but.

“At the 7:00 AM start it was 74 degrees F with a dew point of 72 degrees,” said 50K competitor Jim Schroeder. “The high was 90 F, dew point 78 and mostly sunny with a heat index of 105 in the shade. Most people were still running in the hottest part of the day.”

Luckily the pine and scrub offered some protective shade and gentle footing.

“The trails are peaceful with copious pine cones to kick and pines needles to soften the footing,” said Schroeder. “Much of the course is hilly too, a nice change from running in Brevard County.”

Brevard locals represented the county well and 50K finishers included Stu Gleman, 7:50:34; Matt Mahoney, 2^nd 50-59, 5:21:33; Joe Ninke, 3^rd OA, above left, 1^st 40-49, 4:43:57; Drew Peterson, 6:25:32; Jim Schroeder, 2^nd 60-69, 6:12:31.

In the 16-miler, Jessica Crate, Steve Chin and John Davis finished 2^nd, third and 4^th overall respectively with one second between each of them. Crate, left, who won overall female, went 2:03:50; Chin scored Masters in 2:03:51 and Davis took the 30-39 division with his 2:03:52 -- there was no second or third overall trophies awarded. Other local 16-miler finishers included Chi Cam, 3:03:10 and Autumn Evans, 2:23:32.

GREAT PAY IF YOU CAN GET IT

Beating out a field of 45,000 at the Oct. 11 Chicago Marathon meant a healthy payday for Kenya’s Sammy Wanjiru, left. The reigning 2008 Olympic marathon champ not only earned $75,000 for his 2:05:41 victory but he was awarded an additional $100K for beating the course record -- by one second -- set by Khalid Khannouchi in 1991. And, if that wasn’t enough, Wanjiru’s victory also sewed up the top spot in the World Marathon Majors Championship giving him an extra half million to play with.  In the ladies race, Russian Liliya Shobuknova, who scored third overall in her London Marathon debut this year, took the top spot and $75,000 with her 2:28:50.

Chicago’s chilly temperatures combined with consistent training in Florida’s heat also helped four locals snag their Boston qualifiers including Sarah Guttery, BQ, 3:26:18; Juan Perez, BQ, 3:24:03; James Shaffer, BQ, 3:18:28, left training with his furry, three-legged friend, Fred; Angela Wells, BQ, 3:26:23.

Other Brevard locals who completed the windy city race included Naweed Akram, 4:04:11; Greg Aker, 3:55:04; Kate Davis, 4:45:54; Kyle Durr, 4:21:27; Eric Mcintyre, 5:18:26; Everette Martin, 6:22:12; Lindsay Roseland, 5:11:33; Chris Sorensen, 5:27:15.

