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Photos: Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

2016 Rock n Roll Montreal Marathon
Montreal QC, Canada Sept 25, 2016
Photo: KevinMorris@PhotoRun
victah1111@aol.com
631-291-3409
www.photorun.net

Brilliant sunshine and stunning fall scenery were on full display at this year’s edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon on Sept. 25. Quebec’s largest city played the role as welcome host as over 35,000 runners from all over the world took to it tree-lined streets in five events (1K, 5K, 10K, half marathon and the marathon).

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35,000 Runners Enjoy Fall Splendor at Montreal Rock ‘n’ Roll Races

Runners began the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Marathon and 1/2 Marathon on Pont Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Photo: Ryan Bethke

Brilliant sunshine and stunning fall scenery were on full display at this year’s edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Quebec’s largest city played the role as welcome host as over 35,000 runners from all over the world took to it tree-lined streets in five events (1K, 5K, 10K, half marathon and the marathon).

The drama of the day in the competitive divisions went to Arianne Raby of Montreal who won in her debut marathon in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 54 seconds in front of a hometown crowd. “The race was hard,” she admitted. “Some parts were easier. I didn’t feel my best today. My quads were a bit heavy. I’m happy with how it went today. It was exactly as I expected.”

Raby is coming off a track and field scholarship at Indiana University (800m and 1,500m distances) where she graduated in 2014.

“It’s more fun to run on the roads than on the track,” she said. “It’s like a big party. I like that better.”

Raby ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Half Marathon as a rabbit last year.

“When you are in so much pain and you see a band playing for you, it’s great,” she said with a smile. “You look forward to the next band.” Raby ran the entire race unopposed and said she kept up with some of the male competitors who helped push her. Second place in the women’s marathon was awarded to Joanne Normand (2:57:26). Mylene Sansourcy rounded out the podium in Montreal—good for third in 2:59:56.

The men’s marathon went to Kari Steinn Karlsson who won the 26.2-mile race in 2:24:18. His margin of victory was a full 3 minutes over second-place finisher Bagdad Rachem (2:27:48). Fethi Oukid was third in 2:29:25.

Ebisa Ejigu was the first person to cross the line in the half marathon. The 27-year-old’s time for the 13.1 miles was 1:09:21. Antony Larouche was second 6 seconds later (1:09:27). “The race went well,” the Quebec City resident said. “The first two kilometers were very fast. I wanted to stay with the lead pack as long as I could. At 8 kilometers, the winner dropped us, so we continued the race with a pack of three, until the 16 kilometers when it started to get steep, I used my endurance to push at that critical part.”

Larouche was pleased with his showing. He had entered the race wanting to be the first Quebec finisher and did just that. “I’m very happy with it,” he said. Sunday’s race was his second Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Half Marathon. “I was a little afraid of the forecast, because I thought it was going to be windy, but it ended up being beautiful.” Third place in the half was awarded to Kindi Asefa of Toronto.

Jane Murage of Kenya was the women’s half marathon champion. Unlike Larouche, she recalled afterwards that the wind was a factor. She had hoped to break 1:15 and ended up clocking 1:18:10, running the entire way unopposed. “The course was so nice,” she said. “The spectators kept me motivated the entire way.” For Murage, who lives and trains in Toronto, it was her first time in Montreal. “The city was beautiful,” she said. “It was a great day to race.” Second and third went to Jullien Flynn (1:21:05) and Paula Wiltse (1:24:11) respectively.

Julius Arile Lomerinyang (16:53) and Marie-Syrine Daigneault (18:25) prevailed in the 5k, while Kevin Robertson (34:14) and Genevieve Shurtleff (39:01) won the 10K race.

To add to the thrilling elite races was the incredible party-like atmosphere that permeated the Montreal course. Marathon and half marathon runners started Pont Jacques-Cartier Bridge and finished in Parc La Fontaine. Along the way, they were entertained by 22 bands, three choirs, local DJs, and dancers from the Greater Montreal area. A beer garden awaited thirsty runners at the end of their race, while Rock band Our Lady Peace performed as the headliner at the finish-line concert, giving participants a lively send off.

