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Lead Stories: Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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.
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