Posted: March 17, 2005

Athletics: A Class Act: 2005 Blue Cross of California SPIRIT RUN Draws Top Running Talents and Miler Legend Steve Scott in Support of Local Elementary Schools

From: Kathy Kinane

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - (March 13, 2005) - Joined by American running legend Steve Scott, more than 5,000 runners of all ages ran like it was recess at the 22nd Blue Cross of California SPIRIT RUN, Orange County's most celebrated 5K, 10K and kids road races to benefit area elementary schools.

Under cool, overcast skies, Masters runner standout Danny Reed, 44, of Laguna Niguel captured the ASICS 10K title in 32:47, racing at a 5:16 pace that secured his comfortable lead through the finish.

"I love this course and the challenge of the hills here," said Reed of the palm tree-lined route. "This was only my second race this year, so I surprised myself," he added.

Wayne Chen, 28, of Hermosa Beach claimed the runner-up spot in 33:46, while Fred Cowles, 41, of Orange rounded out the top three in 33:50. Cheryl Smith, 24, of Aliso Viejo dominated the women's 10K field with her 36:59 finish, extending her 30-second lead at the halfway mark to nearly two minutes at the tape. Teresa Sohoni, 38, of Huntington Beach finished second (38:39) and masters runner Diane Duruty, 41, was third (39:29).

American running legend and National Track & Field Hall of Famer Steve Scott joined a field of 2,000 runners and walkers for the competitive 5K race. After running to a 17:47 finish (he paced an athlete from his CSU San Marcos squad), Scott, 48, helped start the thousands of youths participating in the seven kids races.

"I have a long-standing history with the SPIRIT RUN because it is the largest kids race around here and I enjoy being involved in events that fund education programs for kids," said Scott, the three-time Olympian, who has run more sub-four minute miles than anyone in the world (136).

Sergio Reyes, 23, of Lancaster topped the field of the Jamba Juice 5K Bananaman Chase, running at a 4:47 pace to his victorious finish in 14:53. Huntington Beach's Johann Appell, 28, finished six seconds behind Reyes (14:59), while masters runner Oscar Gonzalez, 41, of Costa Mesa claimed third place in 15:12. Los Angeles-based running club See Jane Run dominated the women's 5K field, with members Linn Schulte-Sasse and Mary Colburn, both 27, taking first and second, respectively. Schulte-Sasse, a former Stanford runner, ran shoulder-to-shoulder with Colburn throughout the race, surging to a one second lead over her teammate in the final moments to cross the finish line in 17:06 (5:30 pace).

"I'm grateful for racing opportunities like this," said Schulte-Sasse of her first SPIRIT RUN. "It's great to see so much community support out here, to hear the live music on the course and race with my training partners."

Masters runner Ceci St. Geme of Newport Beach edged out Olympian and professional triathlete Julie Swail of Irvine for the third place spot.

Since its inception 22 years ago, the SPIRIT RUN has raised over one million dollars for Newport Beach elementary schools.

Complete results are available at www.kinaneevents.com.

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.