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Bekele Outruns Kipsang to Win Berlin Marathon in 2:03:03

Ethipoian Kenenisa Bekele (right) outran Kenyan Wilson Kipsang in the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 25, in one of the fastest times in history. Photo: PhotoRun.net

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele won a grueling battle with Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang en route to winning the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday in 2:03:03, the second fastest time in history on a record-eligible course.

Bekele took command of the race entering the final kilometer, surging away from former world-record holder Kipsang to take his first victory in Berlin, averaging 4:41.48 per mile and smashing Haile Gebrselassie’s Ethiopian record of 2:03:59 in the process. The world record of 2:02:57 was set by Kenyan Dennis Kimetto a year ago in Berlin.

The women’s race saw Ethiopia’s Aberu Kebede take victory in commanding fashion, running 2:20:45 to come home more than three minutes clear of compatriot Birhane Dibaba.

American Mike Wardian, who is on a quest to run all five Marathon Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York) in 2016 faster than anyone in history, finished in 2:28:19 to stay on pace with only the Oct. 9 Chicago Marathon and Nov. 6 New York City Marathon remaining.

RELATED: Mike Wardian’s Crazy Globetrotting Adventure Continues

In mild, calm conditions in the German capital, the pace was blistering from the outset, with a group of eight going through halfway in 1:01:11. At the 30K mark, reached in 1:26:26, Kipsang was the one pushing things along at the front, joined by compatriot Alfers Lagat. However, Bekele always remained in touch, and despite dropping back on several occasions, he trailed Kipsang by just five seconds as they reached 35K, more than enough contact for a man with a track pedigree like Bekele, who still holds the world records in the 5,000m (12:37.35) and 10,000m (26:17.35).

Bekele slowly reeled in his target over the kilometres that followed, clocking off consistent splits and running alongside Kipsang at the 40K mark before making his decisive move. Bekele changed gears impressively with just over a kilometer to run, a move Kipsang  simply couldn’t match.

With nothing but the clock left to race, the 34-year-old Ethiopian powered up the home straight in the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, but fell just short in his bid to break Dennis Kimetto’s world record of 2:02:57, set in Berlin in 2014.

“I wanted to run my personal best here,” Bekele said. “The time was fantastic but I was disappointed I missed the world record.”

Kipsang came home second in 2:03:13, and had every reason to beam with pride after taking 10 seconds off his personal best.

“It was a very nice race and my feeling was good,” he said. “I was hoping we could run a world record but to run a personal best is good. We ran a good race together. Even though [Bekele] just missed it, he will run it another day.”

Kebede, Dibaba and fellow Ethiopian Ruti Aga ran together through 15km in 49:40, but Kebede began to press on alone before halfway, which she reached in 1:09:27. From there, she extended her advantage all the way to the finish, coming up just 15 seconds shy of her personal best of 2:20:30.

With her third Berlin win after 2010 and 2012 Kebede joins Berlin’s record winners Uta Pippig (Germany) and Renata Kokowska (Poland). Birhane Dibaba (2:23:58) and Ruti Aga (2:24:41) made it an all Ethiopian podium in Berlin in ideal weather conditions.

41,283 runners from 122 countries entered the 43rd edition of the race, which is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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Hoka One One Unveils a Kona-Themed Clayton Special Edition Shoe

Just in time for the Oct. 8 Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Hoka One One has unveiled a Hawaiian-themed edition of its award-winning Clayton training/racing shoe. It has a yellow, orange, gray and white color motif with a “lush island print reminiscent of the native plants along the Queen K Highway.”

The special-edition shoe carries a $150 price tag (same as the standard model) and is being sold at HokaOneOne.com and in Kona during race week. It has a 4mm heel-toe offset (24mm at the heel, 20mm at the forefoot) and weighs 7.3 oz. for men’s size 9.0 and 6.3 oz. for a women’s size 7.0.