LAST CALL

More than 100 locals joined a throng of 4,000+ on Oct. 11 for the 7 a.m. fireworks that kicked off the Race for the Taste 10K at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Athletes ran a point-to-point course that took them through Hollywood Studios and Epcot before crossing the finish line and being treated to a small taste of the delights being offered at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Sadly, for many, this was the last year Disney will offer this race.  Locals who received the special finisher’s medal included JANET BAINBRIDGE, 1:32:44; DARLEEN BARFIELD, 1:07:08; DANNY BARRETT, 42:12:00; SEAN BLACK, 41:47:00; JOHN BLACK, 1:13:45; JULIA BLACK , 1:13:45; JOHN BOEHMER, 1:23:31; RYAN BOEHMER, 58:51:00; JO-ANNE BOLAND, 1:01:24; BRIAN BRIDENBECKER, 1:09:18; ROBERT BRUCKART, 1:22:11; LISA BURK, 1:08:30; BETSY BUTLER, 58:16:00; ASHLEY BYRNE, 59:44:00; KATHY CAMICK, 48:50:00; CEDRIC CHING, 54:48:00; ED CLOAK, 1:09:00; GERALD COX, 1:13:22; MARGUERITE COX,1:26:47; CHRISTI CURTIS, 1:10:57; GABRIELLA DANCE, 1:32:07; VANESSA DANCE, 1:32:08; CATHERINE DAVIS, 1:27:57; ELIZABETH DAVIS , 1:21:56; LESLIE DAVIS, 1:41:42; RACHEL DAVIS, 1:41:44; VICTORIA DAVIS, 1:21:56; CHERYL DAY, 1:37:38; WALTER DAY, 1:06:48; ALAN DIAMOND, 55:39:00; STEPHANIE   1:22:38; JENNIFER FAIRBANK, 1:02:31; MIKE FAIRBANK, 1:02:31; AMY FARNER, 1:35:28; MARK FIELDS, 1:04:44; BILL FLOYD, 1:14:18; LYNNDA FLOYD, 1:46:27; JOSEE FORTIN, 59:42:00; CINDY GAFFNEY, 1:01:19; MICHAEL GAFFNEY, 54:13:00; SANDRA GARCEAU, 1:25:57; ALEX GASPARD, 1:27:41; RUSS GASPARD, 1:28:51; SANDI GASPARD, 1:28:51; STEVEN GILLIS, 1:17:47; JULIE GLOVER, 1:19:43; RENE HARDEE, 1:38:04; SHERRY HEARD, 1:19:30; LEEANNE HEROLD, 1:20:07; RYAN HEROLD, 1:14:22; CHRISTOPHER HILL, 48:14:00; NYLA HILL, 1:19:15; KEN HILL, 1:04:30; SUSAN HOUTS, 1:07:27; SUE HOYT, 1:01:40; BILL HUDKINS, 54:29:00; KARRAH HUDKINS, 1:18:22; MITCHELL HUGHES, 1:05:27; MARK JACKSON, 43:35:00; DEBRA JOHANSEN, 49:22:00; ASHLEY JOHNSON, 53:11:00; MORRIS JOHNSON, above left, 1:15:47; DANA KELLER, 1:35:15; CHRISTINA KOPP, 1:24:44; BRIAN KURINSKY, 59:45:00; TARA LAKIN, 1:09:00; THOMAS LASKO, 1:28:14; SERENA LEDIG, 1:07:37; CHRISTOPHER LOINES, 44:58:00; SHARON LOINES, 1:30:49; TOM LOOMIS, 1:20:10; ADAM MARSHALL, 1:00:06; CHARLOTTE MCCLURE, 54:51:00; SALLY MEMMOTT, 1:01:20; JENNIFER MIRENDA, 1:38:03; ANNE MITCHELL, 1:19:24; JOHN MITCHELL, 1:11:24; HEATHER MITCHELL, 1:24:04; AIMEE MOLINEAUX, 1:08:40; SUSAN MOLINEAUX, 1:45:03; ROSE MYERS, 1:11:31; ALLI NEVIN, 56:35:00; TERESSA NGUYEN, 1:14:50; DIANNE ORTT, 1:25:16; CORY PATRICK, 1:07:43; NOEMI PEREZ, 1:27:55; DAVID POPE, 1:28:20; LAUREN PRICE, 1:09:22; RICK RAMNATH, 50:08:00; ANNE RAMSEY, 1:24:44; MARTHA RANSOM, 1:24:04; BETH RIEDER, 59:05:00; JOHN RINGENBERG, 56:39:00; JIM RINGROSE, 1:24:44; HEATHER ROGERS, 1:11:38; TIM ROONEY, 1:01:31; SEAN ROSELL, 1:07:42; JILLIAN ROTHEN, 1:19:43; JAMIE SANCARTIER, 50:28:00; TINA SCHANTZ-GROSS, 1:21:14;AMY SCHELL, 1:29:58; LEW SCHWARTZ, 1:07:39; CHRISTINE SEDLOCK, 1:12:49; ANGELA SHOE, 1:04:05; TIMOTHY SMITH, 1:12:49; JOSHUA SMITH, 1:22:44; JOANN SOMMERS, 1:38:40; SUE STIDHAM, 1:18:28; GAIL TAGLIAFERRO, 1:20:20; CANDY THOMAS, 1:19:47; MATTHEW VAN DEN DRIESSCHE, 1:02:28; JENNIFER VAN DEN DRIESSCHE, 1:35:58; CHRIS WATERMAN, 1:14:53; DEBORAH WEAVER, 1:37:39; JOE WEHLEN, 1:05:21; MICHAEL WILKES, 1:03:49; SHARI WILLIAMS, 1:07:34; TAMMY WILLIAMS, 1:22:29; LORI WILLOUGHBY, 1:26:38; DEBORAH YARBROUGH, 1:38:41; KEITH YARBROUGH, 1:22:28; CYNTHIA YOUNGBLOOD, 1:49:12; DOUGLAS YOUNGBLOOD, 1:06:32; MICHELLE ZEPPIERI, 1:08:21.

