Kenyan Men, Defending Women’s Champion Teyba Erkesso Among Top Seeds in 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon

4 Jan

Jason Mbote and Charles Kibiwott look to challenge men’s course record, Erkesso aims to lower own standard in the women’s race

HOUSTON (Dec. 29, 2009) – Kenyans Jason Mbote, third at the 2008 Seoul International Marathon in 2:07:37, and Charles Kibiwott, fifth in the same race in 2:08:30, are among the top men’s seeds in the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon. The 38th edition of the country’s premier winter marathon is scheduled for Sunday, January 17.
Joining Mbote and Kibiwott in Houston are countrymen Benson and David Cheruiyot (not related). Benson Cheruiyot ran a breakthrough race at the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon by clocking a time of 2:11:33 – his best marathon effort by two and a half minutes. He also finished third in Houston in 2007. David Cheruiyot, one of only two men to win in Houston three times, won back-to-back marathons in 2005 and 2006, and took the top spot again in 2008.
Canada’s Andrew Smith, fifth in the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon in 2:16:14, is also expected to be in the lead pack.
In the women’s field, Teyba Erkesso of Ethiopia is back to defend her title.

 Running in her first marathon in 2009, Erkesso not only won the Chevron Houston Marathon, but shaved 22 seconds off of the course record previously held by countrywoman Dire Tune. Erkesso’s time of 2:24:18 is the fastest marathon ever run in Texas by a female. Paige Higgins (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Erin Moeller (Mt. Vernon, Iowa) are the top Americans entered in the Chevron Houston Marathon. Higgins brings a 2:33:06 personal record into the race. She qualified for the 2009 World Track & Field Championships in the marathon and finished 30th in 2:37:11. Moeller was 10th at the 2008 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in 2:36:51. In the nine marathons Moeller has completed, she has netted six top-10 finishes.

Tara Quinn-Smith of Canada, with a marathon best of 2:33:58, and Kenya’s Lydia Kurgat, who ran 2:31:26 at Eindhoven this year, also have committed to the Chevron Houston Marathon. Elite runners in both men’s and women’s marathons will be vying for $130,000 in prize money, with a $35,000 first-place award in both races. Registration for the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon and accompanying Aramco Houston Half Marathon closed in record time earlier this year. Both races sold out in less than 60 hours. A combined field of 22,000 runners is set for Chevron Houston Marathon Weekend 2010.

The Chevron Houston Marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 foreign countries. In 2009, more than 26,000 runners participated in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, 5K run and children’s run). The Houston Marathon has been ranked among the top five in the nation by Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event. More information is available at www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or 713-957-3453.

http://www.runningshoeshouston.com

2010 Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon Sell Out in Record Time

4 Jan

HOUSTON, TX (July 20, 2009) – Open registration for the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon is closed, with both races selling out in record time.

The half marathon reached capacity in less than 24 hours, while registration for 38th running of the marathon was completed just hours later. As of Monday, July 20, only several hundred Hero entries remained to reach the combined field limit of 22,000 runners. The 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon are scheduled for Sunday, January 17.

“We knew we would establish a new standard with the fastest sellout in race history, but the pace at which registration was completed exceeded even our most optimistic projection,” said Race Director Brant Kotch. “The Houston Marathon Committee and our dedicated team of more than 5,000 volunteers look forward to staging a great event for our largest field ever.” It took 12 weeks for the 2009 races, with 4,000 fewer registrations, to reach capacity.

“We had concerns the difficult economy might impact our numbers and offered our participants a no fee increase year to do our part in these tough times,” said Steven Karpas, Managing Director. “Obviously, the phenomenal response and 60-hour sell out proved us wrong.”

There are still ways to enter the sold out races through our Run for a Reason charity programs.
The Hero charity entries that remain for both the marathon and half marathon require a commitment of $350, a direct donation to a Run for a Reason charity of the runner’s choice, plus the cost of registration. Each Hero runner receives a custom back bib, an invitation to the event’s exclusive post-race charity party, cap and recognition on the marathon web site.

Select Run for a Reason charities also have a limited number of marathon and half marathon spots available. Each charity sets its fundraising objectives and deadlines required to receive a race entry. Runners may contact the charities directly for more information. Entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Sidewalk Squad Corporate Charity Sponsorship program allows businesses and organizations to be a highly visible part of Houston’s largest single-day sporting event and offers race entries, charity sponsorships and volunteer opportunities.

