Worku Beyi Leads Westchester Track Club to Victory at WABC Father’s Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer 5-Mile

Our report was written by Karl Dusen, a member of the Manhattan Track Club and a frequent top placer at NYRR races (he won April’s Scotland Run in an event-record time). A qualifier for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Men’s Marathon, Dusen had a sub-par race today, placing 25th in 26:34. Dusen, 24, is a 2005 graduate of Columbia University and works as a financial analyst for AIG Global Investment Group in Manhattan. 

[Photos] [Video]

New York, Sunday, June 17—More than 5,000 runners started Father’s Day by taking part in the WABC Father’s Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer 5-Mile. Battling heat, humidity, and five tough miles in Central Park was not easy for any of the finishers, but the top male entrants faced an additional challenge: The race was part of the year-long NYRR club/team points series. (The NYRR New York Mini 10K served as June’s points race for women.)

 

The team points competition is white-hot so far in 2007. Going into this race, West Side Runners (WSX) held a narrow lead over the Nike Central Park Track Club (CPTC) in the open division. The Westchester Track Club (WTC), though in fourth, had been formidable in every race to which they’d brought a full roster of their best athletes.

 

Once again today, WTC showed that when they bring in their top open guys, they’re virtually unbeatable. Worku Beyi, 20, ran strong from start to finish in an event-record time of 23:07. By doing so he led a strong WTC contingent that swept the first four spots in the race: Deresse Deniboba, 25 (24:01), was the runner-up, followed by Genna Tufa, 22, in third and Abiyot Endale, 21, both timed in 24:18. Beyi has on a roll so far this year, running world class times throughout North America. Today he broke from the field early and ran most of the race solo.

 

Unfortunately for me, I had to wave good-bye early to Beyi and many others as illness prevented me from mounting a serious challenge to this formidable crew. As I stood on the line and saw the familiar blue WTC singlets, I knew the team would be tough to beat. They took off hard at the gun, and I was instantly forced into a chasing role, hoping that they would fade as I picked up steam. I tried to cut down on the large gap they had already formed at the 800-meter mark, but didn’t seem to gain on them despite my increase in effort.

 

As I came though the mile in 4:52 and was way back of the lead pack formed mainly of WTC runners, I knew it would take a lot to reel them in. At this point, however, the severe fatigue of the unwell runner set in. My legs were sore and heavy and my lungs were toast; I was forced to think of survival instead of victory.

 

The club points race was streaming by me as I tried in vain to stop from fading. The strong WSX team went by, along with a big crew from Warren Street. My Manhattan Track Club teammate Bruce Hancock passed me as well, followed by my friend and rival John Roberts of CPTC. I could only hope that Bruce could fight the battle up front that I was incapable of joining doing today. Toward the end of the race I was focused on trying to get to the line in one piece, without losing too many places or my breakfast. As I staggered across the line, I was happy to be finished but upset I didn’t help my team more. 

 

I stood near the finish while the other runners came in. I could only tip my hat to the runners who’d had a good day and congratulate those who beat me. WTC scored a huge win in the open division, though WSX, by placing second, maintains the series lead, as well as the the lead in the masters division, which they won today, led by former NYRR Fred Lebow Runner of the Year Paul Mwangi, 40. CPTC’s 50+ team, led by Alan Ruben, won that division, edging WSX, and the Greater New York Racing Team took top honors among 60+ squads.

 

This race served as learning experience for me. I know no matter how bad the result, there is always something I can take out of a race. I feel that a runner’s ability to handle adversity will determine the overall quality of his career. Bad races, injuries, life conflicts, and illness are part of this sport and the runner who can overcome those obstacles can maximize his potential. There will be another day for me. To get the most of out this sport I know I must always be happy, but never be satisfied.

WTC’s Worku Beyi blazed his way to a 23:07 win in Central Park.