ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 10K Round-Up

HARRA Members had a strong showing at the 2010 ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 10K this past Saturday (Feb. 27) in Downtown Houston, as Sean Wade (KW) and Mary Davies (TOR) were the Overall Male and Female winners, respectively running 31:28 and 35:33, while Rudy Rocha (BARC) claimed the Masters title in 34:20.

Adam Davis (HH) claimed second overall and won the Male 25-29 age group with his 32:03 performance, while clubmate Luis Armenteros placed third overall in 32:24 to win the Male 35-39 age group. Another Houston Harrier, Joe Flores, captured the Male 50-54 age group with his stellar, 34:52 run. TTC's Ben Harvie won the Male 60-64 with his 41:38, while Don Brenner (BCRR) laid waste to the Male 65-69 age group in 46:58. Ino Cantu won the Male 75 and Older crown with his 48:43.

On the female side, Alice Keelin (TTC) won the Female 60-64 age group in 50:36, while Julie Rutledge (HS) won the Female 55-59 group in 47:42. With Davies capturing the overall title, the Female 25-29 age group went to Adrienne Langelier (TWRC) in 38:56.

HARRA Interview with Donna Sterns

Donna Sterns (center) has been a fixture in HARRA and the Houston running community for as long as one can remember. Owner of lifetime PRs of 17:39 (5K), 35:41 (10K), 1:17:12 (Half Marathon), and 2:38:51 (Marathon), Donna is a two-time USA Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier (1984 & 1988) and has continued her amazing longevity as a Masters (40-49) and Veteran (50-59) runner.

As a Masters, Donna has compiled best times of 18:00 (5K), 38:21 (10K), and 2:52:39 (Marathon). Her best Marathon as a Veteran was her 3:23:33 performance from the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon.

HARRA News recently caught up, literally, with the great Donna Sterns after her 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon performance...

HN: Donna, can you please give us some insight into training in Houston in the 80's and 90's and the group dynamics of that time period? What has changed, for better or for worse?
DS: In 1979 I started training with Jim McLatchie and the Houston Harriers. In a few years we had a group of 25 - 30 totally dedicated distance running athletes that met at Houston Baptist University on Monday and Wednesday nights for track workouts and Saturday mornings for long runs. On the track we were separated into groups of 4 - 5 runners that could run close to the same times. Jim would have our workout in his "black book" that he brought to the track. Lots of Mondays we would run 6 x 1 mile or 12 x 800 with a 200 jog between. On Wednesdays we might have a mile breakdown of Mile, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 with 1/4 jog between. We always ran hard on the track, holding nothing back; my heart rate was over 200 bpm. Our long runs were 18 - 30 miles. During marathon training I did 2-a-days by running 4 miles in the morning Mon - Fri and 6 -12 miles during the evening (including our track days) with a 20 plus mile run on Saturday and an 18 on Sunday. I always built up from 70 miles per week in the off season to 100 - 120 miles peaking before a marathon.

We had a group of 4 - 8 women that consistently ran together and pushed each other to the limit. One of my best friends, Debbi Briggs and I trained together several times a week for 15 years. Sometimes we would divide up the weekend races so we could both win. In 1984, Jim coached 8 of us to the Womens' First Olympic Marathon Trials in Olympia, Washington. Many of us PRed that day It was an awesome experience and McLatchie's training really paid off. Five of us returned to the 1988 USA Marathon Trials in Pittsburg.

Now there are lots of training groups around Houston, but not many focused on winning and running fast times to qualify for the Marathon Trials. Many of the runners today are new to the sport and run for the social atmosphere and general fitness rather than the competition. I think improving your fitness and developing a healthy lifestyle are very important so I welcome all these new runners. I still believe that there are some top athletes that could make it to the next level if they did more work and set higher goals. In the 80's, women ran 17 minutes routinely in 5Ks and 35 minutes in 10Ks and 2:40's marathons; you don't see those times locally any more.

HN: What are some of your best experiences in running?
DS: It's the people! Most of my best friends are runners. We share so much together. No one knows you better than your running buddies. Even if you don't live near each other anymore or get to run together very much, the bond is always there.

I was fortunate to travel on Nike's team to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Japan and also competed in many major marathons: Boston, New York, Marine Corps, Grandmas, Las Vegas, L.A., Rio de Janerio (with my good friend, Kathy Molitor) and of course all the local Texas and Louisiana marathons. Each race offered great experiences with people and the environment.

