fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games Inspire Hot Competition

Forecasted storms and high humidity did not hold back runners seeking victory

New York, Saturday, September 6—Fortunately for the athletes who competed at the seventh annual fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games in Central Park, the threat of Tropical Storm Hanna did not wash out an exciting day of racing.

“It was hot and humid, not the best racing conditions, but it’s great that everybody came out and ran as well as they could,” said Caroline Bierbaum of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC). Bierbaum, the women’s runner-up, finished the four-mile race in 22:36, 15 seconds behind the winner, Muluye Lemma Gurmu, who represented West Side Runners (WSX). Aileen Conlon of the Nike Central Park Track Club (CPTC) finished third in 22:59. Neither the women’s race nor the men’s, held an hour earlier, featured rain.

Gurmu, a 24-year-old from Ethiopia, broke the tape at the finish line held by journalist-actress-humanitarian Maria Menounos—who started the women’s race—and fitness magazine editor-in-chief Denise Brodey. “I was determined to win today,” Gurmu said through an interpreter. “I trained very hard to prepare myself.”

NYAC dominated the women's open competition in this NYRR team-points race, placing seven runners in the top 10. "Our goal coming into these races is to put NYAC runners on the podium," Bierbaum said. "I train with my coach, Jimmy Lynch, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a lot of the women are coming out for workouts on Wednesdays and Saturdays and putting a lot of energy into them."

NYAC’s John Henwood won a thrilling men’s race in 19:31, outkicking Dereje Hailegiorgis (19:32) and Teklu Tefera Deneke (19:39), both of WSX. Experience was served in the men’s race: Henwood is 36, Hailegiorgis is 31 and Deneke is 29. “I’ve always fancied my kick, and it really felt good to win,” said Henwood, a 6-5 New Zealand native.

More than 3,500 runners took part in a spirited event that presented prizes to the top three finishers in each age group and awarded points based on team results.

The three leading women’s teams in each age group: open: NYAC, CPTC, Running Divas New York (RDNY); 40+: adidas East Women’s Running, RDNY, CPTC; 50+: CPTC, Taconic Road Runners (TRR), Van Cortlandt Track Club; 60+: Mercury Masters, Millrose Athletic Association, Greater New York Racing Team (GNY).

The three leading men’s teams in each age group: open: WSX, CPTC, GNY; 40+: CPTC, WSX, Warren Street Social & Athletic Club; 50+: CPTC, TRR, Witold’s Runners; 60+: Korean Road Runner’s Club, TRR, New York Flyers.

NYRR’s Award Winners listings include an Honor Roll of up to 10 finishers in age groups ranging from 12-14 to 80+. Click here to see the women’s Honor Roll and here to see the men’s Honor Roll; you’ll also find complete team results at these links.

After the women’s race, a $10,000 check was presented to Take Action Hollywood!, a charity founded by Menounos. Runners then grooved to a funky blues band, shot baskets with WNBA stars, and enjoyed the camaraderie of other athletes on a day that celebrated the joy of fitness.

“Even if it had rained, I would have come out anyway,” said Ani Go, 40, who ran a 28:24. “This is a great race, and I do it every year because it’s a lot of fun.”

fitness Mind, Body, Spirit Games
September 6, 2008

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