A Couple Of Guys Visit Queen's (Palace)

At the end of May, Walter MacGowan, club president, and Elliott Denman, lifetime trustee, travelled with Johnny Hayes' gold medal to Windsor Castle to attend a reception arrangged by the British Olympic Committee and the London Marathon. Here Walter and Elliott meet Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr. Hayes Goes To Toronto

I saw him before I heard the call, "Mr. Hayes." I replied, "Mr. Hayes." So began our walk together. Kurt Steege had just walked back from the finish line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I was dragging myself in to a 6:11 finish; while Kurt, just cruising, had finished in 3:52, after having taken a big detour to call attention of officials to a woman down on the course.

Kurt had run this as an overdistance run in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon a month later. Kurt was dressed as Johnny Hayes, the 1908 Olympic Marathon winner, as was I. We'd been invited up to Toronto to bring up Johnny Hayes' gold medal along with his 3rd place trophy from the 1907 Boston Marathon.

While Hayes finished better at Boston (2nd) the next year, the 1907 trophy has a special tie to Toronto. Tom Longboat, Canada's finest runner of the era hailed from hearby. Longboat was an Onandaga Indian from the Six Nations Reserve about an hour west of Toronto. Plans had called for his daughter, Phyllis Winney, to have attended along with his Boston Trophy, which is held at the Woodlands Cultural Center. Unfortunately, at the last minute, this part of the plan fell apart.

The third major player in Toronto's presentation of the story of how the marathon came to be 26.2 miles was Dorando Pietri. Dorando's struggles to finish the marathon at the 1908 Olympics had prompted Queen Alexandra to give him a special cup. That cup had been brought to Toronto by Carlo Gabbi and his wife, Luisa Ricco, bringing those relics together for public display for just the second time since they were given a century ago. (The first was earlier this year at the Flora London Marathon.)

That's Carlo Gabbi of Italy as Dorando with Dorando's cup, me as Johnny Hayes with Hayes' gold medal, and Michal (rhymes with nickel) Kapral aka "The Joggler" as Tom Longboat at the prerace press conference.

After the marathon, Kurt and I flew home together. We both had some fun teasing each other about how badly we were both walking. I'm pretty sure I was worse. Kurt is slated to be running Marine Corps next weekend. If you see him, please wish him well.

By the way, my 6:11 was planned as a 5:45 to 6:00. I'd guessed at that kind of time based on Elliott Denman's past performances at the NY City Marathon. Elliott has rarely crossed to the slow side of 6 hours in his recent New York performances. I figured I could post a number that would match the man with a quarter century on me, I wasn't to be. I have even more respect for him after seeing how tough walking a 6-hour marathon can be.

National 5km & One Hour Racewalk Championships

October is a busy month on the National Racewalk Championship calendar. First up was the National 5km Championship in Kingsport, TN on October 4. Panse Geer, 5000m RW Champ and silver in the 10km RW in W60 at the 2008 National Masters Track & Field Championships, continued her age group leading ways by finishing 9th overall, 1st W60 in 30:16.

The following week action shifted to the Bentley College track in Waltham, MA for the National One Hour Racewalk. Dave Talcott had covered 11,131m when time was called, good enough for third and first master. Dave was coming off a win at the USATF-Metropolitan 25km Racewalk on September 21. Unfortunately, Waltham was not as hospitable to Panse Geer as she ran afoul of the judges and was disqualified.

October 26 will bring the last of the month's National Championships, this time in Hauppauge, NY to cover 30km. The Shore AC men's racewalk team will look to better last year's team silver medal.

Lake Takanassee

I shot a few pictures at last night's race, a two-mile not counting in the season's scoring.

The start.

Chip Nolan managed to hold off his Dad for a lap before his early dinner convinced him that wouldn't be a wise idea.

Thus, Harry Nolan beat his son.




Jimmy Leslie passed by doing the "don't shoot me, I've already finished" thing.

Closer examination reveals another reason why Mr. Leslie is smiling, his place card bears a "1."

The women's winner (someone please post a comment with her name)

John Fredericks displays good form on his way to winning the men's racewalk.


Anyone knowing this young woman, please scold her for ruining the picture by goofing around. ;-)


Here, Larry Bergmayer and Walter MacGowan pose with Christine Clifton of Shore Runner at the post-race event at Stewart's Root Beer in Pier Village, near the store.


Christine poses with her sister, Wyomia, visiting from Seattle. (And for you track geeks, yes, she was named after Wyomia Tyus, but pronounces it differently - Wee-Oh-Mee-Uh.)

