Up and Running

                              Milestones

World's Fastest 10K

October 12, 2008   El Paso, Texas

Competing in Shoes Manufactured by Spira Footwear, Korir and N’getich Run Fastest 10K Times Ever Recorded

Despite Controversy, World’s Fastest 10K Lives Up to Its Name

EL PASO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elisha Korir and Hyvon N’getich, both of Kenya, won the overall men’s and women’s divisions of the World’s Fastest 10K on Sunday, October 12, 2008, in respective times of 25:42.4 and 29:03.7 to set the unofficial world record for the 10,000 meters.

Korir ran the race virtually alone from the start, putting the field away with a 3:56 third mile. He averaged an astonishing 4:07 per mile. James Kirwa of Kenya was second in 27:04.2 and Chokri Dhaoudi of Tunisia was third in 27:12.4. Matt Daniels of Albuquerque was the first American finishing in 27:43.6.

The official world record of 26:17.53 was set by Kenesia Bekele of Ethiopia in 2005. Korir also broke the unofficial world record set by Hillary Kimaiyo on the same course last year.

N’getich outpaced her training partner Jacqueline Nyetipei, also of Kenya, who finished second in 30:54.9. Debbie Arzola was the first American woman finishing third in 32:44. N’getich’s time bested the official world record of 29:31.78 set by Junxia Wang of China in 1993.

Despite the fast times, the records are unofficial because, while certified, the course is point-to-point and downhill. In addition, both winners competed in shoes manufactured by Spira Footwear.  Andy Krafsur, Spira CEO, said the shoes are controversial because they contain WaveSpring technology. According to rules promulgated by USA Track and Field, shoes containing spring technology are considered to provide an athlete with an unfair advantage and therefore banned. “The International Amateur Athletic Federation, which is the worldwide governing for Track and Field, has yet to finally rule on the legality of the shoes.”

Korir and N’getich are two of the most recent elite athletes to win a major competition in the controversial footwear. For their efforts, Korir and N’getich each picked up $2,000 for the win and a $10,000 bonus for setting the world record.

Congratulations Carilyn! 

Mother of 2 qualifies for World Cup 24-hour run

Adriane Jaeckle / El Paso Times

Carilyn Johnson (El Paso) has qualified for the U.S. 24-Hour Run National Team which will compete in Seoul, South Korea. Johnson ran 126.99 miles in 24 hours to place third in the U.S. championships and qualify for the team. See the complete article by Bill Knight in the El Paso Times 4-28-08.

Congratulations!  EPCC Runners Take National Title

Front Row L-R Melissa Zepeda, Paola Rodriguez ,Gaby Ramos, Crystal Chuca. Back Row L-R Todd Fiske, Volunteer Asst., Felix Hinojosa, Head Coach, Dana Eisenga, Athletic Information Coordinator.

The Tejanas  won El Paso Community College's first ever National Junior College Athletic Association championship in the school’s history by capturing the half marathon title in Spartanburg, S.C., November 2007.

Gabriela Ramos lead the way for the Tejanas finishing 7th with a time of 1:29:43. She was followed by Melissa Zepeda, who finished 11th at 1:31:54; Paola Rodriguez, who finished 12th at 1:31:56 and Crystal Chuca, who finished 27th at 1:38:30.  Gaby Ramos, sophomore, earned the National Junior College Coach’s Marathon, where she competed with the top 6 runners in the country.