by Larry EderThe last week has been a nightmare for many in the Mid Atlantic. While mid town Manhattan does not show much of the damage just miles away, the frustration of many in NYC was focused on the support by the Mayor and the intention of the New York Road Runners to hold the 2012 ING New York City marathon. While that was not the Mayor nor the NYRR’s intention, the overwhelming support in New York City vanished for the marathon and the Mayor’s office and the NYRR cancelled the race on Friday evening.
On Saturday, many went to the NYC Expo to get their numbers, and purchase product where the proceeds, nearly industry wide, would go to hurricane relief.
The forensic investigation of who did what in New York really does not matter at this time. Mary Wittenberg and George Hirsch held a meeting with managers and elite athletes today, and took the hit, also noting that they would treat the elite athletes with fairness and compassion. RBR also learnt that Mary Wittenberg, CEO of NYRR, met with European tour operators today, as there will be a sizable request for compensation, due to European Union law, on how travelers are to be treated on events being cancelled. This will not go away quietly.
While many may question why the event was not canceled on Tuesday, or why a five borough wide tour was not done to assess the damage on Tuesday before announcing the marathon, it is a mute point. Good people can agree to disagree. Suffice it to say that the New York Road Runners and the Mayor’s office saw the event as a way of healing, and it was misinterpreted.
In the end, on Friday afternoon, it became apparent that the New York Police Department would be overwhelmed with the already growing burden of protecting the city and providing aid to those hurt, in harms way or damaged in the aftermath of the Hurricane. RBR learnt that over one hundred emergency vehicles, in need of diesel fuel, lay idle as neither the city or state had been able to find fuel for their deployment.
This is a city and area in crisis. Normalcy will come in months and weeks ahead.
Please consider donating to www.redcross.org in the name of survivors of the Hurricane Sandy.
NYC marathon cancelled
NEW YORK (USA): Finally it came. Race Results Weekly writes that some heard it through Twitter, others on television. At about 6:20 p.m. EST on Friday it was made official: the 43rd running of the ING New York City Marathon was not to be. Cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy’s after effects. Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs and Communications Howard Wolfson, New York Road Runners President and CEO Mary Wittenberg, and New York Road Runners Chairman of the Board George Hirsch addressed members of the mediaat the race’s media center, announcing to all that the event would not be held this year. “From the early stages of this week, the marathon ceased to be about running, and was all about how best to aid New York City,” Wittenberg said on the verge of tears. “It is with heavy, heavy hearts that today, tonight, that we share the best way to help New York City at this time is to say that we will not be conducting the 2012 ING New York City Marathon.” An official statement said: “While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination. We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to recover from the storm and get our city back on track.” At the media conference, Wittenberg announced that much of the marathon’s resources have now been solely diverted to help disaster relief efforts around New York and New Jersey. As for the athletes, all entrants to the 2012 ING New York City Marathon will be able to gain entry to next year’s marathon, or to another New York Road Runners event. Central Park will be re-opened on Saturday and runners are encouraged to run through the marathon finish line in a sign of solidarity.
Tokyo part of WMM
NEW YORK (USA): The World Marathon Majors announced the addition of the Tokyo Marathon to the World Marathon Majors Series. The seventh Tokyo Marathon, which will be held on February 24, 2013, will be the first race in the 2013 – 2014 World Marathon Majors scoring period. The Tokyo Marathon is the first World Marathon Majors event to be based in Asia. “Tokyo is honored to join the World Marathon Majors,” said Tad Hayano, Tokyo Marathon Foundation Race Director. “As the first marathon from Asia, we will continuously make an effort to expand the brand of the WMM in Asia. Likewise, as the one of the World Marathon Majors, we believe that the Tokyo Marathon can make an even more positive contribution to the world marathon scene by working with our new partners.” In addition to serving as the first race of the 2013 – 2014 WMM scoring period, the 2013 Tokyo Marathon will double as the Japanese men’s national team trials for the IAAF World Championships Marathon in Moscow. Prior to the establishment of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation in 2007, the city of Tokyo hosted two separate marathon events for elite men and women, dating back to 1980 and 1979, respectively. WMM informs in a release.