HEALTH FIRST RESULTS CORRECTED: CHRIS SEINKNER, SUE MATSCHNER SPRINT VICTORS

A huge CONGRATS to all who participated in yesterday’s Health First Triathlons. Pacing and hydration became key concerns as yesterday’s brutal heat and humidity presented the very real threat of heat exhaustion.

Race organizers did an excellent job with course and traffic support. A huge ‘thumbs up’ to all who volunteered their time to ensure a safe and memorable race for each athlete.
What could have been near-perfect race execution was marred by the numbers of questions that came up about the accuracy of the race results. Chips were lost in the swim, other’s times were missing all together -- including the women’s Olympic 50-54 division. And there was still uncertainty about who really won both the men’s and women’s sprint races.

“There were issues with people swapping back and forth between the sprint and the Olympic distance without bib numbers or chips getting changed,” said race director, Chris Moling, of DRC Sports, the company that provided the timing. “We knew there were some problems after the awards got started. We should have stopped and asked for more time to sort things out and then announce the correct results.”

Moling and his crew were super responsive to making sure everything was corrected post-race. DRC is the same crew that put on the excellent Atlantic Coast half ironman up in Amelia Island last weekend and they are sincere about doing the best they can by and for the athletes. This is one of those ‘stuff happens’ things that no one likes and no one likes being responsible for….but it happens and we all move on.

Congrats to Indian Harbour Beaches Chris Seinkner, 41, left, and Merritt Island’s Sue Matschner, 43, upper left, who were overlooked yesterday as the 2009 Health First sprint champs. Seinkner, a father of two and an Air Force pararescue, became a three-time HF sprint tri champ as he hit the line for the victory yesterday  in 1:06:53.  Matschner, a pharmacist and mother of one, moved up two notches from last year's third place overall to this year's 1:16:05 top spot.

Trophies will be sorted out and Denise Piercy at Running Zone said there would be no problem giving Seinkner and Matschner gift certificates for new shoes - a winner’s perk.

Congrats, again, to our local Olympic-distance champ, Ed Donner. The six-time Ironman who has only been in the sport three years, grabbed the win yesterday in 2:21:21.

Congrats, also, to Team Goddess, the all 40+ women's team of Christy Zieres (swim), Sue Daily (bike), Nancy Buonanni (run), who cruised through the Olympic relay division in 2:33:07. Sadly, all men's, women's and co-ed teams were lumped together, so the groovy goddesses had to settle for second behind the male team Triple Threat, who finished in 2:31:01.

Check out the now complete and correct results at http://www.drcsports.com/races/healthfirst/res09.shtml

Also enjoy Ken Horton's photos from the race at http://icunphotos.com/pics/run091011/index.php

BE A BUDDY

Maybe you’re doing the Health First Tri or Race for the Taste 10K on Sunday and want something a little more laid back tomorrow.

Suzie Enlow suggested the Brevard Buddy Walk to benefit Down Syndrome. Registration kicks off at 8 a.m. at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village and the 9 a.m. start will take participants out-and-back along south Rockledge Drive. A $15 donation gets you a t-shirt, lunch and most-importantly, a chance to help out some really special kids and their families. For complete info and an entry form, log on to

http://www.fedsofbrevard.org/Resources/2009BuddyWalkBrochFinal.pdf 

BUT WHY IS THE RACE NAMED AFTER A PORN STAR?

There are few spectators on this course unless you include the curious eyes of some of Mother Nature’s furry and hopefully friendly  family. Water stops are bring-your-own or serve-yourself-style as you check off another lap. With few exceptions, there is only the abundant scrub and long leaf pine to cheer or -- depending on the heat and where your head is at -- mock you.