HN: Any favorite races, most memorable races?
DS: My most memorable race is the 1984 Women's Olympic Marathon Trials. I had an achilles injury 3 months before the race and after healing I only had 12 weeks to pull it all together. I had also lost both my parents a few years before and they knew this was a huge goal race of mine. I had run 8 other marathons between 2:43 - 2:46 all while trying to break the 2:40 barrier. During the race, I ran the perfect pace I had planned, running negative splits for 2:39.11. The last 8 miles I was running scared and running amazed! One leg cramp and you could be out. I thought of my parents, my hard training and I was thankful that God had allowed me this opportunity to be fit and successful with this goal. During the last mile when I knew I would break 2:40, tears ran down my face and when I crossed the line a friend of mine called my name and I pumped my fist in the air and said "I did it!" I remember it like it was yesterday. The local newspaper caught my reaction on camera and put it in the paper the next day. They sent me a photo so I'll always remember this exciting moment.

HN: You used to train for the Olympic Trials, what keeps you motivated these days? Why train so hard?
DS: I run to eat! It's all about Blue Bell Ice cream! Really, I enjoy being fit. I have a Masters in Education focused on Exercise Physiology so I have always had an interest in being healthy. I also work in the industry, selling Brooks Sports footwear and apparel, Moving Comfort sport bras and apparel, Thorlo socks, Spenco insoles and Zensah leg sleeves so I'm literally covered top to bottom in running gear so it makes sense to keep up with training. If I'm showing product at a race I still need to get my workout in so I might as while run. But if you toe the line, be prepared to get beat if you haven't done the work! That keeps me motivated to keep training!

HN: You keep an amazing figure, any diet tips for HARRA?
DS: Run more! I don't eat any special foods. I follow the Sea Food Diet, see food, eat it!

HN: Your whole family is actively involved in running, how did that unfold?
DS: My husband, Darrell and I met at an All Comers Meet at Rice and then later at the water fountain at Memorial Park. We knew a lot of the same runners so it didn't take long for us to become a permanent couple at the races. My kids started in the baby jogger, graduated to 1Ks then ran middle school and high school track. My daughter, Kristen is a senior and had knee problems early in high school, but she now runs 4-5 miles several days a week for fitness. My son, Jordan, is a high school freshman and ran varsity cross country, earned his letter jacket, and starts track this season.

HN: Anything you would have done differently?
DS: No. Running actually changed my life. I met my husband, Darrell running, switched careers because of running and my closest friends are runners. It defines part of every day.

HN: Anything else you would like to share with HARRA?
DS: Running distance races and marathons has always been easier for me than shorter races. I can mentally focus for a long time and have confidence in having a good finish. I visualize the race course and see myself doing well. I use a lot of positive affirmations and prayer to keep me focused and relaxed. I enjoy cheering on others as it also motivates me. I try to stay in the "now" and the finish takes care of itself.

HARRA News would like to thank Donna Sterns and her wonderful insight and candid thoughts, and we wish her well in the upcoming HARRA Spring Series! Go get 'em, Donna!

Buffalo Wallow Cross Country 6K

Great performances were turned in at the 2010 Buffalo Wallow 6K, the kick-off event for the 2010 HARRA Spring Series.

First of all, the 2010 version of the Buffalo Wallow debuted a very exciting Team aspect of the race, as three men and two women comprised the teams. Winning the first ever Team Open title was the Bay Area Running Club, led by the 1-2 punch of Virginia Jones (27th in 24:22.2) and John Hedengren (2nd in 19:49.2). The team was rounded out by Blake Culp (6th in 21:22.7), Alan Hedengren (11th in 21:33.9), and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (62nd in 27:24.4). Host Houston Harriers captured the Masters Team title in dominating fashion.

In the Open Men's race, Luis Armenteros led wire-to-wire in another stellar performance at the event, just missing his best time on the course (19:26.3 from 2008) and missing the event record of 19:21.4 by Gabriel Rodriguez in 2009. Runner-up and previous winner of this event, John Hedengren (former All-American at BYU), turned in his best time at this race with his 19:49.2 clocking to lead former Aggie JP MacHemehl in third with a strong 20:04.2 performance.

The Open Female's race turned in an event-record performance, with Virginia Jones romping to a 24:22.2 run, leading second-place finisher Jennifer Dean to the third fastest all-time in 24:29.2.

The Men's Masters title went to none other than Gerardo Mora, as he kept up his impressive HARRA race streak, winning the race in 21:58.0, narrowly missing his 2009 time (21:56.4). Runner-up was the tremendously impressive performance by 50-year old, Joe Flores, as he ran brilliantly with a 22:02.9. Thomas King mimicked Mora's race strategy and narrowly missed his 2009 time (22:06.0) by one-second (22:05.0).

