Wisconsin Marathon Ready to Go

My friend Jonathan Cain from Chicago Athlete magazine reports this Saturday's Wisconsin Marathon and Half Marathon in and around Kenosha, WI, are ready to roll. Cain said there are approximately 3,400 total runners signed up, with about 800 in the full marathon. For the marathon, who the top runners are is a question mark for now. Last year's marathon winner, Andy Ruffalo, 31, of West Bend, WI (2:39:14), will be running the half this year and will square off against defending champ Brice Young 25, of Boulder, CO. (1:13:17) among others. They include 2010 Sunday Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half champ Mac McCulley (1:11:52) and Matt Thor, who ran a 2:36:50 at Boston this year. Cain is not sure about the women's contenders, but a solid field is entered. Last year's marathon champ was Catherine Karam, 33, of Chicago, in 3:26:16. The half went to Valerie Hubbard, 24, of Kenosha, in 1:23:59.

Moffett, Cheruiyot Win SW Bank Half

Erin Moffet, 29, of Chicago, made it two big wins on the CARA Runner's Choice Circuit with a victory on Sunday in the women's division of the Southwest Bank Half Marathon. Moffett ran a 1:19:27, to beat women's runner-up Mary Ballinger, 22, who clocked 1:20:24, and third-place finisher Columba Montes, 31, of Chicago and a Circuit regular, who ran a nice 1:20:54. On the men's side, it was a Kenyan sweep as race director Mel Diab hosted some heavy hitters. These are guys to watch in the fall marathon season. First and second were Benson Cheruiyot, 28, and Julius Kiptoo, 28, who ran 1:05:01 and 1:05:05 respectively. Third went to Moses Waweru, 33, in 1:07:11. Fourth and first local was steady top-tier runner Chad Ware, 28, of Deerfield, who had a very nice 1:08:07. This race was loaded with talent top to bottom. The results are at the Racers's Hub web site.

Illinois Marathon Goes to Munoz, Mays-Sulewski

You really needed a scorecard to keep track of all the runs and runners in Champaign-Urbana over the weekend. The headline event of the Illinois Marathon weekend was the marathon itself. Jose Munoz, 26, of San Antonio, tX, was overall winner in 2:26:21, while Lucie Mays-Sulewski , 40, of Westfield, IN, was women's winner in 2:52:54. That's a great day for a master's runner! Second-place male and first Illinois runner was Paul Howarth, 33, of Charleston, IL, in 2:29:58. Third went to Jeffrey McLellan, 26, of Henderson, NV, in 2:30:56. Mike Sommers, 23, of Mundelein, 10th overall, was the next in-state finisher with a 2:41:10. Loryn Kromrey, 27, of Oak Park, was runner-up woman in 2:58:09, while Holly Fearing, 31, of Madison, WI, was third in 2:59:46. There were 1,885 finishers, 1,884 males and 701 females. The half-marathon drew the biggest crowd wth 6,404 finishers, 3,692 females and 2,712 males. Top three men were Mark Rode, 30, of Indianapolis, IN, in 1:10:14, Ronald Revord, 21, of Champaign, IL, in 1:10:59, and Arturis Bareikis, 24, of Oak Forest, IL, in 1:12:41. Leading women were Shannon Ring, 28, of Belvidere, IL, in 1:20:46, Jackie Rzepecki, 32, of Rochester, MI, in 1:21:43, and Kayla Brown, 23, of Petersburg, IL, in 1:22:00. The 10K had 1,755 finishers, 1,211 females and 544 males, with Ryan Hauser, 29, of Columbia, MO, winning with a 33:56. Rachel Zubricky, 26, of Champaign, was women's titlist in 42:54.

Akita, Prekop Top Podium at Ravenswood 5K

Jim Akita, 30, of Elmhurst, showed he is back on Sunday after injuries a year ago slowed him down. The Elmhurst College cross-country and track coach won the 18th annual Ravenswood Run 5K on its fast, scenic course on the North Side in a time of 15:07. That's a 4:52-per-mile pace, but it was needed to beat runner-up Brent Alexander (30-34) of Wilmette, who ran a 15:20 (4:56 pace). Third male was Andrew McCann (30-34), who posted a 15:36. It was a fast morning as five men got under 16 minutes. Fourth was taken by masters star Keith Mullhollon (40-44) in 15:51, while fifth went to Mark Wehrman (20-24) of Chicago, in 15:56. Heather Prekop, well-known on the local scene, was women's winner. Prekop (25-29) of Chicago, ran a very nice 17:35 to easily beat second-place Melissa Hardesty (30-34), who came across in 18:10. Third went to Kalina Michalska (30-34) of Chicago, in 18:50. There were 2,954 finishers in this blue-ribbon race. Congrats to the organizers at Fleet Feet and to all runners and volunteers.

Illinois Marathon -- Good Luck

Runners are set for the IM in Urbana and Champaign. Thousands have waited for this day. The 5K on Saturday was taken by Mike Ptack, 25, of Elnhurst, in 15:32, and Alysha Bartosh, 30, of Corapolis, PA, in 20:05. Good luck to everyone running Sunday.

Entries Open for Ravenswood Run 5K

The Ravenswood Run 5K on the north side of Chicago is one fine race. If you want to run a fast course for a good cause, give it a try. Race time is this Sunday at 8 a.m. at 4550 N. Hermitage (at Wilson). The 15th annual Ravenswood race is one of the best races not included on the CARA Runners Choice Circuit. Proceeds help fund the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry as well as the student health centers at lake View and Amundsen High Schools. For information, go to www.RavenswoodRun.com. Entry is $35. It is for a good cause. I have done this race a few times and can tell you everything is done well. I can't make it this year because of other commitments, but still recommend it.

First Midwest Half is Full

No doubt this is old news to CARA Runners Choice Circuit and other long-distance lovers, but the First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon on Sunday in Palos Heights is filled up. Race director Mel Diab has a full house of 2,000 coming to the fourth annual race that is on the Circuit for the first time. With good prize money, there will be a strong regional feel to the lead pack. Here is the prize money structure:
Male and Female Top 5 Finishers: 1st Prize - $1,000, 2nd Prize - $800, 3rd Prize - $700, 4th Prize - $600, 5th Prize - $500
Master 40 and Over Male and Female: 1st Prize - $500, 2nd Prize - $250, 3rd Prize - $100
Veterans 50 and Over Male and Female: 1st Prize - $250, 2nd Prize - $100, 3rd Prize - $75
That is great money for a local race in tight financial times. But the prize money is the tip of the iceberg. All I have heard is this is a great race. I will not be there due to other commitments, but have it on my list for 2012. Location is Route 83 and 76th Avenue in Paolos Heights. Good luck to everyone who got registered.