ELVA DYER TO COMPETE AT 31ST ANNUAL FREIHOFER'S RUN FOR WOMEN MAY 30 IN ALBANY, NY:
1997 Freihofer's Champion Poses Threat to Johnson's Bid for Four-Peat
ALBANY, NY (May 12, 2009) Benita Johnson's quest to win four
consecutive Freihofer's Run for Women titles a feat matched only by
eight-time winner Lynn Jennings could face another test Saturday, May
30th in the form of 1997 champion Elva Dryer.
Dryer, 37, who is running well and finished 12th at last month's Boston
Marathon (2:38:50), has informed organizers she plans to compete in
Albany, NY her first visit back to the capital city since her
stunning upset victory 12 years ago.
"Freihofer's is pleased that Elva will be competing. She is one of
those rare athletes who can compete at distances from the mile up to
the marathon," said Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope, explaining that
Dryer won the Austin Half Marathon in February and was fourth at the US
15K Championships in March. "Her inclusion in the field will help make
for an exciting battle on the streets of Albany for the overall title."
"In her last appearance here, Elva ran tactically throughout the race
and injected a devastating surge exiting Washington Park that decided
the outcome," recalled Event Director Regan. "Elva's victory that year
kept Lynn (Jennings) from a fifth consecutive Freihofer's title and
gave her the USA 5K Champion and Freihofer's titles."
In addition to her win at Freihofer's, the Gunnison, Colo. resident is
a two-time Olympian on the track and has won national titles on the
roads in the half marathon and the 10K (twice), as well as a national
championship in the indoor 3,000m.
Those wishing to follow the race as it happens can do so live on
Twitter, the free social networking and micro-blogging service. Fox 23
News Sports Anchor Rich Becker will tweet regular updates from the
Freihofer's Run for Women press truck. To capture the drama of the race
as it unfolds, go to freihofersrun.com and click on the Twitter icon at the bottom of the page.
From that location you can also join the event's Facebook page, where
you'll receive regular race updates and videos in the coming weeks, as
well as have the ability to post your own photos, video footage and
event memories and comments.
For those unable to log onto Twitter that morning, or listen to Fox 23
News color commentator James O'Brien's live press truck updates, Fox23
News will broadcast a 30-minute Freihofer's Run for Women TV special
Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 p.m. Complete race day results, including
in-depth race coverage and analysis, will also be available in the
Sunday edition of the Albany Times Union newspaper.
To register for the Freihofer's Run for Women, or for more information
about the Freihofer's Run for Women, the Freihofer's Community Walk,
Freihofer's Kids' Run, and CapitalCare Health & FitnessExpo, visit
freihofersrun.com.
Event sponsors include the Charles Freihofer Baking Company, Price
Chopper Supermarkets, The City of Albany, Fox 23 News, B95.5, the Times
Union, 74 State, CSC, Subway and Dale Miller.
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Freihofer's, a leading baker of wholesome products, is committed to
fostering the growth and recognition of women in sports and inspiring
all generations of women to experience the benefits of exercise and
good nutrition. Freihofer's continues to set the pace by sponsoring the
annual Freihofer's Run for Women 5K. Now in its 31st year, the event,
which is home to the Master's World & Brazilian national records,
features thousands of women of all ages and abilities from Olympians to
recreational joggers, who challenge themselves on the picturesque
3.1-mile course. For more information, visit http://www.freihofers.com
