HARRA Shines at Sugar Land Finish Line Sports 30K

The Woodlands Running Club's Adrienne Langelier took on all-comers with her masterfully paced, 2:00:56 winning performace at the Sugar Land Finish Line Sports 30K this past Sunday. Langelier's time was the third fastest ever recorded in the last decade in this HARRA Fall Series race, only behind a pair of sub-2 hour performances from Heidy Lozano and Peggy Yetman.

HMSA's Gerardo Mora continued his winning streak, as he took home the Overall Male Masters title in 1:50:35. Tornados' own, Susan Walters, captured the Overall Female Masters title in 2:05:09 to keep HARRA shining strongly on the medals podium.

In the Age Groups, Houston Stider Marnie Staehly captured the Female 30 to 34 division in 2:13:25, as BCRR's Carlye Graydon ran 2:20:19 to win the Female 35 to 39. Houston Harrier Suzanne Day continued her strong season with her Female 50 to 54 win with a 2:21:19 showing, while clubmate Donna Sterns racked up another age group victory with her 2:24:01 performance... Harrier Geri Wood decmiated the Female 60 to 64 age group with a 2:33:55 clocking.

For the Men, ALRC's George Alvarado capped off a great high school cross country season with a 2:06:17 burnout to win the 12 to 19 age group. BARC's Blake Culp continued his meteoric rise in the running community by almost winning the race out-right with his 1:50:17... one minute behind the race winner. Abel Zavala of the Tornados captured the Male 30 to 34 age group in a nicely paced, 1:51:33, while Houston Strider John Yoder won the Male 35 to 39 age group with his perfectly paced (57:31/57:32), 1:55:04 performance and clubmate Thomas King, Jr. led the Male 40 to 44 group with a 1:56:50. Richard Peoples of the Al Lawrence Running Club headlined the competitive Male 50 to 54 age group, winning it with a 1:58:06, while the legendary Miguel Lopez of the Tornados won the Male 55-59 in 2:07:04. The Male 60-64 age group saw the re-emergence of Ty Schmaltz to the winner's column, as he blitzed a 2:19:37 to take home the top award, while his clubmate Rich Siemens won the Male 65-69 in a very impressive 2:17:07. And how about BCRR's Don Brenner getting after it in the Male 70-74 age group with a solid 2:34:22 performance.

Overall Male Open
1:41:41 - Gannon White, 2002
1:41:45 - Sean Wade, 2002
1:43:55 - Luis Armenteros, 2008
1:44:26 - Gannon White, 2001
1:44:49 - Brett Riley, 2006
1:45:07 - John Reich, 2001
1:45:19 - Luis Armenteros, 2005
1:45:49 - Luis Armenteros, 2003
1:46:36 - Brett Riley, 2004
1:46:46 - Gannon White, 2003

Overall Male Masters
1:46:52 - Wilmer Bustillos (43), 2008
1:48:51 - Jon Butler (44), 2006
1:49:52 - Wilmer Bustillos (42), 2007
1:49:58 - Todd Gilbreath (41), 2006
1:50:14 - Joe Melanson (46), 2001
1:50:35 - Gerardo Mora (43), 2009
1:50:48 - Francisco Perez (41), 2005
1:51:10 - Steven King (43), 2006
1:51:14 - Joe Flores (48), 2007
1:51:49 - Gerardo Mora (40), 2006

Overall Female Open
1:59:56.2 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006
1:59:56.8 - Peggy Yetman, 2007
2:00:56 - Adrienne Langelier, 2009
2:01:51 - Julie Mosier, 2001
2:02:27 - Christie Lammers (46), 2002
2:04:34 - Julie Mosier, 2002
2:04:49 - Heidy Lozano (42), 2005
2:05:30 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
2:05:46 - Adrienne Langelier, 2008
2:06:54 - Autumn Ray, 2006

Overall Female Masters
1:59:57 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006
2:02:27 - Christie Lammers (46), 2002
2:04:49 - Heidy Lozano (42), 2005
2:05:10 - Susan Walters (45), 2009
2:05:30 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
2:07:02 - Susan Walters (41), 2005
2:07:44 - Barbara Stoll (41), 2002
2:08:22 - Caroline Chamness (40), 2005
2:08:24 - Susan Walters (42), 2006
2:08:45 - Barbara Stoll (47), 2008

Reminder: Sugar Land 30K on Dec. 13th

22nd Annual Sugar Land Finish Line Sports 30K
Marathon Warmup Series.
Sunday December 13 at 7am. Sugar Land Town Square.
Triple-loop, USATF-certified course.
4:15 time limit is 13:45 pace per mile.
Draws about 1,200 racers annually.
Race day registration is available near Amegy Bank for $65.
Five weeks before Chevron Houston Marathon.

Sports Performance Testing Webinar

LOOKING TO IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE?

Join our live interactive webinars for an opportunity to learn more from the experts at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute.

Sports Performance Testing Webinar: December 3, noon - 1 p.m
Terry Dupler, Ph.D., exercise physiologist, will discuss how athletes can utilize VO2 max, lactate blood thresholds and other physiological attributes to track their athletic progress and enhance their training programs. Dr. Dupler is an Associate Professor and Director of the Human Performance Lab at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. In addition, he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. (C.S.C.S.) who specializes in coaching cyclists, triathletes and marathoners. This webinar will educate you about how to increase strength, speed, agility, coordination, cardiovascular endurance and overall conditioning.

Sports dietitian talks supplements: December 10, noon - 1 p.m
Roberta Anding, M.S., R.D./L.D., C.S.S.D., C.D.E., sports dietitian, will present information on dietary supplements - what works, what is a waste of money and how to avoid supplements that are potentially harmful. Roberta Anding is an instructor for the Department of Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Sports Medicine section at the Baylor College of Medicine and is a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Roberta is also the sport dietitian for the Houston Texans and Co-host of The Roberta & Riley Show on 790 AM The Sports Animal.

Visit www.memorialhermann.org/smi for more information about the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute.

Turkey Trot Times Pouring In...

Turkey Trot results from the Greater Houston Area are starting to pour in, as several of HARRA's finest were out on the streets pounding the calories before a day of feasting.

Sugar Land Surgical Hospital Turkey Trot 5 Miler
Why not start with Houston Strider extraordinaire, Helen Grant, as she captured the Overall Female Masters title with her 32:52 performance. Anne Nguyen of the Tornados won the Female 30 to 34 with a 33:40, heading off HARRA Member Karien Goodwin (34:13), as Goodwin took home the gold in the Female 35 to 39 age group. BCRR's Claire Greenberg won the Female 45 to 49 competition with her 37:24 run, while hometown hero and Houston Harrier, Donna Sterns blitzed the Female 50 to 54 age group with her 36:58 performance. Harrier Yong Collins of Houston placed second to Sterns in 39:35, while HARRA's Jacqueline Fein took third in 46:03. Finally, Sally Sims of the Kenyan Way defeated all in the Female 65 to 69 age group with her 50:45 run.

On the men's side, HMSA's Tuan Nguyen captured the Overall Male Masters title in 30:14. Houston Harrier and son of Donna and Darrell Sterns, Jordan Sterns won the Male 14 and under title in 33:22. Houston Strider John Yoder won the Male 35 to 39 age group in a fine 28:51, while Darrell Sterns completed the family sweep of awards with his brilliantly run Male 55 to 59 hard-fought victory in 33:41. TTC's Tosone Harbin took home the hardware in the Male 60 to 64 with his 37:34 absolute domination of the age group. Katy's Jay Stabler of HARRA won the Male 70+ age group in a tough 49:02...

GE Run thru the Woods - 5 Mile
Traditionally the most competitive Turkey Trot in the area, 2009's version was no exception, as HARRA Members placed on the podium in both the Overall Female and Male Open races.