This category-breaking long-distance trainer/racer is very wide and stable but also light, responsive and fast. This shoe’s two-part midsole features a slightly softer foam in the rear for impact protection at footstrike and a firmer, responsive foam material in the forefoot that results in more energy return than Hoka’s other shoes—as the foot rolls forward to the toe-off phase of a stride. The low foot placement and high medial sidewall help reduce overpronation late in a run without being disruptive like a traditional medial post. The ride feels remarkably firm, edgy and fast for a Hoka. Few shoes—and none with this much cushion—have combined all of those elements so well. Plus, the rockered design and its energetic foam material on the bottom of the outsole help smooth the heel-to-toe motion.

MORE: Shoe of the Week—Hoka One One Clayton

VIDEO: Hoka One One Clayton Launch Party

RELATED: Newton Unveils 2016 Special Editions for Kona and Chicago

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Coach Culpepper: Making Good Mid-Race Decisions

Photo: Ryan Bethke

Have a plan (and a backup plan)

Making good mid-race decisions starts with first recognizing that running a successful race requires a race-day plan. Not only things like what to wear, weather considerations, transportation, parking, meal planning, etc., but also developing a race strategy to meet your specific objectives.  You’re unlikely to be successful without first knowing what your goal is and then developing a plan that will help you reach it. This applies to your pacing range, fueling and hydration, route considerations like hills that will affect your pacing/effort level, and weather elements that will play a role. It is also important to note that things may not go according to plan. That’s OK and should not be a surprise—the key is having one and being open to making alterations mid-race.

Small adjustments make a big difference

When racing, small adjustments are magnified and have a larger effect then in training. Missing a water station in a marathon, for instance, can result in major consequences later. Or adjusting your pacing by a mere 5 seconds per mile can translate to minutes saved later in a race. Recognize going into the event that your adjustments should be subtle, with a level of finesse. Almost without exception, a mid-race adjustment should not be more than a slight alteration to your original plan. Increasing or slowing your pace, latching onto a group that is near you, tucking in behind a fellow competitor or altering mechanics to help conquer a hill should all be modest. Mid-race is not the time to make an aggressive move, attack a hill or to convince yourself that you should bank time for later. When the circumstances demand that you make a decision, remind yourself to adjust with finesse and  to not waste precious energy and focus.

Trust your instincts—within reason

Most breakthrough performances are a result of an athlete trusting his or her instincts and allowing body and mind not to be limited by preplanning. Many of my best races—and those that propelled me to a new level—happened by trusting my instincts during the race itself. I can tell you, however, that in most instances this happens mid-race and beyond. Do not make the mistake of trusting your instincts too early in a race when your body and mind can trick you. I have heard too many times that a runner felt good the first few miles so they decided to just go for it and see what happened. This rarely works out. However, there can come a time mid-race when everything inside you is telling you to go and holding back would be a mistake. Or you know instinctually that falling off a pace group at a critical time in the race would lead to a total deterioration mentally and physically. The key is recognizing in that moment if your instincts are truthful even if not necessarily logical. Having a plan is imperative, understanding that adjustments must be subtle is critical but also listening to your instincts and trusting how you feel is essential. This is the art form of racing: Balancing the three aspects in just the right combination for that day and for those circumstances. It takes practice but when honed will lead to achieving greater results than you could have imagined.

Two-time U.S. Olympian Alan Culpepper won national titles from the 5K to the marathon. His first book, Run Like a Champion, is available at VeloPress.com.

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Q&A with Colorado’s Entrepre-Brewer Colin Anderson

Photo: Aric Van Halen

A former collegiate track runner, Colin Anderson fondly missed chillin’ with his teammates after a long weekend training run at Road 34—a bike shop in Fort Collins, Colo., that also served food and a wide range of craft beers. That gave the now 26-year-old the idea to open a running shop with a similar dual-purpose hang-out vibe. Although it took a few years, Shoes & Brews opened its doors in July 2014 in Longmont, Colo., as the first beer and running retail operation in the U.S. In addition to being a full-service running store, it has 20 beer taps serving up microbrews from some of Colorado’s top breweries and it also brews about 100 barrels of its own craft beers every year. 

VIDEO: A Running Store with 20 Beer Taps

How did you know this idea could work?

Cyclists and runners are similar in a lot of ways, and I wondered, “Why hasn’t someone tried this for a running store?” I think that being the first at anything is a big challenge because you don’t have an example to point to. I asked people what they thought or if they thought it was a crazy idea. Enough people thought it was a good idea that it was worth taking the leap.

What makes Shoes & Brews unique?

I think it’s difficult to hang out for long periods of time in a traditional running shop. When you can go to a place and hang out and do something aside from buy shoes, it really helps to foster that vibe and the community aspect of running, and I really think that’s what we’ve created. Some of the people who were originally with us at our weekly fun runs have been doing races together, some have become friends and some are dating. Most of them didn’t know each other until they met at Shoes & Brews.

What were your biggest concerns?

We were worried that we would deter high schoolers coming in and parents with young kids, but we definitely wanted to be able to service those segments of the running market with a good running store. In the end, it hasn’t been a concern and we never got a negative vibe from anyone, but I think it’s largely because we purposely separated the two sides of the business and tried as much as possible not to have a bar atmosphere.

Have there been any surprises?

I think the biggest surprise is how interested people have been to drink the beers we brew onsite. I thought it would be cool to brew our own beer—we brew just under 100 barrels of beer a year, which is a pretty small amount and makes us a nanobrewery—but I didn’t think it would be much of a revenue driver or have a lot of demand because there is so much great beer in Colorado.

What is your favorite beer?

My favorite beer that we brew is the Hef-Yeah! hefeweizen, but I also really like Pearman of the Gourd, a seasonal brew we make every fall with pumpkin and pear in the mash.

What’s your next running goal?

My 5K PR on the roads is about 14:55 and I would like to get that a little bit lower  before I get too old.

Any plans for expansion?

We have definitely looked into it and talked about it, but for now we’re really trying to do what we do as well as we possibly can.

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Transgender British Runner Admits to Attempted Murder of Athletic Official

Lauren Jeska is a three-time English fell running champion and the 2012 British fell running champion. Photo: Facebook

A champion female British trail runner has pleaded guilty this week to the attempted murder of a UK Athletics official last spring at an athletics stadium in Birmingham, England. She allegedly attacked the organization’s human resources director because it was about to be revealed that she had been born a man.

Stories about Lauren Jeska’s “savage” knife attack were released in court this week. According to a story in The Guardian, Jeska, 41, a three-time English fell-running champion and 2012 UK fell-running champion, admitted trying to kill Ralph Knibbs, the head of human resources and welfare at the sport’s British governing body as well as a former professional rugby player.

The attack took place after British Athletics officials in March threatened to strip her of her titles when it emerged she was born a man, The Daily Mail reported.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed Jeska was a ‘transgender athlete’ following her guilty plea to attempted murder.

According to West Midlands police, officers were called to the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, the headquarters of UK Athletics, just before 10:30 a.m. on March 22 after reports that a 51-year-old man had been stabbed in the head and neck, suffering “life-threatening injuries.”

She allegedly attacked him in the head and neck with two six-inch kitchen knives and had a third blade—a bread knife—stashed in her bag during the “premeditated” and “savage” attack, according to Birmingham Crown Court transcripts.

Appearing via videolink at Birmingham crown court on Sept. 23, Jeska also pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on two other men.

Tim Begley and Kevin Taylor, who also work for UK Athletics, had stepped in to help Knibbs as he was attacked. Their injuries were described in court as “not of the most serious order.”

Jeska pleaded guilty to further charges of possession of knives in a public place—a 12cm kitchen knife and 13cm kitchen knife—but she denied possessing a bread knife which had been left in a bag before the attack.

Jeska was previously listed as a member of Todmorden Harriers on the West Yorkshire-based club’s website.

MORE: The Guardian

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Video: Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon Course Preview

We’ve said it before, but the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon is one of the greatest spectacles in American running and one that should be on every runner’s bucket list. It’s a nighttime race run on a fast, flat course that sends runners on a tour through new and old sections of downtown Las Vegas. This year’s race is set for night of Nov. 13, and if this video course tour doesn’t get you fired up to run it, we don’t know what will. Highlights this year will include a Snoop Dogg show before the start, a glance at the world-famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign, run-through wedding chapels, a glimpse at The Fremont Street Experience and, of course, the chance to run down the iconic Las Vegas Strip on one of the two nights during the entire year that it’s closed to vehicle traffic. Viva Las Vegas!

RELATED: Snoop Dogg Will Headline 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Races

RELATED: The 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon Finisher Medal Spins and Glows

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Gear We Love: September 2016

Convenient, portable and simple items for fall that our editors are raving about this month:

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SKLZ Hydro-Roller, $40

This is a genius idea! SKLZ combined a stainless steel water bottle with a therapeutic foam roller. Why is it so smart? Because of its dual-purpose functionality. I have a gazillion water bottles and several foam rollers, but they're not necessarily with me when I need them. For example, I took the HydroRoller with me to a half marathon last weekend and when I got back to the car, the water was still icy cold (the foam from the foam roller helps keep fluids insulated!) and I was able to use it to roll out my right hamstring and hip after my cool-down run. Knowing my upper leg was still tweaky, I took it with me on a business trip and used it every day in my hotel room after running or spinning in the gym. It's durable, well-constructed, lightweight and easy to pack, not to mention environmentally friendly. If only we could combine more things this simply and smartly.—Brian Metzler, editor-in-chief

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Voormi River Run Hoodie, $129

If you think “warm, sunny weather” and “wool-blend hoodie” don’t belong together, the Voormi River Run Hoodie will challenge your preconceptions. This versatile top is made with an incredibly lightweight fabric—just 100 grams per square meter of cloth—crafted with Merino wool on the outside and moisture-wicking synthetic fibers next to the skin. The result is a 6-ounce shirt that’s as useful for blocking the middy sun as it is for warming up on a crisp morning. The fit is more athletic and trim than boxy, and the generous hood doesn’t flop around too much. I chose this good-looking piece for aprés workouts more often than running in it, but it still proved a great choice for relaxed trail runs. Thumb loops are a nice touch for cooler weather; this is as close to a true four-season top as you’ll ever find.—Mark Eller, contributing editor

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LED Lenser Neo, $25

For early morning or late evening runs (and now that it's officially fall with less daylight), this lightweight headlamp comes in handy. With 90 lumens of light and a 150-degree ultra wide beam, the Neo has three settings: power, low power and strobe. Plus, it has a rear red light that notifies people or vehicles you can't see from behind. It's my favorite headlamp because of its simplicity and inexpensive price point. It stays on, provides long-lasting light (about 40 hours worth on low power), and doesn't bounce on my head. It's as if I'm not wearing a headlamp at all.—Emily Polachek, associate editor

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Chaco Kirkwood Flips, $85

I wear running shoes every day and that's a good thing. But sometimes my feet want to be free, especially after wearing running shoes for a long, hot run. These Kirkwood Flips have been my go-to recovery shoes for the past few months. They're comfortable, easy-on, easy-off leather flip-flops with a style that blends classic and chill. The undercarriage is made from a combination of a soft polyurethane and foam that serves both smooth-riding comfort from heel to toe as well as a little bit of support. The rubber outsole has a low-profile tread that's ideal for walking on trails, roads or sand.—Brian Metzler, editor-in-chief

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The North Face HyperAir GTX jacket, $249

Every so often here in San Diego, strange drops of water fall from the sky. We think it’s something we’ve heard about called “rain.” And whenever that happens, I pull The North Face’s HyperAir GTX jacket out of the closet. This shell is basically a single tissue-thin layer of Gore-Tex Active material that keeps you dry as a desert inside, yet it’s highly breathable—and, obviously, very lightweight. For such a streamlined jacket, it’s also got a few decent-size pockets and an adjustable hood. It’s easily the best rain jacket I’ve come across. And even though it doesn’t get wet here very often, The HyperAir GTX is nice to have when it does.—Adam Elder, managing editor