100 Years of the Marathon Distance

I had the pleasure of being invited to bring Johnny Hayes' gold medal, which the Shore A.C. holds, to Carpi, Italy as part of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Marathon Distance.
I arrived on early in the afternoon of Wednesday, July 22, in Carpi, a small city in the Emilia Romana region of Italy, and close to Modena. Those of you who are food fans likely recognize the names - Modena is famous for balsamic vinegar, and the local cheese is the legendary Parmagiano Reggiano, while the local wine is a light, sparkling, red Lambrusco. Needless to say, the food was excellent, as I've found it to be throughout Italy.
Shortly after arriving, I headed over to an Olympic athlete's event, and suddenly photographers were taking photos of me. It was only when they looked disappointed when I told them who I was that I found out they thought I was the representative from the London Marathon. I sat there and tried to look interested, but lacking a translator (she was with the London rep) and not speaking Italian, I was pretty much lost until they started the films of races. Good running is easy to watch in any language.
I'd passed under this banner as I walked into town. It identifies Thursday, July 24, 2008 as World Centennial Day. Of course, their marking of this anniversary bears an Italian flavor, so Dorando Pietri is featured.
That evening, there was a concert in the big square in town. It was a lot of fun, and I went back to the hotel exhausted, having slept only intermittently during my overnight flight.
The next morning, I had breakfast and headed over to the Duomo on Piazza Martiri, where they were celebrating a high mass in honor of Dorando. If you look at the left side of the photo, in the shadows, you can see the umbrellas of Bar Roma, a cafe, which was the sight of the bakery where Dorando worked before rising to fame as a runner.
Next on the agenda was the opening of an exhibit in Pio Castle dedicated to Dorando. This band played an introduction, then Nicola Okey of the London Marathon and I both said a few words before assisting with ribbon cutting.
We were then loaded onto buses and driven to a local park where one of the roads was named Via Maratona Olimpica Londra 1908 (Olympic Marathon of London 1908 Way). Nicola, as the London Marathon representative was also presented with a medal.
Next on the agenda was the dedication of the statue of Dorando, entitled "la vittoria e di Dorando" (The Victory of Dorando), and while Dorando did not win the Olympic gold, he certainly won many hearts with his struggle. The base of the statue is decorated with mosaics, on one side is Dorando's finish at London; on the other, modern racers. Pietri is wearing his trademark red shorts, perhaps he was a Rutgers fan.
Gelindo Bordin, the 1988 gold medalist in the marathon, holds Johnny Hayes' gold medal as 1960 200 meter gold medalist Livio Berruti and the Bishop of Carpi hold Dorando's Cup at the dedication of the statue to Dorando Pietri. RAI broadcast this event throughout Italy.
Following the Olympic Marathon, both Hayes and Dorando turned pro, and their first rematch was this race run through a haze of cigarette smoke at Madison Square Garden, which Dorando won. A string of other races followed, all at the 26 mile, 385 yard distance, making that distance the perceived "right" distance of a marathon.

Distance Running Hall of Fame

More Images from the National Distance Running Hall of Fame induction.

The front of the program card for the ceremony (the event poster is similar).

The rear of the card.

Artwork by Andy Yelenak, whose excellent Running Past website has hosted a biography of Johnny Hayes for several years.

Johnny Hayes Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Doris Hale was a longtime friend of the Shore Athletic Club. One of the things she did before she passed away was to leave her father's collection of running memorabilia to the club, with the understanding that it be used to perpetuate his memory. This past Saturday, as a result of some actions by members of the club, her father, Johnny Hayes, was inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame in Utica, NY. Mr. Hayes had won the Olympic Marathon in 1908, in what is often regarded as the most dramatic and influential marathon in history. We were honored to have Frank Shorter, the next American to win Olympic Marathon gold, accept the award on Mr. Hayes' behalf. Also inducted were Amby Burfoot, winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, and Priscilla Welch, most noted as a world-class masters runner.

Pictured here are Frank Shorter, accepting for John J. Hayes, Priscilla Welch, and Amby Burfoot.

This was the banner for this year's induction class.

Mr. Shorter spoke briefly on Mr. Hayes' legacy. The local paper described the ceremony here and here.

Current Hall of Famers present at this year's ceremony were: (from left) Nina Kuscsik, Master of Ceremonies Larry Rawson, Kathrine Switzer, Frank Shorter, and Bill Rodgers.

Following the ceremony, Frank Shorter showed off his medal and Hayes' medal. (Hayes' medal is in the club's collection.)