TWRC's Adrienne Langelier kicked it off with a solid 30:06 to place 3rd in the Overall Female Open race, while Houston Harrier Adam Davis (2nd in 24:46) gave Kenyan Way's Sean Wade (3rd in 24:53) all he could handle. However, Wade's performance was a Master's best for the 43-year old on this day, as HMSA's Gerardo Mora turned in a fine 27:27 for next fastest Master.

Back to the women's race, as TWRC's Camille Meaux won the Women 10 and under race with her 43:24 performance. HARRA Member Susan Waldau of Houston captured the Female 60 to 64 title with a time of 42:43.

On the men's side, Russell Meyer of the Houston Harriers won the Male 40 to 44 age group in 31:14, while HARRA Member Michael Waldau posted a 31:53 to win the Male 55 to 59 age group. Spring's Robert Huzinec of TWRC ran away with the Male 65 to 69 category with his 44:04 performance, as clubmate Jim Braden scored an impressive 41:41 victory in the Male 70+ age group.

Clear Lake Turkey Day 10K & 5K
BARC's John Hedengren ran unchallenged in the 10K, winning the inaugural Turkey Day in a time of 32:59, as clubmate Ann Wacker took home the women's bird with her 44:42. HARRA Member, Ken Goode, won the 51-60 Male division with his 46:12 run, as BARCer Nikki Herrin won the 31-40 Female division in 51:20. Margaret Montgomery took home the 61-70 Female age group to round out the awards in the 10K run.

In the coinciding 5K run, HMSA's Larry Tidwell was the Top Male in 18:35. HARRA Member Geoffrey Pierce captured the 51-60 Male division in 24:18.

Sheltering Arms Turkey Trot 10K & 3 Mile
Tornados' Mary Davies was the Female Overall Winner at this year's Sheltering Arms Turkey Trot with a solid 35:59 performance, while Houston Strider Thomas King was the Male Masters Winner in 34:27.

ALRC's Martha Long won the Females Age 40-44 division in 42:28, while Houston Harrier, Suzanne Day brought home the 50-54 age group in 44:06, as Houston Strider Alison Stewart placed second in 45:52. Strider Karen Bowler paced the 60-64 year olds to a tune of 47:09, as BCRR's Joanne Egan out-legged the 70-99 age group with her 1:27:24. Tornados' Franciso Garza won the Males Age 40-44 with his 37:27, ahead of Houston Strider Steve Schroeder's 39:12. ALRC's Richard Peoples won the Males Age 45-49 with his 37:45.

In the 3 Mile race, Houston Strider Bill Blanchett eeked out a victory in 15:00 for the Male Overall Winner title. Houston Harrier Debbie Shetlar won the Females Age 50-54 in 23:57. ALRC's Arturo Suarez won the Males Age 20-24 in 17:00.

HARRA Just for Kids Run

Throw the kids in the car, strap them in, and come out to Memorial Park to support HARRA's Just for Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 28th. We will have races for all ages, moonwalks, clowns, music, snacks, and more. It is a great event for the entire family and a great way to work off any extra pounds you picked up on Turkey Day!! If you don't have any kids, grandkids, or borrowed kids, we still need you. There are lots of things to do before, during, and after the race. If you have some time and are willing to help, please contact Keith Willhelm at kbw@willhelm.com. The fun starts at 9:00AM. Races start at 10:00AM. You can sign up on race day or online at www.harra.org.

Happy Thanksgiving

HMSA 25K Highlights

Congratulations to Tornado Joe Oviedo, as he placed third overall in the male open division with his 1:30:53 performance at the 2009 Houston Masters Sports Association (HMSA) 25K this past weekend in downtown Houston. HMSA's own, Gerardo Mora, captured the Overall Male Master's title with his 1:31:28 run, out-legging Houston Harrier and local legend, Joe Flores, who placed second Master as a 50-year old in 1:33:47. Houston Strider, Thomas King, placed third Master in 1:34:30.

Leading the females was Stacy Holden of the Al Lawrence Running Club, as she captured third place overall (1:51:21), while Pam Meaux of The Woodlands Running Club finished as the second Female Master, holding off ALRC's Melissa Hurta-Crites, 1:52:32 to 1:53:01, respectively.

Top 10 Overall Male Open
1:21:58 - Sean Wade, 2004
1:23:05 - Luis Armenteros, 2003
1:24:17 - Daniel Shaw, 2000
1:24:17 - Luis Armenteros, 2004
1:24:22 - Gannon White, 2003
1:24:48 - Rudy Rocha, 2004
1:24:59 - Rudy Rocha, 2000
1:25:16 - Gannon White, 2000
1:26:10 - Joe Flores (44), 2003
1:26:24 - Terry Garrett, 2000

Top 10 Overall Female Open
1:38:29 - Stacey Chaston, 2003
1:39:20 - Allison Willbern (43), 2003
1:39:24 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006
1:39:27 - Diana Hirst, 2009
1:39:54 - Lea Carruthers, 2008
1:39:57 - Stephanie Jones, 2003
1:40:20 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
1:40:38 - Kathryn Scarborough, 2003
1:40:43 - Diana Hirst, 2008
1:40:51 - Heidy Lozano (44), 2007

Top 10 Overall Male Master
1:26:10 - Joe Flores (44), 2003
1:27:13 - Joe Flores (45), 2004
1:28:00 - Wilmer Bustillos (43), 2008
1:28:23 - Jon Butler (44), 2006
1:28:50 - David Washburn (44), 2000
1:30:38 - Gerardo Mora (40), 2006
1:30:47 - David Washburn (47), 2003
1:31:04 - Gerardo Mora (42), 2008
1:31:22 - Joe Melanson (45), 2000
1:31:28 - Gerado Mora (43), 2009

Top 10 Overall Female Master
1:39:20 - Allison Willbern (43), 2003
1:39:24 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006
1:40:20 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
1:40:51 - Heidy Lozano (44), 2007
1:42:13 - Beverly Buss (40), 2000
1:44:14 - Caroline Burum (41), 2006
1:44:54 - Susan Walters (42), 2006
1:45:19 - Susan Walters (43), 2007
1:45:30 - Barbara Stoll (43), 2005
1:45:32 - Joy Smith (44), 2006

USA 10-Mile & Houston Half Marathon Stats

Statistician and Editor of Footprints, Jon Walk, has provided the following data from the first two major Fall Races in the HARRA Fall Series...

333 men and women to run both the USA Space City 10-Miler and the Houston Half Marathon.
193 men and 140 women

Here are the top 10 men's and women's combined chip times from those two events:

2:12:53 - Gerardo Mora, 43
2:14:47 - Rudy Rocha, 40
2:15:04 - Thomas King, Jr., 40
2:16:06 - Abel Zavala, 31
2:16:42 - Juan Vielma, 37
2:22:00 - Francisco Garza, 44
2:22:51 - Joe Melanson, 54
2:22:55 - Sim Cuevas, 49
2:24:20 - Chris Robbins, 34
2:24:50 - George Alvarado, 18

2:27:40 - Heidy Lozano, 46
2:37:53 - Jody Berry, 49
2:42:59 - Melissa Hurta-Crites, 46
2:44:30 - Vicki Melnick, 43
2:45:33 - Virginia Jones, 28
2:46:11 - Sarah Husbands, 33
2:49:59 - Suzanne Day, 52
2:52:30 - Carlye Graydon, 39
2:54:25 - Tricia Hernandez, 32
2:55:05 - Donna Sterns, 56

Meet Renaissance Runner, Ben Harvie

Ben Harvie is a longtime member of HARRA, a member of the HARRA CPR-AED team, and represents the Terlingua Track Club... and he has quite a story to tell, and, quite honestly, I am unsure if this web server has enough memory to chronicle the accomplishments and impact of this man. I also feel completely selfish indulging in such an interview, as I feel he should be compensated for his time, for I sit with a man with far-greater initiatives than talking track, but Ben is generous with his time, and I am ever so grateful. And so I hope you enjoy the insights of this modern day renaissance man...

