FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympian Elva Dryer Returns to Freihofer's Run for Women 5K
1997 Freihofer's champion poses threat to
Benita Johnson's bid for four-peat
ALBANY, N.Y. - (May 13, 2009) - Benita Johnson's quest to win four
consecutive Freihofer's Run for Women titles - a feat matched only by
eight-time winner Lynn Jennings - could face another test on Saturday, May
30th in the form of 1997 race champion Elva Dryer.
Dryer, 37, who is running well and finished 12th at last month's Boston
Marathon (2:38:50), has informed organizers she plans to compete. In her
last two trips to New York's capital city Dryer finished 4th in 1999 and
runner-up in 2004.
"Freihofer's is pleased that Elva will be competing. She is one of those
rare athletes who can compete at distances from the mile up to the
marathon," said Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope, explaining that Dryer
won the Austin Half Marathon in February and was fourth at the USA 15K
Championships in March. "Her inclusion in the field will help make for an
exciting battle on the streets of Albany for the overall title."
"In her 1997 appearance here, Elva ran tactically throughout the race and
injected a devastating surge exiting Washington Park that decided the
outcome," recalled Event Director Regan. "Elva's victory that year kept
Lynn (Jennings) from a fifth consecutive Freihofer's title and gave her the
USA 5K and Freihofer's titles."
In addition to her win at Freihofer's, the Gunnison, Colo. resident is a
two-time Olympian on the track and has also won national titles on the
roads in the half-marathon and the 10K (twice), as well as a national
championship in the indoor 3000m.
Those wishing to follow the race as it happens can do so live on Twitter,
the free social networking and micro-blogging service. Fox 23 News Sports
Anchor Rich Becker will tweet regular updates from the Freihofer's Run for
Women press truck. To capture the drama of the race as it unfolds, go to
www.FreihofersRun.com and click on the Twitter icon at the bottom of the
page.
From that location, also check out the event's Facebook page for regular
race updates and videos in the coming weeks, as well as have the ability to
post your own photos, video footage and event memories and comments.
For those unable to log onto Twitter that morning, or listen to Fox 23 News
color commentator James O'Brien's live press truck updates, Fox23 News will
broadcast a 30-minute Freihofer's Run for Women TV special Saturday, May 30
at 10:30pm. Complete race day results, including in-depth race coverage and
analysis, will also be available in the Sunday edition of the Albany Times
Union newspaper.
Now in its 31st year, the event - home of the Master's World & Brazilian
national records - features thousands of women of all ages and abilities
from Olympians to recreational joggers, who challenge themselves on the
picturesque 3.1-mile course. To register for the Freihofer's Run for Women,
or for more information about the Freihofer's Run for Women, the
Freihofer's Community Walk, Freihofer's Kids' Run and CapitalCare Health &
Fitness Expo, go to: www.FreihofersRun.com
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