Penn Relays - Racewalks

Opening Saturday's competition at the Penn Relays was the men's 10,000m racewalk. Shore AC's Rich Leuttchau took the lead from the gun and never relinquished it, taking the coveted Penn watch with a personal best 46:33.03. Rich expected close competition from second placer Theron Kissinger, but it never developed as his lead grew to about 300 m by the end of the race. Rich had the following to say about his race: "I felt good and smooth through the whole thing, I was really happy and really surprised. I knew that I had a chance to win with Boyles and none of the other big names going, but I didn't expect to lead the whole race. It was a great feeling with a mile to go knowing that, barring doing something stupid, that I would win. I was really happy."
Also enjoying success in this race was Dave Talcott. Dave faced a challenge from Doug Johnson for the masters title before Johnson's two red cards caused him to slow. Dave's 52:12.06 gave him 4th overall in addition to the masters gold.
In the women's 5000m racewalk, Panse Geer competed against a field much her junior to finish as second master. Her excellent 29:52.67 was a track best, just two seconds off her road personal best set in 2005, and quicker than her bronze medal winning race at last years World Masters Championships. Panse looks to be in position to defend her National Masters title this summer in Spokane.

43rd Annual Capt. Ron Zinn Memorial Races

Under cloudy skies and with temperatures in the 50s, the 43rd edition of the races to honor the memory of two time US Olympian Captain Ron Zinn, and all the men and women killed in Vietnam, were held today in Wall Township, NJ. A West Point grad, Captain Zinn competed in the 20km racewalk at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics before his death in Vietnam.

In the opening 5km run, Brian Hill and Rich Caponigro ran closely together until late in the race. After taking the lead, Caponigro made a wrong turn off the course which allowed Brian Hill to go by. Hill slowed near the finish to cross with Caponigro, both in 18:32. Hill was credited with the win. Third went to Bob Miller in 18:58 with Tom Resch 4th, 1st Vietnam Veteran in 21:24. Christine Hill led the women in 25:14, followed by Becky Cegielski (26:21) and Dona Romeu (28:40).

John Soucheck took the lead from Dave Talcott early in the 10km racewalk and built his lead for the win. Panse Geer was unchallenged in the women's race. The racewalk results:

1. John Soucheck (42) 49:59
2. Dave Talcott (48) 51:48
3. John Fredericks (60) 59:34
4. Panse Geer (61) F 1:01:26
5. Tom Quattrocchi (56) 1:01:54
6. Marcus Kantz (61) 1:05:39
7. Maria Paul (43) F 1:07:37
8. Ray Robertson (64) 1:08:00
9. Ben Ottmer (74) 1:08:32
10. Joan Wood (61) F 1:12:08
11. John Molendyk (66) 1:12:45
12. Susan Middaugh (53) F 1:17:20
13. Hoyle Mozee 1:27:30

Liz Behnken DNF

Shore AC Masters Women Take Second Place in 4x400m Relay at Millrose Games

The Shore AC women's team ran a terrific race February 1 at the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden and brought excitement back into the women's masters 4x400, finishing second in 4:45.37. They gave Athena track club, the world record holder and meet record holder in the event, great competition. Shore women were led off by Dawn Littlejohn, who ran aggressively at the front throughout her leg and set up a nice lead on the field and handed off to Kathleen Clifton, who continued to hold off Athena through the first half of the race. Barbara Brennan, just coming back on the track and filling in at the last minute, ran a solid third leg, well ahead of the other three teams in the race. Jan Vaughn, having nursed an injury for a few weeks, anchored the team to a strong second place showing--putting more distance between Shore and the remaining three teams.

I would like to thank my teammates--Dawn, Kathleen, Barbara , Jan and Theresa for their effort not only in running but--and special thanks to Tony Plaster for all his time and support--for joining in helping me realize one of my goals to have a Shore women's team take their place back on the Millrose track.


wendi glassman

Shore AC Annual Banquet 2008

Chelsea Cox, a 400 meter and 800 meter runner at Southern Regional, received the High School Athlete of the Year Award.

Robbie Andrews was named the Boys High School Athlete of the Year.


Joe Pellegrino received the Dr. George Sheehan Award as Men's Distance Runner of the Year

High jumper Justin Frick of Princeton was recognized as Men's College Athlete of the Year.

Neni Lewis, Elliott Denman, Bruce McDonald

Eddie Diaz, a shot putter and discus thrower, received the Bob Roggy Award as Men's Field Athlete of the Year.

Pole vaulter Kim Krycznski was recognized with the Bob Roggy Award as Women's Field Athlete of the Year.

Rick Lapp Mens TF Ath Yr

Tom Zarra Masters Dist Yr

John Soucheck Male Ath Yr

Dr. Norb Sander, New York City Marathon winner and Armory Foundation President was the recipient of the Wisner Brothers Award for Distinguished Service to Track and Field.

Jill Evarts - Mary Conry Award winner as Women's Masters Distance Runner of the Year and Christine Clifton - Women's Distance Runner of the Year flank club president and women's team coach Walter MacGowan.