Ben Harvie started running in the 7th grade and ran at LaMarque High School, with memories of running behind the DOT mosquito fogging trucks in the alley of his house in Galveston. President of his Senior Class, Ben managed a 4:36 Mile, which was good for 3A, but did not get him out of the District.

Ben then attended the University of Houston and joined the Cougar Cross Country team under Johnny Morriss and Al Lawrence in the glory days of UH running. Immediately, under the guidance of Al Lawrence, Ben improved to a 4:19 Mile and 14:45, 3 Mile, as the sixth man on his team, which placed 10th at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. However, he was unable to compete due to a ruptured appendix. Ben then focused on graduating and attending Law School, still running, but slipping into the 22-minute range for 5K's and 4-hour Dallas Marathons while raising his four children.

Ben is currently a senior shareholder at Novelli, Harvie & Huzenic Attorneys at Law in Houston, has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 1971, and is licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court. Furthermore, Ben is also an adjunct faculty professor teaching Aviation and the Law at Baylor University. How is this possible? Well, he just flies his Cessna 182 to Waco during the week for his classes... as Ben is an avid pilot.

But back to running. On October 17, 1989, overloaded with life's stresses, career success, and training for the Houston-Tenneco Marathon, Ben's heart stopped after a 6-mile run and a cold shower at the park. He had continued Ventricular Tachycardia (VT, a fast heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute) and three defribulators over 15 years. He continued to run, but any increase in pace was a shock, so his times were recreational at best, until he was celebrating his 50th birthday on the Santa Monica, California Pier, and raced easy, but because of the new age group (50-54), he placed and he was hooked and commenced serious training. He reconnected with Al Lawrence and immediately the coach-athlete relationship paid dividends, as Ben ripped a 3:03 at Austin and a 3:15 at Boston the following year.

Ben has already qualified for the Chevron Houston Marathon's Invited Elite Athlete program, and has done so since 2006. He has also captured the first two 2009 HARRA Fall Series races (10 Mile in 1:08:53 and the Half Marathon in 1:31:30) and captured the HARRA Fall Series Runner of the Season for the 50+ Age Group since 2006.

However, Ben does not only run to stay focused and motivated, as he morphs into a world-class duathlete and triathlete in the summer months, and has been a member of Team U.S.A. at the ITU - World Championship-Duathlon five (5) times. As a Veteran Athlete (50+), Ben boasts personal bests of 18:41 for 5K, 31:06 for 5M, 38:00 for 10K, 1:26:08 for the Half Marathon, and 3:03:21 for the Marathon distance.

HN: Ben, first and foremost, how do you do it?
BH: It’s in the genes. My dad ran at the 1929 SMU Relays and lived to be 97.5 years old. Mike Novelli is my nephew and he held the Southwest Conference 5000m record. My nephew, Dan Novelli’s son, Weston, is competing at Strait at this moment. My daughter placed 2nd at Dallas at age 14 and ran at North Texas. My three sons ran, but ended up playing soccer. My family has always run. I rarely get injured because I never push to the level of most competitive runners, usually settling for less mileage and fewer records. Since 50+, I have competed in over 200 races. I just love to race, win or lose. I don’t get discouraged when I get beat because it was common when at the Univeristy of Houston, but running behind Howie Ryan, Dan Green, Leonard Hilton, just to name a few, just made me the best I could be. Nothing special, just adding depth to the highly touted team, and jokingly bringing up the rear.

HN: Why do you train?
BH: Just to race.. winning is icing on the cake.

HN: What is your favorite distance and/or discipline to race?
BH: Just whatever the race is that weekend. I like multisport because it makes you appreciate other disciplines and keeps me humble. I’ve done many Duathlons and Triathlons, since 1984, as my debut was with Jack Lippincott’s father. He beat me. Usually they were done without training until I accidently found myself competitive as a Veteran (50+). I’ve done a few Ironman 70.3s, but was challenged to do the Ironman in Canada (20th in 14:50:38). The people are great and the challenges with great and dedicated athletes is exciting. But, I did not train to my full potential and am now temped to "tri" again with more specific training. The trouble is that Triathlon training interferes with my Marathon training and I can’t excel at both. When my Marathon time ranked me in the World for my age, I was encouraged to go after the Texas age record at 61 and got it with a 3:04:34 at the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon. However, Duathlons are great for me because of the two runs. I would like to qualify for Team USA again because of the international competition and travel.

HN: What are your goals for 2009 and 2010?
BH: I want to stay competitive, but uninjured and healthy and not let the wheels come off as I begin to feel the effects of aging, which clearly requires more recovery. Houston, Austin and always maybe Boston. I really like the Bay Area Multisport group as they encourage all who come in with handicaps like I do in swimming and biking. So, I get back on the bike and into my speedo in the spring and summer.

HN: Speak to us about your role on the HARRA CPR-AED team?
BH: There are so many resources at HARRA that it is a loss if any runner does not join. I have fun with all of the clubs and have run with many of them at various times in my career. Terlingua has my guys in it so I stick with my guys, but I train and am a member with BARC because I see them all the time, they are my friends, and I enjoy watching their progress and successes. Bayou City has great guys too, I just can’t keep up with them and 7 Hills in Huntsville has Ken Johnson (and many hills). I have enjoyed participating with Dr. Bob and his AED team, so much so, that I am advocating AED teams for multisport through USAT, IRONMAN and Bay Area Multisport.

HN: Can you give us a glimpe into your training log?

BH: The short sort story is that I like as little mileage as possible, getting into the 50 mile/week range a few times each season, and doing 6 miles at Memorial park at 7 minute pace, which is my hopeful Marathon pace. Track on Tuesday, 6 miles at 7PM on Wednesday, 6 miles easy at Blackhawk on Thursday. Swim on Friday, Race on Saturday or Sunday with the other day off. On the nutritional end, I like Hammer products and don’t take anything except Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Garlic and an Aspirin. Plus, Dr. Carwyn Sharpe, my coach, added the dimension of scientific fueling to my training, something that in my opinion is even more important than the training for an Ironman. In short, I want to run when I am 70 plus and stay competitive like Ino Cantu and those few who hang in there. The age groups keep getting smaller after 50 and there is a reason. Just showing up will be the ultimate goal and beating as many young guys as possible. Even if you don’t beat them, the fear that some old guy might get them makes them better runners. And that is what I enjoy.

Koala/Luke's Houston Half Marathon Highlights

The top highlights of the 2009 Houston Half Marathon, sponsored by Koala Wellness Center and Luke's Locker and presented by the Houston Striders, were the Female Overall Winner and FLS's Autumn Ray (1:23:48) and HMSA's Gerardo Mora capturing the Male Masters title in 1:16:34.

Other age group winners included ALRC's Caroline Burum, as her 1:31:08 paced the Female 40-44 age group, holding off Kenyan Way's Vicki Melnick (2nd in 1:35:00) and ALRC's Martha Long (3rd in 1:35:16). The Tornados' Susan Walters captured the Female 45-49 age group with her tremendously impressive, 1:26:58 run, which placed her 7th on the All-Time Performance List, and beat out Jody Berry of the Houston Striders (1:30:09). Christie Lammers took home the Female 50-54 age group title with her monstrous 1:32:05 run, blasting away from Houston Harrier's Suzanne Day (2nd in 1:38:12) and ALRC's Suzy Seeley (3rd in 1:40:09). Harrier Donna Sterns continued her undefeated streak with her 1:40:15 win in the Female 55-59 age group, out-distancing herself from Strider Julie Rutledge by almost a mile (1:48:06). Houston Strider Judy Loy won the Female 70-74 age group with her 2:43:26 run.

