Paul Ngeny, 31, of Auburn, Calif., led a record field of more than 14,000 registered runners Sunday at the fifth annual Disneyland Half Marathon, crossing the finish line first with a time of 1:07:24, beating the fastest Disneyland Half Marathon time by 41 seconds.

“The course was very nice and comfortable,” Ngeny said. “I liked running through the parks and all the music. I could keep on going for a hundred miles.”

Finishing just behind Ngeny was Eric Marenburg, 27, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:12:10. Kevin Broady, 48, of Brea, Calif., finished third with a time of 1:12:43.

Rachel Booth, 29, of Mountain View, Calif., claimed the title of 2010 women’s champion with a time of 1:15:19, beating the fastest women’s finisher time in the history of the Disneyland Half Marathon by 00:04:04. Booth, who performed better than she expected, finished just 18 seconds off of an Olympic trial qualifier time.

“It was great. Magical,” Booth said. “It’s in Disneyland and it’s just a happy day. Always enjoyable. Everyone was so loud and cheering.”

The women’s second-place finisher was Theresa Lowry, 36, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:19:05. Susan Loken, 47, of Phoenix, AZ, took third place with a time of 1:19:13.

Other notable finishers of the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon are Jon Megeff, 47, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., who won the men’s Master’s Division (age 40+) with a time of 1:16:57, Merryt Jackman, 41, of San Diego, Calif., who topped the women’s Master’s Division (1:28:16) and Scott Parson, 51 of San Jose, Calif.,(00:56:45), and Sandi Rush, 49, of Oceanside, Calif., (1:17:06), winners of the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

The fifth anniversary of “The Happiest Race on Earth” welcomed its largest registration field as more than 14,000 runners from every U.S. state and 16 countries made the magical 13.1 mile journey. The course traveled through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure – and along Anaheim streets, passing landmarks such as the Honda Center and running on the field of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, while Disney characters and festive entertainment inspired runners along the way.

Participants who completed the half marathon received a special edition medal featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle circled by a vibrant number “5″ and running Mickey Mouse. Nearly 570 Legacy runners – those who completed all five Disneyland Half Marathons – received a special medal lanyard.

The third annual Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal was presented to approximately 2,350 runners who completed the Walt Disney World Marathon or Half Marathon or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon this year at Walt Disney World Resort and then also completed Sunday’s Disneyland Half Marathon. The Coast to Coast medal showcases the iconic “Partners Statue” of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

The 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 2-4, 2011. Registration for next year’s Disneyland Half Marathon is scheduled to open Jan. 3, 2011.

On March 7th Linda Quirk will begin her voyage across Chile’s Atacama Desert in an attempt to become the first woman in history to complete the 4 Deserts in under a year. Named TIME magazine’s second most arduous event in the world, the 4 Deserts is a series of six-day, 150-mile ultramarathons that sends endurance athletes across the Atacama, Gobi, Sahara, and Antarctica deserts. Linda’s mission comes at the heels of her most recent accomplishment, running a marathon on each of the seven continents in under a year for charity. To date, her Run7on7.com website has raised over $370,000 for drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery. This year she hopes to raise $1 million, while generating a much-needed dialogue about addiction treatment and recovery.

“After running marathons around the world I have seen and heard firsthand how the disease of addiction is without boundaries,” says Quirk. “It is imperative that we inform the people of the world struggling with addictions that treatment exists and that long-term recovery is possible.”

Linda’s www.run7on7.com website is raising funds for Caron’s program, which provides financial assistance to families in need of addiction treatment. She chose Caron after witnessing the effectiveness of its innovative treatment and how it, not only saved her stepdaughter’s life, but how it saved so many other families.

“We desperately need more donations,” says Quirk. “The money we’ve raised is already saving lives and helping families in need of treatment. But there are so many more families out there who still need our support. “

Caron is a nonprofit addiction treatment center that helps those affected by alcohol and drugs and their families begin a new life. Linda’s stepdaughter, Katherine, began her journey from methamphetamine addiction to recovery at Caron Renaissance in Florida, something Linda is forever grateful for.

Seven volunteer runners have joined to run one of the 4 Deserts with Linda. The volunteers were tasked to raise a minimum of $5,000 for the scholarship fund and to train extremely hard to prepare for the journey ahead. Some have never run a half-marathon let alone 150-miles. Their stories (including one volunteer who has lost 45 pounds in six months) are remarkable and can be followed on www.run7on7.com over the course of the year, so stay tuned.

“We all are extremely touched and inspired by Linda’s dedication to raise awareness about addiction and funds to support treatment for families,” says Missy Orlando, Chief Marketing Officer at Caron Treatment Centers. “Many families will benefit from her contributions to our scholarship fund. She’s really helping to enlighten people everywhere that addiction is a disease and that there is hope for a successful recovery.”

