From the July 2006 print RUNOHIO
The last few months were packed with a lot of good racing, especially on the track. A number of Ohio collegiate athletes competed in the National Championships. On the distance side at the NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships the following won All American honors: Brain Olinger was 5th in the 3000-meter steeple chase, Michelle Sikes was 5th in the 5,000 and Angela Holman was 5th in the 10,000 meters. On the high school side the OHSAA State Track & Field Championships was held for the third year at the Ohio State University Jesse Owens Memorial Track. Numerous outstanding performances were recorded. The performance of the meet was Bridget Franek who won four golds including two new meet records for the Division II girls with her wins in the 800 meters and 3200 meters. She also won the 1600 meters and was a member of the winning 4 x 800 meter relay team.

The last week of June the USA Track & Field Championships were held in Indianapolis. I was hoping to go over on Thursday evening to see the 10,000 meters as five women from Ohio were entered. But, I helped my brother Jeff time a road race in Circleville Thursday evening. The race director had to delay the start of the race for nearly 45 minutes due to rain and lighting. When I got home to check the results of the USATF 10,000 meters I discovered the race was rescheduled due to inclement weather for Friday evening. Thus, I was able to get to Indianapolis for the final three days of the Championships and see all of the finals.

Former Ohio resident Katie McGregor led the 10,000 meters race and a pack of four runners for the first 22 laps as she hit each lap around 79-81 seconds. However, with three laps to go the pace quickened to around 71 seconds per lap and Katie hung on for fourth. Angela Holman was 10th, Tara Storage was 11th, Ann Alyanak was 15th and Erin Nehus finished 17th. In the 3,000-meter steeple chase Robert Gary was unable to finish due to a foot injury.

In the Junior National Championships a number of Ohioans show their talents. Jessica Beard won the 400 meters in 51.89 and Emily Pendleton won the Discus with a toss of 170' 06'. Bridget Franek was 2nd in the 3,000 meters with her 9:51.04 clocking. Samuel Borchers was 3rd in the 1500 meters with a 3:46.32 and Christina Peters was 3rd in the 10,000-meter race walk with her 54:22.44.

On Saturday in the women javelin's Ohioan Kim Kreiner set a new American record in the javelin with her 204' 10" throw. Treniere Clement won the women's 1500 with her 4:10.44 clocking. Tianna Madison was 2nd in the long jump with her 22' 02.5" leap. Ryan Wilson finished third in the 110-meter hurdles in13.22. Moushaumi Robinson was 4th in the 400 meters with her 51.13 clocking. Timothy Mack was 7th in the pole vault with his 18"00.5" leap.

On Sunday after a three-hour rain delay Rob Myers was 6th in the 1500 meters with his 3.40.90 clocking and Brian Olinger was 9th in the 3000- meter steeplechase final with his 8:37.43.

One of the highlights of the meet was Bernard Lagat as he became the first man in history to win the 5,000 and 1,500 meter double at the USA Championships.

While in Indianapolis I was able to run from the hotel to the Canal trail, which took you by the NCAA National headquarters, the zoo, and the track. The city of Indianapolis has done a tremendous job of making downtown a vibrant place where runners can easily access the bike pathway for a run. If you want to see America's top track & field athletes and you missed this year's National Championships, mark your calendar to go to Indianapolis next year as they will again be hosting the National Championships before Eugene, Oregon will host them in 2008 as part of the US Olympic Track & Field Trials.

The USA Track & Field recently awarded the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women's Marathon to the Boston Athletic Association and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon to the New York Road Runners. The B.A.A. will host the women's event on Sunday, April 20, 2008, the day before the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. The NYRR will conduct the men's Olympic Trials during the marathon weekend of November 2, 2007.

Last month I directed the Columbus 10K which was the Ohio USATF 10K Championship. Next year will be the 30th anniversary for the Columbus 10K which started as the Citizen Journal 10K. I am leaning towards retiring from directing the Columbus 10K after next year's event. I have a couple of individuals who said they would help with next year's race and take over being the director after next year's race. The time of year is a busy one for me, with teaching, coaching and my work with RUNOHIO makes it very stressful. I would still plan to help with the race in some capacity. The cost of holding this event downtown has increased over the years. This year's the fixed cost of the police, medics, insurance and the parade permit topped $10,000. Plus, the variable cost of the events such as t-shirts and awards is not covered by the entry fee. RUNOHIO has been the only financial sponsor allowing this race to continue. The race could benefit from additional sponsorship. For the 20th and 25th anniversary the race created and passed out a race poster. I hope to do this for the 30th anniversary next year. Plus, I would like to invite back all men and women winners from the first 29 years to run free in 2007.

This issue contains a number of articles from our regular contributors. New in this issue is Ron O'Donnell's column where he is going to address issue about track and field.

Race directors don't forget to send RUNOHIO your upcoming events so they can be listed on the RUNOHIO Calendar. Plus, you can post your race information on The Running Network's National Calendar. Information on The Running Network National Calendar can be found under regional News on the RUNOHIO's web site - www.runohio.com Race results can also be emailed to runohio@ee.net

The deadline for the August issue is July 16th and July 19th for advertising.

I hope you are able to enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends.

Good luck with your summer training and racing.

Matt McGowan