Rono and McKiernan Run Away with ATR '98 Titles
Simeon Rono of Kenya rocketed away from the starting line of the Azalea Trail Run and a field of almost 4000 runners, including an elite field of over 40 world-class runners, easily winning the 21st annual race on Saturday, March 28.
Apparently unaffected by the high humidity of 97%, Rono, 25, immediately distanced himself from the pack by running splits of 4:18 at mile one, 8:45 at two, 13:14 at three and 13:42 at 5K, at which point he had a commanding 300 meter lead. "I am pleased with the race this morning," he said. "After I run to the front, I was going to win this race."
The young Kenyan ran the second half of the race alone and relaxed, waving to spectators on several occasions, and looking over his shoulder to see if he had any company. Not to worry. His fellow countrymen Simon Chemoiywo and William Kiptum, who were over thirty seconds back, waged an exciting battle for second place, with Chemoiywo prevailing in 28:28 to Kiptum's 28:30.
Teddy Mitchell was the first American in 29:46 with an eighth-place finish, the same position he finished in ATR '97.
Catherina McKiernan of Ireland lived up to her billing as one of the top women distance runners in the world by seizing control of the race from the start and pacing to a fine 32:10 win in weather conditions less than ideal for fast times. Marleen Renders of Belgium stayed in sight of McKiernan but was unable to muster a challenge, settling for second in 32:28.
Masters Winners
The men masters division winner, Keith Anderson of England, and women masters winner, Tatiana Pozdniakova, both cracked into the open division with tenth-place overall finishes.
Anderson, who is training for the Boston Marathon in April, ran with number two seed Peter Koech of Kenya through mile four before dropping him and taking the win in 30:00. Koech, who won ATR '86 as an open runner, finished in 30:17.
Tatiana Pozdniakova of the Ukraine held off American Jane Welzel for the win in 34:31. Pozdniakova seemed to be more proud of her son Eugene, 11, who finished second in the two-mile run, than her own victory.
Local Winners
In the local division, last year's champions successfully defended their titles as James Madison churned out a winning 31:55 in the men's division and Jean Lankford scored a remarkable victory in 39:33, six months after suffering a broken leg when she was struck by a car while running. Lankford's win was her 5th consecutive local crown.
Racewalk
In the growing racewalk division, a record 27 men and 35 women crossed the finish line, led by Mobilians Dave McGovern in 45:40 and Monetta Roberts in 56:54, both setting new course records.
Wheelchair
The wheelchair race saw ATR veteran Laverne Achenbach, 55, squeeze by competitors Josh Brunies and Michael Postell at the finish line to win in 22:42. Sonya Tharp won the women's title in 35:34.
Rodgers on a Mission
The ATR's favorite son, Bill Rodgers, returned to compete in his 9th race and to spread the gospel of running and racing to appreciative fans and likely converts. At age 50, he had his sights set on the age 50 U.S. single-age group record (31:48), but unfavorable weather conditions held him to a 32:58 and fifth-place masters finish. Never without a goal, he asked before the race: "What's your course record for age 50?"
At the race clinic Friday before the race, Rodgers spoke about his intentions to continue running and competing "for a lifetime," and the significance of the Azalea Trail Run to the community. "Many big races that began, say 20 years ago, aren't around," he said.. This race keeps going up and that is great for Mobile." He brought masters competitors Jane Welzel of the US and Keith Anderson of England to the podium for a short discussion and a question and answer session with the audience.
After the Clinic, Rodgers spent over an hour talking to and singing autographs for fans, including Wheelchair Committee Chairman Bill Cowart and all the kids from the Sherwood Running Club of Pensacola. Rodgers, who believes road races are the most fun form of human activity ever invented, cheered for the kids at the Two-Mile start, praised them at the finish and then could not resist helping to break open cases of bottled water to pass out at the finish line station. A startled and bemused gentleman asked wryly, "Can't you people find somebody besides Bill Rodgers to help you pass out water?"
Rodgers, who is honorary chairman of the ATR school program, will return to Mobile next January to kick off the Fit for ATR, Fit for Life Program.
Center and One-Mile Run
ATR '98 put on a new face with the addition of a One-Mile run and the move to the Mobile Convention Center for pre- and post-race activities. The spacious Center affords ample room for the Health & Fitness Expo to continue to grow and provides a great venue on the Mobile River for the post-race party.
The one-mile run was added to the schedule this year to encourage elementary school children and adults to join in the fun of ATR weekend. Over 1000 entered the race, which finished on Church Street at Spanish Plaza.
ATR '99
See you at ATR '99 on March 27, 1999.
Return to ATR 1998 Results Index.
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