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Brooks Greenlight Cuff, $18

I don't like carrying stuff in my hands when I run and stuffing a car key in my running shorts usually isn't all that comfortable or secure. (I don't like wearing running belts with pockets either.) I only came across a Greenlight Cuff recently, but it's been the perfect accessory to carry small necessities on the run. It has reflective highlights so it helps me be seen running at night and the pocket is big enough to carry a car key, an ID, a credit card, cash and an energy gel. Plus, it doubles as a sweatband, so I can wipe the sweat off of my face. Simple, comfortable, lightweight and very functional, it's ideal for short to long runs from a trailhead or my office.—Brian Metzler, editor-in-chief

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Sneaker Balls, $10 for 6-pack

If you're someone who gets smelly-running-shoes-syndrome (like me) then these are a shoe-saver. I like to keep a pair of running shoes in my car, just in case, and after a particularly sweaty long run, it's impossible to keep them stored in my car where the smell becomes especially pungent. But these shoe deodorizers eliminate the smell with a simple twist of opening it up and dropping one into each shoe. They last up to six months and can be used in gym bags too!—Emily Polachek, associate editor

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Olympic Medalist Rhian Wilkinson to Run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Marathon

Photo: Alex Bennett

Most Olympic medal winners who take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll race series have earned their accolades by competing on the track or the roads, but on Sunday at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon, one participant earned hers on the turf— Rhian Wilkinson is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in soccer, having represented Canada in 2012 and 2016.

The 34-year-old star on the pitch from Baie-D’Urfé, Canada (near Montreal) has enjoyed an enormously successful career as both a defender and a striker, and now she has decided to race the full 26.2 miles on Sunday for a variety of reasons.

“I got an email from the Canadian Olympic Committee that indicated they would help athletes who want to run the race,” Wilkinson recalls. “I had just given a speech about how it’s good to push your limits, and I decided right there that I needed to put into action what I had been saying all along.”

Wilkinson has only run one marathon previously and, other than her training for the Olympics, hasn’t allocated much time to prepare for the grueling 26.2-mile distance. “If I can do this, I will be unbelievably proud with myself. I know I’ve just signed up for the race when most people have been tapering for it, but I figured it was something worth trying.”

RELATED: Snoop Dogg Will Headline 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Races

Wilkinson says that she hopes her mental sharpness she’s honed on the soccer pitch throughout her career will aid her in the tough parts of Sunday’s race, and that her expectations in terms of finishing time are realistic.

“I have tremendous respect for those who have prepared for the marathon and so I don’t really plan to run a certain time,” she admits. “I just want to finish it. I’m not going to be wearing my iPod and I really look forward to experiencing the race without my headphones. I go to marathons and cheer. The crowd and the live music will be enough to push me.”

Montreal is near and dear to Wilkinson’s heart and she hopes to also channel some hometown good vibes along the way. “I love this place,” she says. “I think I’ll get energy from the fact that it’s home for me.”

Joining Wilkinson on Sunday will be 10 other Canadian Olympians, including Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (judo) and Antoine Bouchard (judo) both running the half marathon, and Caroline Ouellette (hockey) who will be running the 10K.

RELATED: Run the 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon on Oct. 8

Festivities in Montreal kick off on Friday with the opening of the health and fitness expo at Place Bonaventure and continue through to Sunday with a variety of races (1K, 5K, 10K, half and full marathon) that will route runners over breathtaking bridges, gorgeous parks, and quaint Parisian-looking neighborhoods.

In keeping with all Rock ‘n’ Roll races, entertainment will not be in short supply with 22 bands jamming along the scenic course, which winds through the best parts of the historic Canadian city, including the finish line where Our Lady Peace will serenade runners and spectators with their hit “Somewhere Out There.

“We are extremely pleased that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Marathon continues to bring together more Montrealers and visitors every year, providing this unique opportunity for amateurs, athletes and supporters to celebrate their shared passions and all that the city has to offer,” said Dimitrios (Jim) Beis, a member of Montreal’s Executive Committee responsible for sports and leisure.

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