Posted: July 30, 2006

Athletics: Cook And Stamps Win Titles At The San Francisco Marathon

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - (July 30, 2006) - Two first-time winners at the marathon distance won convincing titles at The San Francisco Marathon(tm) today. Taking advantage of the race's typically, mild mid-summer racing conditions, Andrew Cook, 25, of Denton, Texas easily topped the men's field. Cook's finishing time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 46 seconds was the fastest mark since 1999 at this event. Former Santa Rosa (CA) High School and Stanford University track and field standout Julia Stamps, 27, who now resides in New York City, delighted local road racing pundits by winning the women's race in 2:54:55. Over 15,000 runners participated in the featured 26.2-mile marathon, plus two companion half marathons and a 5-kilometer road race.

Cook bagged his first-ever marathon victory by taking an early lead. By the 6-mile point on the citywide route that includes a leg on the Golden Gate Bridge, Cook was in command. At halfway, the Texan had a half mile lead on his pursuers and never looked back.

"It's a long way to run mostly by yourself," said Cook, who competed at Texas A&M University. "But, I train alone so I know how to gauge my pace, and that helps out."

Cook recorded a personal best marathon of 2:19:48 at the Austin Marathon last February, a mark which qualified him for the 2008 USA Men's Olympic Marathon Trials race.

"I figured if I could run 2:25 or 2:30 here on a hilly course, that will help prepare me for the Olympic Trials," Cook commented.

Defending champion Tony Torres, 28, of Cedar Glen, CA was second in 2:32:40. Darren Benson, 32, of Australia was third in 2:34:21.

Stamps equally domineered the women's race and claimed victory in her fourth foray at the marathon distance. The three-time California State High School Cross Country Champion said she is growing accustomed to long distances after a serious skate boarding accident in 2001 forced her to give up shorter distances of 1500- and 3,000 meters on the track.

"I tried to run conservatively, because I heard there were hills in this race," said Stamps, whose personal best at the marathon distance is 2:46:17. "It's definitely a challenging course. And, I've just been doing base training, nothing fast."

Chloe Glare, 25, of Menlo Park, CA captured the women's runner-up spot in 3:05:31. Melanie Bos, 33 of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada turned in a 3:10;25 for third.

Jeff Ambos, 44, of Riverside, CA won the masters (age 40 and over) men's title, placing fifth overall in 2:41:17. Nellie Toner, 40, of Perris, CA was the female masters winner in 3:29:45.

The winners of the accompanying "first" half marathon which covers the first 13.1 miles of the marathon course were John Yatsko (1:15:33), age 17, of Tempe, AZ and Angela Strange (1:26:11), 27, of San Francisco. Mark Batres, 21, of Rowland Heights, CA pinned down the "second" half marathon men's victory in 1:08:09. Betsy Keever, 32, of San Francisco was the second half marathon women's winner in 1:22:44.

Jordan Kinley, 22, of San Francisco and Allie Bigelow, 33, Oakland were the respective winners in the 5K event.

"I couldn't have been more pleased with this year's race," said Executive Race Producer Peter Nantell. "We continue to grow and add runner extras, such as wave starts. Plus, this year the fog held off on the Golden Gate Bridge, and runners enjoyed the spectacular view of the city and the bay."

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom attended The San Francisco Marathon(tm) and gave it a thumbs up.

"I don't know many cities that are so positive in being outdoor oriented, so focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and overall health," Newsom said. "And I don't know any other cities that are more beautiful for running 26 miles than San Francisco."

About The San Francisco Marathon(tm)

The San Francisco Marathon(tm) enjoys success as the premier summertime marathon in the U.S. San Francisco's blend of natural beauty, big city charm, and perfect mid-summer running temperatures, make marathon running in San Francisco a truly magical experience. The event's unique Cause to Run program has raised $250,000 for over 50 local charity organizations since 2003.

The 2006 San Francisco Marathon is sponsored by JetBlue Airways, Hyatt Regency, Organs 'R' Us, Cytomax, and Zone Perfect.

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