McGregor second; Herbst-Lucke third just misses U.S. masters record; Chesang men's champion
By Mackenzie Lobby, Running USA wire
MINNEAPOLIS - (July 26, 2008) - Ethiopian Teyba Naser seized the win on Saturday, July 26th at the Boston Scientific Heart of the Summer Elite Women's 10K in 32 minutes, 49 seconds. Following closely behind was Team USA Minnesota's Katie McGregor, the recent fourth place finisher at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials in the 10,000 meters. Perhaps the most notable finisher was Stephanie Herbst-Lucke, 42, who missed the U.S. master's 10K record by only five seconds, finishing in third place.
The fifth edition offered a relatively flat course to runners as they made two loops around Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, Minn. With a mission of educating women about the risks of cardiovascular disease, Boston Scientific has made a point to include an elite women's 10K race each year alongside the Open 10K race.
The calm, cool weather made for a fast start. A 5:04 first mile quickly separated the front-runners, which included Naser, McGregor, Herbst-Lucke and Caroline Rotich at the 5K mark.
McGregor, who led for the majority of the race explained, "I kept trying to get away." Her attempts to drop the pack were unsuccessful. She went on to say "we started really fast and slowed down" referring to the 5:18 second mile.
With only 400 meters left, Naser made her decisive move, flying by McGregor and Herbst-Lucke, snagging the win by five seconds. The Ethiopian runner, who trains in New Mexico, explained that she "felt relaxed" throughout the race, allowing her to conserve some much needed energy for her final kick. She felt that she bided her time well by hanging with the front pack throughout the race and then closing more aggressively.
Herbst-Lucke was pleased with her 32:55 finish, but in regards to the U.S. masters record she stated, "I wish I had known I was that close." The "even, smooth course" gave Herbst-Lucke of Atlanta optimal conditions for the chance to come so close to breaking the record held by four-time Olympian Colleen De Reuck.
McGregor's 2005 course record, 32:17, still stands. In addition, the men's course record of 28:57, set in 2006 by Mathew Chesang, also remains, although Chesang did manage to pull off another win this year with his 30:23. He was followed by Matt Downin, who finished in 30:41 and John Rotich in 31:08.
Between the professional women's race and the Open 10K race, there were 301 female finishers and 266 male finishers. A total prize purse of $15,000 was doled out for this year's race, $12,100 of which was awarded to the top ten women. The race will continue to attract elite and recreational distance runners alike in its quest to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.
5th Boston Scientific Heart of the Summer 10K - Minneapolis, MN, Saturday, July 26, 2008
WOMEN
1) Teyba Naser (ETH), 32:49, $4000
2) Katie McGregor (USA / MN), 32:54, $3000
3) Stephanie Herbst-Lucke, 42, USA / GA, 32:55, $2000
4) Caroline Rotich (KEN), 33:19, $1000
5) Frashiah Waithaka (ETH), 34:50, $600
6) Jenna Boren (USA / MN), 34:55, $500
7) Zeddy Chepkoech (KEN), 36:37, $400
8) Jennifer Houck (USA / MN), 37:16, $300
9) Angie Williams (USA / MN), 37:51, $200
10) Mary Palmer (USA / MN), 37:52, $100
MEN
1) Mathew Chesang (KEN), 30:23, $1000
2) Matt Downin (USA / WI), 30:41, $750
3) John Rotich (KEN), 31:08, $500
More race results at: HeartofSummer.org.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