Fastest youth 100 m ever: Kiryu 10.19
FUKUROI (JPN, Nov 3): The Ecopa Track Games in Fukuroi at Ecopa Stadium (Shizuoka Prefecture) witnessed the fastest ever 100 m time by a youth sprinter. Holder of the former best Yoshihide Kiryu (will be 17 in December) clocked impressive 10.19 (+0.5). He attends Rakunan High School and his previous all time youth best (there are no official world records) was 10.21 from early October. His time is also new Asian junior record. Pre 2012 best of Kiryu is 10.58. It is interesting that in current sprinting scene the top youth time comes from Japan and not from USA or Jamaica. Top US youth 100 m time is 10.23 (Rynell Parson 2007) and Jamaican 10.27 (Jazeel Murphy from 2011). Yohan Blake clocked as youth athlete 10.33 and Usain Bolt was not running the 100 m at that age.
Braunschweig and Cheboksary
BUCURESTI (ROU): The German city of Braunschweig and Cheboksary from Russia (capitol of Chuvashya Republic) will host the top leagues of the 2014 and 2015 European Athletics Team Championships, following decisions by the European Athletics Council on Saturday. Informs European Athletics. Braunschweig (did not succeed for 2013 against Gateshead) prevailed over Ostrava (Czech Republic) in the contest to host the top division of the 2014 championships, while Cheboksary was the sole bidder for 2015. Each city delegation made its final presentation to the European Athletics Council during its 133rd meeting this weekend. In the Braunschweig bid team star pole vaulter and olympic medalist Bjorn Otto was included, in the Cheboksary team 2004 olympic winner Yuriy Borzakovskiy, for Ostrava javelin world leader and European champion Vitezslav Vesely sent a video message. The date for the 2014 event is June 21-22.
Ukhov and Chicherova
MOSCOW (RUS): Olympic high jump winners Ivan Ukhov and Anna Chicherova are the Athletes of the Year 2012 in Russia. Top coach is high jump coach Yevgeniy Zagorulko. Revelation of the Year award went to 800 m olympic bronze medalist Yekaterina Poistogova. The poll was made by delegates of All-Russia Athletics Federation electoral conference and visitors of Rusathletics.com website. In the men ranking second place for walker Sergey Kirdyapkin and third hurlder Sergey Shubenkov. In women situation Natalya Antyukh was second and Mariya Savinova, both olympic winners, third.
Balakhnichev re-elected
MOSCOW (RUS): IAAF Treasurer Valentin Balakhnichev was re-elected as president of All-Russia Athletics Federation at the electoral conference. He was confirmed as only candidate by acclamation. Among seven vice-presidents also legendary triple jumper Tatyana Lebedeva, national head coach Valentin Maslakov and EA Council member Vadim Zelichonok (as first vice-president). As general secretary confirmed was Mikhail Butov and as head-coach Valentin Maslakov. Among new members of the federation Council (19 persons + all vice presidents and president) Yuriy Borzakovskiy, Olga Kaniskina, Denis Kapustin, Svetlana Masterkova, Mariya Pinigina and Anna Chicherova from current or former top athletes.
Murofushi to continue in 2013
TOKYO (JPN): Olympic bronze medalist from London and world hammer champion Koji Murofushi will continue in his career but remains unsure whether he will remain on the circuit until the next Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Kyodo News informs. Murofushi plans for 2013 to compete in Moscow at the World Championships and the national championships. But beyond that, the world and 19-time Japanese champion does not know. The U.S.-based Murofushi has withheld from commenting on his future, saying he would decide after a full recovery from London. But a team official recently spoke to Murofushi, who said he would compete next season.