Source: www.Run7on7.com

The world of running is experiencing an incredible boom, and 2009 heralds the continuing growth in popularity of this sport. As the number of runners (in particular women) strengthens by the day, so does the ever-increasing appeal of marathons around the world. ASICS’ recent ‘Reasons to Run’ research revealed that, of the 85% of Europe’s 80 million runners who have not yet run a marathon, 37% plan to do so in the near future. With the imminent New York marathon in mind (November 1st), it is also worth knowing that this is a marathon in which 15.2 million European runners aspire to run.

2009 also marks the 60th anniversary of Japanese sportswear brand ASICS. Turning 60 is an extremely symbolic event in Japan, and a milestone ASICS is extremely proud to have reached. Sixty years of continuous research and technological innovation has led ASICS to be considered the most valued running shoe amongst serious runners. The New York marathon is a perfect example to highlight this point. Since 2005, around 50% of New York’s participants have run in ASICS shoes. *

The evolution of marathons

The marathon is the most iconic individual achievement of our time, and these days simply being accepted in to a major marathon is a feat in itself. It has evolved from the elite, ‘super-athletes only’ race to a mass phenomenon where the number of marathons and the amount of runners taking part around the world increases every year. In the last decade, the New York marathon itself has seen a growth of approximately 20,000 participants, and is now considered to be the most coveted race to run amongst 19% of European runners.

ASICS’ participation in marathons

No other brand can lay claim to the fact that the majority of marathon participants worldwide wear their shoes. The shoe count at the last two New York marathons alone showed that 55% (2007) and 51%(2008)* chose to wear ASICS. For this year’s event, ASICS has organised yet another ‘shoe count team’ to see just how many hardcore runners choose to run such a demanding race in ASICS shoes.

Providing the best at every level

Since its launch in 1949, ASICS has grown from a small sports-shoe company founded in Japan to a highly regarded, award-winning international sportswear brand. ASICS’ founder, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka deeply believed in the fact that exercise leads to the development of a healthier body, and that a sound body is the cradle for a sound mind. When it came to naming his company, Mr. Onitsuka opted for the initials of a Latin quote that summarised his belief: Anima Sana In Corpore Sano (a sound mind in a sound body). Nothing epitomises his philosophy more than running a marathon, as this is the ultimate event where body and mind must work together in harmony in order to complete those long and arduous 42.195 kilometres.

But it is not just the body and mind that are tested to their max, as a marathon also stretches sports products to their limit in the most extreme way. And that is why, after sixty years of determination to provide athletes of all levels with the best possible products, ASICS is still so popular at marathons the world over. Whether an elite runner or a first-time finisher, those wearing ASICS can run safe in the knowledge that they’ve put their trust in the most dedicated running brand.

* ASICS employees count one specific brand of footwear each during the 2.5 hours after the winner crosses the marathon finish line. The resulting percentage indicates that ASICS is the preferred brand of footwear among serious marathon runners.

Source: ASICS Europe B.V.

“Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen any time and anywhere, even impacting seemingly healthy athletes, young adults, and those without any known signs of heart disease,” said Dr. Vince Mosesso, medical director for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA). “Our sympathies are extended to the families of the three Detroit runners, and we will defer to the local medical examiner for conclusive reports on the cause of death, but the collapse of three runners in one race only heightens the importance of greater public education and awareness about sudden cardiac arrest.”

Mosesso said that nearly 300,000 U.S. deaths are attributed to SCA each year, resulting in the collapse of an American about once every two minutes. While early bystander and immediate CPR and AED use have been shown to significantly improve survival, still many SCA victims do not receive treatment fast enough and the overall survival rate remains tragically low at eight percent.

He urged the public to remember these basic facts about sudden cardiac arrest:

– SCA is different than a heart attack, and involves an electrical disruption of the heart that results in a very rapid but extremely weak heart beat, prohibiting the heart from circulating blood and oxygen to the body (as compared to a pumping malfunction from a blocked artery that is often the cause of a heart attack)
– SCA requires immediate CPR and often the shock of a defibrillator to restore the heart’s natural rhythm
– A previous heart attack, coronary artery disease and a family history of sudden death or unexplained syncope (fainting) are among the risk factors that should always be shared with a personal physician, as well as other risk factors such as obesity, smoking and diabetes
– Implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) provide round-the-clock protection for more than a million Americans identified as at risk of SCA.

www.suddencardiacarrest.org

Source: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association

The results of the ballot have been announced and those lucky enough to have secured their ‘own place’ will be jumping for joy. And those unlucky in the official ballot this year, will be scouring through the hundreds of charities offering ‘Gold Bond’ places, and running for a cause close to their heart. Once a place is assured – everything is focused on training and finding a suitable training plan, to ensure that the 26.2 miles is achievable, regardless of experience, age, and speed.

So, if you’re one of those lucky people planning to run on 25th April 2010, here are few tips to help you get started, and help you to answer the question that’s no doubt hovering around in your head…

Can I really train for a marathon?

