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CENTURYTEL WHISTLESTOP MARATHON AND
HALF MARATHON OCT. 16 OFFERS NEW 4 PERSON RELAY
Wisconsin The sixth running of the CenturyTel WhistleStop Marathon
and Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, October 11, in Ashland, Wis. Race organizers are expecting 1,300 runners to take part in this year's event. Named as a Runner's World Best Kept Marathon Secret
in 2000, the WhistleStop has become a favorite of runners looking for a smaller, runner friendly alternative to the big marathons of the fall season.
The race will be adding a four person relay to the event schedule this year to appeal to runners who want to be part of the fun but aren't up to the challenge of a half or full marathon.
Produced by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, the race prides itself in providing amenities normally found at a larger race but with small
town friendliness. Registrants can expect full service aid stations, chip timing, bag drop, shuttle service, post race music, quality finish line food, and a custom finisher medal.
The race also is known for offering a little extra, the chamber's executive director, Mary McPhetridge, explains.
"We have always included the pasta feed in the registration and work
very hard to make our finishers' shirt one of the best on the race circuit. We use shirts made of a high performance fabric, including this year's custom microfiber windshirt."
The CenturyTel WhistleStop Race also draw runners to its course. Held on a rail trail paved with crushed limestone, the point to point course is
flat, fast and scenic. The trail winds its way through forest and dairy farm country offering a beautiful fall color experience. USATF certified, many
runners use the WhistleStop course as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Race director Russ Korpela says the course is perfect for runners looking for a fast time.
"The course is actually better than flat with a 650 foot net elevation drop for the marathon, and the limestone surface is easy on the legs without
sacrificing much in traction. Throw in the smaller crowds and the cool weather and you have the recipe for a fast time."
There is no doubt, however, that many people are attracted to the
WhistleStop because it is fun for the whole family. Besides the full and half marathon, the race weekend includes races of several types for all
ages including a toddler run, a 1 mile prediction run and a 5K and 10K. Entertainment coordinator Maribeth Monroe reminds people not to forget the music as well.
"We have great live music at the finish line all afternoon and on Saturday night we let the runners celebrate their achievement with the South Shore
Brewery Blues and Brews Fest, where people can enjoy outstanding blues music and the opportunity to sample over 50 styles of microbrews."
To learn how you can be part of the CenturyTel WhistleStop Marathon and Half Marathon, including lodging, registration and entertainment information, please call the Ashland Area Chamber Commerce at
800/284 9484 or checkout the race Web site at www.whistlestopmarathon.com.
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TOUR DE SPRAWL: SAVING OPEN SPACES
Minnesota Join the Sierra Club for its eighth annual Tour de Sprawl, an innovative and exciting bicycle tour through the Twin Cities. The event
begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, with a rally at Fridley's endangered Spring Brook Nature Center. Then join hundreds of local residents riding along the beautiful Mississippi River Trail. We'll visit
open space preservation projects, transit oriented community developments and see examples of family friendly community design.
Where: Anoka County, Minnesota. 18 20 miles flat. Who: The Sierra
Club, The Friends of the Mississippi River, Transit for Livable Communities, Protect our Parks, Friends of Spring Brook Nature Center, Anoka County Parks and the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability.
Registration is $15 and includes a T shirt, food and music. For registration information, please contact Trevor Russell, open space preservation organizer at the Sierra Club, 2327 E. Franklin Avenue, No.
1, Minneapolis, MN 55404; 612/659 9124; trevor.russell@sierraclub.org; www.northstar.sierraclub.org.
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RAILS TO TRAILS PIONEER TO BE HONORED
AT WOOLLY MAMMOTH CLASSIC RUN WALK
Wisconsin Just before the starting pistol fires for the second annual Woolly Mammoth Classic Run Walk, dignitaries will unveil a historical marker telling the story of how the Tuscobia Trail became the second
rails to trails conversion in Wisconsin. When the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad abandoned service between Tuscobia Junction, near Rice Lake, and Park Falls in 1965, Hulda Hilfiker (1914 1993)
became busy garnering support for a recreational trail. Local farmers put aside an alternate plan that would have added land to their farms. Following the 1965 purchase of the Elroy Sparta Trail, in 1968 she
persuaded the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to purchase the Tuscobia corridor for a recreational trail.
