Posted: August 9, 2004

Athletics: Hot Times In Cool Temps at Falmouth

By Marty Schaivone, Running USA wire

FALMOUTH, Mass. - (August 8, 2004) -

For the second time three weeks Mother Nature rolled a lucky 7, and once again runners responded with course records.
On July 24 the Quad City Times Bix 7 in Iowa experienced record low tempratures and the result was a women's course record. Today at the country's other big 7 miler, the SBLI Falmouth Road Race, the conditions were more like early autumn than the dog days of August, and this time it was the men, in the person of Gilbert Okari, fresh off his win at the Beach to Beacon 10K who were responsible for rewriting the record books. Okari's time of 31:08 (4:23 pace) was 24 seconds better then the 1996 time of Joseph Kimani. Robert Cheruiyot (31:37), third at Beach to Beacon, moved up a spot and was just one tick off the old mark as well. John Korir (31:43) who won an unprecedented fifth title at Bix, was thwarted in his bid to become the only quadruple men's winner at Falmouth, finishing third in 31:43.

Although the women didn't break any records their field did have several Olympians who made this their tune up to Athens. Russia's Alevtina Ivanova, second to Jen Rhines here last year, led throughout the race and finished in 36:13, tied for ninth fastest ever on the course. Second place finisher Olympian Kate O'Neill of New Haven CT (36:26), ran a PR and was all smiles at the end. USA 10,000 meter teammate Elva Dryer of Albuquerque placed third in 36:43. Twin sister Laura O'Neill was fifth in a PR of 37:31. The sisters had run this race many times having grown up in Milton, MA. "It was great having so many family and friends along the course," said Kate. "We have been working really hard since we graduated (Yale) and our coach has been great, keeping us focused and knowing when to get us to peak," added Laura.

The first American male was Khalid Khannouchi (32:26-9th overall) of Ossining, NY. Although well off his best clocking here in 2000 (31:47) he was pleased that he ran his race and ran smart. "When I saw the lead pack go through the first mile in 4:23 I knew I had to get into a rhythm, run my own race, do what I was here to do, and stay strong," he said. "There are no excuses now, I am up to 100 miles a week and will be increasing that soon. Thanks to the support of my physiologists my injury (bursitis in the foot) is gone and I will be ready for Chicago," he added.

The top masters were Jackson Kipng'ok of Kenya (33:11) and Tatyana Pozdnyakova of the Ukraine (38:35). Pozdnyakova's time was 1:38 faster then her time in 2003, while her counterpart's was 20 secs. faster as well, indicating the benefit of the cool ocean breeze from start to finish.

Matt Lane, a native of Yarmouth ME, came off a crushing disappointment recently to grab the 2nd American slot in the race. Lane, 23, watched his Olympic dream fall short in the 5000 meters by .74 secs. at the trials in Sacramento. Now more relaxed he looks to the future in a few more road races. "My 32:38 (4:35 pace) felt good considering it was my first time here," he said at the awards ceremony. "I am not chasing the (Olympic) standard anymore, I don't have to worry about the clock, I can just run and enjoy it!" he said. After running PR's for the 1500, 3K and 10K (besides his 13:33.51 at the trials) he is looking forward to the USA 5K Championship in Providence this September. As for the O'Neills the plan a short break after Athens and then will get back on the roads in the Fall.

The SBLI Falmouth Road Race has the richest, non-marathon prize structure in the USA. With the winners earning $11,000 each, a total of $114,000 is awarded including $35,800 in U.S. prize money. Long billed as 7.1 miles, the course was finally certified in accordance with USATF/RRTC procedures last year at exactly 7 miles. Race co-director Rich Sherman says the race is considering hosting a national championship over the distance, as Bix did in 2002, sometime in the future.

32nd SBLI Falmouth Road Race - Falmouth, MA, Sunday, August 8, 2004

MEN
1. Gilbert Okari Kenya 31:08 $11,000
2. Robert Cheruiyot Kenya 31:37 $6,000
3. John Korir Kenya 31:43 $2,750
4. Linus Maiyo Kenya 31:48 $2,250
5. Luke Kipkosgei Kenya 31:56 $1,250
6. Ben Maiyo Kenya 31:59 $1,000
7. Kigen Kipkembo Wilson Kenya 32:17 $800
8. Kebenei Wilson Kiportich Kenya 32:20 $600
9. Khalid Khannouchi U.S.A. 32:26 $500
10.Thomas Kiplitan Kenya 32:38 $450
master
(13) Jackson Kipng'ok Kenya 33:11 $5,500

WOMEN
1. Alevtina Ivanova Russia 36:13 same/men
2. Kate O'Neill U.S.A. 36:26
3. Elva Dryer U.S.A 36:43
4. Tatyana Petrova Russia 36:49
5. Laura O'Neill U.S.A. 37:31
6. Nicole Aish U.S.A. 37:56
7. Tatyana Chulakh Russia 38:11
8. Gladys Asiba Kenya 38:34
9. Tatyana Pozdnyakova (49) Ukraine 38:35
10.Teresa Wanjiku Kenya 38:42 

For more results and race information, go to: www.sblifalmouthroadrace.com.