FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Strongest Ever Elite Field in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon
Over 80 Athletes Confirmed
(Victoria, BC - September 30, 2010) The elite field in the GoodLife Fitness
Victoria Marathon is the strongest and most competitive in its 31-year
history. To date 80 athletes have been confirmed to run, doubling the total
from 2009.
"The 2010 GoodLife Fitness Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Road Race are
shaping up to be one of our most competitive races with outstanding
athletes, young and old, competing from Canada, United States, Australia,
United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Kenya and Japan," says Bob Reid, Elite
Athlete Director. "Past winners of the Vancouver International Marathon,
Benard Onsare and Mary Akor, are making their debut appearance in Victoria
and are sure to be threats, Onsare in the Marathon, and Akor in the Half
Marathon. Akor is a highly recognized name in North America and is certain
to shatter the current Victoria Half Marathon course record."
Local runners competing include James Landry in the Marathon, Cheryl Murphy
and Jim Finlayson in the Half Marathon, and Peter Corrigan in the 8K Road
Race. Murphy won the Women's Marathon in 2008 and 2009 and Finlayson came
second in the Half the last two years.
"Three Kenyans, Hillary Cheriyot, Lameth Mosoti and Philip Samoei, finished
first, third and fourth overall in the Marathon last year and have vowed to
return this year and improve on their times. I am predicting that 5 new
champions will be crowned with their first-ever victory in Victoria on
October 10," says Reid.
The 31st Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon takes place Sunday,
October 10, 2010. The Victoria Marathon is ranked number one in Canada for
most Boston Marathon qualifiers and number two in Canada of top Boston
Marathon qualifying races. For the second year it will host the 2010
Provincial Marathon Championships. There is $26,000 available in prize
money with $3,000 each going to the top male and female, and a $5,000 bonus
for any Canadian that breaks the men's or women's course record. In 2006,
Steve Osaduik broke a 25-year record by winning the Marathon in 2:16:49. In
addition to the Marathon there is a Half Marathon, 8K Road Race and Thrifty
Foods Kids Run & Marathon. For more details, visit
www.runvictoriamarathon.com.
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