On Saturday, September 6, the Superior Lobe Chapter of the Ice Age
Park and Trail Foundation and Lakeview Medical Center will sponsor a 5 mile run, 5 mile competitive walk and 5 mile fun walk held in memory of Hulda Hilfiker. The events will be on a segment of the Tuscobia Trail
designated as a National Scenic Trail by the National Park Service. The starting line is at Highway SS.
As participants descend into the Tuscobia Creek Valley, they will pass
Hulda's favorite place, where she often walked from the cheese factory she owned with her husbandm Ernest. A bench erected in her honor by the Wisconsin DNR marks the location. All three run walk events finish
in Brill where the Brill Harvest Festival will be in full swing.
Registration forms and information can be obtained by calling Katherine at the Dairy State Bank in Birchwood, Wis., 715/354 3411, or by e
mail to Nancy Frank, Northwest Field Coordinator of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation at nancy@iceagetrail.org
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For additional information, contact Don Erickson, 2806 28th St.,
Birchwood, WI 54817 2006; 715/354 3827; summit@ecol.net.
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LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE TRAIL HALF MARATHON SIGNS TITLE SPONSOR
Michigan Organizers of the Lake Superior Shore Run/Race Against Tobacco in Marquette County, Michigan, announce that Bell Medical
has signed on to become the title sponsor of the Shore Run. The trail half marathon runs through the Escanaba State Forest five miles north of Marquette and attracts runners from throughout the Midwest looking for
one of the few trail half marathons held in the area. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 and includes a 5K trail run and a 1K youth race.
"Bell Medical has signed on as our title sponsor and we look forward to this partnership," says Jim Harrington, race director. "They have a long
history of providing health care in the area and we believe they will be a perfect fit for our race. We are trying to provide healthy ways for kids
and adults to get out and enjoy our beautiful outdoors and trails while Bell Medical has the same vision."
Rich Rossway, community relations director for Bell Medical, concurs with Harrington.
"Bell strives to keep our residents healthy, active and enjoying a great quality of life. We believe in preventive measures and healthy lifestyles.
The Shore Run is an excellent way for all ages to get outside, get their heart rates up, and enjoy this pristine environment breathing clean air. I
know Bell Medical will be well represented, as I am training to run the half marathon, as are a number of our employees."
Over $1,000 in door prizes will be offered with top male and female half
marathon winners receiving merchandise from Down Wind Sports, Patagonia, Montrail and North Face.
Matt Weier of Marquette, a former Northern Michigan University ski
team member and last year's third place finisher, has signed up again for 2003.
"It's one of my favorite races," he says. "The course has a great profile.
Up and over steep granite bluffs, straight flat sections along the Superior shore line, and hilly areas in the thick of these massive red pines. Going
up the singletrack section to the top of Razorback Ridge is especially memorable."
The Bell Medical Shore Run is a member of the Upper Peninsula Trail
Running Series and is a Superiorland Ski Club sponsored event. For more information or entry form for the Shore Run, log onto www.marquette.localhealth.net/shorerun.htm or call 888/578 6489.
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LYMPHOMA RESEARCH RUN SEPT. 13 IN CHICAGO
Illinois Support the Lymphoma Research Foundation by participating in the first Lymphomathon 5K Walk taking place at the beautiful Columbia Yacht Club (Randolph Street and Lakeshore Drive site) on Saturday,
September 13, at 10 a.m. Hundreds of walkers raise funds and awareness for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
A great way to maximize your fun and fund raising is to walk as a team.
Organize your company, friends and family, school, place of worship, or community organization to get involved. Spark a friendly competition between company departments or within your industry.
