RunBlogRun

Chasing Bolt: Usain Bolt, part 4, courtesy of PUMA, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-16T22:32:49Z

Here is part 4 of Chasing Bolt. Thanks to the PUMA marketing team, we will have the other episodes over the next few days. Usain Bolt is the track & field athlete who has fans in all of the sports world. He can gather a crowd in Daegu, as well as Berlin, as well as New York. He is not merely a track star, he is a global sports phenomenon. Usain Bolt should show the track & field world what the sport can be, with a focus on the competition, and then the entertainment of great competition! ]]>

Running Network

Jenny Simpson Documentary, by New Balance, Teaser, Link to Film, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-16T21:31:33Z

In 2010, when Jenny Simpson signed with New Balance, there were many armchair critics behind the scenes. The competition for Jenny Simpson (then Barringer), was pretty intense by the brands, and the money was more most American women distance runners were getting at the time.

New Balance ended up sponsoring her, and I remember Tom Carleo, the GM of Running at New Balance, introducing Jenny in New York and admitting that he was taking a big chance.

Tom Carleo credited Josh Rowe, his new marketing manager, on much of the work at bringing Jenny Simpson to New Balance. ]]> And then, just before she signed, she left her college coach and signed with Julie Benson, formerly 1996 Olympian Julia Henner, who had coached at Georgetown and then at the Air Force Academy.

The sniping was loud. "She's only a steeplechaser." "Can she deliver?" The sniping was pretty realistic, as the chance of an American women winning a distance gold medal on the global scene is pretty slim. And how could NB get any value out of a steeplechaser? Could she win at the glamor event, the 1,500 meters?

But, there was a glimmer of hope, and Jenny Simpson had shown great speed over the 1,500m, endurance over 5,000m and an AR in Berlin where she ran 9:12.54 in running a stunning fifth in the steeplechase.

The bronze medals of Kara Goucher in 2007 and Shalane Flanagan in 2008, both in the 10,000 meters, and the silver of Meb Keflezighi in 2004 in the marathon and Deena Kastor with her bronze in the marathon in 2004, were all the more stunning. The work that had gone into those medals was pretty stunning in itself. Nike had put some serious dollars and commitment to those athletes.

In Jenny Simpson's case, New Balance was footing the bill.

Now, New Balance put some serious bucks and assistance behind Jenny Simpson. In 2010, she had injuries and took off much of the year. In 2011, she started off well, got sick,and Julia Benson, her coach and Jenny did much soul searching.

She made the WC team for Daegu and she started getting fast. In the semi-final, Jenny Simpson pulled a fast finish out of her belt and I wondered out loud if she and Morgan Uceny could be in the top six. I remember seeing Julia Benson that night and wishing her luck. Julia, the consumate coach, just smiled.

The final was a roller derby kind of event. The pace and the tactics played right into Jenny Simpson's hands, and her last 150 meters, after staying out of trouble the entire race, put her in contention. It was that last 150 meters, and Jenny Simpson used all she had and, as much surprising herself, won the world championships.

The first time a US women had done it since 1983! And that was, yep, Mary Slaney.

That one percent chance paid off. The support that NB gave her, her coach, her husband, her family, and Jenny's special talents: ability to focus, ability to keep stress down, speed, and tactics, all play a part.

The film, done by New Balance, gives the viewer a sense of the challenges in 2011, and also now, with a bullseye on her back for 2012, how she is handling the new stress of being the World champion.

The truth is, that is what Josh Rowe's contempories do around the footwear business. From adidas to Nike, from Saucony to ASICS. Sports marketing teams pick athletes to speak for their brands. In most cases, the athletes have short careers. In some cases, the athletes have shining moments. And in rarer cases, some athletes win medals.

And in the rarest of cases, those medals are golden. Such is the story of Jenny Simpson.

To see the entire film:
http://www.runblogrun.com/2012/04/new-balance-presents-jenny-simpson-world-champion-video-from-nb-note-by-larry-eder.html#more

Shoefitr: Use of Online Fitting application increases, rate of returns decreases, release from Shoefitr, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-16T16:49:00Z

The RunningWarehouse is one of the most well respected and fastest growing run specialty digital stores in the country. That Joe Rubio, CEO, uses Shoefitr, tells you two things: Shoefitr must be providing great assistance to the consumer and that Joe Rubio rarely misses a beat.

It also gives me a chance to make a point about the conversation with the consumer. Hire a consultant and they will tell you to have a strong digital presence, one must have a conversation with the consumer. But, how do you do that?

Provide unique content is one. Provide it consistently is another. Make your site easy to spend time on is another. But, the most important, is to provide tools that allow a conversation to happen.

For brands, that means, giving the consumer a 24/7 opportunity to have a conversation, at their leisure. Brands like RunningWarehouse do that. Applications like Shoefitr give the consumer more information, and a recommendation on product that fills the needs of the consumer.

Remember, don't dictate to the consumer, be open to the conversation.
]]>

Contact: Nick End FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

414-339-5681

Nick@Shoefitr.com

USE OF ONLINE SHOE FITTING APPLICATION INCREASES, RATE OF RETURNS DECREASES

Running Warehouse's use of Shoefitr application proves that fit is the missing piece to a great e-commerce experience.

San Luis Obispo, CA May 15, 2012 - Ordering a properly fitting shoe online is a struggle shoppers have endured for years; however a new application that shows how a shoe will fit and recommends the correct size has delighted shoppers, reduced returns, and helped to increase sales for the retailers that use it. The findings were pulled from two years of on-going analysis between online running shoe retailer, Running Warehouse, and Shoefitr, a company that provides an online shoe fitting solution.

According to Running Warehouse CEO, Joe Rubio,

"Anything that improves the shopping experience for the customer is a huge bonus. Shoefitr increases the confidence customers have in ordering a product correctly, thus making the buying decision easier. It also has helped decrease our return rate which positively affects our bottom line. It's been a very positive addition to our site both from a consumer as well as an operations standpoint."

Running Warehouse began using Shoefitr's online shoe fitting application in June of 2010 when this type of product was new to the market. The online shoe retailer was attracted to Shoefitr's solution as a means to decrease the approximately 65% of all footwear returns that are related to improper fit. Since implementing Shoefitr, Running Warehouse's fit-related returns have fallen by 23% which resulted in a 2.5% increase in profit margins.

Adoption of the Shoefitr application continues to grow with 20% of all Running Warehouse purchases coming from shoppers who received a fitting recommendation. Running Warehouse also consistently receives positive feedback on the application, averaging about 250 messages a month from shoppers like these:

"This is the best fitting tool I have ever seen!" - Customer purchasing Brooks Men's Glycerin 9

"I am more confident in the size that I am buying and less likely to have to return it for a different size or fit." - Customer purchasing Women's New Balance 890

"I actually already wear both of the shoes that I have just compared and found the shoefitr to be accurate." - Customer purchasing Women's Saucony Kinvara 2

Shoefitr is a Pittsburgh, PA based company that creates software to help online shoe shoppers figure out what size to order. The company uses a database of internal shoe measurements, acquired using 3D imaging technology, to compare the size and shape of a shoe a shopper is currently wearing, to one she wants to buy. Shoefitr works with several companies in the athletic footwear space and is now moving into the dress/casual and Women's footwear markets. Visit http://www.Shoefitr.com to learn more about the benefits of online fitting technology.

If you'd like more information about this topic, please contact Running Warehouse at info@runningwarehouse.com or Shoefitr at contact@Shoefitr.com.

Christian Olsson Retires, 2004 Olympic gold medalist, triple jump, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-16T04:10:12Z

Christian Olsson, 2011, adidas Grand Prix NYC, photo by PhotoRun.net

Christian Olsson, the 2003 World Champion, and 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump loved his discipline. He sustained over six surgeries to stay jumping, finishing sixth in the 2011 World Outdoor Champs, with a jump of 17.23m.

Christian Olsson, 2011, World Champs, Daegu, photo by PhotoRun.net

His best jump ever was 17.83m. This was the world indoor record in 2004.

Christian Olsson, World indoor record, 17.83m, 2004, photo by PhotoRun.net

He won the gold medal in Athens with a jump of 17.79. With three World Champ golds, one silver, an Olympic gold and two European championship gold, Olsson spent two years recovering from injures, in 2007 to 2009.

Christian Olsson, 2004 Athens, gold medal, triple jump,
photo by PhotoRun.net

Olsson was a world class high jumper as well as a triple jumper, with a pb of 2.24m outdoors and 2.28m indoors.

Christian Olsson, 2006 European Championships, photo by PhotoRun.net

Christian Olsson was always a thoughtful interview, he will be missed. Per EME News, Olsson sustained an injury recently as he was training for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Sebastian Coe, once told a sports journalist, that the triple jump must be one of the most damaging events in athletics. The pounding that it takes, on the joints, the back, the achilles, can not be underestimated.

Christian Olsson paid much for his dedication to the triple jump. He also had magnificent moments, which is the most all of us can ask for, in our vocations and avocations.

]]>

OLSSON RETIRES

STOCKHOLM (SWE): 2004 olympic winner in the triple jump Christian Olsson announced his retirement after his latest injury sustained at a 2012 Olympic Games preparation camp in the United States. Olsson who began showing his vast potential just before the 2000 Millenium was celebrated, became World champion in succession to Great Britain's Jonathan Edwards his great friend and rival in 2003 and also succeeded him the following year as Olympic Games gold medalist. Writes David Martin.

BOLT FOR WELTKLASSE

ZURICH (SUI): The biggest star of current athletics sprinter Usain Bolt confirmed his first post Games period appearance. He will compete at the Samsung Diamond League Weltklasse Zürich meeting on August 30. He has not decided on which distances he will run in his fifth appearance at the Swiss meeting. The Jamaican before his rise to fame placed runner-up in the men's 200m at the Letzigrund stadium in 2006 and 2007. He then went on to win over 100m in 2008 and again the following year. „It will be great to be back at Weltklasse Zürich," said 25-year-old Bolt. „I have great memories of the fantastic organisation and passionate crowd." Zurich will stage 100 m and 200 m, with the longer event being the SDL Final. Meet director Patrick Magyar added: "2012 will be a very special edition of our meeting. Zurich will be held 18 days after the Olympic Games - an ideal date in the outdoor competition calendar." Bolt will now compete at 3 meets in Europe (Ostrava, Rome, Oslo) followed by Jamaican Trials. During the pre Games period so far his only confirmed appearance is at the Herculis Meet in Monaco (200 m) on July 20. Zurich starts on Tuesday the ticket sales.

EATON AND DIX FOR CANADIAN MEETS

OTTAWA (CAN): The National Track League's Harry Jerome International Track Classic (June 10) and Donovan Bailey Invitational (June 16) made major announcements today regarding elite athlete participation. Vancouver's Harry Jerome confirmed that American Ashton Eaton will compete at Swangard Stadium, earlier this season Eaton set a world record at the World Indoor Championships. Edmonton's Donovan Bailey Invitational confirmed the participation of sprint sensation Walter Dix. Dix will join Jamaican Yohan Blake in Edmonton as a major headliner. Both competitions are part of Athletics Canada's National Track League series which in 2012 will also make stops in Victoria, Moncton, Halifax and Toronto.

