FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: The Race Office
(707) 255-2609
James Raia
(916) 455-8389
BROWN, ANDERSON-ABBS SURPRISE FIELD AT 25TH
ANNIVERSARY NAPA VALLEY MARATHON
NAPA, Calif. -- Despite a late start, Kenny Brown of Santa Rosa, Calif.,
maneuvered his way through the field and ran unchallenged after 10 miles
Sunday to claim the 25th anniversary Napa Valley Marathon.
Brown, 33, a former cross country and track runner at American River
College and Sonoma State University, took the lead after seven miles en
route to his win in 2 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, good for more than
a three-minute victory.
Beverley Anderson-Abbs of Red Bluff, Calif., also was never pursued during
the second half of the course from Calistoga to Vintage High School along
the Silverado Trail. She won the women's division and was 36th overall in
2:59:10.
Brent Roeger, 31, of Portland, Ore., was second in the men's division in
2:33:39. Kevin Vidana-Barda, 35, of Victorville, Calif., placed third in
2:35:30.
"I missed the start, but I didn't worry about it," said Brown, who was had
just exited a portable restroom near the start when the race began. "I knew
what I had to do and where I wanted to be."
Brown, a running store employee, quickly worked his way through the field
while running on the side of the road. He trailed two front-runners by 20
seconds after approximately three miles.
By mile 10, Brown had assumed a 20-second cushion that he steadily
expanded. He averaged 5:44 per mile for his first title in eight marathons.
"I figured I had a shot at the top-three based on times I've seen on the
course before," said Brown. "But I also thought it would be pretty close."
Both Matt Ellis and Michael Lyons of Tacoma, Wash., who respectively
finished first and second last year, withdrew during the race.
For Anderson-Abbs, 38, a school teacher, the win was her fourth in five
career marathons. Although primarily a multi-sport adventure racer,
Anderson-Abbs has also won the Redding Marathon twice, including the
overall title last January. She's also won the Burney Marathon.
Tracy Stewart, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colo., was second in the women's
division in 3:04:21. Kristy Woodmansee, 30, of Laconner, Wash., placed
third in 3:07:02.
"I started too far back, but by the second half of the race, I settled in,"
said Anderson-Abbs. "Marathons are very different than adventure races.
It's just the same thing over and over on asphalt. But I was surprised. I
was just trying to run around three hours."
Steve Radigan, 51, of Fremont, Calif., finished in 3:11:60 and continued
his yearly streak as the only participant who has completed all of the
race's 25 editions.
The Napa Valley Marathon does not offer prize money, but the men's and
women's division winners are awarded their weight in wine from the
sponsoring Silverado Trail Wineries Association.
The 25th annual event, which attracted a field of 2,200 runners, began
under clear skies and temperature in the low 40s, ideal running conditions.
The race progressed under warming and sunny conditions.
There were 1,649 official finishers within the 5 1/2-hour time limit.
First held in 1979, the Napa Valley Marathon served as Road Runners Club of
America national championship.
For more information, contact the race office, tel. 707-255-2609 or e-mail:
NVM@napanet.netor race publicist James Raia, tel. (916) 455-8389, e-mail:
RaiaRuns@aol.com.
Complete results are available on the marathon's web site:
http://www.napa-marathon.com
RESULTS
Men
1. Kenny Brown, Santa Rosa, Calif., 2 hours, 30 minutes, 12 seconds.
2. Brent Roeger, Portland, Ore., 2:33.39.
3. Kevin Vidana-Barda, Victorville, Ore., 2:35:30.
4. Chris Clark, Salem, Ore., 2:37:58.
5. Tim Monaco, Oakland, Calif., 2:38:34.
6. Joe LeMay, Danbury, Conn., 2:41:35.
7. Juan Sanchez, St. Helena, Calif., 2:41:49.
8. Don Hogue, Pleasanton, Calif., 2:42:40.
9. Oswaldo Lopez, Madera, Calif., 2:43:38.
10. Patrick Benedict, Brighton, Mich., 2:45:16.
Women
1. Beverley Anderson-Abbs, Red Bluff, Calif., 2:59:10.
2. Tracy Stewart, Colorado Springs, Colo., 3:04:21.
3. Kristy Woodmansee, Laconner, Wash., 3:07:02.
4. Katie Valdes, Valenica, Calif., 3:09:05.
5. Liz Watson, San Francisco, Calif., 3:09:18.
6. Ellen McCurtin, Danbury, Conn., 3:10:45.
7. Claudette Augert, Edmonton, Alberta, Can., 3:12:22.
8. Kim Cusimano, Carmichael, Calif., 3:13:34.
9. Monica Ochs, Mount Vernon, Wash., 3:14:22.
10. Nicole Scheunemann, Los Angeles, Calif., 3:14:36.
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