Anyone know a course desription, all they have is a map? Just wondering if it is a fast course.
Anyone know a course desription, all they have is a map? Just wondering if it is a fast course.
I wouldn't call it fast. There's a pretty steep hill at the start which is the same hill (down) to the finish.
No drug testing either so run a fast one!
Course is fast because you start 200 yards uphill from where you finish. Course goes uphill (sharp for 200 yards then gentle for another 200 yards). Upon entering the park you are flat until just before the mile where there is a sharp down hill for around 100 yards. Somewhat rolling until you leave the park then there is a gentle uphill for around 200 yards. This is all before the 1.5 mile mark. from here on it is all level or down hill to the finish. Remember to cut the look ahead and cut the tangents and know that the finish line is past the start (many race to the start and still have 200 to go). A final hint is to line up on the left hand side of the course- and stay there until you hit the first major street (about 600 yards). Because the first turn is a right many move to that side of the road and are stepping on each other- whereas the other side of the road is clear sailing. Good luck.
thanks
And if you use EPO, well, that's a personal decision. Who are the race organizers to judge, right?
Gee thanks for someone posting as me. No the course is not that fast.
Not the most helpful map but a map nonetheless.
Albany_runner. I did not intend to steal your handle. Just wanted to pass on the information.
It almost seems like the folks at this race take pride in not testing, and in inviting drug cheats and those that are highly suspicious to say the least.
I think that anyone who uses drugs to achieve success is sports should be banned for life. However if the sport (baseball, football or track) give out a suspension for x number of years why should a meet director be put on the spot for allowing that individual to run after he/she has served the required sentence? Do not blame the meet director take issue with the USATF.
No men are allowed this year because of Title IX.
They take issue with the race director because there is no drug testing and the race gives elite athlete support to convicted drug cheats. The RD can request and pay for drug testing. Beyond accepting their money and entry, the RD can refuse to do anything else for convicted drug cheats.
Sorry, but I'll go ahead and blame the race director. I've actually been told he's an idiot, but...he puts on a successful race, so I assume he knows precisely what he is doing. And there's certainly plenty of money raised at this race to cover drug testing easily.
I think the race director is not the brightest. When I hear the name Freihofers I think of them parading their “record breaker” and cheat Asmae Leghzaoui,. Nothing positive. I would imagine
Mr John Tope
Elite Athlete Coordinator
303-931-2226
thinks everyone at that level is a cheat and Asmae Leghzaoui, is being victimized. I say don’t have her there and don’t buy any Freihofer's products until they stop inviting her.
These races are invitationals at the elite level. They don't have to have her there. And I don't believe for one moment that she was any kind of unknowing victim.
Ok.
I have run "Hoffers" over half a dozen times now and would suggest that what tends to make the course fast is in fact the competitors that come in for the event. It is an out and back course and indeed you do ascend a fairly steep hill in the first few strides that levels out into a nice park and then proceeds to roll from there. If you burn your matches in the first 2 miles then it is exceedingly challenging to take advantage of the down-hill finish.The best time I ever clocked in Albany was 17:14 and that placed me a mere 55th overall! That particualar year (maybe 1997 if memory serves me well) there was an unprecedented amount of women who broke 18, like over 50! They had AADP women in from many different states and that added to the depth of the field that particular year. (AADP is a program offered to developing athletes who are trying to pop up to another level in the sport and are representing their particular state, a comp entry is offered and a couple of nights stay at the host hotel and also a little travel money)....At any rate I have always enjoyed this great womens race. Since it is no longer the US womens 5km Nationals it brings in an international field and with that comes an even deeper risk of drug cheats.Any way you slice it though it has always been a quality event for women to enjoy in beautiful up-state NY. I will miss being there this year as I now live out West.Maybe more info than you wanted but hope some of it is useful :o)
wondering wrote:
Anyone know a course desription, all they have is a map? Just wondering if it is a fast course.
Another Albany runner wrote:
I think that anyone who uses drugs to achieve success is sports should be banned for life. However if the sport (baseball, football or track) give out a suspension for x number of years why should a meet director be put on the spot for allowing that individual to run after he/she has served the required sentence? Do not blame the meet director take issue with the USATF.
If I was a a betting man, I'd bet this was written by race director George Regan.
Lornah Kiplagat made it pretty clear she wouldn't return to Freihofer's until they start testing. Other elite athletes should take the same stance.