BEKELE WILL RACE

DOHA (QAT): Ethiopia's double Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele spoke of his frequent despair that injury had brought an end to his career. The 29-year-old multiple world champion and record holder suffered a succession of calf and knee injuries after securing his second Olympic 10,000 meters title in Bejing four years ago, where he also won the 5,000m, and said he had faced up to the possibility that he would no longer be able to compete at the top level again many times over the last four years. „I also want to thank my manager, Jos Hermens, who has been helping me more and more," he said. Bekele clocked 7:40.00 in the 3000 m in Doha and plans more races in Shanghai (5000 m), Hengelo (10 000 m) and Eugene (5000 m). He needs to achieve times among the top three in Ethiopia in order to qualify for London Games. „He is starting after long period of no competition, he will be back in his top shape after more races," said Jos Hermens.

OTHER NEWS

MURCIA (ESP): Spanish walker Juan Manuel Molina announced end of his career which lasted for 20 years at age of 33. He dnf-ed the 50 km race at World Cup in Saransk. Molina has indicated that his body can not handle the physical demands anymore. He won world bronze in 2005 in Helsinki at the 20 km and European bronze in 2002 in Munich at the same distance.

GOTEBORG (SWE): Göteborgsvarvet, a half-marathon in Sweden, was the world's largest HM in 2012 with 62,513 entrants and 44,094 finishers.

LONDON (GBR): Olympic revenues are set to smash through the USD 7 billion (GBP 4 billion/ E 5 billion) barrier in the period including the London 2012 Games, confounding the economic gloom afflicting much of Europe including Greece, cradle of the Movement. Calculations made by insidethegames suggest that the final figure for revenues derived from broadcasting, sponsorship, tickets and licensing could reach, or even exceed, USD 7.6 billion (GBP 4.7 billion/E 5.9 billion). This would be around 40 per cent more than generated in 2005-2008, itself a record. The final figure will fluctuate somewhat, depending on the exchange rate used to convert London 2012 revenues into United States dollars. Earnings from London 2012 ticketing and licensing have also yet to be finalised.

MILANO (ITA): AIPS website writes that second sporting life of Italian shot putter Assunta Legnante will start in London. Her first one stopped in Beijing. Her sporting life that is, as Assunta Legnante has always lived through sport. Now she plans to compete at the Paralympics, she has been blind for six months. "I can perceive light in my left eye but nothing more." Assunta was born with congenital glaucoma in both eyes. "Using lenses, I always saw better with my right eye and saw very little with my left." She wasn't allowed to take part in the Athens Olympics and the subsequent Mediterranean Games in 2005 because of the increase in ocular pressure. Assunta competed in the Absolute Paralympic Athletics this past weekend in Turin, the results of which will also be used to qualify for London. She fielded in shot-put and javelin and beat the former record of 11.84m not once but twice, with two amazing throws of 13.24 and 13.27 meters.

GOTZIS (AUT):World junior champion 2010 and European junior champion 2011 Dafne Schippers is confirmed for Gotzis Combined Events meeting on May 26-27. Also competing from Netherlands Remona Fransen. For men decathlon Brazilian Luiz-Alberto De Araujo is in the start list with Carlos Chinin.

DALLAS (USA): On Sunday, 75 days before the start of the 2012 London Olympics, the three day 2012 USOC Media Summit kicked off in Dallas with some of America's 2012 Olympic hopefuls telling their stories to over 500 members of the international media. Track and field stars present were Allyson Felix, Wallace Spearmon, Lashinda Demus, Trey Hardee, Jillian Camarena-Williams, Brittney Reese, Hyleas Fountain, and Sanya Richards-Ross. Felix confirmed to reporters the 200m remains her biggest goal for this year's Olympics, but added she might consider the 100m/200m double instead of the 200m/400m double. Richards-Ross on her turn explained that she is again feeling very healthy and added that she now believes the diagnosis of Behcet's disease to be incorrect and she is off the Behcet's medication. She and her coach Clyde Hart however do not want to say what the new diagnosis is. Trey Hardee spoke about his excitement to attain a US medal sweep in the men's decathlon, while Lashinda Demus addressed the fact she believes track and field is a dying sport.

DALLAS (USA): The United States Olympic Committee and Allstate Insurance Company announced the members of the Class of 2012 who will be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate during a press conference at the Team USA Media Summit in Dallas. Athletes among the list of inductees include Gail Devers and Dan O'Brien as well as coach Ed Temple reports PR Newswire.

LONDON (GBR): Hannah England, Britain's world 1500 meters silver medallist, has been named as ambassador for the official licensed Team GB sun care products in partnership with manufacturers Garnier Ambre Solaire. The announcement, which coincided with Sun Awareness Week, means England will become the face of the Team GB sun care products which are on sale reports Insidethegames.

RESULTS

MANHATTAN (USA, May 13): Big 12 Championships registered Prezel Hardy winning the 100 m in windy 10.03 (+3.4) and 200 m in legal PB 20.33 (+1.5). Trinidad´s Deon Lendore in 45.13 surprisingly beat at the 400 m Gil Roberts (45.16). New national record for Trinidad as Wayne Davis II won the 110 m hurdles in 13.37 (+1.8) over Shane Brathwaite of Barbados (13.46. PB). Michael Stigler improved to 49.45 to win the 400 m hurdles. In relays Texas AM fast 39.00 and 3:03.04. In women sprints Ashley Collier improved to 11.01 (+1.9) in the 100 m and lifetime best also for second Allison Peter of US Virgin Islands 11.17. In the 200 m Paris Daniels in 22.89 (+0.9) beat Collier also 22.89. Diamond Dixon got personal best 51.09 to win the 400 m. Texas AM clocked 42.99 to win women 4x100 m but in the 4x400 m Kansas achieved 3:28.10 over Texas 3:30.32.

EUGENE (USA, May 13): Another talented female sprinter showed her speed at PAC 12 Champs. English Gardner won the 100 m in 11.00 (+2.5) and 200 m in 22.82 (+1.3). Georganne Moline again improved at the 400 m hurdles (55.12) and Brigetta Barrett cleared 194 in the high jump. Good men sprints here. Canadian Aaron Brown beat in the 100 m Briton James Alaka (10.18 to 10.22, +2.0) and in the 200 m the order was changed (Alaka 20.45 and Brown 20.55, +1.7). For both personal bests. Bryshon Nellum clocked 45.20 in the 400 m and Amaechi Morton 48.95 in the 400 m hurdles.

BATON ROUGE (USA, May 13): At the SEC Championships fast 100 m for Kimberlyn Duncan 10.96 PB (+1.9) and fifth fastest of the year. Second Semoy Hackett of Trinidad 11.10. Duncan won also the 200 m in windy 22.12 (+2.7). Ellen Wortham clocked 55.55 at the 400 m hurdles and usual fast times by LSU in relays 43.27 and 3:29.25. In men events good pole vault for Andrew Irwin 572 and world participant Tony McQuay clocked 45.48 to win the 400 m. Keenan Brock won the 100 m in 10.16 (+1.6) and Isiah Young the 200 m with 20.32w (+3.7). Florida beat in 3:03.44 the LSU team (3:03.80) in the 4x400 m.

NEW ORLEANS (USA, May 13): Octavious Freeman the talented sprinter improved at Conference USA Championships in the 100 m to 11.09 (+1.5). Errol Nolan got 200/400 double with 20.78 (+1.7) and 45.56.

GREENSBORO (USA, May 13): Ruddy Zang-Milama sprinted to 11.25 (+1.6) at the 100 m during Aggie Tar Heel Classic meet. Bahamian Ramon Gittens won the 100 m in 10.28 (+0.1) and Jamaal Torrance clocked 45.94 in the 400 m.

SANTANDER (ESP, May 12): Spanish record holder Ruth Beitia started the season with 190 clearance at a local meet (she then tried at 195).

SAN ANTONIO (USA, May 13): Antoine Adams of St. Kitts achieved here 20.65 (-3.4) in the 200 m.

KINGSTON (JAM, May 12): Jamaican 400 m runner Edino Steele improved at All-Comers meet his 200 m best to 20.58.

GIFU (JPN, May 12): Kenyan John Thuo got 27:59.50 in the 10 000 m at the Coroporate team Championships.

TOKYO (JPN, May 12): Genki Dean achieved 81.54 in javelin at the Kanto College Championships.

MADISON (USA, May 13): Big 10 Championships - Jamaican Andrew Riley got the expected double 10.39 (+0.7) and 13.64 (0.0). Kind Butler won the 200 m in 20.51 (+0.8) but in the 400 m fast 45.22 PB for last year junior Brady Gehret. Casimir Loxsom won the 800 m in 1:46.12. 400 m hurdles lifetime bests for another 1992 born duo Miles Ukaoma 49.23 and Ali Arastu 49.43. Joe Kovacs improved in the shot put to 20.85. On the women side Ashley Spencer clocked excellent double 200/400 with 22.99 (+1.2) and 51.02 (both PB) and Christina Manning posted fast 12.71 (+0.8) over the hurdles.

GLASGOW (GBR, May 13): British runner Freya Murray just three weeks after taking part in the Virgin London Marathon won the Ignis Asset Management 10 kilometers road race here in 33:36.

MANNHEIM (GER, May 13): At a DLV combined events qualification meeting in Mannheim world junior silver medalist and European junior champion Sara Gambetta has managed to qualify for this summer's IAAF World junior championships in Barcelona. With a total of 5409 points Gambetta is set to defend her medal in Barcelona. Also Aron Schreiner managed to standard for Barcelona with a total of 7254 points in the junior decathlon.

ADDIS ABABA (ETH, May 9-13): IAAF informs about Ethiopian Championships were the top runners are not competing. Highlight was women steeple where Hiwot Ayalew posted world leading 9:34.6 what is very special at the altitude here. Newcomers Buze Driba and Muktar Endris were among the impressive winners in the women's and men's 5000m at the 41st edition of the event. Endris clocked 14:04.0 and Drib 16:04.7. Israel Aweke won the 800 m in 1:46.5 and Abiyot Abinet the 1500 m in 3:41.5. Other winners were Tebelu Zewde in the 10 000 m (29:09.0) and Legese Lemiso in the steeple (8:56.8). Marathon runner Aberu Kebede won the 10 000 m title in 32:48.6 ahead of Mamitu Daska 32:54.9.

CHONBURI (THA, May 14): Third and last Asian GP series meet saw Chinese Taipei team winning the 4x100 m in 39.23 over Hongkong 39.27 and China 39.31. In windy conditions Abdulaziz Almandeel of Kuweit won the 110 m hurdles in 13.62 (-2.3) over Chinese Jiang Fan 13.78. Sajad Ahangar of Iran surprised with 46.31 win in the 400 m. In women events Vietnam´s Truong Thanh Hang won for third time in the series the 800 m in 2:02.35 and China the relay 44.49. Natalya Asanova of Uzbekistan got 56.85 in the 400 m hurdles. Her teammate Svetlana Radzivil cleared 190 in the high jump and Marestella Torres of Philipines leaped to 662 (+1.4) in the long jump.

