Posted: February 7, 2005

Athletics: Austrians on Top Again at Bank of America Empire State Building Run-Up

Record Performances

NEW YORK - (January 31, 2005) - Austrians ruled again at the 28th Bank of America Empire State Building Run-Up as defending champions Rudolf Reitberger and Andrea Mayr climbed their way to the 86th floor and to the top with record performances.

In the closest men's finish in the event's history, Reitberger, 33, out leaned Thomas Dold of Germany as both broke the finish tape in 10 minutes and 24 seconds.

"Last year, I moved into first place on the 65th floor and after that I could take it a bit easy and enjoy myself," said Reitberger. "This year I was not enjoying the race until the finish line."

Eclipsing her own course record of 12:08 set last year, Mayr easily won in 11:51 to become the first woman to break the 12 minute mark.

"I was trying to push myself the whole way," said Mayr, 25, who was running despite breaking her right wrist less than two weeks ago.

For the second consecutive year, four-time champion Cindy Moll-Harris of Indianapolis finished second in 13:10.

The ageless Italian, 93-year-old Chico Scimone, finished last in the field of 136 in 49:28, but felt like a champion and declared himself ready to come back for next year's race.

"I feel fine. This is like a present I give to myself every year," said Scimone. "I will keep running here until you come to Taormina, Italy!"

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.