Savinova back in training
MOSCOW (RUS): Reigning 800 m World and Olympic winner Mariya Savinova informed Russian media that she already began her preparation for new season. “I couldn’t wait for a long and started to train during my holidays in Barcelona. Next plan is altitude training camp in Kyrgizstan for 25-27 days” Savinova said. She’ll follow usual strategy in preparation for next summeer season. “Usually I don’t compete at the beginning of the season. I have to miss fight on the track and then I compete with big itch for high results. I’m aiming to run faster than previous years. To defend the title of World Champion in Moscow will be my main goal for next summer. I heard that Caster Semenya wants to make for her loss in Daegu and London. It’s great! I’ll be so glad when she comes to Moscow highly motiva
ted. I like fast races.” Savinova also said that she is not thinking about the world record but everything is possible.
ted. I like fast races.” Savinova also said that she is not thinking about the world record but everything is possible.
OTHER NEWS
PAPENDAL (NED) : Dutch thrower Rutger Smith is leaving his training base in The Netherlands and decided to move to Los Angeles. Smith told Dutch media he needs a new environment to stay motivated and also opted to move to the sun in California with the hopes of staying injury free. Smith said he is excited about the big change.
AMSTERDAM (NED): Dutch runner Bram Som lost his funding as a professional athlete and now is occupied with several different functions. Som confirmed to losseveter.nl he is not ending his career and added he is still aiming to run 1:44 in the coming years. The Dutchman has spend several weeks in South Africa coaching soccer players and also announced he is the racedirector for Westrandweg Run.
BERLIN (GER): The German athletics federation DLV has announced its new coaching team for the next Olympic cycle 2013 Р2016. Leichtathletik.de confirms that Wolfgang Heinig (running/walking), Helge Z̦llkau (hammer throw) and Jan May (hurdles men) have been added as new coaches.
KINGSTON (JAM): Former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell visited his former school, Ewarton Primary, and donated money, which he said feels good to give back. The school received cheque donation valued at JAD 150 000 and a computer from LIME towards the development of homework centre writes trackalerts.com.
MOSCOW (RUS): Russia must top the medal table at the Moscow 2013 world athletics championships, the head of the All-Russian Athletics Federation said according to R-sport. Russia finished second in athletics at London 2012 and at the last world championships but re-elected president of the Russian federation Valentin Balakhnichev said Russia’s team would prepare “at a very high level” for the 2013 IAAF World championships.
MONTREAL (CAN): Former olympic gold medalist Bruny Surin motivates Eastern Quebec, hosts annual fundraiser and encourages Steven Dorcélus. On October 24th, Bruny Surin along with the VPP Group entertained more than 400 guests at Cavalli Restaurant in downtown Montreal. The evening hosted by Mose Persico from CTV and Mylene Ledoux from CKOI radio was an absolute success, as we were able to raise more than 108 000 USD. October 25th came bright and early as Bruny made his way to Riviere du Loup, the 25th saw him visit Ecole Joly where he gave a motivational speech to more than 200 young children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and keeping active. Surin Clothing also announced their support for Steven Dorcélus, a young Montreal Track Athlete who has a big future ahead of him, he will bear the Surin Clothing Brand at competitions within Quebec, available exclusively at Aubainerie stores.
MOUNTAIN VIEW (USA): Track and Field News High School Athletes of the Year are sprinter Tyreek Hill among boys and discus thrower Shelbi Vaughan among girls.
KINGSTON (JAM): Double olympic 100 m gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in child adolescent development at the University of the Technology, Jamaica.
ZURICH (SUI): Olympic triathlon gold medalist Nicola Spirig is considering to qualify for the European Championships 2014 in Zurich. Before that she will have a baby break, Spirig expects her first child next May. Her events for 2014 could be 5000 m, 10 000 m or marathon.
JOHANNESBURG (RSA): Former world youth champion in javelin from 2007 Tazmin Brits (now at age of 21, 57.55 best) and later world junior bronze winner in 2010 returns to athletics. “I did not realize how much I missed athletics until I started training again,” she said per SA federation website. “I am now more motivated to succeed as an athlete than ever before. It may sound funny, but I am convinced that I did not survive without a reason. Don’t ask me what that reason is, because I do not know. All I know is that I want to make the most of my second chance at life. The doctor who treated me told me that I should have died, especially because the car landed right on top of me.” In November last year Britz was involved in a car accident on the N12 just outside of Potchefstroom. She misjudged a corner and lost control. The car rolled several times before coming to a standstill against a tree. Her pelvis was broken in three places and she also sustained serious internal injuries. She was kept in ICU for two weeks and had to spend a further six weeks in hospital afterwards. After being released she was confined to wheelchair for two months and had to learn to walk all over again. Rio 2016 might be her long term goal.
