Samuelson, ‘Golden’ oldies dominate 14th Keep L.A. Running Charity Run
Posted July 17th, 2007 at 2:00 PM by Jessica Galvano
Section: News & Results
Last Sunday California’s Dockweiler Beach welcomed novice runners, track veterans, and time-honored Olympic idols to the 14th annual Keep L.A. Running Charity Run. In a record field of over 2,000 participants, experience bested younger legs; this year’s male and female 10K victors were not only “over the hill”, but over the half-century mark.
For 54 year-old men’s 10K winner Fred Arapmayiek, age appeared of little consequence as he confidently set the pace from the outset. Years of competition, which include a sub-hour half marathon and second place finish in the 10,000m at the NCAA championships, led Arapmayiek to an impressive-at-any-age 34:25 victory. Greg Colburn crossed the line just over a minute behind Arapmayiek as runner-up.
In the women’s race, all eyes were on Joan Benoit Samuelson. The first-ever female Olympic marathon champion returned to the city of her 1984 gold medal win not only as spokesperson for the event, but as a challenger in the 10K. Twenty-three years after Olympic gold, the 50-year-old running legend still dominates in a field of younger competitors.
Samuelson’s 37:17 performance, ahead of second place Haley Sain’s 40:23, adds another success to an already illustrious arsenal and attests to her recognition as matriarch of American distance running.
Victory for the men’s 5K went to Tereso Yanes in 16:06 followed by Damon Coffman in 16:45 and Joey Bianchi in 17:20. Laura Mikelson secured a first place finish for the women in 17:30, nearly two minutes ahead of runner-up Chelsea Johnstone. With a time of 20:07, Lily Zepeda was the third female to complete the 5K course.
Research sources and for more information: [Daily Breeze], [Keep LA Running]
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Tags: California, chelsea johnstone, Damon Coffman, Dockweiler Beach, Fred Arapmayiek, Greg Colburn, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Joey Bianchi, Keep L.A. Running Charity Run, laura mikelson, lily zepeda, Tereso Yanes
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