On the Men's side, ALRC's George Alvarado easily handled the Male 1-19 age group with his 6:20 pace, 1:23:00 performance, holding off Ryan Dimarco's 1:28:44 run. Houston Strider Thomas King, Jr. pulled off quite the upset, capturing the Male 40-44 age group with his 1:17:37, fast enough to qualify for the Chevron Houston Marathon Local Invited Elite Status, and taking down Rudy Rocha (1:18:14) of the Bay Area Running Club and the Tornados Francisco Garza (1:21:35). HMSA's Joe Melanson won the Male 50-54 age group with his 1:22:15 performance, as Philip Trumbly of the Tornados placed 2nd in 1:24:07 and ALRC's Richard Peoples took home the bronze with his 1:24:23. Tornados teammates, Miguel Lopez and Jamal Jamalyaria placed first and second, respectively (1:27:01 and 1:29:22) in the Male 55-59 age group, while Terlingua's Ben Harvie won the Male 60-64 age group in a great 1:31:30. Don Brenner of the BCRR won the Male 70-74 age group in 1:47:32 over TWRC's Jim Braden (1:53:58).

Top 10 Overall Male Open
1:08:44 - Sean Wade (42), 2008
1:09:13 - Luis Armenteros, 2008
1:09:23 - Alex Moore, 2007
1:09:25 - Cole Dailey, 2009

1:10:44 - Luis Armenteros, 2007
1:11:50 - Colin Carroll, 2008
1:12:01 - Colin Wolfe, 2008
1:12:16 - Ray Martinez, 2008
1:12:19 - Ray Martinez, 2007
1:12:34 - Rudy Rocha, 2007

Top 10 Overall Male Master
1:08:44 - Sean Wade (42), 2008
1:12:52 - Sean Wade (40), 2006
1:13:53 - Wilmer Bustillos (43), 2008
1:14:13 - Jon Butler (45), 2007
1:14:27 - Joe Flores (48), 2007
1:15:25 - Francisco Perez (42), 2007
1:15:52 - Gerardo Mora (42), 2008
1:16:00 - Jacob Mazone (45), 2007
1:16:32 - Gerardo Mora (40), 2006
1:16:34 - Gerardo Mora (43), 2009

Top 10 Overall Female Open
1:21:40 - Kimberly Hager, 2007
1:22:15 - Kate Gorry, 2007
1:23:04 - Dawn Domaschk, 2008
1:23:09 - Heidy Lozano (44), 2007
1:23:13 - Lindsay Harkema, 2007
1:23:21 - Diana Hirst, 2008
1:23:40 - Autumn Ray, 2006
1:23:48 - Autumn Ray, 2009

1:24:12 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
1:24:18 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006

Top 10 Overall Female Master
1:23:09 - Heidy Lozano (44), 2007
1:24:12 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
1:24:18 - Heidy Lozano (43), 2006
1:24:19 - Heidy Lozano (46), 2009

1:25:20 - Susan Walters (43), 2007
1:25:46 - Susan Walters (42), 2006
1:26:56 - Susan Walters (45), 2009

1:27:27 - Helen Grant (43), 2006
1:28:36 - Christie Lammers (50), 2007
1:29:16 - Caroline Burum (43), 2008

Houston Half Marathon & Relay

The Houston Striders, Inc. is proud to bring you the 2009 Koala Health and Wellness Centers & Luke's Locker Houston Half Marathon & Relay. The 2009 Houston Half Marathon Race and Relay on October 25, 2009, is the first in the 2009 Houston’s Marathon Warm-up Series. We also have a two-person Half Marathon Relay - a fun way to train for the 2010 Chevron Houston Half Marathon. Whether this is your first half marathon or your tenth, please take time to read the following race information.

DATE AND START TIME
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Half Marathon Wheelchair @ 6:50 A.M.
Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay @ 7:00 A.M.

RACE START LOCATION
Near Sam Houston Park, 395 Lamar St. Houston, TX 77002, in downtown Houston. Click For Map

RACE COURSE DESCRIPTION
A certified loop Half Marathon course on Allen Parkway. Relay handoff at the half-way point. Course will be monitored by the Houston Police Department. All mile and 5k points will be marked. Timers and pace callers will be at all mile marks. You can find a map of the course HERE.

WATER STATIONS & MEDICAL SUPPORT
Water Stations at the Start, Finish, Relay Handoff Area and along the race course all supplying water. Qualified medical personnel and the HARRA AED team will be on the course and at the Finish Line.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to runners of all abilities. Half Marathon participants with finishing times under 2:48:00 will be scored for both overall and age group time and place. Finish line closed after 3 hours and course re-opened to traffic (equivalent to 6 hour marathon pace).

RESTRICTIONS
No use of wheeled equipment in the Half Marathon Race and Relay except for approved wheelchairs (see Wheelchair Participants). This ban includes baby strollers and baby joggers of any type, skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles etc. No pets allowed on the course.

WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS
Wheelchair participants will be bound by competition rules for athletics as issued by Wheelchair Track and Field, USA (WTFUSA), the national governing body of Wheelchair Sports, USA. Rules state that helmets must be worn, the chair must have at least two large wheels and one small wheel and no mechanical gears or levers will be allowed.

WARNING Weather conditions in Houston during late October vary. You should expect hot and humid conditions, and train accordingly. THE RACE WILL NOT BE POSTPONED. Please call the Houston Half Marathon Hotline at 713.797.8601 if you have any questions.

ENTRY FEES
HALF MARATHON
$45 postmarked by 9/20/09
$50 Late Registration 9/21/09 - 10/24/09
RELAY
$70 per team - postmarked by 9/20/09
$75 per team - Late Registration 9/21/09 - 10/24/09

DISCOUNTS
The following discounts are offered for registrants, registrants who qualify for more than one discount will only be given one discount - - the one with the highest discount dollar amount they qualify for.
$3 off entry fee for HARRA members
$5 off entry fee if you are aged 65 or older

ONLINE REGISTRATION
You can register at SignMeUp. Or download the Registration Form. and follow the directions below.

MAIL-IN RACE REGISTRATION
No mail in registration postmarked after October 11th will be accepted - you must go to late registration at Luke's Locker to register.


Mail registration forms to: Houston Half Marathon & Relay
P. O. Box 219255
Houston, TX 77218-9255

LATE REGISTRATION & PACKET PICK-UP
Packet pick-up and late registration will be at Luke's Locker.

Mastercard and Visa will be accepted at Late Registration! A $1 service fee will be added to the registration fee.
Date Time Location

Saturday, October 17th 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Luke's Locker
1953 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 MAP
Thursday, October 22nd 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Luke's Locker
1953 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 MAP
Friday, October 23rd 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Luke's Locker
1953 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 MAP
Saturday, October 24th 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Luke's Locker
1953 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 MAP


NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION OR PACKET PICK-UP.
NO REFUND OF ENTRY FEE.

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Race photography will be supplied by RaceShots.

BAG DROP-OFF
The Bag Drop-off will be located in Sam Houston Park and open at 6:00 a.m. on race morning. Instructions for using the Bag Drop-off will be in your race packet.

BIB NUMBER TRANSFER: If for whatever reason, you are unable to participate in the Half Marathon Race or the Half Marathon Relay and wish to transfer your bib number to a friend who wishes to run in the same race that you originally registered for, you may do so. There will be a $5.00 transfer fee for each transfer. All transfers must be made at Late Registration and require the signatures of both parties. No transfers will be allowed on race morning.