The Lymphoma Research Foundation is the largest lymphoma focused charitable organization dedicated exclusively to lymphoma research, education, support and advocacy programming. LRF has raised over $9
million for research at leading institutions nationwide.
Check in/registration begins at 9 a.m. Refreshments and post event hospitality will be available to participants and volunteers. To participate,
LRF asks that each participant raise a minimum of $100 in pledges to receive a T shirt and $250 to receive a sweatshirt. Completed entry forms can be faxed to 212/349 2886 or mailed to Lymphoma Research
Foundation, 111 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10006.
For more information or to obtain entry forms, contact Katie Zacchino, 212/349 2910, or download entry forms at www.lymphoma.org.
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HAGGENMILLER NAMED HEAD CROSS COUNTRY/NORDIC SKI COACH AT MTU
Michigan Joe Haggenmiller has been named head coach of Michigan Tech's men's and women's cross country and men's and women's
Nordic skiing programs, it was announced in August by Rick Yeo, director of athletics at MTU.
"We're really pleased to get someone of Joe's caliber," says Yeo. "He's
passionate and knowledgeable and those are two essential ingredients for success. I know we've hired someone who will do an outstanding job and really cares about the welfare of the student athlete."
Haggenmiller, who is currently a practicing attorney in Marquette County, brings impressive credentials to MTU. He served as assistant cross country and Nordic skiing coach at Northern Michigan in 1996 97
before the position was eliminated. He has remained active in coaching, however, and since 1997 has served as the head coach of the Superiorland Junior Cross Country Ski Racing Team. In addition,
Haggenmiller is currently in his fifth season as the co head coach of the Great Lakes District Junior Olympic Cross Country Ski Team.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to coach at Michigan Tech," says the 34 year old Haggenmiller, who was the race director of chief of
competition at the International Spring Series that was held on the MTU Nordic skiing trails in late March/early April. "I look forward to moving
both the cross country and Nordic skiing programs into a new era of expectations and results."
Haggenmiller was a standout in cross country, Nordic skiing and track
while attending Northern Michigan from 1988 91. In addition, he has been a competitor at either the United States or Canadian National Skiing Championships, Olympic Skiing Trials, or U.S. Ski Team Trials
on 12 different occasions and has trained extensively with five different NCAA National Ski champions.
Currently serving on both the Superiorland Cross Country Ski Club and
United States Ski Association Central Division Cross Country Board of Directors, Haggenmiller is married to the former Amy Hume from Marquette, Michigan, and the couple has a 14 month old daughter, Gretchen.
Haggenmiller earned a bachelor of science degree from NMU in 1991 before going on to gain his juris doctor degree from the University of Utah in 1994.
Haggenmiller, who begins his duties immediately, replaces Gary Nichols, who had guided the Nordic skiing programs at MTU since 1990 and the Huskies' cross country program since 1994. Haggenmiller is the first full
time cross country/Nordic skiing coach in the program's history. Prior to his appointment, Tech's teams in cross country and Nordic skiing had been guided by part time coaches.
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THE WORLD CUP COMES TO DULUTH'S
EIGHTH ANNUAL NORTHSHORE INLINE MARATHON
Minnesota With less than two months to go before the NorthShore Inline Marathon, registration was rapidly approaching the maximum field
limit. North America's largest inline race will have more than 4,000 skaters traveling 26.2 miles towards the Duluth, Minn., waterfront finish line on Saturday, September 13.
The eighth annual NorthShore Inline Marathon will also be the only North American Grand Prix event of the Roller World Cup series that includes events in Rome, Berlin, Nice, Zurich, Seoul, Vienna and other
European cities. This means more than 200 of the world's very best professional racers will be tearing down Lake Superior's North Shore, followed by thousands of fitness and recreational skaters who entered
before the field reached its capacity.
"Traditionally about a third of our fitness and recreational field comes from within a 100 mile radius, a third within 500 miles and a third
national and international," says the race's executive director Chuck Carlberg. In 2002, 42 states and 15 countries were represented. What makes this Northshore race so popular?
