fitness® Mind, Body, Spirit Games Presented by McDonald’s®

[Video] [Women's Finisher Video] [Men's Finisher Video] [Men's Photos] [Women's Photos] [Event Photos]

New York, September 8, 2007—The sixth annual fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games Presented by McDonald’s took place on a warm, humid morning and saw more than 3,500 runners and walkers cross the finish line in separate men’s and women’s races and a Family fitness® Walk. The event featured thrilling individual and team competition as a designated NYRR team points race, a focus on fit and healthy family lifestyles, live music, mini-massages, appearances by WNBA basketball players, and several raffle items.

Before the start of the men’s race at 8:30, NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg introduced Karl Dusen, 25, a member of the Brooks Manhattan Track Club (MTC) who has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Men’s Marathon, to be run on Saturday, November 3, in Central Park.

“Karl is grinding it out at a full-time job in the city just like the rest of us,” said Wittenberg of Dusen, who graduated from Columbia University and works as a financial analyst for AIG Investment Group. The unassuming Dusen waved to the crowd, and then went on to show that his fitness is on track by winning the race in a speedy 19:42 and leading MTC to a first-place finish in the men's open division.

But Dusen’s win was hardly a walk in the park. Just two seconds behind him was runner-up Elmustafa McHkirate, 26, of the West Side Runners (WSX). Brian Dalpiaz, 22, of the Warren Street Social & Athletic Club, was third in 19:59.

“I was behind the leaders for about the first 300 meters and managed to work my way up through the pack,” said Dusen. “I passed the last two runners in the last half mile.”

Dusen and McHkirate, friendly rivals throughout the year, high-fived after the finish. McHkirate, of Long Island City, led WSX to a second-place open men’s team finish; this placing catapulted them into first place in the division standings for the year, ahead of the Westchester Track Club. The Nike Central Park Track Club (CPTC) men’s open team placed second today, and they remain a close third in the year’s standings.

The women’s race set off an hour after the men’s. Aileen Conlon of CPTC and Hoboken, NJ, set a hot pace despite the rising heat and humidity. Conlon took an early lead and ran to an easy victory in 22:53, beating out teammate Kate Irvin, 28, who finished second in 23:26. Amanda Pisano, 23, of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) was third at 23:36

“I went out a little fast today,” said Conlon. “I’m definitely not conservative early on. I tried to use the downhill at mile three to my advantage, and that seemed to work. I made sure I drank plenty of fluids today.

 “I feel very lucky to be a part of this team,” continued Conlon, who won the Al Gordon Snowflake 4-Mile in icy conditions back in February. “What an amazing group of women. It could have been Kate first and me second and I would have been just as happy.”

The one-two punch of Conlon and Irvin helped CPTC to an easy victory in the women’s open division, as the club placed five runners in the top 10 to beat out runner-up Moving Comfort New York (MCNY). The title was CPTC’s fifth this year in seven races, and they extended their lead over second-place NYAC in the women’s open team points standings.

Overall masters (40+) titles were won by Stephane Bois, 42, of WS (21:23), and Gordon Bakoulis, 46, of MCNY (24:21). 50+ victories went to Josephine Patten, 51, of the Rockland Road Runners (28:03) and Steve Calidonna, 52, of the Taconic Road Runners (22:08). Judith Tripp, 60, of the New York Flyers (32:22) and Julio Aguirre, 61, of the Greater New York Racing Team (25:25) led the 60+ division.

The NYRR team points series [LINK] continues on Sunday, September 16, with the NYRR Fred Lebow Cross Country 5K at Van Cortlandt Park.

The fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games welcomed McDonald’s as a new sponsor for 2007.  The global fast-food chain has recently rolled out numerous healthy menu options.

“We salute those who put fitness first,” said fitness magazine’s publisher, Lee Slattery.

Television host Daisy Fuentes addressed participants at the start and presented awards following both races. “Fitness asked me to be here today,” she said, “and I was happy to support their cause.”  

[Women's Results] [Men's Results]

Karl Dusen won the Fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games Presented by McDonald's in 19:42.