Women's Long Distance Running Committee 2007 Annual Report

2007 proved to be a great year for the Ladies of Long Distance. With an incredible list of National Championships and a growing prize purse we witnessed the established elite run head to head with an ever growing field of young runners fresh from NCAA competition.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

With a long list of Championship event in all distances from 5K through the Marathon, the committee has approved 2 new events to broaden our calendar.The new events will include a 10 Mile event in conjunction with the Twin Cities Marathon, and an 8K in Akron, Ohio.

A great success with the Houston Half Marathon provided the opportunity to accept a bid to host the Championship through 2011.

2007 results are as follows:

Aramco Houston Half Marathon
	Elva Dryer		1:11:42

Gate River Run 15K		
	Deena Kastor		47:20		
	Jen Rhines		48:58
	Elva Dryer		49:40

Boston Marathon				
	Deena Kastor		2:35.09
	Ann Alyanak		2:38:55
	Kristin Price		2:38:57
	Mary Akor			2:41:01
	Christine Lundy		2:41:14

25K Championship	
	Katie McGregor		1:25:54
	Tatiana Chulakh		1:28:34
	Alicia Craig		1:29:30
	Michelle Lilienthal	1:29:53
	Caroline Cretti		1:30:37

CVS Caremark 5K		
	Shalene Flanagan		15:26
	Sara Slattery		15:42
	Molly Huddle		15:48

New Haven 20K		
	Alicia Shay		1:06:56		
	Elva Dryer		1:07:18
	Katie O’Neill		1:08:04
	Tara Storage		1:09:39
	Desiree Davilla		1:10:08

Tufts Health Plan 10K		
	Deena Kastor		32:01
	Katie McGregor		32:40
	Elva Dryer		32:52

We thank the race organizers for their participation in the USATF National Championship program. The level of these championship events is at an all time high.

These events are great hosts to our athletes and make their experience in these cities a positive one. We thank the sponsors, race director, staff and volunteers for their efforts.

We offer special thanks to our top competitors for supporting our Championship program and these events organized for them.

USARC

2007 Championships provided an outstanding prize purse for our competitors.The winners of our USARC was Deena Kastor based on her wins in the Gate River 15K, The Boston Marathon (Women’s National Championship), and the Tufts Health Plan 10K.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Yokohama International Women’s Ekiden                        2^nd place          2:16:04

One of the greatest Team USA rosters ever assembled for an Ekiden posted the best finish ever, finishing second behind the defending team from Russia (2:14:48)

Team members included:

Jen Rhines		5K		15:05
Deena Kastor		10K		31:09
Carrie Tollefson		6K		19:30
Amy Rudolph		6K		19:58
Katie McGregor		10K		32:59
Elva Dryer		5.195K   		17:23  

IAAF Marathon Championship                             Osaka

The World Championships provided a great opportunity for our women to gain International experience.Our team took a 6^th place finish.

Ann Alyanak		2:42:56
Zoila Gomez		2:44:49
Dana Coons		2:46:12
Mary Akor			2:47:27
Samia Akbar		2:56:27

IAAF World Road Running Championships        Udine, Italy

This yearly event held in a new location every year and varies in distance showcases the best long distance runners in the world. Team USA finished in 6^th place.

Deena Kastor		1:09:38
Katie McGregor		1:12:01
Tara Storage		1:12:47
Davilla Desiree		1:12:54
Alicia Shay		CNF

2007 Chiba Ekiden

At this writing the WLDR International Competition Committee is assembling a team to compete in the Chiba Ekiden.

We are extremely pleased with the level of performances of our women. The Distance Project and the individuals dedicated to offering superior training opportunities to our

Top runners is producing great results. We thank all of the individuals from patrons, coaches, training partners and sponsors who make this possible.

2008 Olympic Marathon Trials – April –Boston, Mass

Plans for the Women’s Olympic Marathon Team Trials are going well. The athletes who have already qualified have begun to enter the event. The Web Site is open giving information on the event, entry process, official hotel information and opportunity to purchase Official Marathon Trials clothing and merchandise.

The weekend of running which will include the Women’s Trials event as well as the Boston Marathon offers runners and enthusiasts an exciting time in the city. The Trials event will start and finish near the traditional Boston Marathon finish, near the Marathon expo location.It is expected that a running friendly crowd will be on hand around the city to cheer our best women compete for the top 3 spots.

Special thanks to the staff at the USATF office, especially Jim Estes who has been working diligently to insure that all events on our schedule have the support they need. His efforts with our Olympic Trials includes sponsorship search, ensuring that USOC standards are upheld and all athlete needs for this all important event is maintained.