"Strolling Down Route 66"
Elite Marathoners Chasing World Record (with strollers)
(Tulsa - November 11, 2009)
The Directors of The Williams Route 66 Marathon announces that one of the
most unique world records in the marathon world will be battled
(strollered) over on the streets of Tulsa on November 22, 2009. Elite
marathon runners Michael Wardian and Zac Freudenburg and their children 11
month old Grant Wardian and 10 . month old Liam Freudenburg - will be
recipients of a free ride via their strollers as these two world class
athletes race against each other and the clock to break 2:42:21, the
current Guinness World Record set by Wardian and his older son Pierce at
the 2007 Frederick Marathon in Virginia.
Executive Director Chris Lieberman states, "We are thrilled to have two of
the world's finest endurance athletes come to Tulsa's Williams Route 66
Marathon to attempt to set a new world record with their children. We have
taken every precaution to make sure this is a safe event for the children
and everyone else in the marathon. It should be great fun for the
spectators along the course and at Veteran's Park."
Michael Wardian, who runs for Team MarathonGuide.com and is also sponsored
by The North Face is coming off a 3rd place finish at the World
Championship 50K race is ready to rock Route 66, "I heard from one of my
friends and sponsor at MarathonGuide.com that Zac and Liam were trying to
break Pierce and my Guinness World Record at the Route 66 Marathon so we
are going to Tulsa too and it is going to be "pram pushing duel" for the
Guinness World Record. So, we intend to break the record with my son Grant
on board." Zac Freudenberg, a 180 Energy Drink and Michelob Ultra Runner
replies, "Liam and I have been training hard and we think we have a great
shot at that world record."
Both kids involved in the competition declined comment at this time.
However, the excitement is building in both camps as the days get nearer to
race date.
About the Contenders:
Michael Wardian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Wardian
Current World Record Holder Marathon while pushing a stroller: 2:42:21
Most recently ran 2:23:13 at the Twin Cities Marathon in October and a
personal best of 2:21:09 at the Vermont City Marathon in May 2009
Finished 3rd in 50K World Championship October 31st in Gibralter with a
time of 3:00:15.
Reigning 100K and 50K National Champion and USATF ultramarathoner of the
year for 2008.
Grant Wardian hails from Virginia and is 11 months old and weighs in at 18
lbs. He likes climbing stairs, opening cabinet doors and throwing food on
the floor. Hobbies include daily naps, playing with his older brother,
Pierce, and chasing the family dog (Maggie). Grant hopes to one day to be
able to brag to Pierce about besting his World Record.
Zach Freudenburg
Winner of the 2009 St. Louis Marathon in 2:23:57 - April, 2009
2008 World Mountain Running Championships (short distance team) - Bronze
Medal
Ran 2:21:40 in his debut marathon in Boston in 2007
Third place finisher at the grueling Pikes Peak Marathon.
Liam Freudenburg
Liam was born on January 6th, 2009. He has dual Dutch and American
citizenship, but not sure yet if his first words are Dutch or English. His
post race press conference will hopefully indicate his preference. His
favorite book seems to be 'The Hungry Caterpillar', but he does not watch
TV yet. He eats most things we put in front of him, but seems to really
like bananas.
Photos are available upon request.
About The Williams Route 66 Marathon
The Williams Route 66 Marathon is run annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the
Sunday before Thanksgiving. The fourth running of The Williams Route 66
Marathon is set for November 22, 2009. The Williams Route 66 Quarter
Marathon is run annually on the First Saturday of August. The Williams
Route 66 Marathon weekend includes a two day health and fitness expo, pasta
dinner, full marathon, half marathon, 5-person marathon relay, 5K run and
walk and a one mile fun run or walk. The post race festival includes
concerts and a classic car show. To learn more about the events,
sponsoring, training or volunteering, please contact the Tulsa Route 66
Marathon via email at
, via phone at 918-409-2828
or the event websites at
and
.