Martinot-Lagarde Windy 13.30, Italian Hurdle Records, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-16T00:53:48Z

Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, 2010 World Juniors, photo by PhotoRun.net

Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, the 2012 World Indoor bronze medalist, continues to improve in 2012, as he gets closer and closer to London 2012.....

]]>

MARTINOT-LAGARDE WINDY 13.30, ITALIAN HURDLES RECORDS

MONTGERON (FRA, May 13): At first Elite one day meet in France world indoor medalist Pascal Martinot-Lagarde showed top shape when winning in 13.30 (+2.1) over Italian Emanuele Abate 13.31 followed by Samuel Coco-Viloin 13.50 and former world champion Ladji Doucoure 13.63 at the 110 m hurdles. The French hurdler clocked his personal best in heats 13.48. But it was not the fastest legal time because Montgeron was special for Italian hurdlers who improved both national records for men and women. Abate won his heat in national mark of 13.32 (+0.7). Marzia Caravelli posted while winning her heat at 100 m hurdles 12.85 (+0.8) also Italian record. Here second Sandra Gomis 12.92 PB, she later won the final which was slightly wind-aided in 12.94 (+2.1). Second Alice Deceaux 12.95 ahead of Veronica Borsi of Italy 13.03 (in heats PB 13.05 +0.6) and Caravelli 13.04. Veronique Mang won the 100 m in good 11.32 (+1.2) and Eloyse Lesueur the long jump (664, +1.8). Russian Yekaterina Kupina after pacing in Doha won the 800 m in solid 2:01.98. Briton James Dasaolu won the 100 m in 10.18 (+1.2) ahead of Italian Fabio Cerutti 10.33. Former European Champion Francis Obikwelu of Portugal was 7th in 10.47. Kenyan distances wins for Reuben Bett at 800 m (1:46.98) and Japhet Korir (7:46.15) over Vincent Mutai (7:47.00). Algerian Issam Nima was the best in the triple jump (16.78, +1.8).

MATHIEU IMPROVES AT 400 M TO 45.06

UBERLANDIA (BRA, May 13): Bahamian relay olympic medalist Michael Mathieu won the 400 m in top time 45.06 (personal best) at the third meet of Brazilian Tour Caixa/Sesi de Atletismo in Uberlandia. Also to note meet record for Argentinian German Lauro in shot put (20.30) over Portugal Marco Fortes 20.27. Moroccan Salima El Ouali clocked another meeting best in women steeple 9:44.09. Emanuell Callender of Trinidad won the 100 m in 10.16 (-0.7). In women 100 m Oludamola Osayomi of Nigeria posted 11.32 (+0.4). Geisa Coutinho had a good home win at the 400 m in 51.69. Some races were hand-timed. Diego De Farias 20.4 (-0.3) in the 200 m, US Lauryn Williams 22.8 (+1.2) in women 200 m and Kurt Couto of Mozambique 49.5 at 400 m hurdles over Brazilian Mahau Sugimati also 49.5. In technical events Cuban wins for Misleidys Gonzalez in the shot put with 18.40 and Alexis Copello 16.63 (-0.6) in the triple jump. US Jessica Cosby was the best in the hammer 69.79 ahead of Marina Marghieva of Moldova 69.10. In men´s hammer Sergey Kolomoets of Belarus was the best with 73.50.

TRACK RESULTS

CARACAS (VEN, May 12): Venezuelan sprinter Nercely Soto improved her own national record in the altitude az National Championships to 22.53. Junior Eure Yanez cleared 223 in the high jump, new national junior record.

TRNAVA (SVK, May 13): Good javelin by Martin Benak 78.49 here. Renata Medgyesova leaped to windy 654 (+4.4) and Libor Charfreitag after coming from US won the hammer with 71.85.

SZOMBATHELY (HUN, May 12): New shot put record for India as Om Prakash Singh achieved here 20.69 (and also 20.63 and 20.14) in the series.

LODZ (POL, May 13): Superb throws during second day of Poland University Championships. European U23 Champion Pawel Fajdek improved to second best of 2012 79.82. Former champion Szymon Ziolkowski second 73.74. In javelin big improvements for Pawel Rakoczy 84.99 over Bartosz Osewski 83.89.

CUDWORTH (GBR, May 13): Multievents star Jessica Ennis won shot put (14.33) and javelin (44.13) in unhelpful windy conditions at the Yorkshire Championships. Next Sunday she has the 100 m Hurdles at the Powerade Games in Manchester followed By Gotzis.

TRENTO (ITA, May 13): Silvia Weissteiner posted here solid 9:08.42 in the women 3000 m.

SAINT MARD (BEL, May 12): Almensch Belete now Belgian already achieved at Interclubs meet 9:00.79 in women 3000 m.

LOVOSICE (CZE, May 12): Lukas Melich achieved here an olympic qualifier in hammer 79.44, also personal best.

BACAU (ROU, May 12): Solid women throws at Gran Prix Aruncari as Anca Heltne got 17.32 in shot put, Nicoleta Grasu 58.30 in discus and Bianca Perie 68.10 in hammer.

MEXICO CITY (MEX, May 11): At National Championships Romary Rifka cleared 190 in the high jump and Luis Rivera-Morales leaped to 800 in the long jump.

BASEL (SUI, May 13): Sprinter Alex Wilson equaled national best at the 150 m here with 15.38 (+1.9).

ROAD RESULTS

LILLE (FRA, May 13): Kenyan Jackson Kirwa won the La Route de Louvre Marathon in 2:10:35 ahead of Raymond Bett 2:11:41 and Samson Bungei 2:13:49. In women category Ethiopian Ehite Bizuayehu won in debut 2:32:19.

MANNHEIM (GER, May 13): Ethiopian winners at the Mannheim Marathon. Werkuneh Aboye 2:17:33 and Girma Terefa 2:46:31.

DALIAN (CHN, May 12): Fast times at the International Dalian Marathon in China. Kenyan Julius Kiplimo clocked 2:13:03 ahead of Ethiopians Gebo Burka Gameda 2:13:20 and Gemeda Dadi 2:13:27. Fast 2:29:46 for women winner Wei Xiaojie ahead of Adilo Roba 2:33:11 and Abdela Wordofa, both from Ethiopia 2:34:37. From Tilastopaja.

INOWROCLAW (POL, May 12): At Piastowski Halfmarathon wins for Kenyans Martin Mukule 1:06:04 and Susy Chebet 1:16:35.

PUDASJARVI (FIN, May 13): Lewis Korir won two Finnish CC titles. At 4 km 11.41 and at 12 km 36:56. Second positions for Willy Rotich 11:56 and Jussi Utriainen 37:56. In women 6 km Sandra Eriksson topped the field in 20:54.

STRASBOURG (FRA, May 13): Kenyan Justus Moranga won the Half-marathon here in 1:04:47 and Ezechiel Nizigiyimana of Burundi won the 10 km in 29:21.

Hyundai Series (Norway), Meet info & Invitation

2012-05-15T16:01:27Z

This invitation from Norwegian Federation was lost in my spam folder. My apologies.

Blocks, photo by PhotoRun.net

]]> Norway wish to invite athletes to meetings which are being staged during the summer of 2012.

If you have athletes who are interested in any of the meetings, please send the athletes list to the meeting organizer.

Hyundai Grand Prix Opening Games 2012

Bislett Stadium, Oslo May 24^th

Men: 100 m, 400 m, 800 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, discus, javelin
Women: 100 m, 400 m, 1000 m, 3000 m, 100 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, javelin, (hammer throw).

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events marked in red.

In the relays we will have minimum three National teams according to rules for the European Championship set by European Athletics.

Meeting Organizer for Opening Games 2012:
Jasper Buitink, tel. +47 951 00 411, jasper@skvidar.no

Hyundai Grand Prix Florø Athletics Festival

Florø, June 2^nd

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 800 m/1500 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, triple jump, discus, hammer throw
Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1000 m, 100 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, high jump, long jump, hammer throw

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events not decided yet.

In the relays we will have minimum three National teams according to rules for the European Championship set by European Athletics.

Meeting Organizers for Florø Athletics Festival:
Rune Osa, tel. +47 911 01 260, rune.osa@enivest.net
Ståle Jan Frøynes, tel. +47 901 41 998
Svein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no

Hyundai Grand Prix Lillestrøm Games

Lillestrøm (20 km from Oslo and airport) July 4^th

Men: 100 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 110 mh, high jump, long jump, hammer throw
Women: 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 100 mh, high jump, long jump, pole vault, hammer throw, javelin

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events marked in red.

Meeting Organizers for Lillestrøm Games:
Jørn Aaltvedt, tel. +47 416 60 545, jorn.aaltvedt@veidekke.no
Svein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no

Please note that the above event programmes can be subject to changes.

Kind regards,

Ronny Nilsen

Sports Director

The Norwegian Athletics Federation

Ullevaal Stadion

0840 Oslo

Tel. +47 90517098

RBR Interview: Mikal Peveto, adidas Director of Running, North America, speaks about the adidas ClimaCool Seduction, by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T22:08:34Z

Mikal Peveto talks shoes, photo courtesy of adidas communications

We asked Mikal Peveto, adidas director of running, North America, to fill us in on the new adidas ClimaCool Seduction, one of adidas' newest launches. Here is what he had to say about adidas newest launch:

]]> RBR, #1: The ClimaCool has been a popular product line for adidas, tell us about the ClimaCool Seduction?

Mikal Peveto: The next generation of ClimaCool blends a dramatic new 3D layered mesh design with 360 degrees of ventilation in the all-new ClimaCool Seduction running shoe that helps you stay cool and sweat nothing - literally.

Ventilation channels reminiscent of wind tunnels across the outsole and strategically designed perforations along the midsole provide breathability from all sides. The ClimaCool design helps reduce foot temperature and in-shoe moisture for maximum comfort during warm workouts.

Moisture wicking ClimaCool material on the shoe's upper helps evaporate sweat in isolated heat zones along the foot bed and mid-foot. COOLEVER lining, a special clover-shaped yarn, keeps the foot cool, dry and comfortable during your run. The TORSION SYSTEM
allows for better surface adaption and stability while the adiWEAR outsole improves traction and durability, and a flexible midsole provides maximum comfort and cushioning.

adidas looked to nature for inspiration of the minimal upper construction that traces air circulation lines around the foot. Designers perforated, cut holes and drilled the shoe to shed
material it didn't need, resulting in organic shapes that looked like they had been created by wind. Allowing for increased air flow through the midfoot, a unique branding of the three stripes was designed within the midsole.

RBR, #2: Is this, like the adizero Rush, an example of adidas taking running tech to the masses?

Mikal Peveto: In a word, yes. Our goal is help athletes perform better - lighter, faster and cooler. We want all athletes who run for sport to benefit from our product and just as the adizero platform enhances speed, ClimaCool keeps your feet cool
during your run.

RBR, #3: Who is the user?

Mikal Peveto: The high school kid who wants a carefree run, but also a stylish shoe that
looks cool.

