Runners prepare for 2013 USATF 10km Championships.
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- Published on Friday, 17 May 2013 12:55
- Written by ERIC BOYCE
ROCHESTER — This Sunday the Medved Lilac 10km will be hosting the 2013 USATF Niagara Association 10km Championships.
Defending champions Maegan Krifchin of Syracuse, NY and Kip Tisia now living in Cleveland, NY, both members of Stotan Racing are set to try and defend their overall Medved Lilac 10km title and their USATF Niagara 10km crowns.
Krifchin, who is coming off of running a 16:18 5km last week at the Virginia Challenge, is actually seeking her third straight USATF Niagara 10km title, with a win on Sunday.
In 2011 Krifchin was edged out for the overall win by Salome Kosgei who won with a time of 35:47. Krifchin was able to obtain Lilac glory last year, cruising to a 34:22 victory.
A Challenge for Krifchin on Sunday could come from Hirut Guangul, an Ethiopian runner living in New York City. Guangul raced against Krifchin at the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon on April 7, where Guangul finished 4th overall for women with a time of 1:13:04. Krifchin finished 6th with a time of 1:14:36. Guangul, who makes a living traveling to city to city to run races to earn money recently finished 2nd at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on May 5, finishing with a time of 2:38:05.
USATF Niagara also will welcome back 2010 USATF Niagara 10km Champion Laurel Leone (Burdick) on Sunday. In 2010, Leone finished 2nd overall with a time of 34:56 and recently finished 2nd overall for women with a time of 1:00:14 at the Mountain Goat 10mile. Other women contenders on Sunday will be Lynn Youngman of Scottsville, NY, who recently won the Flower City Half Marathon, which hosted the USATF Niagara Championships with a time of 1:19:34. Dana Buchanan of Rochester, NY, who is a former Canadian Steeplechase National Champion. Trisha Byler of Rochester, NY who has a personal best in the 5km of 17:16, which she ran in 2011 at the Bergen 5km, and Karen Blodgett who finished 4th last year at the Medved Lilac 10km with a time of 37:47.
On the Men’s side of the race, Kip Tisia of Cleveland, NY, the 2013 USATF Niagara Half Marathon Champion and 2012 Medved Lilac 10km/USATF Niagara 10km Champion, is the local favorite going into Sunday’s race. Tisia, a native of Kenya, dominated last year’s race by winning with a time of 30:20. Like Krifchin, Tisia could be challenged by an Ethiopian. Demesse Tefera, who resides in New York City, has registered for Sunday’s Lilac 10km. Tefera, 31, captured the Joe Kleineman 10km, a race in Central Park in a time of 30:31 back on January 5. African distance runners have dominated the Lilac 10km in recent years. Five of the last six winners have either been Kenyan or Ethiopian. Jeff Eggleston, a native of Rochester, NY, living in Flagstaff, AZ at the time, has been the only American winner in the past six years. Eggleston won in 2010 in impressive fashion with a time of 30:09. Other contenders for Sunday’s race trying to disrupt the African dominance will be Andrew Foxenberg of Chittenango, NY. Last time, Foxenberg raced in Rochester he ran 24:44, as he finished 2nd at the Johnny’s Running of the Green 5mile. Foxenberg is also coming off an impressive performance at the Blue Cross Board Street 10mile in Philadelphia, PA, finishing with a time of 49:29.
Fred Joslyn, a 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier, is also entered for Sunday. Joslyn, making his third appearance at the Medved Lilac 10km, had his best finish last year by finishing 6th with a time of 31:54.
Tim Chichester of Mount Morris, NY was last year’s Medved Lilac 10km runner up finishing with a time of 30:49. Chichester recently finished 2nd at the USATF Niagara Half Marathon Championships with a time of 1:08:32.
Rounding out the main contenders for Sunday’s 10km is William Way of Ithaca, NY, who finished 6th at the USATF Niagara Half Marathon Championships with a time of 1:10:22, also has run sub 31 minutes for a 10km on the track.
