Posted: September 24, 2005

Athletics: USATF News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 75

ESPN to televise Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile

Many of the world's finest runners will compete at the 2005 Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile Powered by "Four Minutes," an ESPN2 Film, on Saturday, September 24. The men's professional race will air live at 1:45 p.m., Eastern Time on ESPN News, returning the race to national television for the first time in more than a decade.

The race starts on Manhattan's famed Fifth Avenue at East 80th Street, in the heart of "Museum Mile." From there it heads one mile south on Fifth Avenue to the finish at East 60th Street.

The New York Road Runners have announced that a $10,000 bonus will be awarded for a men's or women's course record at this event. America's premier miler Alan Webb and Australia's Craig Mottram, the bronze medalist in the 5,000 meters at the 2005 IAAF World Championships, are the leading contenders to break Sydney Maree's men's record of 3 minutes, 47.52 seconds set in 1981.

The women's field will be headlined by 2004 U.S. Olympian Carrie Tollefson of St. Paul, Minnesota, former NCAA All American Amy Mortimer of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and two-time Olympian Amy Rudolph of Providence, Rhode Island. The women's record of 4:16.68 was set by PattiSue Plumer in 1990.

For more information on the 2005 Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile, visit NYRR.org.

Organization seeks applicants for Doherty Fellowship

Individuals interested in applying for the 2005 Ken Doherty Memorial Fellowship are encouraged to submit applications to the Amateur Athletic Foundation in Los Angeles, Calif., for consideration. The Ken Doherty Memorial Fellowship provides researchers with the time and resources to pursue the serious study of track and field at the National Track & Field Research Collection housed within the Amateur Athletic Foundation Sports library in Los Angeles. The fellowship was established to encourage and promote research and publication in the general area of track and field, with emphasis on and preference given to projects that address philosophical, social and historical, or psychological issues.

The National Track & Field Research Collection is this country's most extensive, publicly accessible collection devoted to all aspects of track and field: historical, current,competitive, biographical, organizational, coaching, training; in books, journals, programs, archives, and films.The Fellowship is named for the late Dr. J. Kenneth Doherty - decathlon champion, coach, meet director and writer. Dr. Doherty was a major contributor to this collection. Throughout his professional life, Dr. Doherty communicated his concerns about the role of track and field in our educational system, questions about the spirit of competition, and other individual, sociological, and psychological aspects of the sport.

The award is intended to defray the fellow's travel costs to and from Los Angeles to use the National Track & Field Research Collection, plus meals, lodging and transportation costs in Los Angeles. USA Track & Field will make the award. The costs shall be determined prior to the fellow's visit to the National Track & Field Research Collection solely by USA Track & Field, and shall not exceed $3,000. The research trip must be completed no later than December 31, 2006.

The fellow will be provided workspace at the Amateur Athletic Foundation Sports Library; reference assistance; full use of the National Track & Field Research Collection and related library collections; plus computer, Internet, commercial database and photocopier access.

Fellows are expected to publish their research and submit a copy to the National Track and Field Collection, and may be asked to give a public presentation.

Mail or e-mail research proposal of three pages or less, emphasis on subject rather than method, and curriculum vitae to: Wayne Wilson; Vice President, Research; Amateur Athletic Foundation; 2141 W. Adams Blvd.; Los Angeles, CA 90018. Tel. (323) 730-4640. Fax: (323) 730-0546. Email: wwilson@aafla.org. The Fellowship Selection Committee of the National & Field Library Advisory Board will select the fellowship recipient. Applications must be postmarked or e-mailed by October 26, 2005.

USATF seeks Director of Events and Broadcasting

USA Track & Field is seeking an individual to serve as Director of Events and Broadcasting. This person will report to the CEO and will oversee USATF's Events Department. The position will have primary responsibility for USATF's Visa Championship Series, National Championships and Olympic Trials, and other televised track & field events - at least ten major events per year. The Director of Events and Broadcasting will work closely with USATF's senior staff, marketing and other operating departments, and volunteer leadership to develop high-quality events that serve our athletes and coaches, fans, sponsors, and television audience.

Specific assignments may include

Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution including venue management, scheduling, staffing, security and access control, athlete recruitment and services, sponsor fulfillment, financial affairs, media relations, public relations and event marketing, ticketing, internet programming, and other responsibilities as assigned. Develop in-stadium entertainment packages that enhance the athlete and fan experience. Coordinate television broadcasts (scheduling, production, international distribution). Manage relationships with local organizers and business partners. Prepare budgets and manage costs while meeting program goals. Prepare strategic plans, requests for bids, after-action reports, and other documents.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree and at least 10 years relevant experience in event management and television production is required. Progressive leadership experience, including supervision of paid staff and volunteers, in a business setting. Proven knowledge of event management including venue, athlete, entertainment and business issues; sponsorships and related deliverables; television production techniques; and, the Olympic movement. Excellent written, oral and public presentation skills.

For more information on this position with USA Track & Field, visit: USATF.org.