RBR, #4: Looks like a great summer mileage shoe to me, what do you think?

Mikal Peveto: Yes, the ClimaCool Seduction is the perfect summer running shoe.
It gives an amazing performance in hot weather. Seventy-five percent of the body's energy is used to keep from overheating, so the ClimaCool is designed to keep your feet cool by providing as much ventilation as possible.

RBR, #5: adidas America seems to be doing quite well at the big boxes, and giving run specialty some time to reconsider the brand, care to comment?

Mikal Peveto: We are actually doing better in all channels of distribution, including running specialty. We were gearing our selection to their core consumer. Supernova and adizero drive
our specialty business and will continue to do so, but we cannot afford to be
complacent in any of our product creation efforts.

RBR, #6: Using Katy Perry and Mr. Soccer will generate some interest, tell us about the marketing campaign?

Mikal Peveto: We're really excited to introduce the next generation of ClimaCool with
the help of adidas' iconic athletes and artists - David Beckham, Katy Perry, Derrick Rose
and Lionel Messi. The spot celebrates running and brings to life the ultra-breathable benefits of the shoe. The TV spot is running for 5 weeks on ESPN, MTV and Adult Swim.

RBR, #7: Among the Next Gen bloggers and twitter feeds, adidas is getting high marks on hits most recent commercials and videos, how much of a role does digital media play with adidas?

Mikal Peveto: Yes, it plays a huge role in our communication. We know that's where the high school kid is - online and on Facebook.

RBR, #8: Okay, here is your chance. What do you want to tell running consumers about the adidas Climacool Seduction?

Mikal Peveto: The ClimaCool Seduction is designed to look hot but be cool through tons
of ventilation. Adidas running will continue to innovate high performance footwear with easy to understand benefits to help athletes of every level get faster and better for their sport.

Tyson Gay's Gillette commercial, courtesy of Gillette, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T17:00:27Z

]]> Tyson Gay is the American record holder in the 100 meters. He is the second fastest American at 200 meters and he is the last person to defeat Usain Bolt over the 100 meter distance (July 2010).

We thought you might like to see the new Gillette commercial for Tyson Gay, with their new product launch. Tyson will be one of the brand athletes for Gillette during their Olympic promotions.

Gillette is using its own icon athletes around various markets around the world. Pretty cool to see Tyson Gay as one of their top athletes.

The parent company of Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, has signed USOC sponsorship program through 2016.

USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships information, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T04:07:26Z

This is the information for the USA Junior T&F Outdoor Championships. We were asked to send it to our readers. If this makes sense for some of your athletes, we encourage you to read on and get your athletes to the event!

Blocks, photo by PhotoRun.net

]]>

USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships

June 15-17, 2012
Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex
Bloomington, IN

The cream of the crop of American junior athletics is coming to Bloomington, Indiana from June 15th to the 17th for the 2012 USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Fans will be treated to a glimpse of the future of USA Track & Field as the best high school standouts and the most promising college freshmen face off at one of America's premier venues. The meet will be held at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex on the campus of Indiana University, host of five Big Ten Championships and the 1997 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

This meet will serve as a qualifier for this year's IAAF World Junior Championships. Top performers will be part of the American team that will compete in Barcelona, Spain from July 10th to July 15th.

***Athletes, if you do not have a valid passport, we strongly urge that you begin the application process now and ask for expedited processing. You must bring your passport with you to the Trials **

Qualifying Standards

The Junior classification shall be limited to athletes who are fourteen (14) years or older on the day of competition and will not become twenty (20) years of age at any tme during the year of the competition (2012).

Events below that are in bold will be contested at the Championships. Events listed directly below those being contested and which are not in bold, may be used as alternates for qualifying. See Qualifying Guidelines below for full details.

Qualifying windows:	June 22, 2011 - June 10, 2012 (for both indoor and outdoor competitions)
	January 1, 2011 - June 10, 2012 (for 10,000m, 10 km Race Walk and Combined Events)

Men

Event	Standard
100m	10.64 *
200m	21.44 *
400m	47.84 *
800m	1:52.54 (1:52.4)
1,500m	3:57.64 ( 3:57.5)
Mile	4:14.74 (4:14.6)
1600m	4:13.24 (4:13.1)
5,000m	15:04.50 (15:04.5)
3,000m	8:39.00 (8:39.0)
3,200m	9:14.00 (9:14.0)
10,000m	32:45.00 (32:45.0)
10 km Race Walk	55:15.00 (55:15.00)
3 km RW	15:00.00 (15:00.00)
5 km RW	26:00.00 (26:00.00)
110m hurdles	14.60 *
110m Hurdles 42"	14.80 *
400m hurdles	53.94 *
400m Hurdles 30"	53.70 *
300m Hurdles 36"	37.60 *
300m Hurdles 30"	37.10 *
3,000m Steeplechase	9:38.00 (9:38.0)
2,000m Steeplechase	6:25.00 (6:25.0)
High Jump	2.09 (6-10¼)
Pole Vault	5.00 (16-5)
Long Jump	7.18 (23-6¾)
Triple Jump	14.65 (48-¾)
Shot Put Junior Int'l	17.74 (58-2½)
Shot Put 12# H.S.	18.29 (60-0)
Shot Put 16#	16.28 (53-5)
Discus Throw (1.75kg Jr. int'l)	53.16 (174-5)
Discus 1.6kg H.S.	56.46 (185-3)
Discus 2kg	50.04 (164-2)
Hammer Throw (6kg Jr. int'l)	55.00 (180-5½)
Hammer 16#	51.88 (170-3)
Hammer 12#	58.00 (190-4)
Javelin Throw	58.22 (191-0)
Decathlon (Jr. Int'l weights)	6200
Decathlon H.S.	6250
Decathlon	6000

Women

Event	Standard
100m	11.70 *
200m	24.00 *
400m	55.24 *
800m	2:12.14 (2:12.0)
1,500m	4:38.14 (4:38.0)
Mile	4:58.14 (4:58.0)
1600m	4:56.14 (4:56.0)
3,000m	10:15.14 (10:15.0)
3,200m	10:45.14 (10:45.0)
5,000m	17:45.00 (17:45.0)
100m Hurdles (33")	14.34 *
100m Hurdles (30")	14.04 *
400m Hurdles (30")	62.00 *
300m Hurdles (30")	43.00 *
3,000m Steeplechase	11:12.14 (11:12.0)
2,000m Steeplechase	7:27.14 (7:27.0)
10,000m Race Walk	59:45.00 (59:45.0)
5,000m RW	28:30.00 (28:30.0)
3,000m RW	16:30.00 (16:30.0)
High Jump	1.73 (5-8)
Pole Vault	3.95 (12-11½)
Long Jump	5.91 (19-5)
Triple Jump	12.32 (40-5)
Shot Put (4kg)	14.00 (45-11¼)
Discus Throw	46.00 (150-11)
Hammer Throw	50.00 (164-0)
Javelin Throw	41.00 (134-6)
Heptathlon	4650
Pentathlon	3750

Notes

The Sport Committee Chair may adjust the standards, where necessary, forty-five days prior to the competition, based on received entries at that time. Therefore, early submission of an entry close to the standards is advised.

Qualifying Guidelines

1. All qualifying performances for running events may be made on an indoor or outdoor track for the outdoor championships. There are no allowances for altitude, nor for indoor facilities of differing size, banking or other configuration.

2. Qualifying marks must be made in accordance with USATF Rule 149 and verifiable in one of the following:

1. USATF or IAAF sanctioned events which prescribe to or exceed USATF competition rules, or

2. Events at collegiate meets which prescribe to or exceed USATF competition rules, or

3. High school meets, but not dual or triangular meets, which prescribe to or exceed NFHS competition rules.

4. Meets or events which meet a minimum for competitiveness as set by the Chair of the Sport Committee, and determined to be valid by the USATF National Office staff member responsible for verification.

3. This is an annual Championship which requires qualification within a specific period of time.

4. Qualifying marks from outdoor competitions must be attained on or after Wednesday, June 22, 2011 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Qualifying marks from indoor competitions must be attained within the same time period. Qualifying marks for the 10,000-meters, Race Walk, and Combined Events must be attained on or after Saturday, January 1, 2011 through Sunday, June 10, 2012.

5. * F.A.T. is the only method of timing acceptable for qualifying marks for events listed with an asterisk. Times submitted in hundredths of a second, must be fully automatic times.

6. A manual time may be used for qualifying in all other running events, but only if no fully automatic qualifying time exists for the individual in that event during the qualifying period. A manual time may not supersede a fully automatic qualifying time for an event.

1. women - Qualifying manual times, for eligible events, are the F.A.T. qualifying time without the last zero for events 200m and longer; the F.A.T. time minus 0.14 for events 400m - 1 Mile. The seed time for a submitted manual time will be in accordance with USATF Rule 166.

2. men - Qualifying manual times, for eligible events, not already listed, are always the F.A.T. qualifying time without the last zero. Manual times will be converted for seeding purposes using USATF Rule 166.

7. For the U.S. Junior Championships, for the 5,000m, 10,000m and 3,000m steeplechase events, petitions will be accepted for entry into these events using qualifying times from alternate distances (e.g. Use of a 1,500m qualifying time for a petition to run the 5,000m).

8. All performances are subject to verification by USATF and its statisticians.

9. Junior men's implement weights: 1.75k Discus, 6.00k Shot & Hammer.

10. Junior men's hurdle heights: 39"

IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics - Barcelona, Spain - 10/15 July 2012

IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics
Barcelona, Spain, 10-15 July 2012
Entry Standards

The entries for the USATF Juniors have now been opened. The address for the site is http://www.usatf.org/Events---Calendar/2012/USA-Junior-Outdoor-Track---Field-Championships/Entry-Information.aspx

Here is the information concerning that process. Information highlighted in yellow with parentheses around it has been added to try to help people avoid mistakes that have been common in the past:

Entry Information

You must be a 2012 USATF member to enter the Championships. If you do not have a 2012 membership, please complete a membership application first. You must also be a U.S. citizen to be eligible to represent the U.S. in all levels of international competition and meet the eligibility requirements and qualifying standards. (Coach, if the athlede does not have passports, they should begin the process now to make sure that you have it by the event - no passport, no trip)

Important Documents

· Qualifying standards

· Eligibility requirements

Athletes must be at least 14 years old on the day of competition but not turn 20 years old during 2012. All entries must be accompanied by a copy of a legal document (passport or birth certificate) in order to verify date of birth and citizenship. If you have a valid passport at the time of entry, please use a copy of the information page of your passport as verification of citizenship and birth date. These copies will not be returned. You must FAX the copy of your passport or birth certificate, with your membership number, event, and championships name ("USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships") written in it to USATF National Office at 317-261-0514 no later than June 1^st, 2012.
Athletes may enter an event(s) even if they have not yet met the qualifying standard for that event(s). However, athletes will not be permitted to compete unless they have:

A 2012 USATF membership
Completed the entry process
Met the entry standard by the June 10, 2012 qualifying deadline
Completed the declaration process

Proof of qualifying performance, if requested, must be submitted to USATF no later than Monday, June 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Any submittal received after this date will not be accepted. Please contact stats@usatf.org for verification procedures.
All athletes must be 2012 members of USATF in good standing. USATF memberships may be purchased online, through your local Association Office, or by calling the USATF National Office at 317-713-4665.
Athletes must be bona fide members of a 2012 USATF club in order to represent a club. An athlete's current club affiliation can be viewed in his/her membership profile and as part of the online entry process. Athletes wishing to change club affiliations can make such a request through their local Association (note that this request must be made by the athlete--see Regulation 4 in the USATF Governance Manual). All club affiliations must be finalized by close of declarations on Tuesday, June 12^th. No club changes will be accepted after this date for the Junior Championships.
In addition to a club affiliation, athletes are able to represent one corporate sponsor. This corporate sponsor must be a registered USATF Corporate Member and be part of the athlete's membership profile. Corporate Membership applications can be obtained by sending an e-mail to membership@usatf.org. All sponsor affiliations must be finalized by close of declarations. No sponsor changes will be accepted after this date for the Junior Championships.
Athletes wishing to represent a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States must be registered with the Membership Committee of their local USATF Association.