Panse Geer wom RW of Yr Don & Marie Henry

Women's track ace Wendi Glassman was recognized as Women's Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

70's Team - ?, Dick Hill, and John Leonard

Tim Ragan Comeback Ath Yr

John Leonard

RRCA National Volunteer Awards were given by RRCA state rep Dave DeMonico to three very deserving and outstanding gentlemen – Frank Haviland, Lester Wright and Elliott Denman.

Phil Benson, race director of the Asbury Park 10K Classic, was also inducted to the Shore A.C. Hall of Fame.

Hoyle Mozee moseyed (sorry, I had to do it!) up to accept his Hall of Fame award for his many years of service to the club.

Charlie Rooney accepted the plaque putting his late father, Charlie, into the Shore A.C. Hall of Fame. The elder Charlie was long-time mayor of Sea Bright and a fine athlete, he assisted the club in many ways with staging races.

Donna Cetrulo was surprised at being named to the club's Hall of Fame.

Christine Clifton, co-owner of the Shore Runner store in Long Branch, along with her manager Loretta.

Phil and Penny Hinck were enjoying the festivities.

Also spotted were Tom Hyland and his wife, Karen.

Bill Huntley, Donna Mehler

SAC Masters Men LDR Salute JL Seymore and USATF-NJ Winners

This was an exciting weekend for Shore AC Athletes.

Running Times named J.L. Seymore honorable mention National Masters Runner of the Year for the competitive 60-64 age group. JL is one of only three New Jersey runners selected by Running Times. Seymore had a dramatic impact on SAC Masters by leading the 60s team to place second and the the 50s team third in the USATF New Jersey LDR Championship Team Grand Prix, finishing First Shore AC for both 50s and 60s teams in all five major races. His age-graded PLP was consistently in the mid to high 80s!

70 plus Race Horse legends Dick Hill and Ralph Garfield were also honored on Saturday night at the USATF New Jersey Awards Banquet for their outstanding year of distance running. They came in first and second respectively in the 70-74 age group, and along with Leonard, Mc Donnell and Richardson led the SAC Masters 70s team to a First Place in the USATF NJ Long Distance Running Championship Team Grand Prix. The Grand Prix demands high-level performance for road and cross country races ranging from 5K to 13.1 miles. SAC Masters 50s leaders Dave Hoch (2006 USATF Grand Prix award winner) and Richard Henderson (2005 USATF Grand Prix award winner) can attest to this.
Our Track and Walk athletes were also big winners at the banquet. Shore AC legend Harry Nolan was named Masters Track & Field Athlete of the Year (he also won in 1997). John Soucheck was USATF-NJ racewalking grand prix winner for the 11th consecutive year and Maria Paul won for her 3rd year in a row. Shore AC also dominated the Masters Track and Field Grand Prix with several winners including double winners Wendi Glassman (50s sprints and distance) and Leon Trout (70s throws and jumps).

Indoor Track

NYC Armory Holiday Classic Friday 12/28/07 . SAC Masters 50-59 win gold in 4x800. After each member won their respective age group in the 1000m race they returned to team up and win the relay. Tony Plaster 56, 2:23.98; Dave Zurhiede 51, 2:37.49; John Kuhi 63, 3:01.98; John Saarmann 65, 3:07.53. Winning time of 11:10.98. One hour earlier in the 1000 meter race Tony Plaster ran 3:06.77, Dave Zurheide 3:20.65, John Kuhi 3:55.25, and John Saarrmann 3:56.89. Next meet NYC Armory Friday Jan 4, 2008 8pm-11:00

Indoor Track

NYC Armory Sunday December 23,2007 MAC Season Opener: Millrose 4x4 candidates Bob Andrews posts a quick 400 time of 55.89 FAT and 55..63 hand. Rich Wallace, running with tight calf last 100 meters post a 62.84. On the women's side Dawn Littlejohn runs 67.73 sec 400. Wendi Glassman runs 800 in 2:54, great start for 2008 and John Kuhi completes the 800 in 3:01. Dave Zurheide runs 3000 in 11:15, just edged out by Reesi Caffrey (Atlantic Highlands) who now resides in Manhattan and runs for CPTC. Nedi Lewis sets a new age group World Record in field event (weight throw). Next meet NYC Armory Friday 12/28

Ted Corbitt

One of the real giants of our sport, Ted Corbitt, has passed away. Ted was one of the founding fathers of the NY Road Runners and also of the Road Runners Club of America. He was on the 1952 Olympic Marathon Team and literally wrote the book on course measurement. Mr. Corbitt, who lived in New York City, was 87 years old.