Sacramento Running News

By Ellen Moore

The seventh annual Super Sunday Run started with live music, footballs tossed around and a pair of kids’ races to set the tone for a fun, festive day.

More than 2,500 runners participated in the event, organized by the Sacramento Running Association (SRA) and presented by California Family Fitness. At the end of the event, participants celebrated with a tailgate party featuring free food and beer, yard games, a portable video game truck featuring Madden 2015 and a bounce house for the kids, before the Denver Broncos-Carolina Panthers showdown.

In between, athletes of all shapes, sizes and affiliations covered the 10k and 5k courses before descending on Sacramento State University’s Hornet Stadium for the end zone finish.

Chico’s Nicholas Spector and Rocklin’s Melissa Penwell captured 10k titles and Davis’ Chris Tyson and Oakland’s Tori Tyler took home 5k honors on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning.

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Ashley Carroll powers to the win at the Willow Hills XC Open (SRN photo)

Did you run cross country in high school and now miss the sport? Or did you never run cross country but wonder what it would be like?

Even if the rosy glow of youth is long behind you, you can still get in on the fun at some fast, local races. Prices are low, so don’t expect bands or swag bags, just good times and fierce competition.

Folsom was the place for the 5th Annual Willow Hill Cross Country Open, this past Saturday. This race is ably hosted by the Buffalo Chips Running Club and is part of the PAUSATF Cross Country Grand Prix, so top runners throughout Northern California were out in force and winning times on the hilly 5 Km were fast.

The women’s race was first to run, and the Impalas’ Ashley Carroll, 32, ran away from SRA’s Lea Wallace, 26, in the last mile to win in a time of 18:09. Wallace finished second in 18:19. Ibet Allan, 38, running for West Valley Track Club, was third with an 18:40 finish.

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By John Schumacher

A strong group of international runners heads the men’s field while a talented American runner looks like the favorite on the women’s side for the 32^nd annual California International Marathon on Dec. 7.

Kenyans Julius Koskei, Eliud Ngetich and Jacob Chemtai, Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Alemayehu and Zambia’s Jordan Chipangama all appear capable of winning the men’s race and the $10,000 first prize on the 26.2-mile course from near Folsom Dam to the state Capitol.

Koskei, the 2013 CIM runnerup, owns a 2:10:14 personal best, the fastest time in the men’s field. Alemayehu, who lives in Antioch, has run 2:11:18, owns two top-three CIM finishes and is a two-time Credit Union SACTOWN Ten-Mile Run champion.

Ngetich ran 2:11:59 in 2013 and Chemtai delivered a 2:12:39 performance earlier this year. Chipangama also stood out in 2014 with a 2:12:22 effort.

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Hold on to your hats and bust out your favorite running shorts because next Wednesday (June 5th) is National Running Day!

I know. I know. Every day is ‘Running Day,’ but next week is ‘National Running Day’ so the entire country is required to run a little bit.

This even includes that neighbor of yours who always yells “Run Forest!” out the window of his Expedition as you pass each other during your morning run. Don’t be surprised to hear him ask you if he can borrow some Body Glide, but you are permitted to politely decline his request.

If you want to join a bunch of your fellow Sacramento runners, you can celebrate the day with the Sacramento Running Association by running a five mile, scenic loop along the American River. (This is coincidentally the same loop used for the Jed Smith Ultra Classic.)

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World Masters Athletics Championships, 2011 (SRN photo)

Wouldn’t it be fun to put on a pair of track spikes? Why not try something a little different this summer?

If you are not running for a school, it can sometimes be hard to find a track meet in the area. Fortunately for us, there are at least a couple of options in the Sacramento region.

If you are at least 35 years old, you should check out the Western States International Invitational. It’s held in Davis and runs from June 29th through July 1st.

If you are looking for something a little more low-key, the Sacramento Running Association is hosting a series of All-Comers meets starting on June 14th.

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