HOUSTON HALF MARATHON RACE & RELAY FINISHER'S SINGLET AND FINISHER'S MEDAL
All participants who finish the 2009 HOUSTON HALF MARATHON RACE & RELAY will receive an ASICS SINGLET AND a Finisher's Medal. Please put down your correct size appropriate for a singlet and not a T-shirt. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no exchanges. Thank you ahead of time for your cooperation.

RACE DAY PARKING & INFORMATION
Ample street and garage parking will be available near the race start. Please observe no parking zones, as HPD will ticket and tow violators. The race will not be supplying transportation to and from the relay exchange area. Relay participants, please make arrangements accordingly. A map of race day parking is available HERE.

RELAY INSTRUCTIONS
The disposable timing chip is attached to both runners’ race numbers. .
Both relay runners will tie the chips onto their shoes, either into the laces or with the zip ties provided.
If the first runner does not wear a chip, there will be no split times, if the second does not, there will be no time for the entire team.
The relay team member that signed up the team will be assigned the red bib and chip and will be scored as the lead runner. The other member will be pre-assigned the green bib and chip and be scored as the anchor runner for split times. If your team has the opposite run order, please see the relay tent on race morning so your split times will match the correct runners in the final results.
At the relay exchange point, the lead runner will run over the chip mat and slap the hand of the anchor runner. There will be no ankle straps to exchange this year. Both runners can keep the chips or put them in recycling bins near the finish.
There is NO transportation to or from the relay exchange point.
The relay exchange point is ~2 miles from the start. You may walk along Allen Parkway to the exchange point or there is ample parking around the area.
Allen Parkway will close to traffic at 0630.

POST RACE PARTY
After the race enjoy food, water, and soft drinks in Sam Houston Park.

HOUSTON HALF MARATHON RACE & RELAY AWARDS
The awards ceremony will begin at 9:45 AM.

HALF MARATHON
Top Male and Female Overall
Top Male and Female Masters (Age 40 and over)
Top 3 male and female participants in the following age groups:
19 and below, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44
45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+


WHEELCHAIR DIVISION

Male and Female Wheelchair Participants

RELAY:
Top 3 Teams in each of the following categories: Open Male, Open Female, Masters Male, Masters Female, Open Mixed and Masters Mixed.


NO DUPLICATION OF AWARDS IN EITHER THE HALF MARATHON OR THE RELAY.


VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to help make the race a great experience for all participants. You’ll receive a specially designed T-shirt and an invitation to a volunteer post-race party. For further details: Visit Our Volunteer Page

Houston's Big 3 - The 2009 Marathon Warm-Up Series The 2009 Koala Health & Wellness Centers and Luke's Locker Half Marathon Race and Relay is the 1st in a series of three races (Half Marathon, 25K and 30K) collectively referred to as the 2009 Houston Marathon Warm-Up Series. The HMSA Classical 25K- November 8th, 2009 in downtown Houston, and the Sugar Land Lakes at Williams Ranch 30K - December 13th, 2009.

HARRA COMPETITION
The Half Marathon is part of the Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA) 2008 Fall Race Series. Registered HARRA members are also competing for points toward Runner of the Season status in Open Men, Open Women, Masters Men and Masters Women, Veteran Men and Veteran Women, as well as various team categories for Team of the Season awards. For more HARRA information call: (713) 797-8602 or visit: www.harra.org.

HOUSTON HALF MARATHON & RELAY MANAGERS - THE HOUSTON STRIDERS, INC.,
As a premier Houston running club, the goal of the Houston Striders is to encourage fitness and dialogue among runners, joggers & walkers of all levels. Our club members contribute to the running community as race volunteers, race directors, volunteer coaches as well as participating in group runs, picnics and other running and non-running activities. For more information call 713.797.8601 or visit us at: www.houstonstriders.org.

MAJOR HOUSTON HALF MARATHON SPONSORS

KOALA HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTERS' professionally trained staff will be available for free advice at the Half Marathon Post Race Party. Koala Health and Wellness Centers are full service Chiropractic Clinics with a concentration on the treatment of sports injuries. They are located in downtown Houston, West Houston, Dallas and Webster, Texas. For further details on services, please call (713) 652-9777 or visit www.koalacenters.com.

LUKE'S LOCKER is a family-owned business that began in Dallas, Texas 24 years ago. In the Houston Area, Luke's Locker stores are located in the River Oaks Center on West Gray, The Woodlands and Katy. Luke's is a specialty store focusing on running, multi-sport, and fitness apparel and shoes. They train their staff to offer the best in foot evaluation to ensure you make the right decision on what shoe is best for your foot type. Call (713) 529-0786 or visit http://www.lukeslocker.com/.

HOUSTON HALF MARATHON & RELAY CHARITY
Memorial Park Conservancy works to protect and enhance the Park. The Houston Striders, managers of the Houston Half Marathon and Relay, are proud to once again support this very worthwhile and important charity. For more information, visit www.memorialparkconservancy.org or call 713-863-8403.

The Reinvention of Rudy Rocha

Longtime HARRA Member, Rudy Rocha, has been training in the suburbs of Baytown and racing the streets of Houston since 1998.

Originally from Cuero, Texas, Rudy attended Cuero High School, where he was a two-time UIL State Championship 3200 meter runner in Track and went on to an All-American career at the College of the Ozarks in Missouri and at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Upon returning to Houston to rear his children with his wife, Jeannette, Rudy enlisted as a Special Education Teacher in Goose Creek ISD. Since then, Rudy has progressively padded his running resume, racing to personal bests of 14:17 (5K), 29:58 (10K), 1:06:36 (Half Marathon), and 2:29:15 (Marathon), racing the likes of Jon Warren, Sean Wade, and Justin Chaston at their best.

However, for those of you racing locally as of late, one cannot help but wince at watching Rudy cross the finish line, much further back in the lead pack than usual, and with atrocious running form due to over a year of personal selfish neglect as he withstood the gradual passing of his youngest brother, Aaron Rocha.

As each and every day that passed at a hospice in Houston, it became second nature for Rudy to skip his training to hold his brother's hand, to help him breathe, to give him hope and to be with him. And when Aaron insisted that Rudy run, for that was all Aaron had known Rudy to do, Rudy would mercilessly pound his body into the concrete of Baytown, ignoring his ever-increasing muscle imbalances and injuries. This vicious cycle of depression and masochism drove Rudy to the runner he is today, a runner in search of a brilliant past, if only he could ever overcome his physical degeneration.

However, if the United Space Alliance 10 Mile is any indication of Rudy's return to form with his 56:36 performance, Master runners be warned: Rudy is on the verge of reinventing himself.

HARRA News was fortunate to spend some time with the father of four after the USA 10 Mile -

HN: Rudy, what did you think about today's performance (10th in 56:36)?

RR: I was both surprised and excited, because the time indicates that I am heading in the right direction. My last four weeks of mileage totals have been 60, 46, 49, and 42 miles going into this race with one long run of 14 miles... so I am definitely encouraged.

HN: Did you have a goal entering this race?

RR: The goal before the race was to run with the masters group, with the exception of Sean, because I knew they would not go out very fast and maybe I would have enough experience to bring it home. I was hoping for a time in the 56-minute range, but I was not sure. I was worried about my fitness past the six mile mark, as I would typically not run a race this long with the little training I have had over the past month.

HN: It has been said that your engine, your fitness level, is that of a sub-15:00 5K runner, but that mechanically, you are limited at the moment. What do you need to fix and how are you going about the process of rehabilitating a once fluid gait cycle?

RR: I have bursitis on my left leg and hip. I have Dr. Sexton and Kevin Landry out of Clear Lake working on me. I have to do all these supplemental exercises to strengthen myself in addition to the treatment. If I can get up to 95% or 100%, I still think I can run around 15:15 for 5k and 31:30 for 10k. I have a personal best of 49:36 and 49:37 for 10 miles on two different courses so it's not like I am asking my body to do too much. If I can average 4:57 for 10 miles, I should be able to average 4:55 for 3 miles if I do the work.

