Amica Insurance 5K, presented by Town of Carefree, to benefit Girls on the Run, Oct. 31, 2009
5K will be held in conjunction with inaugural Amica Championship, Nov. 1
Providence, RI – Before heading out to trick or trick on Halloween, get your running shoes on and participate in the inaugural Amica Insurance 5K, presented by the Town of Carefree, Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Carefree Resort in Arizona.
The charity 5K run will benefit Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Two dollars ($2) from every entry into the Amica Insurance 5K, presented by the Town of Carefree, will go directly to Girls on the Run of Maricopa County, AZ.
“The support Girls on the Run will receive as the beneficiary of the Amica Insurance 5K, presented by the Town of Carefree, will enable our organization to engage and empower more girls with a greater sense of self-awareness, self-esteem and achievement,” said Meagan Kukowski, Board President and Development Committee Chair, Girls on the Run of Maricopa County.
The fun run for kids kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the Carefree Resort. The 5K follows, beginning at 3:45 p.m.
The Amica Insurance 5K, presented by the Town of Carefree, is held in conjunction with the inaugural Amica Championship. The sprint triathlon, an open event, will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Lake Pleasant Park, Arizona. The Amica Championship features a half mile swim, a 17 mile bike and a 5k run. Pros will compete for a $20,000 purse. To register visit: http://amicachampionship.com/register.html
Even though the whole idea of staying active is to work up a good sweat the summer months in Arizona take that to the extreme. The choices are limited to those healthy-minded folks who want to keep active during the time of year when exercising outside just isn’t a wise option. Luckily, Sports Arizona Monthly has sniffed out a list of indoor activities and places to do to them for those who don’t want to sit down, as the temperature goes up.
The Night Run For the Arts presented by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Running Company is set for this Saturday, May 2nd in the streets of downtown Scottsdale.
It’s not too late to register, either. You can register at Scottsdale Running Company, located at 6941 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Night Run For the Arts features an 8K (chip timed) race as well as a 3-mile fun run/walk (no chip timing)
Here’s the event schedule:
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Late registration at Scottsdale Running Company
5:30 p.m. On-site late registration at Start/Finich line - 75th St. and Main St.
7 p.m. – 3-Mile Fun Run/Walk (no timing chip)
8 p.m. – 8K Race (timing chip)
9 p.m. – Award Ceremony and Post-run free concert with Big Nick and the Gila Monsters
I know we’ve just met, but there’s something I feel I have to get off my chest right away.
I’m not your typical runner.
I don’t know what a “typical” runner is, but I can only assume I’m not one of them by the looks I get from people when I tell them I run. In the middle of a conversation about someone wanting to run a 5k, I’ll pipe in and say “You should! It’s actually not that bad,” which is always followed by a look of confusion from the person I’m talking to.
“YOU run 5ks?” they’ll ask with a blatant look of shock and utter confusion.
Oh, I see - so I guess the fact that I’m 5’3” and chubby with a penchant for Pop Tarts and fast food makes me an unlikely candidate?
But that’s precisely what makes events like Pat’s Run so amazing. It’s not the event itself that brings people out – a 4.2 mile run/walk - but the cause itself. It’s not about being a runner, or being a supreme athlete of any sort, really. It’s about honoring the memory of one of Arizona’s best, brightest, and most noble men. It’s an event that brings thousands of people out to tackle something they never thought possible – to prove that Tillman is still an inspiration, even all these years later.
All that being said, I’m a competitive little fart, so I took this as an opportunity to kick ass and take names. After all, that’s what Tillman would do on the field, right?
When Saturday morning finally rolled around, I knew this run was going to be like no other I’ve done before. I didn’t know this right away, mind you. It wasn’t until I was at the Priest and Washington light rail station that I got tipped off to this. As I read my Sports Illustrated and waited for the train to come, a short, stocky woman in a bright green hat and bright green tennis shoes started howling – and no, howling is not an exaggeration.
“You’re messin’ with a – OOMPH OOMPH – son of a guuuuuuuuuunnnnnn…”
Nothing like a little crazy to let you know it’s gonna be a special day.
Once we got down to ASU campus and jumped off the light rail, we followed throngs of runners around to the starting line. Because there were over 18,000 people registered for the event as of Friday evening, my friend Amy and I weren’t able to actually start running until approximately 7:24am. While many of the people faded from a run to a jog to a walk within the first five minutes of the run, Amy and I kept going. I actually felt pretty good about everything until after turned onto Curry Road at the mile and a half mark.
“What the f__k is this?” I asked Amy.
“Um, an incline,” she responded between huffs.
Now I could give you some sob story about my ankle injury from November, where I had issues with my Achilles tendon that had me confined to a walking boot for four weeks, but when it’s all said and done, it comes down to this – I really am actually a lazy person, and I don’t really even LIKE running. It’s hard enough for my fat behind without making me go uphill. Thankfully, my pre-race beer and pasta dinner had left me just gassy enough that my flatulence propelled me up the hill and through the pain.
(Which reminds me - my apologies to anyone that was behind or around me on Curry Road at approximately 7:38am.)
As we passed the two-mile mark, I felt myself ready to slow down when I heard a sweet, sweet sound. I couldn’t make out what specifically was being said, but I did know one thing – that was the sound of a group of men, early twenties, in a boot-camp style formation. We looked over our shoulders and there they were, rapidly approaching. The sight of those “Chandler Fire Department” t-shirts were like the hand of God reaching down to touch us, and it was at that moment Amy and I realized we could not stop no matter what. We are in our thirties and by gosh – we had to keep up with the firemen!!
(I think they were actually firemen in training, but at this point, I was covered in sweat and not in any shape to be picky.)
Herd of testosterone aside, the single most inspirational moment of the day to me was shortly after this, when Amy and I came upon a gentleman who had artificial arms and legs. He was by himself, jogging a steady pace, saying nothing to anyone around him, but simply smiling and nodding to those who passed him by. For a brief second, I forgot about the firemen and just focused on this guy. He was so unassuming, and seemingly completely unaware to the fact he was likely inspiring everyone that he came in contact with during the course of that run. I felt like the world’s biggest a-hole for complaining about being tired when this guy…there just aren’t even words…
Sadly, the thing about me is that I don’t focus on any one thing for too long, so it doesn’t take long for the moment to pass. By mile three, I was back to bellyaching, trying to convince Amy her hip was bothering her so SHE would be the one to want to walk this time instead of me. Unfortunately, she wasn’t biting and she’s too nice of a person to trip, so by the 3 ½ mile mark, I had to bite the bullet and slow down to a walk to avoid passing out and/or needing an ankle replacement.
Turning onto Packard Drive had us coming up on the four-mile mark, though at this point I had forgotten that it was a 4.2-mile run because I kept looking for the finish line and cussing under my breath wondering where the %&^@ it was. But somehow, seeing Sun Devil Stadium and knowing that our big finish was right there on the field was enough motivation to keep going. That, and someone had mentioned that the ASU football team was cheering people on at the finish.
(Look - I’m 32 years old and no matter how single or taken I am, I appreciate the value of a group of men in good shape. Stop judging me.)
As we came out into the stadium and stepped onto the field’s grass, the “FINISH” balloon arc off in the distance, I took a moment to appreciate the fact that Tillman didn’t wear number 44. If they would have moved that finish line another twenty feet, I can’t promise I would have made it. I heard Amy yell “Go!” and without hesitation, I just started sprinting. I ran like my ass was running from the cops, because if I knew anything, I knew this – the faster I run, the faster I can get this damn thing over with. So I ran…I ran and I ran and – hey, there’s the football team! – and I ran until my foot crossed the finish line, when I abruptly stopped, looked at Amy (who ran in seconds behind me) and said a combination of profanities not suited for reprint. Success! We were done! Now where the hell are those bananas and Powerade bottles they promised us? I almost jacked a little girl for her popsicle, but there were too many witnesses so I just let the kid be.
As Amy and I wandered out of the stadium (stopping briefly for photos with the Chick-a-filet cow mascots and Sparky), I felt an odd sense of pride that I hadn’t felt before. Mainly that I hadn’t tripped in front of the photographer at the finish line, but also in the people who surrounded me. Each of us had one thing in common that day, and that was that we all made it a point to come together in honor of a man who did so much more than just sacrifice his Saturday morning. Maybe we aren’t such a nation of selfish a-holes after all?
Sure, my time sucked (48 minutes and 28 seconds), but at the end of the day, no one will remember my time – including me. What I’ll remember is the experience – that I participated in my first of what I hope to be many Pat’s Run events. And I ran, I walked, and hopefully, I honored a man whose memory deserves so much more than what I did that day.
*Registration and packet pick-up take place today from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the NORTH end of Sun Devil Stadium. Those that have not registered can do so today and those that have can pick up their race packets (highly encouraged to avoid the rush on Saturday morning). If you are a TV station looking for easy interviews and b-roll for tonight, just head out to the registration pick-up and my guess is you will get what you need in 15 minutes or less.
*When talking about the race and Saturday morning traffic, using the words “avoid Rio Salado Parkway” is highly encouraged. Between McClintock and Rural there is ongoing construction.
*In an effort to improve access to Pat’s Run, ADOT is holding off on the start of a weekend northbound closure of Loop 101 (Price Freeway) between US 60 and Loop 202. That closure is now scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Due to that closure, and work on Rio Salado Parkway, Pat’s Run participants leaving the area after the event are encouraged to use Rural Road north to eastbound Loop 202 to access Loop 101.
*The Arizona Department of Transportation has let us know that westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) will be closed between Country Club Drive and Loop 101 in Mesa from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (April 20). Traffic will detour north on Country Club Drive, west on McDowell Road and south on Loop 101 to reconnect with westbound Loop 202. Participants coming from the east should consider using westbound US 60 to northbound Loop 101 to approach the area.
*Meanwhile, southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) will be closed between Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Via de Ventura in the Scottsdale area from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (April 20). Traffic will detour south on Hayden Road. Participants traveling from the North Valley should consider using southbound State Route 51 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) as an alternate route to ASU.
Last year’s race attracted more than 19,000 participants, and is expected to be even bigger this year. The race celebrates the memory of former Arizona State star and Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, who walked away from football in the aftermath of 9/11, and joined the U.S. Army. He was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Pat’s Race was started as a way to raise funds and awareness for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation, and it’s Leadership Through Action initiatives.
As always, the race will conclude on the 42-yard line on the Frank Kush Field at Sun Devil Stadium.
Online registration is open until the evening of April 13th.
The Foothills 10k and 5k run is on tap for Saturday, February 28th at 8 AM. The race is set to take place at Frontier Town in Cave Creek, 6245 E. Cave Creek Rd.
The race takes place on a beautiful desert downhill course that features a decent from 2700 to 2200 feet. The start line for both the 10k and 5k are acessible by private vehicle only as racers will park at Frontier Town and be bused to the start line. The event is an official USATF certified course.
Registration is available online here and costs $22 now and $25 on race day.
All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and refreshments. Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in all groups.
The 2009 Desert Classic Duathlon is coming to McDowell Mountain park Sunday February 22nd. The race, set for 8 am, consists of a 3.5 mile run, a 21 mile bike race on a road course and finishes with a 2.7 mile run.
Along with the full Duathlon the event will include a juniors duathlon for participants ages 15 through 19 and a children’s duathlon for ages 7 through 14.. The junior duathlon consists of a 1.5 mile run, an 11 mile bike race and a 1.5 run. The children’s duathlon includes a 1/2 mile run, 5 mile bike ride and concludes with a 1/2 mile run.
Co-Race director John Lierle describes the event as “A unique duathlon venue that combines smooth trail runs with a challenging road bike course through the majestic sonoran desert. The Trisports.com Desert Classic Duathlon is a favorite of many professional triathletes who use the race as an early season test of their fitness. The race also draws a very strong field of top age-group athletes from across the U.S. looking for a warm weather destination where they can race and vacation.”
The race will serve as one of the two regional qualifying races for the 2009 World Duathlon championships, the other being the Apple Duathlon in Minnesota. The top three athletes in each age group will qualify for the world championships. Qualifying sports will include the top 6 in each age group if their finishing time is within 20% of the age group winner.
Proceeds from the Desert Classic go towards youth education programs in the Maricopa county Parks system. The race is put on by the Phoenix Triathlon Club, whose members serve as volunteers, and is sponsored by TriSports.com
The Phoenix Triathlon Club, which has produced the duathlon for ten years, is a 501(c)4 not for profit organization and one of the largest multi-sport clubs in the United States with a membership that ranks in the top 4% of U.S. triathlon clubs. The club is a growing community of friendly and cohesive triathletes whose members are motivated through pride and team spirit striving to provide excellence in member experience.
(Debra and her family during one of their many running events) We had the chance to catch up with Debra Undhjem, event organizer for the IMS Arizona Marathon, to discuss the idea behind the marathon, the challenges in organizing it and why healthy living is so important to her.
Fanster: How did the idea for the marathon come about?
Running the streets of the west valley since 1989 with my family and friends…I wanted to start something that anyone could by just putting on a pair of shoes hitting the streets and falling into your own pace. Whether you run, walk or jog you don’t need to do anything but put one foot in front of the other. If you want to get into shape, stay in shape, or relieve stress, then walking, running, jogging has benefits for everyone. The belief was that none of our local cities could route a 26.2- mile course. The cost alone would prohibit a marathon. It sounded simple in my mind. Bring all the cities together to host the event. All city mayors at the finish line congratulating runners as they accomplished their 26.2,13.1 or relay teams goals
Fanster: What major hurdles did you face when putting together the marathon?
I cannot think of one major hurdle, once Integrated Medical Services signed on as the title sponsor. The belief and faith IMS had in the idea was a major inspiration! The marathon committee of volunteers has worked diligently in helping me organize and share the workload. Working with City government has been challenging at times, especially the process of obtaining city permits to run through four cities. The economy was also a difficult. When individuals weren’t able to financially help, they did so by volunteering to show their support. I will say that trying to keep the rate reasonable for the participants, while making enough money to break-even and host a first class event has been difficult.