Welcome to the John Holmes 50K Trail Run and 16-Mile fun run that kicks off tomorrow in the Withlacoochee State Forest, northeast of Brooksville.

“It is a beautiful course, but is rather hilly,” said ultra-runner Jim Schroeder, who has cruised this course and its Croom’s Fool 50-mile cousin a few times. (That's Jim at left at this year's Fool's 50) “The race is run entirely on the north side which is the hilly side, approximately four, eight-mile loops.

Schroeder, a Wickham Trails regular, will be lining up at 7 a.m. with other locals Stu Gleman,  race director of the Ancient Oaks 100-miler; ultra, ultra runner Matt Mahoney, left who finished this race fifth overall last year in 5:05:02 and is the director of the crazy 100- and 200-mile Wickham Park ‘fun run’ and Cape Canaveral’s Drew Peterson.

Those who will be taking off an hour later to start the 16-miler include Chi Cam, Steve Chin, Jay Claybaugh, Jessica Crate, John Davis and Autumn Evans. Chin, Crate and Davis are using the race as a training run for their first marathon in Dec. in Vegas.

Check out the video below of last year’s Holmes race. Gotta love the laid back start and some of the comments made by the runners including “is this still one loop? we’ll be out here for eight hours,” as well as the grunts and groans of folks slogging their way up a really steep, short hill.  At about six minutes and 55 seconds into the video, look for Kristen Dea grinning at the camera. Kristen, who is now pregnant with her and husband Jon’s first child, won the women’s 30-39 age group last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXAR_WUlcsA

Wanna read about some super hard core ultra running adventures? Check out Matt Mahoney's site at http://www.mattmahoney.net/

ON THE TUBE

Pete Carabetta reminded us that the Versus Network will be showing back-to-back triathlon on Sunday afternoon. At 3 p.m., the station will air the 2009 St. Anthony's O-distance triathlon; followed at 3:30 by a show on St. Croix 70.3.  Nice way to veg!

ARE YOU IN?
Check out tomorrow’s advance and Monday’s post-race coverage at www.floridatoday.com of this year’s Health First Triathlon. Look to see who is registered for the closed out sprint and O-distance races by clicking the link at the right!

THE AC WORKS AGAIN!

According to the Weather Channel, heat should be the least of the challenges for the ~45,000 participants from 50 states and 100 countries participating in the 32nd Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11. The race, which is part of the seven-race World Marathon Majors Series, moved the starting time back half an hour to 7:30 a.m. this year after record highs forced them to pull the plug at about the three-hour mark in ’07. One man died and at least 49 runners were taken to hospitals because of heat-related ailments; hundreds more were treated on site. Last year’s race was also considered warm but highs topped out near 80 -- about 10 degrees cooler than the previous year’s fiasco.

This year’s current forecast should make organizers and many athletes happy as temps are expected to only top out near 50 degrees on race day. With a huge pack of elites and a purse worth $450,000, this could be an extra exciting event for distance buffs. Morocco’s Abderrahim Goumri and Kenya’s Vincent Kipruto hold the fastest PRs of 2:05:30 and 2:05:47, respectively, in the men’s race. In the ladies field, USA favorite Deena Kastor and Germany’s Irinia Mikitenko are the only two with sub-2:20s under their race belts.

Locals also making the trek to the air-conditioned north for the race include Naweed Akram, John Andrews, Greg Aker, Kate Davis, Kyle Durr, Sarah Guttery, Eric Mcintrye, Everett Martin, Juan Perez, Lindsay Roseland, James Shaffer, Chris Sorensen, Dustin Whitehead, Angela Wells.

You can follow the race live on-line on Sunday at www.universalsports.com and also track your favorite runners and their splits along the course at www.chicagomarathon.com

END-OF-SEASON BOOST

This time of year, it’s hard to keep stoked about multisport as our Florida season is such a long and toasty one. Get your groove back this week at www.ironman.com as journalists, race officials and pros weigh in daily on who’s who and what’s going on at Kona’s Big Dance - known also as the Hawaiian Ironman World Championship -- on Sat., Sept. 10. The same site will also provide live race-day coverage.  Get some!