· Membership application

Entry Status
To check the status of your entry, including declarations, visit the Status of Entries page (this page updates hourly). Athletes missing required documents (see below) or who need to provide information about their qualifying mark(s) will be listed on the status of entry page as "info needed" until such documents/information are received.

Entry Information
Entry Deadlines and Fees

Entry Deadlines Entry Fee

On-time: before or on Friday, 6/1/12 at 11:59 p.m. ET $25

Late: before or on Sunday, 6/10/11 at 11:59 p.m. ET $75

The entry fee for the Championships is $25 per athlete. Late entries incur an additional $50 late fee charge per athlete (Total late entry=$75.00). All fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Online entries must be paid for by credit card ("Visa, the only card accepted by USATF") or electronic funds transfer ("electronic check").

Entry Forms

· Individual entry form

Entry Process

· Online entry is the only method of entry. No other form of entry will be accepted.

· A 2012 USATF membership is required to enter (you must join online if you are not a member).

· To enter online, you will be required to provide your 2012 USATF membership number and password (click here to retrieve your password if you don't know it).

· A Help Line is available for those who need help with the entry process. For assistance call 317-713-4689 during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you can not resolve the problem, please contact Tim Baker, tbaker03@verizon.net , 301-602-1656,

· For entries that are being made close to the deadline: although we will make every reasonable effort, we cannot guarantee responses to requests for passwords. Please enter as early as possible!

Declarations Information
Declaration Deadlines and Fees

Declaration Deadlines: ; &n bsp; Fee

On-time: Monday, 6/11/12, from 12:01 a.m. - Tuesday, 6/12/12 by 11:59 p.m. EDT $0

Late petition only: Wednesday, 6/13/12 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT &am p;am p;nb sp;&n bsp; $100

(Remember entry and declaration are two different processes. Please do it early on Monday morning, and then go to the site and click on the list of entrants. Make sure that your athlete is on that list in the correct event(s), and make sure that their affiliation is correct. If you are expecting the athlete to do this, you might want to go in and check that it has been done. Since the plane ticket has probably already been paid for, it is a shame to have to spend another $100.)

Declaration Process
Once properly entered, all athletes must complete the declaration process during the designated time. This process confirms your intention to compete in the Championships.

· Online is the only method of declaration. No other form of declaration will be accepted.

· Each athlete or his representative must declare whether that athlete will or will not compete during the designated time.

· Athletes not declaring by the declaration deadline will be scratched.

· To declare online, you will be required to provide your 2012 USATF membership number and password (click here to retrieve your password if you don't know it).

· A Help Line is available for those who need help with the declaration process. For assistance call 317-713-4689 during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

· For declarations that are being made close to the deadline: although we will make every reasonable effort, we cannot guarantee responses to requests for passwords. Please declare as early as possible!

· Petitions for Late Declarations

· Petitions may be filed by emailing the following information to [Sariyu.Suggs@usatf.org]:

· Athlete Name

· Athlete Event(s)

· Explanation for late declaration

· Call back number (cell number preferred)

· Athletes submitting a petition for late declaration will be assessed a $100 late declaration fee. Late declaration fees may be paid by credit card only. "Visa, the only card accepted by USATF."

· Decisions on late declaration petitions will be acted upon by a special committee no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

· Late declaration petition fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision of the committee.

Schedule

Subject to change

DAY ONE - FRIDAY, JUNE 15^th
Time	Event	Gndr	Round
1:30pm	100m	men	dec
2:00pm	hammer throw	men	final
2:15pm	long jump	men	dec
2:45pm	javelin throw	women	final
3:15pm	100m dash	women	1st rd.
3:30pm	shot put	men	dec
3:40pm	100m dash	men	1st rd.
4:05pm	110m hurdles	men	1st rd.
4:30pm	pole vault	men	final
4:30pm	800m	men	1st rd.
4:55pm	800m	women	1st rd.
5:00pm	long jump	men	final
5:00pm	high jump	men	dec
5:20pm	400m hurdles	women	1st rd.
5:40pm	400m hurdles	men	1st rd.
5:45pm	discus throw	women	final
6:00pm	javelin throw	men	final
6:00pm	1500m run	men	1st rd.
6:20pm	1500m run	women	1st rd.
6:40pm	100m dash	women	final
6:50pm	100m dash	men	final
7:05pm	110m hurdles	men	final
7:15pm	400m dash	men	dec
7:35pm	3000 steeple	women	final
7:50pm	5,000m	men	final
8:05pm	End of 1st Day

DAY TWO - SATURDAY, JUNE 16th
Time	Event	Gndr	Round
1:30pm	110m hurdles	men	dec
2:30pm	discus throw	men	dec
2:45pm	long jump	women	final
3:00pm	shot put	men	final
3:00pm	100m hurdles	women	hep
4:00pm	high jump	women	hep
4:15pm	pole vault	men	dec
4:45pm	100m hurdles	women	1st rd.
5:10pm	400m dash	women	1st rd.
5:30pm	hammer throw	women	final
5:35pm	400m dash	men	1st rd.
6:00pm	400m hurdles	women	final
6:00pm	shot put	women	hep
6:10pm	triple jump	men	final
6:10pm	400m hurdles	men	final
6:15pm	javelin throw	men	dec
6:20pm	high jump	women	final
6:20pm	800m	women	final
6:30pm	800m	men	final
6:40pm	200m	women	1st rd.
7:05pm	200m	men	1st rd.
7:30pm	200m	women	hep
7:15pm	javelin throw	men	dec
7:50pm	100m hurdles	women	final
8:00pm	5000m run	women	final
8:20pm	1500m	men	dec
8:30pm	10,000m	men	final
9:00pm	End of 2nd Day

DAY THREE - SUNDAY, JUNE 17TH
Time	Event	Gndr	Round
7:30am	10km racewalk	men	final
8:30am	10km racewalk	women	final
1:00pm	long jump	women	hep
2:15pm	pole vault	women	final
2:15pm	javelin throw	women	hep
2:30pm	discus throw	men	final
2:45pm	triple jump	women	final
2:45pm	high jump	men	final
3:00pm	shot put	women	final
3:15pm	400m	women	final
3:25pm	400m	men	final
3:35pm	1500m	women	final
3:45pm	1500m	men	final
3:55pm	200m	women	final
4:05pm	200m	men	final
4:15pm	800m	women	hep
4:30pm	3000 steeple	men	final
4:45pm	3000m run	women	final
4:55pm	End of 3rd Day & End of Meet

Drug Testing

Anti-Doping Resources

As you prepare for your upcoming competition, here are some resources that may save you from making a mistake that could jeopardize your athletic career:

USADA Doping Control Process

Global Drug Reference Online™

Drug Reference Line™
1-800-233-0393

Other USADA Resources

The use of nutritional or dietary supplements is completely at the athlete's own risk - even if the supplement label says "approved" or "verified." USADA's drug reference resources DO NOT provide information about dietary supplements.

Athletes who participate in this competition are subject to drug testing performed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in accordance with the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing.

BE ALERT - Knowing your rights and responsibilities may save you from making a mistake that could jeopardize your athletic career. The use of ALL dietary supplements is "at the athlete's own risk of committing a doping violation."

BE AWARE - Testing may take place at any time or after any round - preliminary, qualifying, or final - USADA typically selects place finishers and random athletes. Once notified, you will be accompanied by a chaperone until you report to the Doping Control Station. Athletes must report to the Doping Control Station immediately after notification unless there is an approved reason for delay. Reasons for delay that will be considered include, but are not limited to, retrieving identification, attending an awards ceremony, locating an Athlete Representative, cooling down, media obligations and preparing for another event. If there is a valid reason for delay, inform the Notifying Chaperone so he/she can confirm with a Doping Control Officer.

BE CLEAN - Checking to see if the medication you take is allowed could be the difference between passing your test and serving a doping ban. A search on USADA's easy-to-use Global Drug Reference Online™, or a quick call to USADA's Drug Reference Line™ (1-800-233-0393) , or a review of the Therapeutic Use Exemption procedure will help you understand if a medication is allowed or prohibited.

BE INFORMED - Watching USADA's short testing video will familiarize you with the drug testing process. When making travel arrangements please allow enough time for drug testing at the end of your event. This will include providing a sample and processing paperwork.

The adjudication of anti-doping rule violations or refusals to test will be carried out by USADA. Athletes found to have committed a doping violation will be disciplined according to penalties specified by the World Anti-Doping Code and, if appropriate, applicable IAAF rules. Such penalties may result in a period of ineligibility as well as disqualification from the event.

BE AWARE. BE INFORMED. BE ALERT. BE CLEAN.

Air Travel

Discounts
Enjoy 5% off United flights to this event. To redeem your discount, click HERE, enter your travel information, and input the following promotion code ZMHK487709 (flights are automatically discounted).

If you encounter any problems, please call the United Olympic Desk at 1-800-841-0460 between 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
United is a proud sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Committee and has been flying America's Team for 30 years

Ground Transportation

Rental Cars and Vans
To receive a 10% discount on any rental vehicle through Ace Rent A Car, please go to www.acerentacar.com and enter Promo Code SPORTS to take advantage of this offer on rentals in Indianapolis and Bloomington.

Airport Shuttle Transportation
Go Express Travel offers airport shuttles from Indianapolis International Airport to Bloomington, Indiana. Reservations made in advance online are $15/person each way or tickets can be purchased at shuttle stop kiosks at a price of $20/person each way. Shuttles run every two hours between 4:40 AM and 10:40 PM. To check the schedule and make reservations, please visit http://bloomingtonshuttle.com/airport_shuttle_schedule.

Housing

USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships
June 15-17, 2012
Bloomington, Indiana

PLEASE REFER TO THE EVENT NAME WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS.

HOTELS

Reservations must be made by 5/29/12 in order to ensure discounted group rate!

For more information and photos of area lodging options, please go to www.visitbloomington.com. You may also contact the Bloomington Visitors Center at 800.800.0037 to inquire about area hotel options.

