With the imprimatur of no less than Sir Roger Bannister, who ran the first sub 4 minute mile 47 years ago, the Luminita Talpos ROM 32:49 and its attendant festivities once again went off without a hitch. Sir Roger, who was vacationing in Maine, graciously filled in as Grand Marshall for an ailing Johnny Kelley, who was recuperating from a chest cold at his home in Massachusetts. "A great community event and a grand success. And all the credit goes to Joan," Bannister said, referring to race founder and Olympic Marathon gold medallist Joan Benoit Samuelson.
Community involvement is a huge part of what has made this race so successful in such a short time. In a little more than four years the race has gone from the dream of a dedicated athlete to one of the premiere 10K road races in the world, as witnessed by its immense popularity with elite runners as well as 4,000 other participants and over 600 volunteers.
Boston-based Larry Barthlow, who recruits the elite field, has his own idea of why it is so easy to get the world’s best to come to Cape Elizabeth year after year: " The race has an intimate feeling and the runners are made to feel special. There are no hassles, they get lots of personal attention and they feel at home."
The excitement of Beach to Beacon weekend grows each year and infects the community as well as athletes of all abilities. Local newspapers and television all enthusiastically support Samuelson’s dream. Runners from around the country are treated to a course that includes ocean views, stretches of balsam scented pine trees, strawberry fields, local bands and a finish line unparalleled in racing. Ft. Williams Park easily accommodates runners and spectators in the shade of the beautiful Portland Headlight, which has the distinction of being the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.
As in the past, local families adopt invited athletes for a few days or even a week. Many of the returning runners stay with the same host families each year. German Silva (30:17), who came in 10th overall, brought his wife and children to stay with the family who has hosted him for the past three years. Scott Larson (29:40), the first American male finisher, was a newcomer to the Beach to Beacon and to the state of Maine. He was impressed not only by the appearance of Sir Roger Bannister, but also by the intimate environment surrounding the race activities. "I got a chance to hang out with Paul Evans (former Chicago Marathon champ and NYC runner-up), who gave me some tips on running the New York Marathon. It was great to be able to talk to the Kenyans and the Japanese runners. Even though there’s a language barrier, it made a difference." The next time Larson comes to Maine, he reports, it will be on his honeymoon.
On race day the ultimate hometown girl was Kenyan Catherine Ndereba, who has won the race every year since its inception. Ndereba has stayed each year with Jennifer DeSena (43:48) and her husband Dan (41:47) and their three daughters. Each year Ndereba becomes more popular with the locals. They recognize her on the streets as she trains before the race, they recognize her in the grocery store and they definitely recognize her along the racecourse, which winds through this ordinarily sleepy coastal village.
Normally reticent New Englanders are wildly enthusiastic about this lovely young woman, whom they have adopted without reservation. "I can’t believe they were shouting ‘Go Catherine’ during the whole race," Ndereba said with characteristic modesty.
This kind of support may well have helped Ndereba out-kick heavily favored fellow Kenyan Lornah Kiplagat. Kiplagat has beaten Ndereba in their last three 10K match ups and was expected to do the same in Cape Elizabeth. Not only did Ndereba prevail, she shattered her own course record in the process, beating Kiplagat by two seconds in a time of 31:34.
Late entry Evans Rutto, 23, from Kenya outkicked fellow Kenyans James Koskei and Joseph Kimani.
RESULTS
Men:
1 Evans Rutto (KEN) 28:30
2 James Koskei (KEN) 28:32
3 Joseph Kimani (KEN) 28:35
4 Abraham Chebii (KEN) 29:05
5 Shaun Creighton (AUS) 29:19
6 Tekeste Kebede (ETH) 29:23
7 Andrew Masai (KEN) 29:37
8 Scott Larson (CO) 29:40
40+—1. Andrew Masai, 29:37; 2. Andrey Kuznetsov, 30:32
3. Periodized Training Can Help You Hit Your Goals
Women:
1 Catherine Ndereba (KEN) 31:34 (Course Record)
2 Lornah Kiplagat (KEN) 31:36
3 Elana Meyer (RSA) 32:19
4 Eyrusalem Kuma (ETH) 32:44
5 Luminita Talpos (ROM) 32:49
6 Jane Ngotho (KEN) 33:24
7 Judi St. Hilaire (MA) 33:53
8 Ichiyo Nagnuma (JPN) 34:19
40+—1. Judi St. Hilaire MA 33:53