- If you haven’t exercised in a while, get a check up from the doctor to ensure you’re fit enough to do the training, as well as the final race.

- Evaluate your fitness levels; you need to know where you are before you can progress, so sit down, and honestly assess your fitness levels.

- Select a training plan. Trying to prepare for a marathon without a training plan is like trying to find a new town, without map. To  successfully set off on this journey towards marathon success, you need  to follow a structured training plan that is right for your fitness  levels.

- Get the right gear. Quite simply to start with you need basic shorts and t-shirt (and for the ladies a fitted sports bra). But as you  progress with the training you will undoubtedly want to get clothing that won’t chafe, and will suit the season you’re training in. However, you should really invest in a pair of trainers that suit your running style. There are many running shops which can assess your ‘gait’ and give advice on the correct shoes.

- What should you eat, and drink whilst training? Correct nutrition andhydration are vital to ensure that your body is capable of doing the longer runs. Paying close attention to your diet is essential. To get you thinking as a runner, you need to be consuming plenty of ‘slow-release’ carbohydrate to provide energy, so a meal of pasta would be ideal. Don’t neglect your fluid intake, because your requirements will increase both for storing fuel in your muscles and because you will lose more through sweating.

- How much training do I need to do? Up to a point, the more training youdo the better. However it is vital that you allow for rest and recovery too. Your training plan should comprise a careful blend of long runs, recovery sessions, and faster-paced training as you build up your marathon specific endurance. For more information on training plans visit: http://www.realbuzz.com/shop/category/pdfs/

- How long will the race take me? That all depends on you, your fitnesslevels, your injuries, and your speed. It can take runners from anything from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours to finish the race. Remember that most races nowadays have timing chips, so you can ensure you measure your timing successfully.

So can I really do it? The answer to that question is YES! After all, over 600,000 finishers have completed the London Marathon. Progressing from non-runner to marathon finisher is always a real success story, and one that is genuinely achievable by following a correctly structured training plan that will help you towards your marathon goal. Preparing for, and completing a marathon is a great accomplishment and a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. And, as well as achieving your goal, there is the great spin-off benefit too: improved health and fitness. So, if you are thinking of taking the plunge, then do it – realbuzz.com guarantee that it will be the experience of a lifetime.

Source: realbuzz.com

As cooler weather and shorter days begin to put an end to the last memories of summer for much of the U.S., Nathan Performance Gear(TM), a leader in hydration, reflective, and multi-sport gear and accessories, reminds runners to practice safe running when hitting the roads this fall.

“This time of year in particular serves as an opportune time to remind people, who may be getting themselves and their family back in a routine after the lazy days of summer, about several quick and easy to-dos that can help lead to safer running,” says Megan Russell, vice president of marketing and sales for Penguin Brands, Inc., of which Nathan is a subsidiary.

While several components fall under the broad umbrella of “safe running,” including routine physician appointments, running with a buddy, and others, Russell puts an emphasis on five key recommendations that are easy to do and can often get overlooked by even the most dedicated runner. These five tips include:

– Wear reflective. Wearing reflective when out on the roads helps cars, bikes, and other people detect, react, and maneuver in time to avoid a potential disastrous situation more quickly than when not wearing reflective. Nathan offers several vests and accessories that offer 360-degree visibility up to 1200 feet.
– Carry identification. Every second counts in an emergency, and carrying identification can help direct first responders to pertinent information quickly and efficiently. Nathan introduced two belts this year — the Shadow Pak and the Reflective Belt — that feature both an incorporated I.D. card and I.D. stitching.
– Bring a cell phone. A twisted ankle, an unfamiliar route, or a longer-than-expected run can all benefit from having a cell phone handy to alert the appropriate people. The Shadow Pak and the Reflective Belt make running with a cell phone easy, with both featuring limited-stretch mesh pockets that fit almost any-sized cell phone, including the iPhone.
– Stay properly hydrated — before, during, and after. Fluids help athletes perform better, recover better, and are good for overall health, even when not exercising. Nathan makes it easy to stay hydrated while running through its line of handheld water bottles, including the 10 oz. Sprint and the 22 oz. QuickDraw Elite, and its line of BPA-free Stainless Steel bottles, which come in two different sizes, 500 mL and 700 mL, with a third size, 320 mL kids-sized bottles, on the way in 2010.
– Have someone know your route. Having a spouse, family member, or friend ensures someone knows the expected route — and approximate beginning and end time — of a run, and if that expected end time passed hours ago.

To drive home these points even further this year, Nathan introduced the Run Safe Initiative, a partnership with its retailers that promotes the ideals of running safe to consumers.

“The only thing more important to us than an athlete’s performance is their safety, and it’s our hope that through the cooperation of our retailers, we can get the message out to athletes that it’s important for their health and safety to run both smart and safe,” says Russell. “We’ve already had great response from our retailers, and plan to continue rolling out the initiative throughout the year.”

Source: Nathan Performance Gear