FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOUCHER WINS INAUGURAL ROCK 'N' ROLL CHICAGO HALF MARATHON
American distance star leaves men behind to place first overall
Chicago, IL – August 2, 2009 – To the clamoring of thunder sticks and roar
of thousands of spectators, Kara Goucher cruised to victory at the
inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon. Executing her training plan
for the upcoming IAAF World Championships and exceeding the expectations of
her coach Alberto Salazar, Goucher finished in 1:08:05, almost twenty
seconds ahead of the first male finisher.
"I felt I could run in the 67-68 minute range," said Goucher, who remains
undefeated over the half marathon distance. "The race was great, better
than my preparations for Boston. It was awesome to be the first finisher
and I wanted to enjoy the crowd. I really liked how the course changed up,
there was never a stretch where it was dull, and you are going through the
city, going over bridges and along the water. I really liked the course."
Chicago's Rock 'n' Roll debut race was broadcast on a live webcast at
competitor.com, which included live commentary from start to finish. The
webcast, dubbed the 'Kara Cam' focused exclusively on Goucher running her
first half marathon on U.S. soil.
"I think its fun; it gives a little something different to road racing. I
was a little more self conscious than usual," Goucher said of the live
webcast. "The Rock 'n' Roll format creates a great atmosphere, it was fun
because I really like music and it helped me work my stride."
"By just focusing on Kara, initially I wasn't sure how it was going to
work," said race commentator Todd Williams, a former U.S. Olympian and
current American record holder in the 15k. "I think it was a great thing
and gives other American distance runners something they can aspire to be.
By her winning here, for the first time it instantly elevates the status of
American road racing."
Chicagoland resident Chad Ware finished first overall on the men's side,
beating his PR by a full minute with a time of 1:08:24. Ware, who ran cross
country and track at Butler University, was runner up in the 10,000m at the
'07 Horizon League Championships.
"It was cool, it was different being right there with a woman," said Ware,
the runner up in May's Cellcom Green Bay Marathon with a time of 2:20:56.
"I was right on the pace I was hoping to run and having Kara there
definitely helped me get my PR."
Race morning greeted runners with ideal conditions, including low humidity
and no wind. The scenic course showcased many of Chicago's historic
landmarks such as Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and the
beautiful Chicago Waterfront.
"Today went well. Featuring an athlete like Kara was awesome, it's good for
the sport," said Juli Henner, renowned coach and former U.S. Olympian who
provided color commentary for the competitor.com webcast. "The course
really showcased Chicago. When you take the turn just past the 8 mile mark
and you see the skyline, running along the water, hopefully they get the
Olympic bid, what a beautiful city to showcase."
The second running of the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon is set for
August 1, 2010.
PHOTO
Goucher outright half-marathon winner
http://chicago.competitor.com/files/2009/08/kara_rnrchicago.jpg
RESULTS
Place, Name, Age, City, Time
Women
Kara Goucher, 31, Portland, OR , 1:08:05
Connie Abbott, 23, Kansas City, KS, 1:21:50
Amanda Domich, 24, Chicago, 1:22:28
Elizabeth Grady-Distel, 47, Chicago, 1:22:29
Suet-Fei Li, 33, Schaumburg, IL, 1:22:36
Men
Chad Ware, 24, Chicagoland, 1:08:24
David Williams, 37, Milwaukee, WI, 1:08:49
Emisael Favela, 32, Cicero, IL, 1:09:14
Daniel Jess, 28, San Antonio, TX, 1:10:33
Christopher Peverada, 22, Chicago, IL, 1:11:36
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