HN: Have you been inspired by the performances of your peers, in seeing the likes of Sean Wade running his best times at 43, and not 40, as a Masters athlete?

RR: I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sean regarding his consistency and work ethic. To see the times he is putting down is inspirational and also gives me hope that one can still ran fast even into your mid-forties. I hope to bridge the gap some in the next few months. Sean and I had some fast races together in 1999. He and Jon Warren pushed me to a personal best of 1:21:34 at 25k and we ran the Space City 10k in around 31:21 that year.

HN: Rudy, would you mind providing for us an example of a perfect week of training for you in your prime, and now as a Masters athlete?

RR: 90-92 miles per week. Long run on Sunday of 14-20 miles. I like to run speed on Tuesday and a hard 10 mile fartlek on Saturday, if not racing. I would run the 10 mile loop in around 56-minutes and get down to the 52-minute range when fit. I ran that loop once in 50:42 two weeks before running 10 mile PR of 49:36, with splits of 25:03/24:32. As a master I am following the same layout but I have not run more than 60 miles a week yet. I am taking it real slow so I do not get hurt and can continue rehabbing my form.

HN: Could you give us a glimpse of the personal tragedy you and your family endured during your brother's last days and how it affected you and your family's life?
RR: My brother was brilliant. He was twenty eight and had two degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Chemistry. He was working at a Pharmacy and testing to go back to school to be a pharmacist when all of sudden he became ill in March of 2008.

After his stay in a hospital in Austin, I brought him to live with me so I could get treatment for him at the Medical Center in Houston. I was driving back and forth from Baytown to Houston for a couple of months, but his health kept declining. Finally, it got to the point that the doctors told us there was nothing else they could do. They recommended putting him in a hospice center so he could receive 24 hour care and keep him comfortable. This crushed our family. We just lean on each other and we were there everyday with Aaron.

It was a Friday, August 22nd, and I just had finished up an in-service week for back to school when I got the call to hurry up and get to the hospice center. Aaron was in transition and was asking for me. I got there and I knew this was it. He smiled at me and my kids and called everyone by name. He asked me to hold him. The next hour I held him as he gradually slipped away. He whispered, “ I am going to miss you guys, thank you.” He looked at me and smiled and everything stopped.

The next few months were a fog. I stopped running the next morning. I ran to his grave site, knelt down and cried for an hour. I was mentally and physically depleted. Three months went by and all I would do was come home and sleep. I gained seventeen pounds and I did not care. Our family all got together during Christmas and talked about the experience which helped everyone get moving again. Gradually, we all began to get back to normal but you still feel a big void in your spirit and heart.

HN: Do you feel you are back mentally, and what are your plans for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010?

RR: I feel mentally ready to compete. I just have to get the training in and get my biomechanics corrected. The goal for the rest of the year is to continue to get in shape by racing as frequently as possible. Racing will help me get the feel back. I plan to ran fast in 2010, and I will be ready.

HARRA News thanks Rudy Rocha for his time and personal insight and we wish him the best into the New Year...

USA 10 Mile: Mission Accomplished

With over 800 participants in better-than-expected weather, the 2009 United Space Alliance 10 Miler was quite a record-breaking day, led by the pride of Houston, Sean Wade of Kenyan Way, blistering his old Master's record with a stunning 50:40 performance to capture 2nd Overall in the highly competitive HARRA Fall Series Opener for individual scoring.

Mary Davies of the Tornados blasted away to an impressive sub-hour clocking, with her aggressively run, 58:08, moving Davies to 5th All-Time on the USA 10 Mile Top Ten Performance List (below).

Other top age group performers were Virginia Jones (1:11:25) and Lauren Perkins (1:13:18) of BARC, as they swept the top two spots of the Female 25 to 29 age group. The Female 30 to 34 age group was dominated by ALRC's Stacey Holden (1:06:06), while clubmate Sarah Husbands (1:10:40) held off BARC's Lisa Fletcher (1:11:36) for second place in the division. The Female 35 to 39 age group had BCRR's Carlye Graydon place second with a 1:13:32 performance. Also placing second in her age group (Female 40 to 44) was BCRR's Anna Helm (1:17:30). The hotly contested Female 45 to 49 age group proved a classic, as Jody Berry (Houston Striders) was the class of the age group with a 1:07:48, negative-split, run. Clubmate Helen Grant placed 2nd with her 1:09:13, while ALRC's Melissa Hurta-Crites took bronze in 1:09:34. Suzanne Day of the Houston Harriers captured the Female 50 to 54 age group in 1:12:02, while ALRC's Carole Uttecht (1:14:57) and BCRR's Rhonda Emerson (1:18:24) placed second and third, respectively. Perhaps the performance of the day came from the Female 55 to 59 age group, as the legendary Donna Sterns won her division by almost 25-minutes in perfectly paced, 1:14:57! Clear Lake Fit Club's Donna Goode placed third with her 1:38:32. The Female 60 to 64 was well contested, with Nancy Prejean (TWRC, 1:19:36), Alice Keelin (TTC, 1:23:30), and Elizabeth Ahrens (HS, 1:27:45) took the honors. Margaret Montgomery took silver in the Female 65 to 69 age group with her negative-split 2:07:01.

On the Men's Side, BARC's Keith Herrin kicked off the Male 14 and under division with a default victory in 1:47:02. Clubmate and newcomer, Blake Culp placed 2nd in the Male 25 to 29 age group with a solid 56:07, holding off Tornado's Alex Moreno's 59:04. Joe Oviedo of the Tornados showed he was back to form with his 56:05 victory in the Male 30-34 age group, while the Male 40 to 44 age group proved to be the most competitive, with Sean Wade (50:40) taking the Master's title, leading HMSA's Gerardo Mora (56:20), BARC's Rudy Rocha (56:36), and the Tornado's Wilmer Bustillos (56:59) all to top ten peformance setting times for 40+ athletes. The Male 45 to 49 was no less competitive with Sam Cuevas of the Tornados proving he was the class of the division with a time of 1:00:26, leading HMSA's Tuan Nguyen (1:02:58) and BCRR's Matthew Nicol (1:03:08) to solid times. Another great trio was discovered in the Male 50 to 54 age group, as the ageless wonder, Joe Melanson of HMSA blasted a 1:00:38 run, carrying with him Dale Lee (TTC, 1:03:07) and ALRC's Richard Peoples (1:03:25) to the podium. The Male 55 to 59 saw Steve Brammer of the Tornados win in 1:02:04, while clubmate Miguel Lopez placed second in 1:04:54. Clubmates of TTC, Ben Harvie (1:08:53) and Roger Boak (1:09:19) held off third-place finisher Ty Schmaltz of ALRC in 1:14:40 in the Male 60 to 64 age group. Kenneth Ruane placed second in the Male 65 to 69 age group in 1:11:46, out-sprinting ALRC's Rich Siemens (1:11:50) for the silver. BCRR's Don Brenner impressively won the Male 70 to 74 age group in 1:15:56, as HS's Ruben Coryat placed second in 1:22:46.

