Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
Running in Kenya
Actually, I am jogging in Kenya -- comparatively speaking. Since arriving in Ng'arua (the village in which Joey and I are volunteering) I have been meeting a runner, Ann, who is also neighbor to my hosts, early in the morning a few times per week and she has shown me various routes in the area. Ann is currently training for a 10k qualifier this fall and she is fast; in fact she runs with me on her "rest" days and I know she slows down quite a bit to keep my pace.
There is something to be said for not wanting to embarrass yourself in front of a serious runner -- it's very motivating. One of the first mornings I was here Ann took me for a 15k run and even though I was close to passing out, as elevation here is at approximately 3000 feet and I was still adjusting, I did successfully run (jog) the whole way and we only stopped once so I could catch my breath. Ha!
I would like to find a way for Ann to come to the U.S. to compete in a few races along the east coast. I think the Monument Avenue race would be a good one for her. Are there other 10k races in the area that have decent prize money and are in that same time frame? Ann does not have an official 10k time yet (she will this fall) but in practice has run it in under 32 minutes. Is this a competitive time? I cannot remember the winning female stats from last year but want to be sure that, if Ann makes the trip, she enters into races she can win or at least make some money to send home to her family. She is 23 and a single mom; this would be an amazing opportunity for her.
Any and all comments/feedback are welcome. I will have internet access again on Friday and look forward to hearing from you! Also, if you would like to read more about our experiences in Ng'arua and some of our other travels, feel free to check our blog: www.kenohyea.blogspot.com. Hope all is well and that everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend!
There is something to be said for not wanting to embarrass yourself in front of a serious runner -- it's very motivating. One of the first mornings I was here Ann took me for a 15k run and even though I was close to passing out, as elevation here is at approximately 3000 feet and I was still adjusting, I did successfully run (jog) the whole way and we only stopped once so I could catch my breath. Ha!
I would like to find a way for Ann to come to the U.S. to compete in a few races along the east coast. I think the Monument Avenue race would be a good one for her. Are there other 10k races in the area that have decent prize money and are in that same time frame? Ann does not have an official 10k time yet (she will this fall) but in practice has run it in under 32 minutes. Is this a competitive time? I cannot remember the winning female stats from last year but want to be sure that, if Ann makes the trip, she enters into races she can win or at least make some money to send home to her family. She is 23 and a single mom; this would be an amazing opportunity for her.
Any and all comments/feedback are welcome. I will have internet access again on Friday and look forward to hearing from you! Also, if you would like to read more about our experiences in Ng'arua and some of our other travels, feel free to check our blog: www.kenohyea.blogspot.com. Hope all is well and that everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend!
Views: 0
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Myron Kemp on -
32 minutes would be competitive for Womens Open at Monument (and I'm sure many other large races). I believe the winning time for Women's open at Monument last year was just under 33 minutes (32:47?? I think).
One other large 10k to look at in that time frame would be Coopers Bridge Run in South Carolina. It's a little larger than Monument in terms of field size. I believe that Coopers Bridge is the 2nd or 3rd largest 10k in the US (Peachtree being the largest). Boulder Boulder in CO is also very large. Monument, I believe is the 4th or 5th largest (but fastest growing).
Depending on the length of her stay - here's a list of large 10k's and dates:
Monument - Can't find a date - usually I think it's the week before Cooper...
Cooper Bridge Run - March 27, 2010
Bolder Boulder - Is usually Memorial Weekend - in Boulder, CO
Peachtree RR - Is July 4th - Atlanta, GA
I'm not sure what the prize money is like at these races, but given that they are large, and attract elites, I'm assuming there is good prize money.
-
Permalink Reply by Keith on -
It's not a 10K but up in Flint Michigan, where I'm from they have a 10 mile called the Crim held every year on the 4th Saturday in August. If she can do 32m for a 10K she should be able to do roughly 52:50 for a 10mile. Last year 53:06 took the $7000 winner's purse in the women's open division. (Boy I wish I could make $7000 for less than an hour worth of work).
If she can get ranked I know they host elites, cause I road back to Flint Airport with one of the elites on a commercial flight. He was a couple people ahead of me in security at the Atlanta airport and I saw him holding a Crim packet and he hardly spoke any english. I moved myself up in the line and helped him out trying to interupt. There were races coordinators waiting for him at the airport when we landed.
Here's the web address if she's interested.
http://www.crim.org/race/participants/awards.asp
-
Permalink Reply by Megan from Nebraska on -
Thanks to both for the information! When I have her official time I will write again.
-
Permalink Reply by Myron Kemp on
-
Cool! If she's thinking of 10 milers - there's Cherry Blossom in the spring as well. I'm not sure if they do prize money or not though.
-
Permalink Reply by Jay on
-
32 minutes is definitely fast enough to consider making some real money at running. There is a list of prize-money races at http://www.rrm.com/. It is somewhat innacurate but it is a good starting point. Depending on how far you are considering traveling there are quite a few choices within 6 hours drive.
From what I have read online it can be a lengthy process for Kenyans to get the paperwork completed to allow them to race in the US. Recently one of the favorites for Grandma's marathon missed the race because of it.
Thom Suddeth of the Roadrunner shoe store could probably give you some very good advice. He has been the elite athlete coordinator for many of the local prize money races and knows the game.
-
Permalink Reply by Mitzi Humphrey on -
Megan, I don't think we've met, but I read your blog and RRRC message with keen interest. This sounds like a noble adventure you have undertaken, and here's wishing you the best with your work with the children in Kenya.
As far as competitive times for Ann in the U.S. in her age group and distance, it might be helpful to do some online research to see what the current records are in the races you and she are considering. Since you are seeking prize money for her, the course overall female record may be a good predictor of her chances in a particular race.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in Kenya.
Wishing success and health to all in your group!
© 2012 Created by Richmond Road Runners.
Powered by 
.