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Even though Cypress Gardens has been closed down, the final and championship event of the eight-race Family Fitness Weekend sprint tri Series will kick off Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the lake made famous for its ski shows. Locals Rob Downey and Garry Branch will be racing the 600-yard swim; 10-mile bike through Winter Haven and a 5K through the now defunct yet beautiful and decades-old park.

Branch is hoping to hold on to his 2^nd place ranking in the 45-49 division and Downey merely has to ‘just finish’ to retain his top spot in the 55-59 age group. After grabbing the goods for the tri-gods, Downey will head back to Brevard where he is registered for the Health First Sprint Tri the following day.

A SAFER RIDE

Tom Hoffman, veteran club member and kick-butt runner and triathlete will be teaching a class called Traffic Skills 101. With the increase of traffic on local roads and the mindless texting and twittering of those behind the wheel, some extra knowledge could be a life-saver. The class consists of nine hours of instruction held over two days and is designed for beginner-intermediate cyclists.  Topics include bicycle safety, basic bike maintenance and flat tire repair, riding in traffic and vehicular safety, and bike handling skills and crash avoidance techniques.

The class runs from 6 until 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and continues the following day from 8 until 3 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the Melbourne Pro-Health and Fitness Center. Only 10 spots are available and cost is $25 per person. Contact Tom, an LAB certified Instructor, for more info or to sign up at thoffman11@cfl.rr.com

AMELIA ISLAND ACCOLADES

Next year at this time, we’ll have a choice of five half ironman or 70.3-distances to choose from: Florida Challenge; Augusta 70.3; Miami 70.3; Miami Man and the Atlantic Coast Triathlon on beautiful Amelia Island. From all reports, the latter seems to be the best bet for those looking for a low key, laid back, very well run non-M dot course with a shady run.

Now in its second year, the flat and fast course -- that starts with a swim in the Atlantic -- provided a plethora of personal bests for participants on Sat., Oct. 3. Leading the charge from Brevard was Indialantic’s Bob Cooper who won the men’s 50-54 division in 5:09:18. Bob’s victory was hugely inspiring as it had been more than a decade since one of Brevard athlete’s favorite orthopedics (left-Bob at work) had been unable to run due to issues with his own back. Cooper took the ag win with a 30:42 1.2-mile swim; 2:32:50 or 22 mile per hour bike and a 2:01:10 (9:15 per mile average) half marathon.

Merritt Island’s Nancy Buonanni (left, 2008 Get Up & Go 10K, Rick Andrews photo) had the second fastest local race and her 5:18:52 gave her second Masters (40+). Nancy popped out a 41:07 swim; then averaged 20.3 on the bike and finished it off with her running prowess with a 1:48:43 half marathon.

“Everything fell into place,” said Buonnani, who credited her improved cycling skills to the ladies ‘A-team’ ride championed by Shelley Christian and Sue Daly. “The swim was peaceful; there were big, wide shoulder and good traffic control on the bike and the run was beautiful, mostly shady.”

Congrats to all locals who finished including Kelly Aleman, 2^nd 40-44, 6:03:21; Bill Buonanni, 6:27:45; Nancy Buonanni, 2^nd Master (40+), (left) 5:18:52;  Rachelle Butler, 7:01:14; Alisha Causey, 7:29:43; Jackie Clifton, 3^rd Master, 5:30:05; Bob Cooper, 1^st 50-54, 5:09:18; Suzanne Coullias, 6:28:47; David Daly, 5:42:20; Melanie Elkhorn, 6:35:43; David Friedland, 5:49:00; Patti Hamilton, 6:42:01; Belinda Jorgenson, 6:57:07; Lisa Mangino-Friedland, 7:38:34; Ana McQueary,7:01:08;  Liz Parker, 8:44:12; Richard Ricant, 3^rd 55-59, 5:57:06; Loran Serwin, 6:01:27; Eric Turner, 5:57:58; Christy Zieres, 2^nd Athena, 6:17:56.

NOW BRING US OUR DAIQUIRIS, DAMNIT!

Normally the waters on Siesta Key are calm and clear, but race day chop and minimal buoys made swimming and sighting difficult for those competing in the Siesta Key in Sarasota for the 2009 Daiquiri Deck Tropical Splash open water 1K, 3K and 5K open water swim on Oct. 3.

Congrats to local finishers Kathy Bryant, 3^rd 45-49, 1:16:53, second from left; Kelly Hunter, 2^nd 40-44, 1:33:40, left; Mike Rochelle, 1:24:52, center; Sue Stidham, 2^nd 45-49, 1:15:36, right,  and Teresa Williams, 1:22:27, second from right.

The following morning, both Kelly Hunter and Teresa Williams joined about 500 others lining up on the beach for the 25^th annual Siesta Key triathlon. Awards went five deep, allowing Kelly to bring home fifth place hardware for her 1:31:06 finish. Teresa also returned to Brevard with an award for 2^nd Athena with her 1:36:37 race.

THIS WEEKEND:  LOCALS HEAD NORTH

When the second annual Atlantic Coast Triathlon kicks off on Sat. at Main Beach Park on Amelia Island, almost 10 percent of the registered participants will be from Brevard County. The laid-back and low-key half ironman starts with a 1.2 mile swim in the Atlantic; followed by an almost pancake-flat 56-mile ride through scenic Amelia Island (the one bridge is the bubble on the griddle). The 13.1-mile out-and-back run course will provide plenty of shade as participants get to cruise through beautiful Fort Clinch state park.

Six of our local ladies will be gracing the women’s 45-49 division, so expect an exciting race there between Nancy Buonanni, Jackie Clifton, Suzanne Coullias, Belinda Jorgenson, Lisa Mangino-Friedland and Christy Zieres.

Other Brevard triathletes registered include Kelly Aleman, Bill Buonanni, Rachelle Butler, Alisha Causey, Bob Cooper, James Croft, David Daly, Melanie Elkhorn, David Friedland, Patti Hamilton, Ana McQueary, Liz Parker, Richard Ricant and Eric Turner.

Good luck and best of fun to all!!!

FLORIDA’S CHALLENGE

Those racing the 25^th annual Florida Challenge Triathlon on Sat., Sept. 26 were treated to the special brand of racing hell that only Clermont seems to be able to offer in this state.  Hills, heat, wind, and the high humidity battered between driving rain and scorching sun presented a special challenge to those competing in the 1.2-mile swim in Lake Minneola, 56-mile quad-busting bike and new, two-loop lonely but leafy run course on the Lake Minneola/Clermont Trail.

Four hours, twenty-six minutes and 48 seconds after the first wave’s horn went off, Clermont’s 27-year-old Zach Ruble took the victory. The Team TBB pro triathlete was using the race as a tune up for the Nov. 7 Ironman Florida where, last year, he posted his IM PR of 8:34:27 (ninth overall).

Finishing second -- rare in this winning season for the notorious Thong Man -- was Minneola’s Kevin Grogan, (above left at finish) who had to run down both Ed Donner and Gary Bushey for his 4:46:05. The man wearing mini material ran the fastest split of the day - 1:24:42 - perhaps making up for the four-minute penalty he received for ‘abandoning equipment’ when he handed his $50 Sable goggles to wife, Kimberly, so they couldn’t be stolen from transition (again).

Turning in the fastest bike split of the race (2:33:55/21.8 mph) was Melbourne’s Ed Donner, (left, with Elly Kabboord, post race) who took fourth overall - eight seconds behind Bushey’s third - in 4:53:06.

“I wanted to hammer the bike as hard as possible to make it a tough run to simulate an ironman - and it was,” said Donner, whose next race is the Heath First Olympic distance on Oct. 10. “It was a tough race with the heat, hills and humidity combo but (it) felt good as it was a training race for IMFL and Clearwater (70.3 World Championship).

Also finishing fourth overall was former Cocoa Beach high school and Florida Gator running star, Elly Kabboord (above left).  The Barry law student also turned in the fastest female bike split (2:57:15/19.0 mph) on the way to her 5:43:28 finish.

Other Brevard finishers include Danny Barrett, 7:16:22 - first half and used a fat-tire bike (left); Bill Farina, 7:22:21-first half; Laura Farina, 1^st 25-29, 6:22:07; Dennis Fertig, 7:14:03; John Lothrop, 6:01:15; Danny Silvea, 7:36:42; Mary Willis, 1^st 50-54, 6:57:46; Steve Winfough, 7:48:35.

