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Russia's Petrova and Skvortsova also set to compete at fabled 5K in Albany, New York, June 2
ALBANY, N.Y. - (May 21, 2007) - The field for the 2007 Freihofer's Run for Women keeps getting stronger. The delegation of international runners is intimidating, and the athletes will face strong competition from eastern Europe, especially now that Natalia Berkut (UKR), the woman who almost stole the show in 2006, has announced her intention to return to Albany to capture the $10,000 first prize on Saturday, June 2.
"Berkut ran a sensational race last year," said Event Director George Regan. "I don't think we've ever had somebody run the second half of our course as powerfully as she did."
With half the race gone, Berkut was 20 meters behind the leaders, Lornah Kiplagat and Benita Johnson. The diminutive Ukranian injected such a surge that she drew alongside the leading duo in the final three quarters of a mile and looked as though she might cause an upset. Although she could not match Johnson's closing sprint, Berkut did hold on for a fine second place, just two seconds down, in a time of 15 minutes, 29 seconds.
Russia's Lidiya Grigoryeva will be as intent as Berkut on taking the first place prize this year. She showed her superb form in April when she won the celebrated Boston Marathon in 2:29:18. She can also point to a best 5000m time of 15:18 and appearances at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.
Grigoryeva's compatriot, Ludmila Petrova, is also a two-time Olympian - 1996 and 2004 - and adds still more weight to the European contingent at this year's race. Her 5K best of 15:20 is indicative of fine basic speed, though her most recent emphasis has been on the marathon. She won the New York City Marathon in 2000.
Russian Silvia Skvortsova will also be on the Albany starting line. Skvortsova won the 2006 Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose, Calif. and has a 5000m best of 15:17. She also finished second at the 2006 Nagano Marathon and took first place at the 2005 Rome Marathon, showing that she is more than capable of taking the title should any of the more favored names falter.
With such a cosmopolitan field, the 2007 Freihofer's Run for Women is certain to be a fascinating competition. The first two finishers from 2006 - Benita Johnson and Natalia Berkut - will renew their rivalry, but the field of enormously talented racers alongside them on the starting line means that this will be no place for the faint of heart.
"We are thrilled to see so many strong, talented women come out to compete at the Freihofer's Run for Women," said John Marcoux, business director at Charles Freihofer Baking Company. "This year's truly elite field will continue to encourage the development and recognition of women in sports."
Entrants in the 2007 Freihofer's Run for Women will once again compete in three divisions: professional, Open and masters. Register for this year's race 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 the event 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.
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