Top 10 Performance List
Overall Male Open Winners
49:48 - Richard Kimeli, 2007
50:12 - Joseph Gray, 2007
50:14 - Shadrack Songok, 2009
50:17 - Richard Kimeli, 2006
50:40 - Sean Wade, 2009
50:51 - Bernard Manirariza, 2006
50:57 - Sesar Figueroa, 2009
51:03 - Jacob Rotich, 2005
51:09 - Cole Dailey, 2006
51:36 - Richard Kimeli, 2008

Overall Male Masters Winners
50:40 - Sean Wade (43), 2009
52:28 - Sean Wade (42), 2008
55:30 - Joe Flores (44), 2004
55:34 - Wilmer Bustillos (43), 2008
55:55 - William Moore (43), 2005
56:20 - Gerardo Mora (43), 2009
56:36 - Rudy Rocha (40), 2009
56:39 - Franciso Perez (42), 2007
56:59 - Wilmer Bustillos (44), 2009
57:29 - Tom King (40), 2009

Overall Female Open Winners
56:43 - Lilian Chelimo, 2007
57:15 - Jody Hawkins, 2004
57:27 - Liza Hunter-Galvan, 2005
57:52 - Kelly Keane, 2004
58:08 - Mary Davies, 2009
59:32 - Jody Hawkins, 2005
1:00:20 - Emily Loeffler, 2009
1:00:47 - Debbie Arzola, 2009
1:01:06 - Jody Hawkins, 2006
1:01:31 - Desiree Skinner, 2005

Overall Female Masters Winners
1:01:06 - Jody Hawkins (40), 2006
1:03:22 - Heidy Lozano (46), 2009
1:04:47 - Susan Walters (43), 2007
1:04:54 - Christie Lammers (47), 2004
1:05:10 - Christie Lammers (46), 2003
1:05:33 - Heidy Lozano (45), 2008
1:06:39 - Susan Walters (42), 2006
1:07:26 - Margo Braud (45), 2004
1:07:48 - Jody Berry (49), 2009
1:08:20 - Suzanne Day (47), 2004

10 For Texas Tally

Finish Line Sports' Autumn Ray captured the 2009 10 For Texas ten mile race in The Woodlands on Saturday, October 10th, running a time 1:01:48, while Houston Harrier Joe Flores placed 2nd overall and first Masters with his stellar 57:39 performance.

Over 1500 runners participated in the fourth version of the 10 For Texas race in The Woodlands. For more detailed results, click here.

United Space Alliance 10-Miler

United Space Alliance 10 Miler & 2 Person Relay
Sunday, October 11, 2009
University of Houston at Clear Lake, TX
7:00 a.m.

The United Space Alliance 10 miler is back for a sixth year in the Clear Lake area as part of the HARRA (Houston Area Road Runners Association) Fall Series of races.

Where: The University of Houston at Clear Lake. Take I-45 south from Houston to the East Bay Area BLVD. exit. Go east for about 4 miles. Turn right into Entrance 1 on to the U of H - Clear Lake campus and follow the signs for parking.

The Course: The course is a certified single loop course around scenic Clear Lake. There will be aid stations at a minimum of every 2 miles, depending on the weather.

Awards: Special awards will be given to the Overall Male and Female as well as the Masters Male and Female. Age group awards will be given in 5 year age groups. $2200 ON THE RUN PRIZE PURSE Mile Primes, miles 2, 4 and 6 $100 each, $600 total.

Timing: This race will use the disposal tag system timed through Run Wild Sports Timing. The final results will include 5 mile split along with final time.

Packet Pickup/Registration:

Friday : October 9th from noon to 6:00pm at TRI ON THE RUN, 5535 Memorial Dr. (next to Starbucks), 832/673-0600.
Saturday : October 10th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at ON THE RUN, 2427 Bay Area BLVD (@Space Center), 281/480-5388.
Race day registration and packet pick-up will be available at the race site until 6:30am. Please arrive early if you are planning to register on race day. Please do not forget to pickup your chip prior to the start or you will not receive a time. ALL PARTICIPANTS TO RECEIVE A BROOKS PODIUM LONG SLEEVE TECH RUNNING SHIRT!

Information: Volunteers and information: Contact ON THE RUN at 281-480-5388. We will need 100 volunteers. You are vital to the success of this event. Thank You. Additional information is available at www.ontheruntx.com.

HARRA Fall Series: The United Space Alliance 10 miler is part of the HARRA Fall Series. HARRA members receive a $2 discount.

If the participant is under 18 - A parent/guardian must sign and date a copy of the waiver. Deliver the signed waiver to volunteers at the time of packet pickup.

Your privacy will be respected and no information will be shared with third parties. Please review our Terms of Use.

Event Fees:
Category On or Before September 13 After September 13 Raceday
10 Miler $35.00 $40.00 $50.00
2 Person Relay $60.00 $70.00 $80.00
Online Registration Fee: $3.10
* indicates required information

2009 HARRA Cross Country Relay

Saturday, September 26, 2009 5:00 PM

Website: http://www.tornadosrunningclub.com/

Location
Buffalo Bayou Park
Shepherd Dr & Memorial Dr
Houston, TX

About This Event
The HARRA X-C Relay is the first event of the HARRA Fall racing series. The event is a 4 person cross country relay with each person running a 2 mile loop. Unique awards (Sombreros) are given to the overall winners in each division. Race is open to all runners/relay teams. You do not have to compete for HARRA club points to participate in this event.

The race start is at the corner of Memorial Drive and Shepherd. The race course is a 2 mile loop that runs along the north side of Buffalo Bayou starting at Shepherd. The race course has some challenging slopes.

Registration Information
Early registration will be held on the Friday, September 25th, at Luke's Locker on West Gray (4:00PM - 7:00PM). You may also pickup your team race numbers during this time. The early registration location will be the last day where you can register with early registration fees and with the $1 HARRA discount.

Race day registration will be available from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. All race day registrations will be $60 - so please register early. If you plan on picking up your race number on race day please show up early. Please have your registration form filled out when you show up to register on race day. Forms are available on the Tornados Club website at http://www.tornadosrunningclub.com/.

Awards
Awards will be given to the top 3 teams in each category, excepting High School. This new category will only have Overall awards for Male, Female and Mixed.

HARRA Club Competition
For those teams who are competing for HARRA club points, each runner on a relay team must be a HARRA member to be eligible for HARRA team scoring. All HARRA team scoring rules apply. HARRA team scoring competition rules can be found on the HARRA website at http://www.harra.org/.

Post Race
Stay around after the race for awards ceremony, lots of door prizes, snacks and some ice cold beverages.

Race Restrictions
NO PETS ALLOWED: The city of Houston ordinances does not allow pets while this event is taking place. NO STROLLERS or HEADPHONES allowed on the race course. In the unfortunate event that this race is cancelled due to weather or other unusual circumstances beyond the control of the race director, NO REFUNDS will be offered.

Parking
Parking will be available at St Thomas High School parking lot.

HARRA Members Revive Galveston

HARRA and Finish Line Sports Running Club member, Autumn Ray, captured the 2009 Galveston Rebirth Race 5K in a stellar time of 18:17 to place 2nd Overall and win the Female race outright.

Terlingua Track Club members, Margaret Resto and Tonya Arnold won the Female 30-39 and Female 40-49 age groups in times of 21:41 and 23:53, respectively. Bay Area Running Club's Catherine Fulford won the Female 50-59 age group in a time of 25:17.

On the Men's side, TTC's Dale Lee captured a competitive Male 50-59 age group with a great time of 18:20, while clubmate Ben Harvie took home the Male 60-69 age group in a time of 19:47. Bayou City Road Runner's Simon Brabo won the Male 30-39 age group in 20:47.

Overall, almost 300 runners particpated in the inaugural event to benefit the Galveston Historical Foundation.

Two Texans were recently announced as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Top 100 Program, which is designed to recognize the 100 fastest Open Men and Open Women by providing race morning amenities along with a chance to start at the front of the field.

Joshua Trevino, a 25-year old, most recently competed for the University of Maine and captured the 2009 Hottest Half Marathon in Dallas on August 23rd in a course record time of 1:10:27, will be representing Irving, Texas.