Congrats to all for conquering Florida's toughest half IM course on a brutal day!

(GA) PEACH OF A RACE!

Farther north on Saturday, nine of Brevard’s triathletes became part of the inaugural Augusta 70.3 in GA. About 3,000 of the 3,400 registrants actually showed up to race, making the event  -- according to ESi race organizers -- the largest race of the distance in the world to date.

And the weather certainly cooperated. With moderate temps, little humidity and overcast skies at the start, it looked like conditions couldn’t get much better.  But in a best-case scenario, the point-to-point Savannah River course gave the athletes some help with a current that was described in the mandatory pre-race meeting as one where “if you just float, you can finish in an hour”. It didn’t hurt that wetsuits were also allowed  and post-race swim splits showed the advantages.

“You need to put an asterick next to your PR swim time,” joked Tricia Rydson, who turned in a 5:00:22 finish - Brevard’s fastest female. “From the shore you could see people in earlier waves stop to adjust their goggles but the current kept them moving.”

Rydson, a three-time All American high school and collegiate swimmer posted the fastest swim of 22:20 in the 35-39 group and then turned in a 2:44:24 (20.4mph) bike and 1:49:24 half marathon to finish seventh in the division.

“I was worried about the hills going in,” said the Melbourne Beach mother of two. “Racing in Tuscaloosa made me realized I’m not experience on hills.  But Augusta wasn’t bad. None were steep. There were enough to make it fun and interesting without killing you.”

Southern hospitality was also rolled out for the athletes and their families.

“The city was really welcoming to the athletes,” said Rydson. “It was a ton of fun.”

It also proved a big pay day for Greg and Laura Bennett (left after placying fourth in the Bejiing Olympic triathlon). The short-distance studs from Boulder showed  they are equally adept at the middle distance with Greg taking the male win in 3:47:07 and Laura in 4:18:36.

Congrats to all who raced including Brevard finishers Greg Akin, 6:36:06; Grover Brower, 6:09:37; Pete Carabetta, 6:51:35; Gina Caccamo, 6:52:16; Katie Halley, 7:26:42; Joel Kinnunen, Brevards fastest finisher, 4:32:36; Mike Melton, 6:38:29; Leeanne Nawrocki, 5^th 25-29, 5:12:33 and Adam Ullein, 4:35:06.

70.3: #40-PLUS AND COUNTING

Shut out of this season’s 70.3 events? Fret not as the company who couldn’t trademark the term ‘half-ironman’ has announced four new races on U.S. soil in 2010 including 70.3 Miami - yep - Miami, on Oct. 30 just two weeks before MultiRace's successful Miami Man. Ouch. Go to http://www.ironmanmiami.com/ for video, registration and course info.

Next year’s other confirmed additions include the former Lonestar Half in Galveston which, now rebranded at 70.3 Lonestar, will take place on April 25 http://www.ironmanlonestar.com ; The former Mooseman Half in New Hamshire, now rebranded as the 70.3 Mooseman on June 6 http://www.ironmanmooseman.com/ and a brand new event which will give you a Rocky Mountain high, the 70.3 Boulder, on Aug. 8 in CO http://ironman.com/

With 40 70.3 events and counting, it would be interesting if the WTC went public.  It would be fun to look at their financials.

LOCAL SECRET NO LONGER?

Clermont is a Tri Mecca for athletes

ROXANNE BROWN

Staff Writer

CLERMONT -- The triathlon geeks have voted, and Clermont is near the front of the pack of best places to live for triathletes. The city was ranked eighth in the October issue of Triathlete Magazine.

"We didn't use a scientific formula to put together this list," read an editor's note preceding the Top 20 list. "We didn't worry whether or not certain areas of the country were adequately represented. We just put a few of the world's biggest tri geeks in a conference room and asked ourselves one question: If you were moving, and triathlon training was the main criteria dictating your decision, where should you go?"

Read the rest of the story at
http://www.dailycommercial.com/localnews/story/092509triathletes