Patrick Geoghagen of Syracuse, NY, finished 5th at the USATF Niagara Half Marathon Championships with a time of 1:09:51 also has a personal best in the 10km with a time of 30:05. Chris Burke of Tully, NY last weekend finished 3rd at the Boston Twilight 5km with a time of 14:44. Eddie Novora of Angola, NY, has a personal best in the 10km with a time of 29:33. Chip O’Hara of Auburn, NY, who recently finished third at the Hilly Mountain Goat 10 mile race with a time of 53:23. Jacob Krolick of Arcade, NY, recently ran the Mt Sac Relays 10km in the time of 30:37. Seth Yernye of Derby, NY, recently ran 15:02 for 5km at the Bucknell Invite.
In the masters division Kevin Collins who ran 32:01 at last year’s Lilac 10km and recently won the USATF Masters National 10km Championships will contend against Derick Jones of Henrietta, NY, the 2013 USATF Niagara Half Marathon Champion, and Jim Derick of Big Flats, who at the age of 47, ran 15:56 at the 2012 Chris Thater 5km.
In addition to the individual prize money that the Medved Lilac 10km and USATF Niagara Championship offer there will be a team competition. The Syracuse Track Club, Stotan Racing, and Genesee Valley Harriers will have five men each on a team completing for the USATF Niagara team title crown. In the Women’s team competition the Genesee Valley Harriers will battle the Brockport Distant Project team. Last Year the Syracuse Track Club Men and the Brockport Distant Project Women won the Open team titles.
New course record at the Flower City Half Marathon
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- Published on Monday, 29 April 2013 16:09
- Written by ERIC BOYCE
ROCHESTER — This past Sunday, Niagara’s half marathon took place and Kip Tisia had a memorable day.
Tisia, of Cleveland, NY won the 2013 USATF Niagara Association Half Marathon Champion by crushing the field.
Tisia finished with a time of 1:04:58, which was a new course record as the Flower City Half Marathon hosted the Championships. Tisia lead early hitting the first mile in 5 minutes along with Tim Chichester of Mount Morris, NY, Jared Burdick of Manilus, NY , and Patrick Geoghegan of Syracuse, NY. Tisia soon took control of the race, running away from the rest of the field. Tisia came across the 5km mark at 15:20 and the 10km mark in 30:15.
Tisia talked about how he handled his pace during the race.
"I would’ve loved to hammer down the last 5k and see how fast I can go, but it’s a hard course even though I know it,” Tisia said. “I am front runner and running alone is just like running in front of a pack of good guys.”
Tim Chichester, from Livingston County, finished 2nd overall with a time of 1:08:32, followed by Jared Burdick with a time of 1:09:00. Patrick Geoghegan finished 4th with a time of 1:09:51 and rounding out the top 5 for USATF Niagara results was William Way of Ithaca, NY, who finished 6th overall with a time of 1:10:22. Derrick Jones of Henrietta, NY won the masters title with a time of 1:13:34.
In the women’s race Lynn Youngman of Scottsville, NY defended her USATF Niagara Half Marathon title by running a 1:19:34. Youngman won the 2012 USATF Niagara Half Marathon title at the Empire State Half Marathon last year. Karen Simmonds-Brady of Auburn, NY finished 2nd with a time of 1:20:02, Karen Blodgett of Fairport, NY was 3rd with a time of 1:22:03, Dana Buchanan of Rochester, NY finished 4th with a time of 1:22:39. Trisha Byler was 5th for Niagara with a time of 1:25:02. The Women’s Masters Title was captured by Robin Merrill-Lorenzo of Rochester, NY.
Merrill-Lorenzo finished with a time of 1:34:43.
Youngman said the run and victory had an emotional meaning to her.
“With the events that occurred recently in Boston, it’s been emotional because I graduated from Boston College. I ran with everyone connected to Boston in mind today,” Youngman said. “I’m better at the longer races. I felt good late in the race and Karen Simmonds-Brady was out in front of me and I realized if I catch her I can win this.”
Huge success at 2nd Annual Strollin' for the Colon 5k
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- Published on Saturday, 20 April 2013 19:59
- Written by Josh Williams
GENESEO — The 2nd annual Stollin' for Colon event showed great promise with a record number of participants of runners and walkers, as well as an informational seminar for colorectal cancer awareness.