Representing San Antonio will be 28-year old and newbie to running, Daniel Jess. Jess is recently coming off a 1:10:33, 5th place finish, at the 2009 Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

Good luck to both of them, as they finish up their preparations for the October 11th race.

Run for a Reason Kickoff Party

Celebrate the countdown to race day 2010 at Chevron Houston Marathon’s FREE annual Run for a Reason Kickoff Party!

Thursday, September 10
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Park - Picnic Lane

Bring a printout of your 2010 registration confirmation to get a FREE
“In Training” T-shirt while supplies last.

Click here for more kickoff details!

Toughest 10K in Houston

You know you need some intense hill repeats, so here is your chance. The second annual "Toughest 10K in Houston", an event sponsored by the Bay Area Running Club and the Clear Lake Fitness Club is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, starting at 7:30AM. The run starts out easy on the Kemah Boardwalk, but then comes the TOUGH part- two passes (four climbs) over the Seabrook/Kemah bridge. Both outside lanes and shoulders of the bridge will be coned off for our runners. The race benefits Bridge Over Troubled Water and you can register for the race here.

HARRA Party in the Park

The 2009 HARRA Party in the Park was a tremendous affair in great weather conditions, as HARRA Membership Clubs, the Bayou City Road Runners, the Houston Striders, the Tornados Running Club, and the Houston Masters Sports Association represented.

The Woodlands Friday Night Lights Cross Country

HARRA Members Gabriel Rodriguez, Luis Armenteros (Houston Harriers), and Rudy Rocha (Bay Area Running Club), placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th overall, respectively, in the Open Race at the 2009 The Woodlands Friday Night Lights Cross Country 2M+ race at Bear Branch Fields.

San Antonio's Liza Hunter-Galvan Admits EPO Use

Liza Hunter-Galvan, a prominent road racer on the Texas running scene and New Zealand Olympic Marathoner based out of San Antonio, Texas, admitted to using EPO and has been banned from competition for 2 years.

Hunter-Galvan is a past champion (2005, 57:24.4) of the HARRA Fall Series Race, the USA 10 Miler.

HARRA Party in the Park

REMINDER that the 2009 HARRA Party in the Park is set for Saturday, August 29th, at 7:30 AM and will run until 10:00 AM at Memorial Park, just West of the Tennis Center.

We look forward to seeing all HARRA Clubs represented in this great social event and opportunity to recruit new members and enjoy the St. Arnold's brew... among other refreshments and entertainment.

Sunmart to Continue as Texas Trail Runs 50K/12.5M

This past Wednesday, August 19th, Roberta MacInnis of the Houston Chronicle reported in an article titled, "Sunmart to stay... sort of: Ultra-distance event will go on without sponsor", the future of the ultra race formerly known as Sunmart.

What is intriguing is that there were several sponsorship offers for the race and yet perhaps none were thoroughly pursued. The new Texas Trail Run 50K and 12.5 Miler will take place on Saturday, December 5th, 2009, the traditional date of Sunmart, and will still take place at Huntsville State Park.

The new 12.5 Mile distance (one loop of the 50K course) will replace the traditional 50-Mile Run, in order to introduce new runners to trail racing. This is a bit disappointing, however, as the "Sunmart" 50-Mile usually produced a world-class field with world-class times.

However, the Rocky Raccoon event in February will still host an opportunity to attack the 50-Mile distance at Huntsville State Park.

HARRA at 2009 Summer National Senior Games

The 2009 Summer National Senior Games, presneted by Humana, took place this past week, August 1-15th in San Francisco, California, as HARRA Members Orville Kremmer (ALRC), Sabra Harvey (HS), and Kenneth Ruane competed in both the 5K and 10K Road Racing competitions.

• Sabra Harvey of the Houston Striders won GOLD in both the 5K and 10K in the F60-64 Age Group, running 19:55 and 41:58, respectively.


• Kenneth Ruane took SILVER in the M65-69 5K Road Race in 20:55, and earned the BRONZE in the M65-69 10K Road Race with a time of 44:46


• Orville Kremmer of the Al Lawrence Running Club captured GOLD in the M75-79 10K with a 54:44 performance, and placed 4th in the M75-79 5K in 26:08

Congratulations to all!

Outriggers 5K on the Bay Recap

HARRA Members were very visible at the 2009 Outriggers 5K on the Bay in Seabrook, sponsored by On the Run.

HARRA Member and Houston Tornado, Susie Walters, captured the 1st Overall Female title with a 19:28 clocking. Houston Master, Gerardo Mora, turned in the second fastest master's performance in the history of this event (formerly Maribelle's 5K), with his 16:28 victory.

Other HARRA Highlights in their respective Age Groups included BARRA Supervet, Lenord Burns, as he produced a minor upset over local legend and TTC Member, Ben Harvie, 20:39 to 21:23, respectively, in the 60-69 Male Age Group. Not to be out-done in his own right, was the iconic FLS Member, Ino Cantu, as he blitzed away to the 70-79 Male Age Group title with a stellar 23:26 performance.

On the Women's side, BARC Member Lauren Perkins captured the 20-29 Female category with her 22:14 run. Vera Balic reinforced BARC's presence by contributing the 30-39 Female category victory in 21:07. BCRR's Lara Allen surprisingly ran away with the 40-49 Female title, while her teammate, Kathleen Mahon, won the Female 50-59 title in 25:46. HMSA's Jo Ann Luco rounded out the age group titlists by claiming the 70-79 Female age group.

Lunar Rendezvous Run Recap

HARRA Member and Houston Masters Sports Association Master, Gerardo Mora, captured his fourth straight Lunar Rendezvous Run 5K Masters title with a stellar, 16:32.9 clocking, his fastest at the Lunar Rendezvous Run.

Overall titles went to Sesar Figueroa (15:02.0) and Lauren Smith (17:49.5), as over 450 runners participated in this highly competitive race at Space Center Houston, while Suni Williams captured the Female Masters title in 21:05.8.

Congratulations to all who participated.

Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon Sold Out

Click here to register for the 2010 EP5K or ABB Team Challenge.

The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon are SOLD OUT through open registration. Marathon and half marathon entries are available through the Heroes charity registration. Click here to register for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon and become a Hero!

Houston Marathon 70% Full

Click here to register for the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon, EP5K, or ABB Team Challenge.

As of 2:00 pm on Friday, there are a total of 13,200 registered participants in the marathon and half marathon.

Reminder that tomorrow, Saturday, July 18th at 7:30 am, is the 31st Annual Lunar Rendezvous 5K at Space Center Houston. Registration can be found here.

Tomorrow is also the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute Expo in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon. There will be exhibitors, including HARRA and the marathon, various running stores, etc. The event will be held at the CityCentre Life Time Athletic Club located at 815 Town & Country Lane, Houston, 77024, from 10 am to 2 pm. There is a parking garage adjacent to the facility.

The Toxicity of this City

The realization hit me this morning, post-run, after another triple-digit burner... I am not sweating the way nature intended, I am bleeding water.

Sweat, in most livable conditions throughout this great nation, beads upon the surface of the skin and then either progresses to be evaporated in the atmosphere, or perhaps dawdles down the skin to the earth.

However, Houston has taken a life of it's own this summer, attempting to mimic life on Mercury. Is it just me, or is this the worst running summer on record?

My worst fears were confirmed when recovering one night from a day of work, life, and training, I was watching the Discovery Channel, half-heartedly, when a brief announcement caught my attention: "Houston is in peril. The country's fourth most populous city faces, heat, hurricanes and other natural disasters."

Discovery Channel's "Mega-Engineering" show focused on "The Houston Dome." Basically, Houston is becoming unlivable. With raising greenhouse gases (Houston has surpassed Los Angeles as # 1 in the country), searing heat and humidity levles oppress this city. Houstonians face extinction...

Enjoy your run, HARRA Members...