The Female Master's title went to the most dominant harrier in recent years, Helen Grant, as she stormed to a 26:23.9 winning performance.

Full race results can be found here.

Female Open
24:22.2, Virginia Jones (2010)
24:25.4, Brittany Wells (2009)
24:29.2, Jennifer Dean (2010)
24:37.9, Jennifer Brown (2009)
25:01.0, Alexandra Gajewski (2005)
25:02.8, Caroline Burum (2005)
25:17.4, Sabra Harvey (2009)
25:19.6, Liz Pinches (2008)
25:30.0, Helen Grant (2009)
25:31.7, Helen Grant (2008)

Male Open
19:21.4, Gabriel Rodriguez (2009)
19:26.3, Luis Armenteros (2008)
19:29.7, Luis Armenteros (2010)
19:49.2, John Hedengren (2010)
19:55.0, Colin Carroll (2009)
19:56.2, Colin Carroll (2008)
19:58.2, John Hedengren (2009)
20:03.1, Ramiro Alvarado (2008)
20:04.2, JP MacHemehl (2010)
20:08.8, John Hedengren (2006)

Female Masters
25:17.4, Sabra Harvey (2009)
25:30.0, Helen Grant (2009)
25:31.7, Helen Grant (2008)
25:33.9, Helen Grant (2006)
25:37.2, Christie Lammers (2006)
25:43.2, Helen Grant (2005)
26:03.7, Sheila Carmody (2009)
26:05.2, Helen Grant (2007)
26:07.2, Anne Ekern (2009)
26:23.9, Helen Grant (2010)

Male Masters
21:07.0, Wilmer Bustillos (2009)
21:44.6, Terry Garrett (2006)
21:56.4, Gerardo Mora (2009)
21:58.0, Gerardo Mora (2010)
22:02.9, Joe Flores (2010)
22:05.0, Thomas King (2009)
22:06.0, Thomas King (2010)
22:07.0, Steven King (2008)
22:09.3, Christopher Bittinger (2009)
22:12.2, Gerado Mora (2008)

Buffalo Wallow Cross Country 6K

BUFFALO WALLOW 6K HARRA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP RACE

** Just added, the Team Competition Sign-Up form with instructions

The 1st race of the HARRA 2010 Spring Series
Saturday, February 6, 2010 Houston, Texas
Sponsored by the Houston Harriers
Race Timing by Run Wild, Parking Courtesy of AIG

Course
Run the BUFFALO WALLOW in Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway at Montrose. 3 loops of a 2km course between the Wortham Fountain and Taft Street. The course is identical to previous Buffalo Wallow 6k courses.

Races and Start Time
• 8:00 a.m. - Masters Men & Women (40 years old and older)
• 9:00 a.m. - Open Men & Women

Entry Fee
• $16 prior to race-day or $5 for those 19 years of age and under
• $1 discount for HARRA members registering prior to race day
• $20 for all race day registrations

HARRA Marathon Performances (2004-2010)

It's race week for the final race of the 2009 HARRA Fall Series, the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon! Below is a recap of the top performances in the Houston Marathon since 2004 by HARRA Members in their respective divisions -

Men Under 40
2004 - Sean Wade, KW, 2:22:26
2005 - Gabriel Rodriguez, BARC, 2:31:18
2006 - Drew Prisner, ALRC, 2:32:42
2007 - Matt McCurdy, ALRC, 2:32:19
2008 - Brett Riley, HS, 2:32:55
2009 - Colin Carrol, 2:30:26
2010 - Joe Oviedo, TOR, 2:42:09

Women Under 40
2004 - Caroline Burum, ALRC, 3:07:11
2005 - Caroline Burum, ALRC, 2:58:09
2006 - Melissa Henderson, ALRC, 3:05:05
2007 - Debbie Rudisill, BARC, 3:01:01
2008 - Peggy Yetman, HS, 2:52:18
2009 - Adrienne Langelier, TWRC, 3:05:24
2010 - Marnie Staehly, HS, 3:05:47

Men 40-49
2004 - Joe Flores, HH, 2:39:54
2005 - Joe Flores, HH, 2:35:03
2006 - Bernie Weber, TTC, 2:46:20
2007 - Sean Wade, KW, 2:20:29
2008 - Gerardo Mora, HMSA, 2:44:27
2009 - Wilmer Bustillos, TOR, 2:32:36
2010 - Sean Wade, KW, 2:33:24

