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From Matt Dockstader
SOLVANG, Calif. - (May 10, 2008) - One newcomer and a repeat champion took home the big prizes at Saturday's second Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon. Mexican national Mario Macias of Alamosa, Colo. took the lead early and never looked back as he cruised to a wire-to-wire victory in 1 hour, 7 minutes, 36 seconds. Just as dominating was Susan Loken, who defended her 2007 title with a time of 1:21:22, besting former NCAA champion Amy Wilson of Prescott, Ariz. by more than a minute and a half. Loken, a 44-year-old running sensation from Phoenix, recently finished 40th at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston.
Santa Barbara was well represented on the awards stand as Mizuno team members Micah Tyhurst (1:09:20) and Aaron Gillen (1:10:07) finished in second and third place respectively. Over 2,200 jubilant runners completed the race, many for the challenge of running this scenic course, and others for the reward of wine at the finish line festival in Solvang Park.
The 13.1 mile course started at Maverick Saloon in downtown Santa Ynez and made its way through Los Olivos, down Ballard Canyon and into historic Solvang for the spectator-friendly finish on Copenhagen Drive. The post-race Wine & Music Festival in Solvang Park featured an awards ceremony, exhibitor booths, live band and wine tasting for the runners and their guests.
Loken, a mother of three, had no problem keeping motivated on the 13.1 mile course. "I plan to make this an annual event. This is such a wonderful place and I can't think of a better way to celebrate Mothers Day with my kids," said Loken at the awards stand. Loken and Macias both took home $750 in cash, a Ball Watch and a double magnum of Syrah from Zaca Mesa Winery.
The event raised over $15,000 for the Breast Cancer Fund and local high school athletic programs, drawing an estimated 5,000 people into the valley over the weekend. The large turnout surprised many locals and event organizers. Event Director Matt Dockstader was especially pleased with the results, commenting that the race sold out two months early and they had to turn away over a thousand additional requests for entry.
2nd Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon -Santa Ynez to Solvang, CA, Saturday, May 10, 2008
MEN
1) Mario Macias (CO), 1:07:36, $750
2) Micah Tyhurst (CA), 1:09:20, $350
3) Aaron Gillen (CA), 1:10:07, $200
WOMEN
1) Susan Loken, 44, AZ, 1:21:22, $750
2) Amy Wilson (AZ), 1:23:03, $350
3) Kim Walsh (PA), 1:24:01, $200
Complete results at: RunSantaYnez.com
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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