2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships – Day 1

Posted on June 28, 2009 by AZRunning.com

After thrilling the Track Town USA crowd last year in the Olympic Trials with her desperate race against both the clock and her competitors on the track, Amy Yoder Begley returned to Eugene, Oregon and rocked the house. Yoder Begley captured her first USA championship in the 10,000 meter run with an inspired stretch run, to defeat 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan and set a new Hayward Field record.

*** Click here to view photos from the 2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships – Day 1 (Thursday) ***

Amy Yoder Begley set a new Hayward Field record for 10,000 meters.

In the men’s 10,000 meter final, local favorite Galen Rupp captured the title in his last appearance in an Oregon Ducks uniform.

Galen Rupp was victorious in his last appearance in an Oregon Ducks uniform

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2009 NJCAA Region I Track and Field Championship

Posted on May 25, 2009 by AZRunning.com

Mesa Community College hosted the 2009 NJCAA Region I Track and Field Championship on May 12 and 14.

Click here to view photos from the 2009 NJCAA Region I Track and Field Championship

Meet Results, Day 3 (Tuesday)

Meet Results, Day 4 (Thursday)

Justin Royer from Mesa Community College won the 10,000 meter run during Tuesday’s competition, and came back to win the 3,000 meter steeplechase on Thursday.

Justin Royer won the 10,000 meter run during Tuesday's competition

Kierre Beckles from Central Arizona College set a new meet record in the 100 meter hurdles and won the 400 meter hurdles during Thursday’s competition.

Kierre Beckles set a new meet record in the 100 meter hurdles during Thursday's competition

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2009 adidas Track Classic

Posted on May 19, 2009 by AZRunning.com

For its 2009 edition, organizers of the adidas Track Classic shifted the competition schedule from mid-afternoon to early evening, in order to take advantage of more favorable weather in the Los Angeles area for distance running, while retaining fast conditions for sprint events. The format change was a success, with impressive early season results in both the sprint and distance events.

*** Click here to view photos from the 2009 adidas Track Classic ***

2008 U.S. Olympic Trials champion Anna Willard ran the fastest women’s 3,000 meter steeplechase on American soil.

Anna Willard ran the fastest women's 3,000 meter steeplechase on American soil.

2008 Olympic 400 meter champion LaShawn Merritt stepped down half a lap to the 200 meters for the adidias Track Classic, and emerged with a convincing victory.

2008 Olympic 400 meter champion LaShawn Merritt was victorious in the adidas Track Classic 200 meters

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New Orleans 2009

Posted on May 8, 2009 by AZRunning.com

Mardi Gras Marathon weekend at the end of January 2009 gave me an opportunity to visit New Orleans. It was my second time in the city, and first extended visit. In 1859, Mark Twain wrote, “It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he as seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.” After more than a century, Twain’s observation still resonates…

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The Saint Louis Cathedral was established in 1720, and overlooks Jackson Square and the French Quarter.

Saint Louis Cathedral

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2009 Ragnar Relay Los Angeles

Posted on April 30, 2009 by AZRunning.com

The inaugural Ragnar Relay Los Angeles had its share of first year growing pains. On the day before the start, participants were informed that Leg 4 was canceled due to safety concerns, and Legs 13-18 were canceled due to permitting issues with the City of Malibu. Once the race got underway, I felt that course markings were confusing or ambiguous in some areas. The post-race setup felt rather low-key compared to the Ragnar Relay Del Sol in Arizona… no live band, and a minimal beer garden. The overall experience felt more chaotic than other road relays I’ve done.

On the other hand, it’s hard to beat running on the strand through Venice Beach at midnight. Moreover, the primary reason for running a road relay is to bond with one’s teammates. In those respects, I believe most participants had an amazing experience!

*** Click here to view photos from the 2009 Ragnar Relay Los Angeles ***

Runners in the Ragnar Relay LA have many opportunities to enjoy the beach

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2009 Sun Angel Track Classic

Posted on April 14, 2009 by AZRunning.com

Despite cold and rainy conditions, the Sun Angel Track Classic celebrated its 30th edition in style. Meet honoree, former Sun Devil and 2004 Olympic long jump gold medalist Dwight Phillips participated in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Fireworks punctuated the start of the Premiere (evening) session, and sparkling pyrotechnics lined the runway for Matt Turner’s final long jump. The meet concluded with fans lining the track for the Premiere heat of the men’s 1,500 meter run.

*** Click here to view photos from the 2009 Sun Angel Track Classic ***

Competitors and fans at the 2009 Sun Angel Track Classic did not let the rain dampen their enthusiasm

The evening ended with a thrilling stretch run in the Premiere Men's 1,500 meter run

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