Posted: May 27, 2004

Athletics: Dryer Set to Return to Freihofer's Run for Women 5K, the USA Championship

1997 FRW Champion Joined By Amy Yoder-Begley

ALBANY - (May 27, 2004) - In 1987 the dynasty of Lynn Jennings began at the Freihofer's Run for Women (FRW). She won no less than eight titles between 1987 and 1998. She was dominant and intimidating. She owned the real estate that was the Freihofer's course. She stalked her challengers through Washington Park, and tossed them aside along Madison Avenue. Nobody kicked like Jennings.

In 1997 Elva Dryer from Albuquerque, NM came to Albany and dared to challenge the preeminence of Jennings. Dryer made a bold move in Washington Park, opened up a surprising lead, and meticulously pulled away down Madison Avenue to break Jennings' streak of four consecutive victories. Dryer will return to the Capital Region for the 26th edition of the Freihofer's Run for Women set for Saturday, June 5, and gun for another USA 5km crown.

"It was an exciting experience," recounts Dryer of her milestone victory over Jennings. "I admired Lynn a lot. She was the most competitive racer of her time. I went into it not sure what to expect, but hoped to do well. To come away with a victory was very satisfying."

The 32-year-old Dryer has since made her own name for herself. She was 3rd in the 2000 Olympic Trials at 10,000 meters, and competed in the 2000 Olympics in that event in Sydney. She was a vital member of the 2002 World Cross Country team which won the silver medal, and the 2003 World Cross team which won the bronze. 2003 was a banner year for Dryer, highlighted by her participation in the World Athletics Championships in the 10,000m. She ended the year ranked #2 in the U.S. in that event.

The 10,000 will hopefully be her ticket to a return engagement at the sport's largest theater - the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. But first she must go through the grueling U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, CA this July, and earn one of the coveted three berths. One advantage she has over some of her American rivals is the fact that she already has the Olympic "A" qualifying time (31:45) under her belt.

"I am optimistic about my chances of making the Olympic team," says the 2003 USA 10K Road Champion. "But I know that I will have to bring my best game forward to make the team."

If the 2004 version of the Freihofer's Run for Women seems like déjà vu for Dryer, it's because the circumstances are somewhat similar to 1997. However, this time around it's Marla Runyan on a mini-streak with back-to-back victories in 2002 and 2003. Can Dryer dethrone Runyan in similar fashion?

Dryer has the same respect for Runyan that she did for Jennings, but remains cautious about her chances. "Marla is a great competitor. At this point in the year, neither one of us has raced much. We will have to wait and see how the race unfolds. I had a bit of tendonitis and a low ferritin level this spring, but I have been feeling good lately, and the training has been going well. I expect to be ready."

FRW organizers also announced that Amy Yoder-Begley will join Dryer in the spotlight to the spectacular backdrop of 4,000 women on the Madison Avenue starting line. Yoder-Begley was a 15-time All-American at the University of Arkansas and 16-time SEC champion. She won the 2000 NCAA Indoor 5000 meter and 2001 Outdoor 10,000 meter titles. According to her coach/husband, Andrew Begley, she hasn't raced much this year due to two stress fractures. He says she's in good shape now and ready to run 15:35 - 15:40.

To register for the 2004 Freihofer's Run for Women, a founding member of Running USA, pick up a registration form at any Price Chopper Supermarket, or go to .freihofersrun.comAs a national championship, Freihofer's also is part of the 2004 Women's USA Running Circuit, a USA Track & Field road series. The 2004 USARC offers a record of $818,700 in guaranteed prize money with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6000, $4000 and $2500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. At each national road championship, the top 10 U.S. runners earn USARC points. For more information, visit usatf.org.

Event sponsors include the Charles Freihofer Baking Company (A Division of George Weston Bakeries Inc.), Price Chopper Supermarkets, B95.5 fm, NewsChannel 13 and the Albany Quality Inn.