**Courtesy shuttle provided to/from IU Track & Field Complex**

A Summer House Inn - $79.00
4501 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN 47401, (812) 332-2141
Book Online (Corporate/Promotion Code JUNIOR): www.asummerhouseinn.com
**Comfort Inn - $104.00**
1700 N. Kinser Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 650-0010

**Courtyard by Marriott - $129.00**
310 S. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47403, (812) 335-8000
Book Online: Courtyard Bloomington
Fairfield Inn - $119.00
120 Franklin Dr., Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 331-1122
Book Online: Fairfield Inn Bloomington
Hampton Inn - $149.00
2100 N. Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 334-2100
Book Online (Group Code UTF): www.bloomingtonhamptoninn.com
**Hilton Garden Inn - $149.95**
245 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 331-1335
Book Online (Group Code JTC): www.bloomingtonin.stayhgi.com
**Holiday Inn - $109.00**
1710 N. Kinser Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 334-8800
Book Online: Click Here
Holiday Inn Express - $115.00
117 S Franklin Road, Bloomington, IN 47404, (812) 334-8800
Book Online: Click Here
Homewood Suites - $109.00 / 119.00
1399 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403, (812) 323-0500
Book Online (Group Code TFJ): www.bloomington.homewoodsuites.com
TownePlace Suites - $129.00 / 169.00
1399 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403, (812) 323-0500
Book Online: Click Here
DORMS

The IU residence halls are providing housing for the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships at a rate of $29.40 per night for students and a rate of $31.36 per night for adults. The residence halls are within walking distance (¼ mi.) of the IU Track & Field Complex. The Star of America Shuttle drops off and picks up at McNutt residence hall and the Indianapolis International Airport. (www.starofamerica.com)

Rooms are air conditioned, single or double occupancy, with bathrooms down the hall. Linens including two sheets, two towels, a pillow and pillowcase will be provided. If you need a blanket, ask for one at the center desk. Check in is at the center desk in the building in the middle of the complex. Student staff is on duty 24 hours; if you arrive after the desk is closed call the number that is posted on the front door. Parking is free. Ask for a permit when you check in and we will issue you one.

To reserve a room with the IU residence halls, click the link below:

https://indianauniv-web.ungerboeck.com/reg/reg_p1_form.aspx?oc=10&ct=GENERAL&eventid=5075

Pole Vault Transfer

Pole Vault Pole Shipping
Shipment of pole vault poles will be the responsibility of the athlete. Poles can be shipped to Jay Arther, Indiana University Director of Operations for Track & Field/Cross Country
at the following address:

Indiana University
C/O Jay Arther, Track & Field
Assembly Hall
1001 East 17th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
jdarther@indiana.edu 812-855-5576

Here are the standards for the IAAF

Men Event Women

10.64 100 Metres 11.96

21.55 200 Metres 24.56

47.95 400 Metres 55.25

1:51.00 800 Metres 2:09.10

3:48.00 1500 Metres 4:28.00

3000 Metres 9:35.00

14:15.00 / 8:15.00 (3000m) 5000 Metres 16:40.00

31:30.00 10,000 Metres

9:10.00 3000m Steeplechase 11:00.00

100 Metres Hurdles 14.20

14.64 (1.067m) or 14:24 (0.995m) 110 Metres Hurdles

53.34 400 Metres Hurdles 60.75

44:20.00 10,000m Race Walk 51:00.00

No standard 4x100m Relay No standard

No standard 4x400m Relay No standard

Heptathlon 5150

6875 (1.067m; 7.26kg SP; 2kg DT)
or
7090 (0.995m; 6kg SP; 1.75kg DT) Decathlon

2.15 High Jump 1.80

5.00 Pole Vault 3.95

7.55 Long Jump 6.10

15.60 Triple Jump 12.90

18.00 (6kg) or 16.30 (7.26kg) Shot Put 14.50

55.00 (1.75kg) or 51.50 (2kg) Discus Throw 47.50

66.20 (6kg) or 60.20 (7.26kg) Hammer Throw 56.00

66.50 javelin Throw 49.00

&am p;am p;nb sp; &n bsp;

ENTRY RULES

A maximum of two athletes from any one Member can compete in each event (with the exception of the Relays).

Three athletes can initially be entered per event, provided each has achieved the Entry Standard, but only two will be allowed to compete.

Members who have no male and/or female qualified athletes whom they whish to enter may enter one unqualified male athlete and/or one unqualified female athlete in one event of the Championships (except the Combined Events, 10,000m, 3000m Steeplechase and 5000m Women).

Members Federations who have no male and/or female qualified athlete but whose best athlete excels in a field event, may submit, to the IAAF, by the time of the Preliminary Entry deadline, the name(s) of their athlete(s) plus performance(s) they would like to enter in the field events. The Technical Delegates will make the final decision and, to do so, may seek the opinion of the relevant Area Association.

If the host country of the World Championships does not have an athlete qualified in an event, it may enter one athlete in these events regardless of any standard.

CONDITIONS FOR VALIDITY OF PERFORMANCES

All performances must be achieved during the period 1 October 2011 to 2 July 2012. Please note that the Final Entries deadline remains three Mondays before the first day of competition, i.e. 25 June 2012.

All performances must be achieved during an official competition organised in conformity with IAAF Rules.

All performances must be achieved during competitions organised or sanctioned by the IAAF, its Area Associations or its Member Federations. Thus, results achieved at school competitions must be certified by the Member Federation of the country in which the competition was organised.

Performances achieved in mixed events (between male and female participants), held completely in the stadium, may be accepted under specific circumstances and conditions (see Rule 147).

Wind assisted performances (over 2m/sec) will not be accepted.

Indoor performances will be accepted.

Hand-timed performances for events up to and including 800m will not be accepted.

For Race Walks, road performances will be accepted.

For the running events of 200m and over, performances achieved on over-sized tracks will not be accepted.

Sammy Wanjiru Book about to be published, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T03:53:58Z

Sammy Wanjiru, photo by PhotoRun.net

Sammy Wanjiru ran the Olympic marathon in 2008 like a man on fire. His blazing performance, in the humid conditions of Beijing just built on his legend. His wins in London, Chicago, and his comeback from injuries just gave a hint of how amazing an athlete he was. Several keen observers of our sport, have suggested that Sammy Wanjiru may have been the greatest marathoner who ever lived.

His tragic death is still wrapped in mystery.

A new book titled, Death Runner, and written by Fritz Conijn, will focus on Sammy Wanjiru. The book has been published in Dutch. The book will be published shortly in English.
]]> AMSTERDAM (NED): It has been one year since the passing of Olympic marathon champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru's and to commemorate the star's passing, Dutch journalist Frits Conijn launched a book that seeks to answer many questions that surrounded the star's mysterious death following a night fall from the balcony of his Nyahururu home. The 288-page book titled Doodloper, which translates to "Death Runner" has been published in The Netherlands, and English version is expected to be launched soon according to The Daily Nation.

2012 Powerade Great CityGames Manchester: Dwain Chambers & Sanya Richards-Ross, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T03:28:01Z

Dwain Chambers, photo by PhotoRun.net

Dwain Chambers & Sanya Richards-Ross will be two of the major athletes competing in the Powerade Great CityGames Manchester, one of the most creative sport marketing presentations of track and field ever. The company that puts on the event, Nova, is the same company that puts on the Bupa events.

Founded by Brendan Foster, the former British track star and Olympic (bronze medalist 1976, 10,000m), who was a former Nike executive, Nova Inspiring Events, manages some of the top fitness events in the UK.

Quite frankly, the Powerade Great CityGames Manchester are the kind of events that should be run in the United States.

]]> CHAMBERS, SANYA FOR MANCHESTER

MANCHESTER (GBR): Great Britain's number one sprinter Dwain Chambers will make his first outdoor appearance of the year on European soil when competing over 150 meters at the Powerade Great CityGames Manchester on May 20. Chambers faces a testing outing in Manchester competing against American Walter Dix, last year's IAAF World Championships 100 meters and 200m silver medallist, Trinidad's Richard Thompson the 2008 Olympic 100m runner up and fellow Briton Marlon Devonish. The quality of the line up at the innovative street meeting, taking place on a purpose built straight track, will see the quartet eyeing Usain Bolt's world best performance of 14.35 seconds - set at the inaugural meeting in 2009. With Dix believing he is in shape to attack the USA record of 14.51sec that Tyson Gay achieved at the Manchester event a year ago, Chambers could challenge the British best performance of 14.87sec in what should be a speedy encounter. Chambers runs also this weekend in Ponce, Puerto-Rico. The meeting will also see the USA's Sanya Richards-Rossin action, she is expected to be one of the biggest challengers to take away Christine Ohuruogu's Olympic 400m title at the London Games. Now her Olympic build up will see the 27-year-old superstar compete over 200m in a line up which includes Czech Denisa Rosolova the reigning European Indoor 400m title holder and Nicola Sanders who was second behind fellow Brit Ohuruogu over one lap at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. Informs David Martin.

Powerade Great CityGames Manchester, photo courtesy of Nova

Dayron Robles ' Excellent Adventure, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T02:56:51Z

Dayron Robles, photo by PhotoRun.net

Dayron Robles, the world record holder in the 110m hurdles, and the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, will be visiting the US in the coming weeks. Robles is one of the most popular athletes in track & field and also one of the most traveled Cuban athletes of his generation.

Last summer, Dayron Robles was disqualified in the final of the 110m hurdles. It was, in many keen observers minds, a questionable decision. This past winter, RBR met with Dayron Robles in Birmingham at the AVIVA Indoor Grand Prix at the NAI Stadium in Birmngham, UK. Robles took second to Lui Xiang in that race, over 60 meters.

Robles is a student of the sport. He and David Oliver had a wonderfully animated, and humorous interview together last summer in Paris, just before the AREVA Paris meeting. Both athletes knew how many times that they had raced against each other, win-loss, etc. Robles is a consumate hurdler and sprinter, who understands his craft, is highly competitive, and races well with lots of competition nearby.

Dayron Robles will be competing in the adidas Grand Prix NYC on June 9. The 110m hurdles in New York will feature Jason Richardson, 2011 WC, David Oliver, Olympic bronze medalist, and Aries Merritt, 2012 World Indoor Champ and fastest 110m hurlder in 2012 (13.03, 12.98 wind aided).
This is, the best 110m hurdle race of the year, so far.

Robles will also be running, the week before, at the Nike Pre Classic (June 2). Two great races in one week, should be an excellent adventure for Dayron Robles.

Dayron Robles, photo by PhotoRun.net

]]> ROBLES FOR US TRIP

NEW YORK (USA): Both AP and Reuters reported last evening that Dayron Robles, the World Record-holder and reigning Olympic gold medalist, has joined the field for the 110 m hurdles at the adidas Grand Prix. This follows a media report from April where Dayron talked about it as well. This would be the Cuban champion's first trip to New York. What we do know is that Americans Jason Richardson, David Oliver and Aries Merritt will all be here to greet him. Robles was number one in the world last year, but Richardson and Oliver were world champion and US record holder, and Merritt just won the World Indoor title at 60m. Is this the Olympic final already? Robles will run also Pre Classic on June 2 before New York.

