Spring marathons

I have heard that Mesa, AZ, Napa, CA, and Bayshore (I think that's the name), MI are pretty fast courses, but the fields may not be fast enough for you. I am looking for a spring marathon but just shooting for 2:50. I would appreciate any info on Va. Beach, Mesa, and Napa. Thanks.

I am looking at either LA, Valley of the Sun (AZ), or Napa. I am looking for something in the west (so I can afford to go). LA sounds like a tough course. Napa I would have to bring my own competition. Valley of the Sun had a couple of guys running fast last year and a flat course. I am attempting will be going for 2:20 there (ran 2:22 last week). If anyone is trying to get a group together to try and qualify I would be interested.

Anthem Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

The second annual Anthem Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon to be held April 26, 2003 in Louisville, KY.

The field for the Anthem KDF Marathon is an open field with prize money as follows: M/F 1st-$2500, 2nd-$1500, 3rd-$500 and $500 to the first Kentucky finisher. There will also be a $1000 bonus for the first male and female

finishers to break the existing men's and women's course records. The men's course record is 2:20:03 and the women's course record is 2:45:25.

Appearance, travel, lodging and per diem arrangements are available to U.S. athletes who qualify, in order to provide a developmental opportunity for U.S.

athletes interested in the marathon. Qualification is 2:25 for men and 2:50 for women. Athletes who receive funding will also participate in a short clinic and press conference.

Additionally the 2003 race will feature the KDF Olympic Trials Challenge. The first three U.S. male and female finishers to achieve the Olympic Trials Marathon "B" qualifying standard, ( 2:22 for men and 2:48 for women)

will receive a bonus of $1500, $1000 and $500 respectively.

This is a USATF certified course and will be a qualifier for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. The 2002 Anthem Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, saw two women and one man qualify for the 2004 Olympic Trials Marathon.

Race timing will be provided by ChampionChip.

For additional information, visit the race website,

http://www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com/welcome.asp

Also don't forget Louisville is hosting the USATF Men's 10 Mile National Championship at the Papa John's 10 Miler.

USA Track & Field's Men's Long Distance Running Championship Committee has awarded the 2003 USA Men's 10 Mile Championship to the Papa John's 10 Miler

in Louisville, Kentucky. The national championship, to be held March 29, 2003, offers $13,650 in prize money with $5000 to the winner. The road race, which finishes in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium at the University of Louisville, is the fourth largest 10-mile in the U.S. with 4,092 finishers in 2001.

The Papa John's 10 Miler will feature the following prize structure for U.S. men: $5000-2500-1750-1250-1000-750-500-400-300-200. We will be offering "open" prize money for both men and women, which is yet to be determined.

The Papa John's 10 Miler will also provide travel, lodging and per diem for U.S. athletes who qualify. Qualification will be based on past USATF Championship performances as well as, recent race performances.

Race timing will be provided by ChampionChip.

For additional information, visit the race website,

If you are an athlete or represent an athlete that may be interested in one or both of these events, feel free to contact me at jim@fleetfeetlouisville.com.

Valley of the Sun Marathon is fast, perfect weather, no wind or humidity. I heard there are a lot of guys going down there to take a stab at Olympic quaification. I think Kevin Collins is returning(though he may run the half), as well as Janko Bensa.

I am going to go - but I won't be able to help you (2:35pr.

2:22 is impressive. Good luck.

Valley of the Sun Marathon/Half Mara., Phoenix, Arizona is a good one. Predictably great weather too.

Eminem, you might want to talk w/ Ryan Hayes. He's planning on doing LA, but I suggested to him doing Napa ('specially) if there's a chance of better weather there. I also mentioned running w/ him maybe thru 10 miles as a workout if things are going ok for me by then. He's shooting for something between 2:18 & 2:22, but I imagine he'll probably at least go through halfway on a conservative clip (2:20-2:22).

Miles and Miles,

I surprised to see you consider Napa. Why is that? Aren't you looking for a race were you can get a qualifier? Napa is not one of those races - WAY too hilly.

Napa is on the bottom of my list. I am in Sacramento and that is the closest chance for me. I don't think it is too hilly, I think their would be a problem with competition. Right now I am looking closer at Kentucky and Valley of the Sun, it will probably be one of those.

Ok. Perhaps you're right about the hilliness. A friend of mine ran it and complained after that it was very hilly. I just went to their web site and it says three hills in the first 6 miles and then rolling hills from miles 6-21 with the last 6 miles flat. Hard to know exactly what "rolling hills" is supposed to mean, but it seems like you could find a faster course.

Mr. Worthen, get on the plane and come over to Hamburg. I am already ticketed and have a free hotel room from 22-April to 28-April.

Hamburg is perhaps the most underrated marathon in the world, every bit as fast as Berlin or London, they just dont have the ca$h to bring in the Tergats and Khannouchis of the world. There are about 1 million crazy Germans on the roadside to cheer for you in rabid fashion!!!

Consider it.

Jason,

The Hamburg Marathon web site indicates that the entry deadline was 11/30/02. I was considering London or Hamburg, but the deadlines have passed. I'm now considering Rotterdam. I would consider Hamburg if I could get in, but I'm not as fast as you. I'm realistically shooting for 2:25 to 2:26. Any thoughts?

What's your PR? Can you get your own plane ticket? what are your PR's for 10km/Half and Marathon? I can possibly get you in if you can commit to the race. It's a great event.

Jason

I would like to run Hamburg, someday. Going to wait until they are willing to pay my way or I have more money. I plan on doing that one and London eventually. If I go that far I want to bring the family and make a vacation out of it. I don't think my wife would be too happy with me if I went to Germany without her, ha.

"M&M," you may want to try giving a call to the BAA. Please e-mail me (I won't see it until Thursday unless I get it by abt 1:30-2:00 PM eastern time Dec 31) and I can discuss a bit more...as ever, I'm not posting my "exact" e-mail address here to avoid possible spam-colection bots but if you can solve this code --

josephDOTmcveighATmorganstanleyDOTcom

you can reach me.

JAM

Kentucky has a nice course, it's flat and very fast, great crowd on the course! If I were to run a marathon, KY would have to be it! The course is honest, if your in shape to run what time you think you should, you should have no problem attaining it as long as you pace yourself accordingly.

~Nick

Jason,

PR's:

10K: 30:57

1/2: 1:08:28

Marathon: 2:31:??

This will be my 2nd marathon and yes, I plan on buying my own plane ticket. I have decided to run Rotterdam, but haven't purchased a plane ticket or registered for the race yet. I would consider changing my mind if I knew a Hamburg entry was possible. Thanks.