Posted: May 11, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Freihofer's Run for Women Masters Field Taking Shape

Includes defending champion Troncoso; Olympian Sultanova-Zhdanova; newcomer Hawkins and road racing icon Joan Benoit Samuelson ALBANY - (May 9, 2007) - In the course of its storied history, the Freihofer's Run for Women has established a tradition as one of the most competitive women's races in the world. A key element in that tradition is the competition in the master's race for women aged 40 and over. The roads of Albany have seen countless women in this division redefining the bounds of what is possible. It is no coincidence that in 1997 Ruth Wysocki set a stunning master's world 5K record of 16 minutes, 6 seconds at Freihofer's, a time that was shattered in 2004 when Colleen De Reuck completed the course in 15:48. The Freihofer's Run for Women writes its history each spring, and this year's over-40 race - set for Saturday, June 2 - will be another one for the books. Among those returning are legends of the road racing-sorority, indicating that the battle for first place may be just as intense as it is in the Open division. The sentimental favorite must be Carmen Troncoso, 47, from Austin, TX, the defending champion who will be making her 16th appearance in Albany. Including her 2006 victory, Troncoso has won this race five times, a resumé she will be seeking to embellish this year, despite a troublesome foot injury earlier in the season. Troncoso, however, will find the competition to be as strong as ever. Most intimidating of all may be Firaya Sultanova-Zhdanova (RUS, 46). An Olympian at 10,000m in 1996 and past winner of some of the most intense over-40 events on the U.S. circuit, she has placed third overall in the Houston Marathon, third overall at the Gate River Run 15K in Florida and won the over-40 division at the Shamrock Sportfest 8K. Experienced road racers Lucy Smith (CAN, 40, fourth in the always competitive Vancouver Sun Run 10K), Jody Hawkins (Blooming Grove, TX, 40, owner of a 16:15 5K as a master) and Patty Murray (Boulder, CO, 41, second in the Freihofer's 10K back in 1988) will also be in the field, ensuring an intense battle in keeping with the Freihofer's tradition. If any athlete is to match Carmen Troncoso as a sentimental favorite, it is Joan Benoit Samuelson (Freeport, ME), who won the inaugural women's Olympic Marathon in 1984 and who is an unquestioned legend in international distance running. Freihofer's will be Benoit Samuelson's first competitive outing as a 50-year-old and the U.S. record may be within her reach. On a farther horizon will be the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, which will be held in Boston next April. All of the above is powerful evidence that, while the competition at the front of the Freihofer's professional field will be intense, just a few paces back, the race for the master's title will be every bit as unforgiving, intense and enthralling. Entries for this year's race are now being accepted at FreihofersRun.com.. The last day to register is Friday, June 1. All entrants will receive a free t-shirt and box of Freihofer's chocolate chip cookies. Additional information on all three events is also available by calling (518) 273-5552, or via e-mail at info@freihofersrun.com.. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest