Local Runners Make an Impression at NYRR New York Mini 10K
Hotly contested NYRR team points competition brings out star performers
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New York, June 9, 2007—While Jelena Prokopcuka, Lornah Kiplagat, Kim Smith, Benita Johnson and other top runners from around the globe lined up on Central Park West for the 36th NYRR New York Mini 10K, a host of local runners and members of NYRR club teams were determined to make their marks as well.
As race favorite Kiplagat led from gun to tape and notched her third straight Mini title (and fourth overall) in 32:10, several local luminaries made a splash competing against some of the world's best.
Leading the way for the locals was Alemtsehay Misganaw, 26, a Manhattan resident and member of the Westchester Track Club, who ran a sensational 34:15, and placed 16th overall. Following Misganaw was 2006 NYRR Fred Lebow Runner of the Year Claudia Camargo of Danbury, CT, and West Side Runners, who finished 19th in 34:45. At age 36, Camargo, a native of Argentina, continues to improve and remains a competitive force in races throughout North America.
Misganaw, despite her win, was her own toughest critic. "Not happy," said the Ethiopian native, who won the Healthy Kidney 10K on May 19. "I was hoping for a faster time. It was the heat."
Temperatures in the mid-70s and high humidity proved challenging to New York's fleetest. "It was harder than usual today," said Caroline Bierbaum, 23, of Manhattan, a rising star on the local and national running scene. "I went out a bit too fast that first mile. I've got a lot to improve on." A former Columbia University standout, Bierbaum finished 26th in 36:22. She is training to qualify for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Women's Marathon.
Finishing just a half step behind Bierbaum was the Nike Central Park Track Club's (CPTC) Aileen Conlon, 25, of Hoboken. An exhausted Conlon sought fluids and salt from the medical staff following her finish in a PR 36:22. Her efforts did not go unappreciated as she led CPTC to first place in the open team standings, with 174 points.
CPTC's Lauren Esposito, 28, of Manhattan, had a strong 37:30 finish (31st place), and Lauren Gustafson, 24, of Manhattan, PRed with her 37:47 finish, good for 33rd place. "I could see a few of my teammates finishing ahead of me," Gustafson said. "I'm very happy with how it turned out for our team."
Moving Comfort New York (MCNY) was second with 224 points, followed by the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) with 242 points. CPTC now moves ahead of NYAC in the open women's points standings, with 67 points to 64. MCNY gained ground over the Greater New York Racing Team but remains in third with 41 points.
MCNY won the masters division at the Mini, solidifying its lead in the overall standings, and also claimed the 50+ win, though the Taconic Road Runners Club retains the overall lead in that division. The next NYRR team points competition for women will be the NYRR/New York Mets Run to Home Plate on July 22; men's teams will compete on June 17 at the WABC Father's Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer 5 M.
Among New York-area runners across all age groups, the Mini is a favorite event. "It was total euphoria!" exclaimed 73-year-old Ginette Bedard of Howard Beach, who easily won her age group with her 51:12 performance. "Yes, it was hot, but when you see that finish, there's no other feeling like it."
Local runners were especially thrilled to welcome back the "voice of the New York Road Runners," Ian Brooks, as the announcer. Brooks underwent surgery in April and missed three months of announcing at NYRR events.
Founded in 1972, the NYRR New York Mini 10K has had more than 130,000 finishers of all ability levels in its 36-year history. Drawing the best athletes from New York and around the world, it will continue to celebrate all that women's running has to offer.