Women 40-49
2004 - Suzy Seeley, BCRR, 3:21:09
2005 - Suzanne Day, HH, 3:11:26
2006 - Christie Lammers, TTC, 2:59:52
2007 - Susan Walters, TOR, 3:07:30
2008 - Caroline Chamness, HS, 3:10:01
2009 - Caroline Burum, ALRC, 3:07:05
2010 - Susan Walters, TOR, 2:59:37

Men 50-59
2005 - Ted Traynor, HS, 2:56:02
2006 - Steve Brammer, TOR, 2:58:42
2007 - Ted Traynor, HS, 3:00:34
2008 - Richard Fredrich, TTC, 2:54:18
2009 - Keith Wilhelm, 2:56:24
2010 - Richard Peoples, ALRC, 2:55:42

Women 50-59
2005 - Karen Bowler, HS, 3:27:24
2006 - Carole Uttecht, ALRC, 3:28:43
2007 - Donna Sterns, HH, 3:28:33
2008 - Carole Uttecht, ALRC, 3:26:30
2009 - Donna Sterns, HH, 3:23:33
2010 - Christie Lammers, 3:17:07

Men 60+
2009 - Ben Harvie, TTC, 3:05:29
2010 - Kenneth Ruane, 3:22:29

Women 60+
2009 - Sally Sims, KW, 4:56:41
2010 - Geri Wood, HH, 3:50:15

HARRA at Chevron Houston Marathon Expo

Please visit our BOOTH at the Chevron Houston Marathon Expo and HARRA Volunteers can pick up their HARRA Mesh Caps, which look great! Good luck to all...

HARRA Inspiration: The Andy Sullman Story

As the Chevron Houston Marathon approaches, and Mother Nature attempts to thwart your training plans with wicked freezing weather, please consider the challenges faced by The Woodlands Running Club Member, Andy Sullman.

Below is a great article capturing the story of Andy Sullman, as the 19-year old runner suffers from cerebral palsy, but has transformed his life through running. Andy recently completed the Texas Marathon on January 1, 2010, in a time of 4:13:46, a huge personal best. Previously, he had run 4:24:06 at the 2009 Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and a 4:55:59 at the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon. At the start of this decade, Andy has dropped his marathon personal best by over 40-minutes in less than 18 months!

Andy will be chasing a sub-4:00:00 Marathon at the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon, and has a charity entry into the 2010 Boston Marathon. Anyone interested in supporting Andy's goal to compete in the 2010 Boston Marathon, please visit his fundraising page at Team Eye & Ear.

Article: http://stlouis.mo.networkofcare.org/dd/news/detail.cfm?articleID=21808

HARRA Runner of the Season, Fall 2009

The Fall 2009 HARRA Runner of the Season Series is down to its last race, the Chevron Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 17th, 2010. Here is a brief recap of the contenders -

WOMEN UNDER 40
1. Stacey Holden, ALRC
2. Marnie Staehly, HS
3. Virginia Jones, BARC
4. Sarah Husbands, ALRC
5. Lisa Fletcher, BARC
6. Carlye Graydon, BARC

WOMEN 40-49
1. Jody Berry, HS
2. Susan Walters, TOR
3. Pam Meaux, TWRC
4. Melissa Hurta-Crites, ALRC
5. Helen Grant, HS
6. Victoria Melnick, KW

WOMEN 50+
1. Nancy Prejean, TTC
2. Donna Sterns, HH
3. Suzanne Day, HH
4. Elizabeth Ahrens, HS
5. Alice Keelin, TTC

MEN UNDER 40
1. Blake Culp, BARC
2. Joe Oviedo, TOR
3. Abel Zavala, TTC
4. Joseph Routt, TTC
5. John Yoder, HS
6. Adam Banks, HMSA

MEN 40-49
1. Gerardo Mora, HMSA
2. Sim Cuevas, TOR
3. Rudy Rocha, BARC
4. Thomas King Jr, HS
5. Francisco Garza, TOR
6. Francisco Perez, TTC
7. Tuan Nguyen, HMSA
8. Robert Walters, BCRR

MEN 50-59
1. Joe Melanson, HMSA
2. Miguel Lopez, TOR
3. Dale Lee, TTC
4. Richard Peoples Jr, ALRC
5. Richard Fredrich, TTC
6. Jamal Jamalyaria, TOR
7. Edward Fry, HMSA
8. Michael Waldau
9. Mark Girouard, TTC

MEN 60+
1. Rich Siemens, ALRC
2. Kenneth Ruane, TTC
3. Ben Harvie, TTC

Happy New Year!

Well wishes to a great 2010 filled with health, speed, and success...

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.