KINGSTON (JAM): Usain Bolt has now 9.58 millions fans on the facebook. He sent them a video message of thanks. It is exact the figure of his 100 m world record of course.
TOKYO (JPN): Japanese athletics federation, announced the names of the new members of its strengthening committee. Taking over as head of men’s middle distance, long distance and marathoning is Team Asahi Kasei head coach Takeshi Soh. Team Tenmaya head coach Yutaka Taketomi remains in place as head of the women’s distance program. Koji Ito, holder of the Japanese men’s 100 m national record of 10.00, was named the new head of men’s sprinting, while former 400 mH national record holder and strengthening committee vice-chairman Kazuhiko Yamazaki will act as head of the committee’s actualization division. In the lead-up to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics the strengthening committee will be organized into three main divisions, track and field, middle, long distance and road, and actualization. Newly-named strengthening committee director Yasuhiro Harada will also serve as head of the track and field division. Writes Brett Larner on his blog.
LAUSANNE (SUI): European Athletics’ nominations for Athlete of the Month October comprise of athletes from 14 different countries who competed predominantly in these two disciplines. The voting will close on 19 November at noon CET.
LONDON (GBR): Latest Pat Butcher blog at www.Globerunner.org – New York Marathon ‘madness’?
NEW YORK (USA): Trio of Tracksters on cover of Essence Magazine Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter and Sany Richards-Ross along with gymnastics star Gabby Douglas.
MOSCOW (RUS): The All-Russia Athletic Federation, following the materials provided by RUSADA, decided that sprinter Alexander Vashurkin will be banned for for two years for the anti-doping rule violation starting on July 31 this year. His best is 10.40 from 2009 and equaled this year. Another banned athlete for two years for doping violation is middle distance runner Sergey Nurgaliyev (for 2 years from August 7 this year) with best 8:49.22 in steeple. RUSADA press service informs.
RESULTS
NYAHURURU (KEN, Nov 3): Kenyan CC season started with first AK/KCB Series competition. Younger brother of world class steeple Peter Mateelong won the 12 km in 36:15. Hosea Macharinyang finished second in 36:19. Third Isaac Korir 36:19 also. The senior women’s race was won by this year’s Standard Chartered Marathon 10km winner Emily Chebet who is also former World CC gold medalist in 27:08. Janet Kisa (27:11) finished second ahead of this year’s Laikipia University College half marathon winner Gladys Chemweno (27:15). Moses Mukono won the junior men’s race in 23:49 followed by Emmanuel Bett (23:54) and Isaac Langat (23:59). Sheila Chepng’etich from the emerging force of junior runners, Sogowet Club, won the junior women’s
6 km race in 20:21 while Roveline Chepng’etich (20:21) came second. Writes Daily Nation.
6 km race in 20:21 while Roveline Chepng’etich (20:21) came second. Writes Daily Nation.
NOOSA (AUS, Nov 3): Distance star Collis Birmingham achieved his fifth straight victory in the Noosa Bolt 5 km road race in 13:56. Second Brett Robinson 14:07 and third Ryan Gregson 14:24. New Zealander Lucy van Dalen clocked 17:24 to win the women’s race ahead of defending title-holder Susan Kuijken from the Netherlands 17:29. London Olympian Zoe Buckman was the leading Australian in third place 17:48. Australian media are informing.
BANGKOK (THA, Nov 2-3): During first two days the Thailand Open Champs Champika Dilrukshi from Sri Lanka won 1500 m in 4:19.27 and 3000 m in 10:27.84.
UNGHENI (MDA, Nov 3): Moldovan road running national champions at 10 km are Roman Prodius (30:21) and Svetlana Sepeleva (37:37).