Jim Bathgate, 46, was the men's winner but the surprise of the day was his son Gavin, 11, who placed 14th overall and 2nd in the 1-19 age group.
Gavin finished the tough course in 22:50 a 7:22/mile pace.
"I'm happy with my finish," said Gavin who finished the tough course in 22:50. "It was a tough course with big hills.
Gavin will be going into 7th grade next year at East Rochester High School, where his dad is a cross country coach and hopes to be one of the top 7th grader runners in Monroe County.
"I looked online for some races for Gavin and based on the times from last year I thought this was a race he could do well in," said Jim who finished in 19:02. "I liked the event for a second year race. The awareness this race brings on colorectal cancer is great, and its always nice to run for a cause."
The race, which is in memory of Toni Moore, included a 20 foot colon to help educate on colal rectal cancer awareness.
A new feature to this years race is that it was live streamed at TV.GeneseeSun.com. Geneseo Town Supervisor, Will Wadsowrth drove a the lead golf cart which was provided by Rob Coyne, and the GeneseeSun operated the camera. The race video is still available by clicking here.
Both candidates for Livingston County Sheriff took time away from their busy campaigns to attend the event. Undersheriff Jim Szczesniak and Investigator Tom Dougherty, who are both working hard to win Republican nomination were there to show their support.
Stacked field set for Rochester Flower City Half Marathon this weekend
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- Published on Thursday, 25 April 2013 18:27
- Written by ERIC BOYCE
ROCHESTER — As the Unity Health System Rochesters Flower City Half Marathon is set to host the 2013 USATF Niagara Association Open and Masters Championships this weekend, the race can be classified as a homecoming for the defending men’s champion, Kiplangat Tisia.
Tisia was last seen racing on the roads of Rochester in May of 2012 winning the USATF Niagara Association 10km Championships in an impressive fashion. Shortly after, Tisia had to return to his native country of Kenya to reapply for a new visa.
“Getting my visa was a long process, it took me longer than I expected,” said Tisia. “With the help of My Coach (John Aris of Stotan Racing), the local USATF Association, and a few race directors we eventually were able to succeed.”
Tisia who won last year’s Flower City Half Marathon with a time of 1:05:21 is has returned from his long journey, and according to the race director they are excited to have him back in the region. “We are glad that Kip is able to return to the event,” said David Boutillier, Flower City Half Marathon Race Director. “He’s a great runner and very outgoing.”
With Tisia entered for Sunday’s race, that makes him one of the pre-race favorites. “I know the course from last year so I know what kind of hills to expect out there,” Tisia stated. “I am confident I can run well and it’s great to be back in the States. It should be an exciting time on Sunday with my teammates.”
His Stotan teammates that will be joining Tisia on Sunday are Jared Burdick a RIT graduate now living in Manlius, NY and Chris Raulli of North Syracuse. Burdick has a 1:07:53 Half Marathon personal best to his resume, which he ran at the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2011. Last fall, Burdick ran an impressive 2:20:23 Marathon at the Hartford ING Marathon. Burdick is no stranger to Rochester, as recently he finished 3rd at the Rochester Johnny’s Running of the Green 5mile with a time of 25:01. Chris Raulli should be a strong finisher adding to the depth of quality runners on Sunday. Raulli recently finished the Syracuse Half Marathon with a time of 1:12:17 and has a personal best of 1:09:26. Sam Morse of Camden, NY another Stotan teammate, was slated to run this Sunday but pulled out do to a slight hamstring injury. Morse ran 1:07:04 at the Lake Effect Half Marathon in Liverpool, NY and won the Rochester Johnny’s Running of the Green with a time of 24:25.