"I think it's a combination of factors," says local racer Scott Vesterstein. "The natural beauty of the area combined with the awesome course
helps, but it is also run very professionally and there's a ton of fun packed into a single weekend."
"There's more fun in Duluth in one weekend than in all the other U.S.
events combined," says Dean Burke of K2. "Duluth is to skating as Sturgis is to motorcycle fans."
As anyone may suspect, planning takes all year. Seventeen dedicated
board members guide the efforts of three full time paid staff, 35 volunteer coordinators and over 1,000 volunteers.
"Duluth is a marathon city," according to local mayor Gary Doty. "The
entire community comes out to celebrate." Music along the course, as well as bells and over 10,000 cheering fans, encourage each skater as they make their way down this scenic course.
Don't miss the action not to mention the accompanying Kids Sprints, Salomon Friday Night Fun Skate, Minnesota Corporate Challenge, spaghetti dinner and Fitness Expo, Ribfest Music and Food Festival on
the waterfront, as well as other activities this September 12 13. For more information, including an entry form, log onto www.northshoreinline.com or call 218/723 1503.
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WI CYCLING ASSOC. EXPANDS 2003 BIANCHI CYCLIING SERIES
Wisconsin The Wisconsin Cycling Association has expanded its 2003 Bianchi Cyclocross Racing Series to seven races. After a very
successful 2002 series that saw record attendance by racers and spectators, WCA is excited to offer cyclocrossers plenty of quality racing right here in Wisconsin.
Cyclocross, for those unfamiliar, first became popular around 1900 in Europe as a way for cyclists to stay in shape off season and have some fun. It is an exciting sport that mixes criterium like speed with off road
riding skills. Races vary from 30 to 60 minutes in length, dependent upon level, and each course covers varied terrain such as grass, dirt and pavement. Cyclocross is probably most famous for barricades. Riders
approach 15 inch high barriers that stretch across the course, at nearly full speed, dismount their rigs, carry them over the barriers, remount and
proceed down the course with nearly no loss of speed. It is an amazing thing to see when done correctly.
The WCA will be awarding series points in the following categories: C
Women and C Men (beginners), Juniors (under 18), B Men (intermediate), 30+ and 40+ Masters Men (changed for 2003), A/B Women (elite) and A Men (elite).
The "C" races offer anyone a chance to give cyclocross a try. Also, there's no need to spend money on a new cyclocross rig just yet, as
participants can race their mountain bike, just less the "pointy" bar ends. Even an old touring bike or hybrid with knobby tires would work.
The series will start off on September 28 at Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield. Other race locations are Badger Prairie Park in Verona, Cam Rock Park in Cambridge, UW Whitewater campus, Milwaukee's
Estabrook Park and Triangle Sports Area Park in Green Bay. The series will conclude on November 16 with the Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships to be held at the Angell Park Speedway in
Sun Prairie. For a complete and updated schedule, go to the WCA's Web site at www.wicycling.org/crossSchedule.htm.
For questions about the series, contact Jerry Pearce at 414/961 1110, jpearce@rainbowjersey.com, or John Ericsson at 608/438 6707, jpebikes@hotmail.com.
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PIRRUNG SETS THREE ULTRADISTANCE RECORDS AT SRI CHIMNOY RACE
Many people treat themselves to an extra slice of cake on their birthdays. Ultradistance running star Roy Pirrung, Sheboygan, Wis., celebrated his 55th by setting three new American age group records in
July at the Sri Chimnoy 48 /24 Hour Self Transcendence Race in Köln, Germany. His amazing 12 hour (77.75 miles), 24 hour (137.69 miles) and 100 mile (16:10:20) records blew the old ones away, but they were
not run without pain.