The Chevron Houston Marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 foreign countries. In 2009, more than 26,000 runners participated in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, 5K run and children’s run). The Houston Marathon has been ranked among the top five marathons in the nation by Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event. More information is available at www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or 713-957-3453.

http://www.runningshoeshouston.com

Asics Running Shoe Company’s Guide To Picking The Right Running Shoes

4 Jan

You can find Asics Running Shoes in Houston  at  http://www.runningshoeshouston.com.

A running shoe is designed to cradle the foot, and not just protect it from the pounding, but to optimize a runner’s gait in such a way that a person can run longer and faster without worrying about injury. At its most basic, a running shoe is made up of an outsole, midsole and upper. The outsole is the bottom of the shoe, that durable slab of rubber providing traction throughout the gait cycle. The midsole rests atop the outsole, and provides cushioning and stability. The upper is generally made of mesh, synthetic fabrics or leather, and cocoons the foot.

Just as every run is unique, so every running shoe is designed for a specific type of runner. When selecting a running shoe, take into account the frequency of your training and your performance level. A shoe should fit comfortably and snug, but should not be so tight that your toes press against the front of the shoe or the top of your foot aches from the laces being too tight. If you run a great deal, it might be a good idea to look for a shoe that features the GEL® Cushioning System in the heel and forefoot.

Also, be aware of your gait. The three broad categories that define running shoes — Cushioning, Structured Cushioning, and Maximum Support — enhance gait by working with the natural movement of your foot, providing a more efficient stride. How you pronate plays a great part in a shoe’s ability to enhance your running experience. Pronation is a normal, natural rolling motion that helps to attenuate shock. Some runners find that their foot does not roll all the way in, making the foot work harder to push off properly. This is known as underpronation (or supination). Conversely, a foot that rolls inward too much in known as overpronation. Runners who underpronate (or, supinate) would feel more comfortable with a Cushioning shoe. Overpronators do better with Maximum Support, and those with a more neutral stride would do well with Structured Cushioning.

1. Take the Wet Test

This basic test will provide you with a look at your foot imprint. You can use this print to determine your arch shape which guides you in finding a suitable pronation range.

1. Fill a shallow pan with water and have a paper grocery bag nearby.
2. Step in the pan of water and immediately transfer your foot to the grocery bag. You can also step on cement to gain an imprint.
3. Let the water set in the bag to give you a clear imprint.
4. Use the guides below to help determine your pronation range and best category suited for your arch type.

 

2. Find Your Arch Type / Pronation

High ArchA high-arched foot is also known as an under-pronated foot. A runner with under-pronating feet is more likely to experience shock transmission through the lower legs, and should choose shoes from the Cushioning Category or those shoes that meet the needs of Under Pronating to Neutral runners

Normal ArchRunners with normal arches typically experience minimal biomechanical problems and should select those shoes from the Structured Cushioning Category or those shoes that meet the needs of the Neutral to Over Pronating runners.

Flat FootFlat-footed runners tend to have over-pronating feet, which generally result in poor natural shock absorption. These runners should pick shoes from the Maximum Support Category or those shoes that meet the needs of Over Pronating to Severe Over Pronating runners

3. Choose Your Category Type

Structured CushioningProducts in the Structured Cushioning segment are designed for runners who pronate slightly more than normal and generally have a normal arch. Their foot strike takes place in a neutral to slightly pronated position, using the body’s natural pronation to attenuate shock. Structured Cushioning runners need their shoes to help control a small degree of overpronation, but they don’t need all the shock attenuation attributes of a Cushion segment shoe.

Cushioning

The Cushioning segment is designed to meet the needs of underpronators to mild overpronators and tend to have a high arch. This type of runner needs a great deal of shock attenuation because they don’t absorb shock naturally through pronation. Their foot either does not pronate at all, or pronates such a small amount that the body can’t attenuate shock in its natural manner. Instead of the body’s connective tissue absorbing shock through pronation, bones and joints take the brunt of the shock. It’s vital that shoes in the Cushioning segment attenuate as much initial impact shock as possible. An additional note: runners wearing Cushioning shoes tend have a rigid forefoot, thus requiring that the shoe be very flexible there.

Maximum Support

The Maximum Support category is designed for runners who tend to land in an overtly pronated position with a flat foot. Like the Cushion segment, these runners are not using all their body’s natural shock attenuation mechanisms. What makes them different is that these runners exhibit a large degree of pronation beginning with landing in a pronated state, then continuing past normal. Like the Structured Cushion segment, these runners need help to control the degree of pronation.

Trail

Designed to meet the needs of runners who prefer to take their run off-road. This category offers a range to suit most pronation ranges. Shoes may offer addtional features such as water resistant uppers and special tongue construction to help keep debris out.