Other contenders for this weekend’s Flower City Half Marathon include Tim Chichester of Mount Morris, NY who had a strong 2012 racing season by finishing 11th at the Boston Marathon, and qualifying for the Team USA in the World Mountain running championships. William Way of Ithaca, NY is making his half marathon debut. Way, a graduate of Ithaca College, outduelled Tim Chichester and Brad Miller (a Syracuse track standout) for the win last November on a muddy USATF Niagara Cross Country Championship course. He recently ran 14:50 for an indoor 5km at the Robert Kane Invite. Dave Rappleyea, of Henrietta, NY has always been a consistent long distance runner. Rappleyea, the defending USATF Niagara Half Marathon Champion, has a half marathon personal best of 1:09:43 and a 2:29:12 marathon personal best. Patrick Geoghegan, of Syracuse, NY has a 10km personal best of 30:05 which he ran while he attended the University of Syracuse. Dave Bradshaw, of Macedon, NY finished 5th overall at the 2010 Flower City Half with a time of 1:09:28. Bradshaw is a household name when it comes to Rochester road racing, and are starting to transition into Triathlons. Kenny Goodfellow, of Rochester, NY is member of Roadkill Racing, who recently won the Garden Spot Village Half Marathon on April 6th with a time of 2:35:30.
The women’s side of the Flower city Half Marathon could be one of the most competitive seen to the western New York in some years. Dana Buchanan, of Rochester, NY is the most proven runner in the women’s field, however has little experience running the Half Marathon. Buchanan, a Canadian citizen who graduated from the University of Oregon in 2008, has a track back ground with personal bests in the 1500meter with a time of 4:15, a personal best in the 3000meters with a time of 9:12, and a 3000meter steeple chase personal best of 9:59.
“I’m not really sure what to expect on Sunday, I have only run one half in my life and that was at tempo effort,” said Buchanan. “I don’t know what to expect for time, but I just want to be competitive out there.” Buchanan is now attending the University of Rochester in an accelerated nursing program, and has also won the Canadian National title in the 3000meter Steeple Chase last June.
Joining Buchanan in the field on Sunday, is Trisha Byler of Henrietta, NY who ran a personal best last year at the Flower City Half with a time of 1:21:04, and recently won the Syracuse Half Marathon back in early March. Karen Blodgett, of Fairport, NY finished 3rd overall for women at last year’s Flower City Half Marathon is entered to race. Karen Simmonds-Brady, of Auburn, NY finished 42nd overall with a time of 36:14 at the Tufts 10km which hosted the USA 10km National Championships last October. Sarah Loerch, of Rochester, NY who recently won the Rochester Johnny’s Running of the Green 5mile with a time of 29:24 is set to compete. Lynn Youngman (Kubeja) will also be another contender. Youngman, a resident of Scottsville, NY won the 2012 USATF Niagara Half Marathon Title last fall when the Empire State Half Marathon hosted the Championship.
Another athlete that could have an impact on Sunday’s race is Lori Kingsley, of Wysox, Pa (2010 USA Masters 15km National Champion). Kingsley, a member of USATF Adirondack, recently captured the USATF Adirondack Masters 10km title with a win at the Bill Robinson 10km on April 20th with a time of 37:31. Kingsley is ineligible to win the USATF Niagara Half Marathon title, yet should contend for the overall win. 2012 Flower City Half Marathon women’s winner, Christa Meyer, will not be back to defend her title due to family obligations.
The Flower City Half Marathon is entering the 4th year of its existence, and is on pace to have its largest turnout yet. “The event is doing great. We have a great partnership with the City of Rochester and other sponsors who all share our vision on growing this event.” said Boutillier. “The men’s and women’s elite field looks great and if everyone runs to their potential it could be a very fast day.” The Flower City Half Marathon is offering nearly $400 in prize money, along with USATF Niagara offering an additional $1500-$2000 in prize money for USATF Niagara members. For more information on the race and USATF Niagara, please visit www.flowercitychallenge.com and www.usatf-niagara.org.
New course for Strollin' for the colon 5k
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- Published on Saturday, 13 April 2013 17:34
- Written by Josh Williams
GENESEO — The 2nd annual Strollin' for the Colon 5k in Geneseo will be held this Saturday the 20th and you can still register.
The event is held in honor of Toni Moore, and raises awareness for Colon Cancer.
Be careful of the start the first mile is a climb but you are sure to finish strong with the last mile being downhill.
Watch video of the course by clicking below.
There is still time to register just click HERE.
Last year's event was a great success, with over 100 participants.
The GeneseeSun.com will also be streaming the race live so be sure to go to TV.GeneseeSun.com to watch.
