Kenyan James Kipketer and Kate O'Neill of Palo Alto were the top man and woman finishers at the Marin Memorial Day 10k race Monday. Sergio Reyes of the Asics Aggies, fought valiantly, and was the top finisher of the PAUSATF Road Race Grand Prix 10k Championships. While both of the course records were predicted to fall, the weather played a factor and appeared to slow most participants by at least 30 seconds, if not more.
James Kipketer crossing the finish line ahead of Sergio Reyes to win the Marin Memorial Day 10k. Monday May 31, 2010. (photo by Lynn Walker)
Record anticipated
The pre-race buzz predicted that Kipketer would likely topple the long-standing course record for this popular local running event. Kipketer had run exceptionally well at the Bloomsday 12k earlier in the month, and had also place in the top 10 at the more recent Bay to Breakers. Whether it was the wear from these two recent races, or the warm temperatures of the morning,
Sergio Reyes clearly finishing closer than the 12 second gap listed in the official results of the race. (photo by Lynn Walker)
Close finish in men's race
Kipketer did not seriously threaten the course record, and was seriously challenged for the victory by a determined Reyes. Kipketer had built a 50-60 meter margin over Reyes by the 4 mile mark, but despite trailing by this distance, Reyes did not appear to have lost contact with the leader. Approaching the 6 mile mark of the race Reyes had closed to within 40 meters and arriving on the track for the final 300 meters both runners finished very strong, with Reyes closing. At the finish Kipketer prevailed with a 20 meter victory over the fast finishing Reyes. The official results show a 12 second margin of victory for Kipketer 29:24 to 29:36, but that's an official error, the actual margin of victory was 2-3 seconds.
Women's race
Annie Bersagel (New Balance Silicon Valley) went out fast but slowed after two miles. O'Neill built herself a substantial lead over the second half of the race and won by at least 200 meters. Clara Peterson, who had won three of the four previous PAUSATF Grand Prix road races, entered the track in second but was quickly passed by Bersagel, who managed to put 7 seconds on the fading Peterson over the final 300 meters. Peterson was third. O'Neill was timed in 33:44, Bersagel in 34:04 and Peterson in 34:11.
Masters
Jim Sorenson of Tamalpa was the first male master runner in 32:57. Holly Hagerman was the top women's master in 36:49.
Seniors
Tim O'Rourke (Tamalpa) took the top spot for senior men in 35:15. Christine Kennedy (Tamalpa) narrowly defeated Sarah Tabbutt (Impalas) for the senior women's victory, 39:58 to 40:00.
Super-seniors
Melody Schultz won the super senior women's division with a 46:44. Jim Gorman (New Balance Excelsior) took the men's super senior race over John Yamagata (West Valley Joggers & Striders) 39:24 to 39:40.
Veterans
Hans Schmid (Tamalpa) continued his success in the veteran men's division, running 42:24 in spite of legs worn by a series of ultras. Katie Martin (Tamalpa) was the women's veteran division winner in 58:31.
Team results
The team results are not immediately available, but host club Tamalpa had expected a strong showing which did not materialize.
PAUSATF Road Race Grand Prix Series
This was the third race in the 2010 PAUSATF Road Race Short Course Grand Prix. The fourth and final event in the series will be hosted this Sunday in San Rafael. Information about that event.
Full results of the Marin Memorial Day 10k.
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