Fanster: Why is raising awareness about healthy life styles important to you?
I have been running for 27 years. When I got married in 1981 my husband Lance and I started running together. When my boys Lane and Luke were three they ran their first fun run in Litchfield Park. I have a hard time understanding someone saying, “I don’t have time to exercise,” I believe everyone has time in his or her day for 15-20 minutes of walking. The most important thing in life to me is a healthy lifestyle and I believe it is an obligation to yourself to stay fit. When you stay fit there are countless benefits with your family and your job; the list is endless in my eyes. Exercise is an activity that involves minimal cost; you can use the walking-jogging-running time for yourself or you can join friends and make it a social time. Whatever you choose just go outside enjoy the day and start your walking, jogging, running, program.
Fanster: Are you an active participant in marathons yourself?
I am a leader by example; I have completed four marathons, my last one being the Boston Marathon. For years I have trained dozens of folks to reach their goal to the 1/2 Marathon race. It’s my past time and my passion…When I see my girlfriends prioritize their church, family, job, house, etc and put their selves last on their list- I feel an obligation to help them put their selves higher on their list, because if they don’t then all those other items will fall apart. Being active and staying fit is easy. My neighbor Sofia is 93 years old and she walks 20 minutes almost everyday with out a walking aid. Sofia is my mentor when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
Fanster: How many people do you expect at the marathon and how much money do you anticipate raising?
Participants and volunteers will total 1,000 folks. At this time we are hoping to break even on the marathon and raise health awareness in our community.
Fanster: Where do the proceeds of the race go?
After all bills are paid it is our goal to donate to the LLS to help support Joshua & Friends.
The IMS Arizona Marathon is set for this Sunday, February, 15th with the IMS Arizona Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Event taking place a day before the race, Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Western Sky Middle School in Goodyear. For more information on the race or expo visit TheArizonaMarathon.com.
New National Tri Series Features 7 Sprint Events and 1 Championship
Providence, RI – A new national sprint triathlon series, featuring seven races and one championship, was announced today by Eident Sports Marketing. The inaugural Amica Triathlon Series, a sprint distance series of events held throughout the country, will debut this spring. The series will culminate with the Amica Championship in the fall in Phoenix, AZ.
Amica Insurance will serve as the Title Sponsor of the inaugural Amica Triathlon Series.
“Amica Insurance is pleased to be the Title Sponsor of the inaugural Amica Triathlon Series. We are thrilled to be an integral part of what we expect to be an exciting triathlon series,” said Robert A. DiMuccio, president and CEO, Amica Insurance. “Amica understands that to be a triathlete, athletes have to be committed, dedicated and work extremely hard to accomplish their goals. These traits mirror how Amica has conducted business for more than a century. Our goal is to provide great insurance while serving our customers with integrity, humanity and fairness.”
The sprint distance is the fastest growing segment in triathlon racing in the United States.
“Sprint distance triathlons provide a great opportunity for a wide variety of athletes to test their
skills at endurance sports,” said John Mathews, president, Eident Sports Marketing. “We are thrilled to partner with Amica Insurance and produce what promises to be a first-rate series of events throughout the country.”
The series debuts in May with the Amica TexasMan Triathlon in Dallas, TX. Additional events will be held throughout the year with the championship event in November.
2009 Amica Triathlon Series Schedule of Events:
Amica TexasMan Triathlon, May 17 (Dallas, TX)
5430 Sprint Triathlon presented by Amica, June 21 (Boulder, CO)
Amica Old Hickory Triathlon, June 27 (Nashville, TN)
Amica Triathlon at Lake Wylie, July 25 (Charlotte, NC)
Mid-Summer Triathlon presented by Amica, August 2 (Portland, OR)
Amica Niantic Bay Triathlon, August 9 (Niantic, CT)
Amica Lake Las Vegas Triathlon, Sept. 12 (Las Vegas, NV)
Amica Championship, Nov. 1 (Phoenix, AZ)
To enter to any of the races in the Amica Triathlon Series or for additional information visit: www.amicatriseries.com.
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12 ways to stay active and cool this summer
I know we’ve just met, but there’s something I feel I have to get off my chest right away.
*Registration and packet pick-up take place today from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the NORTH end of Sun Devil Stadium. Those that have not registered can do so today and those that have can pick up their race packets (highly encouraged to avoid the rush on Saturday morning). If you are a TV station looking for easy interviews and b-roll for tonight, just head out to the registration pick-up and my guess is you will get what you need in 15 minutes or less.
The 
The Foothills 10k and 5k run is on tap for Saturday, February 28th at 8 AM. The race is set to take place at Frontier Town in Cave Creek, 6245 E. Cave Creek Rd. 
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