30th FBK Hengelo fields announced, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T02:25:07Z

Phillips Idowu, photo by PhotoRun.net

Haile Gebrselassie, 2012 Tokyo Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wells, Jones, Carruthers, photo by PhotoRun.net

The 2012 FBK Hengelo Meeting, will be held on May 27. This will be the 30th running of the meet. There were some financial challenges for the event in 2012, however, many who cared about the meeting have come to support the event. Phillips Idowu, Haile Gebrselassie, LoLo Jones, Kellie Wells and Danielle Carruthers will all be at the event. On May 26, there will be a shot put held on the streets of Hengelo, a lovely city about two hours from Amsterdam.

The Ethiopian federation will be holding its 10,000 meter trials at the Hengelo meeting.

]]>

NAMES FOR HENGELO

HENGELO (NED): The jubilee 30th FBK Games of Hengelo (May 27, IAAF World Challenge) will have as one of the top races the men´s 10 000 m with Haile Gebrselassie billed as Ethiopian Olympic Trials at the distance. Also running Imane Merga, Sileshi Sihine and Gebre Gebremariam. Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius is in the 400 m, Churandy Martina in the 100 m against Mario Forsythe. In the 800 m home stars Bram Som and Rob Lathouwers will face Kenyan Alfred Kirwa Yego and European Champion Marcin Lewandowski. Discus throwers Rutger Smith and Erik Cadee will compete against world leader Zoltan Kovago and former champion Virgilijus Alekna. European Champion Philips Idowu is the star of the triple jump. In the 100 m hurdles US stars Danielle Carruthers, Lolo Jones and Kellie Wells will clash together. Tiffany Townsend and Charonda Williams will run the 200 m with young talent Jamiel Samuel. 2007 World Champion Janeth Jepkosgei is the 800 m favorite. Also running former 1500 m world champion Maryam Jamal and Dutch Euro medalist Yvonne Hak. Men´s shot put will be held on May 26 in the city center with olympic winner Tomasz Majewski, world medalist Dylan Armstrong and home Rutger Smith.

SFO Giant Race announce Matt Caine Runner bobbleheads! release, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T02:07:14Z

A Matt Cain runner bobblehead will be given out, in limited numbers, at the SF Giant Race, to be held September 16, 2012. Hey, bobbleheads are more fun than a t-shirt, don't you think? Anyways, if you want to find out how to get your very own, please read the release below!

]]>

THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS & GIANT RACE ANNOUNCE

THE MATT CAIN RUNNER BOBBLEHEAD

Finishers to receive exclusive Giant Race bobblehead

The San Francisco Giant Race announced today the release of the first-ever Matt Cain runner bobblehead finisher prize. The exclusive bobblehead features Giants pitcher Matt Cain in running shoes, shorts and a custom orange headband. The bobblehead is available only to those who register for the September 16^th Giant Race that finishes on the field at AT&T Park.

As a long-time supporter of the Giant Race and its charity partner, Project Open Hand, Cain was pleased to lend his likeness to the Giant Race giveaway.

The Giant Race will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Featuring a half marathon, 10K and 5K, the Giant Race is one of San Francisco's premier road races. All courses will start at AT&T Park and travel along the Embarcadero waterfront with the half marathon continuing through PIER 39, Fort Mason and the Marina. All courses will finish on the field at AT&T Park.

With over 10,000 runners already registered, and the 10K distance sold out, the Giant Race expects to sell out all race distances well in advance of the race date.

Registration for the 5K and half marathon is still open at www.thegiantrace.com

Project Open Hand will once again be the official non-profit partner of the Giant Race. Last year the Giant Race raised over $125,000 for Project Open Hand.  Project Open Hand is one of the Bay Area's best-known, most respected and beloved charities. For more than 25 years Project Open Hand has provided food, nourishment and emotional support to people facing life-threatening illnesses. In 1985, founder Ruth Brinker, a retired meal service manager, began preparing meals for seven people living with AIDS. Project Open Hand today serves men, women and children with any acute, critical illness - HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease and many others, as well as a separate program for seniors ensuring companionship and nutrition for our community's elderly. For more information about Project Open Hand, please visit www.openhand.org.

About Giants Enterprises
Giants Enterprises is dedicated to developing new ventures and utilizing AT&T Park as a destination for non-baseball special events in San Francisco. For over 10 years, Giants Enterprises has produced more than 1,000 private events and hosted numerous public events, including major concerts, motor sports events, international soccer matches, professional and college football games, Cirque du Soleil and the Giant Race. For more information visit www.attpark.com.

Jeremy Wariner runs 45.04, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012-05-14T00:20:22Z

Jeremy Wariner ran 45.04 for 400 meters, at George Tech International on Friday. And then, Charles Jock finished 1:44.75 to Ryan Martin's 1:44.77 in Irvine at Big West Conference.

At the Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships, it came down to the 4 x 400 meter relay for both championships. On the men's side, Wisconsin took the win and on the women's side, Ohio State took the title. Over 3900 fans watched the third and final day of the Big Ten Outdoor T&F Championships. (The meet was held in Madison, Wisconsin). Link to Big Ten story ). This was first title for Wisconsin men since 2007!

Jeremy Wariner, photo by PhotoRun.net

]]>
EME NEWS (MAY 13, 2012)

Kiprop 2:25:40 and Chima 2:06:25
PRAGUE (CZE, May 13): Expectations were confounded as Kenya's Agnes Kiprop won the women's title in the 18th VW Prague Marathon on Sunday in 2:25:40 (15 000 E) while the hopes of compatriot Lydia Cheromei of a 2:20 performance or better were dashed. Kiprop, who had dropped out of the Boston Marathon last month, suffering from typhoid, won in 2:25:41 from Filomena Chepchirchir and Ethiopia's Meseret Debele 2:27:15 PB. Cheromei, caught by Kiprop between 38 and 39k, dropped out soon after, suffering from a leg injury. At halfway, Cheromei was through in an impressive 1:09:22 so the dream of becoming the seventh woman - and fourth Kenyan - to break 2:20 this year was still feasible. Kiprop was one minute, four seconds behind and Chepchirchir a further 22 seconds adrift. The lead was maintained at 30k with Cheromei timed at 1:40:19 and Kiprop trailing by more than a minute. Fourth place for Algerian Salem Ait in 2:27:21 ahead of Ethiopian Misiker Mekonnen 2:29:46 and best European Russian Silvia Skvortsova 2:30:27. Deressa Chima ran to form to win the men's title in 2:06:25 (15 000 E), the second fastest performance ever in Prague. The Ethiopian took command shortly before 25k and beat the Kenyan duo of Stephen Tum 2:07:16 PB and marathon debutant Philemon Limo 2:09:25. The group had gone through halfway in 1:02:54, right on cue for a performance which might threaten the course record of 2:05:39, set by the Kenyan Eliud Kiptanui two years ago. Israeli Yosef Gezachw was the best European as 11th in 2:15:07 and best Czech Jan Kreisinger as 13th debuted in 2:16:26, an olympic qualifier. Best Czech woman Petra Pastorova as 9th in 2:39:42 PB. 39-year old former football superstar, Pavel Nedvěd completed his first ever marathon in 3:50:02. 9000 runners competed. From globerunner.org.

Culson 48.00 WL
PONCE (PUR, May 12): The 6th Ponce Grand Prix debuted as first ever one day meet from Puerto-Rico as part of IAAF World Challenge. Full Paquito Montaner Stadium with 15 000 spectators celebrated win for home star Javier Culson in world leading 48.00 at the 400 m hurdles. He beat Jehue Gordon 48.89 and Bershawn Jackson 48.96 (lost unbeaten streak of 2012). World indoor bronze winner and sprint revelation of winter Tianna Madison opened 2012 individual campaign with pair of fast personal bests. At the 100 m 11.01 (-0.7) and at the 200 m 22.37 (+0.3). This are 7th and 2nd fastest times of 2012 and she also competed in long jump (her world champion event in 2005) with 648 (+0.9) as third. In the 100 m behind her Muriel Ahoure of Ivory Coast 11.17 and Shalonda Solomon 11.32 and in another race Laverne Jones-Ferrette 11.24 over Bianca Knight 11.25. In the 200 m second Jeneba Tarmoh 22.66. Sensation in men´s 110 m hurdles in close race against -1.7 wind as Ryan Wilson in 13.43 beat world champion Jason Richardson also 13.43 and world record holder Dayron Robles 13.47. Olympic medalist David Payne won the other race in 13.45 (-1.4). Bahamian Demetrius Pinder ruled in the 400 m in 45.15 over US Manteo Mitchell 45.28 and world indoor champion Nery Brenes who opened with 45.51. Trinidad´s Keston Bledman clocked 10.12 100 m win against -1.9 wind (otherwise must be a sub 10) over Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade 10.15 and US Trell Kimmons 10.18 (Briton Chambers 6th in 10.52). Fast women hurdles by British record holder Tiffany Porter 12.79 (-1.2) over Kristi Castlin 12.91. Another top race women 400 m where Natasha Hastings clocked 50.72 over Deedee Trotter 50.90 and Jessica Beard 51.25 with Jamaican Patricia Hall equaling her PB of 51.40 as fourth. Both 800 m solid wins for Colombian Rafith Rodriguez 1:45.41 over home Wesley Vazquez who is 18 years old (world youth finalist 2011) and improved to excellent 1:45.63 senior national record and CAC junior record. In women 800 m also good 2:00.19 for Maggie Vessey over Canadian Melissa Bishop PB of 2:00.76 another Canadian Jessica Smith 2:01.55 and Panama national record 2:01.63 for Andrea Ferris. In technical events Cuban world medalist Lazaro Borges cleared 560 to win on count-back over US Mark Hollis in the pole vault. Another Cuban win for Yanelis Ribeaux in javelin 59.47 what is CAC junior record. Colombian triple world leader Catherine Ibarguen won the long jump 666 (+2.2, Cuban Savigne 5th 630) and US Walter Davis the triple 16.85 (+1.3). Men´s javelin went to Canadian Curtis Moss 75.32.

Russia won for first time all team competitions
SARANSK (RUS, May 13): Sunday was the Russian day at IAAF Race Walking World Cup in Mordovia. They won all individual and team events of the day. In summary Russia was the best in all 5 team competitions of the cup for the first time in the history of the event. 2009 World champion Sergey Kirdyapkin won the 50 km in world leading 3:38:08 ahead of his team-mate Igor Yerokhin 3:38:10. Third Australian olympic medalist Jared Tallent 3:40:32. Fourth Chinese Si Tianfeng 3:43:05 ahead of last year world champion Sergey Bakulin 3:46:14. German Christopher Linke as 6th improved his best to 3:47:33 and impressive past winner Jesus Angel Garcia of Spain at age of 42 seventh with 3:48:15. New African record for Marc Mundell of South Africa as 26th in 3:57:57. In total ten walkers went under 3:50 and 28 under four hours. Teams for Russia ahead of China and Ukraine. Yelena Lashmanova who won world youth, junior and European junior titles in first senior year won the women race in 1:27:38 (she will be 20 in November). Second multiple world champion and olympic winner Olga Kaniskina 1:28:33 (she lost big event for first time since 2007) and third was a surprise for Spanish Maria Jose Poves 1:29:10. Top Chinese was fourth Lu Xiuzhi 1:29:55 ahead of another Spanish Beatriz Pascual 1:30:46 and next Russian Anisya Kirdyapkina 1:31:00. Title defender Maria Vasco of Spain was a non-finisher. In teams Russia ahead of Spain and China. Seven countries were on the podium, the medal count: 1. Russia 7-4-2, 2. Colombia 2-1-0, 3. China 1-3-2, 4. Mexico and Spain 0-1-1, 6. Ukraine 0-0-3, 7. Australia 0-0-1.