"I developed shin splints, which you can't do much for, and my ankle swelled up, too," says Pirrung. "I cut the tongue down in my shoe to
alleviate pressure and was able to run a while longer, but eventually the pain was too much." Pirrung and other athletes found the laid brick,
1.5K loop course along the Rhein River a less than forgiving surface, and even more challenging due to the raised bricks pushed up by tree root growth beneath them. Many of the 100 or so runners tripped on
leading edges, especially at night. Pirrung was unable to run and had to pause for an extended rest and ice treatment late Saturday night.
"After I broke the records, I knew I could easily set the 48 hour record, too, and probably win the race overall, but I just couldn't run on it," he
says. The rest and medical care for his ankle allowed Pirrung to resume running Sunday morning and secure his results. The old USAT&F Men 55 59 records were as follows: 12 hour, 74.78 miles, 24 hour, 127.5
miles, and 100 mile, 18:42:33.
Pirrung, who turned 55 on July 7, traveled to Germany for the July 11 13 race not only to compete but to enjoy as well.
"The ultradistance crowd really bonds on the course. It's a long day, and still a race, sometimes it can get highly competitive and you might get
almost no sleep, but we're all out there all night long," he says of the race which featured runners from Germany, Poland, Spain, Switzerland,
Scandinavian countries and elsewhere. "Plus, the Sri Chimnoy races really give you a nice feeling. The music is peaceful and everyone is so happy to be there."
The race site featured an all night buffet with a wide range of food and drinks for athletes, groves of tents for athletes, campers and meditative
music along the course. While locals strolled an adjacent path all day long, at midnight and beyond locals from the nearby Rhein on Fire fireworks festival staggered and rode their bikes home and raucously
cheered the runners on not the type of spectators Pirrung and others planned for, but they helped keep everyone alert.
Pirrung also writes on running and speaks at seminars, and is sponsored
by Natural Ovens Bakery, Wigwam, Kohler, and others. He started running 20 years ago, overweight and inspired by a neighbor who ran everyday to McDonald's.
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CHICAGO MARATHON REACHES 25,000 AT A RECORD PACE
Chicago Registration for the 2003 La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon is approaching the 40,000 cap at a rapid pace. To date, more than 25,000
runners have signed up to run the 26.2 mile race that takes place on Sunday, October 12. The cap was increased this year to 40,000 from 37,500. Registration will close on September 5 or when the registration
cap is reached.
"We are reaching our registration cap at a record pace this year and I fully expect that we will reach the 40,000 cap as anticipated," stated
Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "If you plan on participating this year, you have to make your decision relatively soon and register."
Participation in the La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased dramatically since 1996 when only 10,925 registered. The 2003 marathon has the potential to be the largest marathon ever to take place.
Pinkowski attests the record participation to the growing popularity of running and the fact that the Chicago race has become ingrained into the fabric of Chicago and its sports scene.
"Running and marathoning have truly been recognized as part of the Chicago sports profile. With a focus on healthy lifestyles and with the extremely talented elite athletes who have produced epic performances
in the Chicago Marathon, the sport has become tremendously popular."
New to this year's race are competitive and preferred start positions for
those who meet certain qualifying times based on completion of a marathon or half marathon since Jan. 1, 2001. Qualifying times for the 2,000 competitive start positions are 3:15:00 or less in a full marathon
and 1:30:00 or less in a half marathon. For the 5,500 preferred start positions, the qualifying times are 3:45:00 in a marathon and 1:45:00 in a half marathon.
The competitive and preferred start positions are staged closer in proximity to the start line and are offered based on registration date and valid proof received. Fewer than 1,000 positions remain for the
competitive start and 2,500 for the preferred start.
The marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in fewer than six hours. For information, call 888/243 3344 (U.S. and
Canada) or 312/904 9800. Registration is $80 ($90 for international participants) and can be completed online at www.chicagomarathon.com.
Elite athletes will compete this fall for the highest marathon purse ever, $550,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest first place payout in the sport. The 2003 La Salle Bank Chicago
Marathon begins Sunday, October 12, at 8 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park and is expected to draw up to the increased registration cap of 40,000 participants. CBS 2 Chicago is the official
broadcast partner of the La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon and will cover the race live from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. race day.
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