TRACK RESULTS

CLEMSON (USA, May 12): Australian shot putter Dale Stevenson qualified to London Games at Clemson Tiger Qualifier with 20.63 PB in shot put. Dezerea Bryant achieved 11.34 (+0.2) and 23.05 (+1.5) in sprints and Bahamian Warren Fraser beat former world medalist Derrick Atkins at the 100 m in 10.42 to 10.47 (0.0).

ATLANTA (USA, May 12): Georgia Tech Invitational saw Jeremy Wariner in another fast race of the year at the 400 m 45.04. Great hurdles for Dexter Faulk 13.23 (0.0) over Terrence Trammell 13.39. Maurice Mitchell clocked in 100 m 10.19 (+0.7) in heats and 10.21 in the finals. Bahamian sprinting talent Antonique Strachan (still a junior) won both sprints in 11.35 (+1.5) and 22.75 (+1.4). Joanna Atkins posted 51.12 in the 400 m over Nigerian junior Bukola Abogunloko 51.57 PB and Briton Shana Cox 51.66. World indoor bronze winner from Istanbul Erica Moore opened her season with good 2:01.09 in the 800 m. World medalist Jo Lucas of Trinidad achieved 56.84 at the 400 m hurdles.

IRVINE (USA, May 12): Fast 800 m at the Big West Conference as Daegu participant Charles Jock clocked 1:44.75 over Ryan Martin 1:44.77 for US college leading times of the year.

BATON ROUGE (USA, May 12): Bahamian Ray Higgs won the SEC long jump title with windy 836 (+3.4, legal 799 +1.7) over Jamaican Damar Forbes who leaped to 813 (+1.2). Harry Adams achieved windy 10.13 (+2.8) in the 100 m heats and Barrett Nugent 13.50 (+0.7) in the 110 m hurdles heats. World junior relay champion from Moncton Regina George improved her best in 400 m heats to 51.79.

MANHATTAN (USA, May 12): Marquise Goodwin won the long jump at BIG 12 with windy 819 (+3.4). Jacob Thormaehlen improved his outdoor shot put best to 20.31. In the 200 m heats World Youth medalist 2009 Allison Peter of US Virgin Islands improved to 22.77 (+0.2). Improvement also for Kanika Beckles of Grenada in 400 m heats to 51.72.

EUGENE (USA, May 12): At PAC 12 English Gardner posted windy 11.07 (+2.2) in the 100 m heats, Georganne Moline 55.64 in the 400 m hurdles heats and Canadian Aaron Brown 20.55 PB (+1.3) in the 200 m heats.

AUSTIN (USA, May 12): Abraham Hall clocked at Texas State High School Championships fast 10.19 (+1.3) in the 100 m.

NEW ORLEANS (USA, May 12): Good long jumping at Conference USA as Torie Bowie leaped to 678 (0.0) PB. She is 2011 NCAA indoor and outdoor champion.

MONROE (USA, May 12): Second time this year Jason Morgan improved his Jamaican discus record. At Peak Performance Invitational in Louisiana he got impressive 67.15 m. His first international test should happen at New York DL meet on June 9.

CHARLOTTESVILLE (USA, May 12): At VA Challenge meet Phil De Rosier got 10.30 (+0.5) in the 100 m and Erik Van Inge 1500 m personal best 3:38.06.

LOS ANGELES (USA, May 12): At Cal State Last Chance meet olympic decathlon winner Bryan Clay won the 110 m hurdles in 13.75 (+0.7). Sweden´s Johan Wissman clocked 20.57 (+0.3) in the 200 m ahead of Rubin Williams 20.59 (100 m winner in 10.21 +3.3). French athletes competing Martial Mbandjock 5th in the 100 m 10.41w and Teddy Venel won his 200 m race in 20.76 (+2.7).

HOUSTON (USA, May 12): Sprinter Jordan Taylor posted good double at Great West Conference Championships with 10.27 (+0.2) PB and 20.84 (+2.3).

PRINCETON (USA, May 12): David Verburg again fast in heats at ECAC IC4A Championships 45.41 in the 400 m.

MADISON (USA, May 12): Canadian Derek Drouin improved at Big 10 meet with 231 high jump clearance. Kind Butler posted 20.45 (-0.1) at the 200 m in heats.

BREMEN (GER, May 12): European indoor champion Sebastian Beyer opened with 783 in the long jump in cold conditions.

VALLADOLID (ESP, May 12): Good men 200 m at a meet here as Bruno Hortelano clocked 20.87 (-0.1) over Angel David Rodriguez also 20.87.

SPLIT (CRO, May 12): Hungarian Robert Fazekas won the discus here at International meet Split 2012 with 64.23. Javelin winner Dejan Mileusnic with 77.16 got new national record for Bosna and Hercegovina.

TIANJIN (CHN, May 13): Ji Wei achieved 13.61 (+1.7) at 110 m hurdles during second day of National GP meet with junior Chu Pengfei as second improving to 13.86.

ROAD RESULTS

ST. MICHEL (FRA, May 13): Ethiopian wins at the Mt. St. Michel Marathon. Abraham Girma achieved 2:11:51 and Gabise Fita 2:36:56.

ALBACETE (ESP, May 13): Moroccan Malika Asahssah achieved solid 1:10:37 in the women category at the 17th Albacete Half-Marathon.

ROMA (ITA, May 13): Erastus Chirchir of Kenya won the 12th Corri nel Campus 9.7 km road race in 28:31. Fatna Maraoui was the best woman in 32:58.

JESOLO (ITA, May 12): Kenyan Robert Chemosin won the 2nd Moonlight Half-Marathon here in 1:03:31.

SENDAI (JPN, May 13): Kenyan Johana Maina won the Sendai International Half Marathon in 1:01:34 ahead of home Arata Fujiwara 1:03:32. Best woman was Asami Kato in 1:11:21. Mizuki Noguchi was a late scratch earlier in the week.

RunBlogRun

Chasing Bolt: Usain Bolt, part 4, courtesy of PUMA, note by Larry Eder

Jenny Simpson Documentary, by New Balance, Teaser, Link to Film, note by Larry Eder

Shoefitr: Use of Online Fitting application increases, rate of returns decreases, release from Shoefitr, note by Larry Eder

Christian Olsson Retires, 2004 Olympic gold medalist, triple jump, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

OLSSON RETIRES

BOLT FOR WELTKLASSE

EATON AND DIX FOR CANADIAN MEETS

BEKELE WILL RACE

OTHER NEWS

RESULTS

Martinot-Lagarde Windy 13.30, Italian Hurdle Records, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

MARTINOT-LAGARDE WINDY 13.30, ITALIAN HURDLES RECORDS

MATHIEU IMPROVES AT 400 M TO 45.06

TRACK RESULTS

ROAD RESULTS

Hyundai Series (Norway), Meet info & Invitation

If you have athletes who are interested in any of the meetings, please send the athletes list to the meeting organizer.

Hyundai Grand Prix Opening Games 2012

Bislett Stadium, Oslo May 24th

Men: 100 m, 400 m, 800 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, discus, javelinWomen: 100 m, 400 m, 1000 m, 3000 m, 100 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, javelin, (hammer throw).

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events marked in red.

In the relays we will have minimum three National teams according to rules for the European Championship set by European Athletics.

Meeting Organizer for Opening Games 2012:Jasper Buitink, tel. +47 951 00 411, jasper@skvidar.no

Hyundai Grand Prix Florø Athletics Festival

Florø, June 2nd

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 800 m/1500 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, triple jump, discus, hammer throwWomen: 100 m, 200 m, 1000 m, 100 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, high jump, long jump, hammer throw

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events not decided yet.

In the relays we will have minimum three National teams according to rules for the European Championship set by European Athletics.

Meeting Organizers for Florø Athletics Festival:Rune Osa, tel. +47 911 01 260, rune.osa@enivest.netStåle Jan Frøynes, tel. +47 901 41 998Svein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no

Hyundai Grand Prix Lillestrøm Games

Lillestrøm (20 km from Oslo and airport) July 4th

Men: 100 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 110 mh, high jump, long jump, hammer throwWomen: 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 100 mh, high jump, long jump, pole vault, hammer throw, javelin

Prize money in A-events NOK 5000-3000-2000. A-events marked in red.

Meeting Organizers for Lillestrøm Games:Jørn Aaltvedt, tel. +47 416 60 545, jorn.aaltvedt@veidekke.noSvein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no

RBR Interview: Mikal Peveto, adidas Director of Running, North America, speaks about the adidas ClimaCool Seduction, by Larry Eder

Tyson Gay's Gillette commercial, courtesy of Gillette, note by Larry Eder

USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships information, note by Larry Eder

Sammy Wanjiru Book about to be published, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

2012 Powerade Great CityGames Manchester: Dwain Chambers & Sanya Richards-Ross, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

Dayron Robles ' Excellent Adventure, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

30th FBK Hengelo fields announced, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

NAMES FOR HENGELO

SFO Giant Race announce Matt Caine Runner bobbleheads! release, note by Larry Eder

Jeremy Wariner runs 45.04, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

Bislett Stadium, Oslo May 24^th

Men: 100 m, 400 m, 800 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, discus, javelin
Women: 100 m, 400 m, 1000 m, 3000 m, 100 mh, 4x100 m relay, high jump, long jump, javelin, (hammer throw).

Meeting Organizer for Opening Games 2012:
Jasper Buitink, tel. +47 951 00 411, jasper@skvidar.no

Florø, June 2^nd

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 800 m/1500 m, 3000 m, 110 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, triple jump, discus, hammer throw
Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1000 m, 100 mh, 400 mh, 4x400 m relay, high jump, long jump, hammer throw

Meeting Organizers for Florø Athletics Festival:
Rune Osa, tel. +47 911 01 260, rune.osa@enivest.net
Ståle Jan Frøynes, tel. +47 901 41 998
Svein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no

Lillestrøm (20 km from Oslo and airport) July 4^th

Men: 100 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 110 mh, high jump, long jump, hammer throw
Women: 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 5000 m, 100 mh, high jump, long jump, pole vault, hammer throw, javelin

Meeting Organizers for Lillestrøm Games:
Jørn Aaltvedt, tel. +47 416 60 545, jorn.aaltvedt@veidekke.no
Svein Arne Hansen, tel. +47 917 25 355, sah@bislettalliansen.no