Ogden Marathon
May 18, 2013
Ogden, UT
Distances: 26.2 miles, 13.1, 26.2 Relay (2-5 person), 5k, Kids K, Wheel Chair, Corporate Cup
Registration: Lottery (lottery registration closes Oct. 21 at 11:59 pm) or VIP (very limited availability)
Start time: 7 am
Start Location: The Marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. just below Red Rock Outfitters Ranch located 8 miles eastof Huntsville on Highway 39
Finish: Historic 25th Street.
Website: Ogden Lottery Registration (closes 10/21/12 at 11:59 pm)

Dubbed “Utah’s Spring Run Off”, the Zions Bank Ogden Marathon is quickly emerging as one of the Nation’s most scenic and most organized road running events.  In just its 13th year, the Ogden Marathon has become so popular that organizers have implemented a lottery registration process to regulate the percentage of Out of State runners vs locals. This beautiful course winds through canyons, jogs around lakes, and runs along raging rivers while attracting runners from all 50 states as a “must do”.
The Marathon's beautiful course starts at an elevation of 5400ft .  As you run the first half you will enjoy open roads, green fields and a beautiful gushing river.  At the half way mark and start of the 1/2 Marathon you are at an elevation of 5000ft. The last half of the Marathon is equally beautiful.
You will start the final half by running around Pineview Reservoir then drop into Ogden Canyon where you will run along the roaring Ogden River.  Breathtaking views of pine covered slopes changing into steep rock faces will be encountered along with quaint homes nestled along the river's edge.  Exiting the canyon you run onto the Ogden River Parkway for approximately 2 miles which will take you past Dinosaur Park and the Utah State University Botanical Gardens.  The course ends downtown on Historic 25th street at an elevation of 4,309 Feet.

Take advantage of a Saturday marathon and enjoy a relaxing recovery day on Sunday. It is easy flight from Phoenix, a great event and getaway for the entire family. Register for the lottery today and reserve your place at the starting line.

September 23
Las Vegas Triathlon

Not only does this event have Sprint and Olympic distances, but also a Half and relays! The race takes places at Lake Mead National Recreation Area with the start at LMNRA Boulder Beach on September 23. Wetsuits are legal for this event. The course then goes on to flat loops with some small hills only to end with a scenic run along the beach finishing at the waters edge.
The races start at 6:40 a.m., 7:10 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and vary in cost. More info provided at mountainmanevents.com.

September 29, 2012

CF Stair& Firefighter Challenge

Go vertical and experience the longest running stair climb for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the nation on September 29. Sports enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Sponsored climbers can conquer more than 38 floors. Then the Firefighter Challenge will determine who’s the fastest and fittest of that bunch. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on their favorite city as local firefighters from across the Valley compete head-to-head for victory. The Firefighter Challenge is a competition based on fire-fighting tasks commonly performed by firefighters in emergency situations. Awards will be given to the top finishers. Activities take place at Arizona Center – 5th St. and Van Buren in Downtown Phoenix. By participation in this event, your donations are put to work in laboratories, where researchers are working to find a cure for this genetic disease affecting the lives of more than 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. To get climbing visit azstairclimb.org

September 23
Nathan Tempe Triathlon
The seventh edition of the Nathan Tempe Triathlon takes Tempe Town Lake by storm on September 23 at 6:30 a.m. with the first wave. Participants have the choice between an Olympic, Sprint or a relay in either distance. The bike course is a relatively flat, urban, looped course. Each loop is approximately 12.1 miles. The run is a 3.1 mile loop around Tempe Town Lake with some great views of ASU and the developing landscape of Tempe. Olympic distance athletes must complete 2 loops of the bike and the run course respectively.
Race features include chip timing, gender specific Dri-Fit Event T-shirts, cool schwag from Nathan Performance Gear, awards 3-deep overall and 3-deep for age groupers.

For more details visit redrockco.com.

June 16, July 21, August 18
Racin' at the Basin 5k Series
The Racin' at the Basin Summer Series returns to North Scottsdale on June 16. Avoid the blows dryer breeze of daytime heat and skin-scorching sun with this fresh three-race series for all abilities. Race #2 takes place July 21 at 8:30 pm. Race #3 is August 18 also under the stars at 8:30 pm. A chip-timing system will track your two loops around the fun and challenging course at the Scottsdale Sports Complex. Individual races are $15 in advance or $20 day-of-race. Forget about waking up at the crack of dawn to run! Apply
For more information and to register in advance visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/ssc

June 23
Northland Hospice Run for Life
Enjoy a cool, family fun morning at the Northland Hospice Run/Walk on June 233 in Flagstaff’s historic downtown. Take part in a 10k or the 5k, both begin at 7:30 a.m. in Wheeler Park and wind through the historic Flag, looping back past Thorpe Park into the local neighborhoods. Chip timing is available for both distances. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers from nine age groups in the 5k and 10k. Also included are prizes, refreshments and music. At 7 a.m., there is a 1-mile Kid’s Fun Run for children 12 and under.
Proceeds benefit Northland Hospice. For more than 25 years, the nonprofit, community-based and community-supported organization has provided compassionate hospice care, regardless of ability to pay, to persons with terminal illnesses, their families and loved ones. For more info call 928-779-1227 or visit virtualroster.com.

71-year-old Former Marine on Coast-To-Coast ElliptiGO Run to Raise Money for Injured Marines

Rick Hermelin's epic 100-day, 3,000-mile trek supports the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and promotes physical fitness.

When you've completed 100 marathons, 100 half-marathons and 100 10K races, what do you do for an encore?  If you're 71-year-old former Marine Rick Hermelin you embark on 3,000-mile, coast-to-coast run aboard an ElliptiGO elliptical bike to raise funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit set up to support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.  Hermelin began his transcontinental trek on March 23, 2012 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.  If all goes as planned, he will finish his fundraising journey in 100 days on June 30, 2012 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.

Hermelin hopes to raise at least $10,000 for the Semper Fi Fund.  The intrepid septuagenarian is making the crossing self-supported carrying only a small backpack.  To reduce his expenses, he has been been staying in local fire department stations or in the homes of residents he has met along his route.  Now in the homestretch of his amazing journey, Rick arrived in Arizona on May 29 and will finish crossing the state on June 15.

Rick served in the Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963, but it wasn't until later in life that he developed his love of running.  Having finished his 100th half-marathon in June 2011, he started looking for a new challenge.

"I had thought about running across the U.S. before," said Hermelin, "but I wasn't sure if my body would hold up for the entire journey. Plus, it would take me about 6 months." That's when one of his clients suggested he try out the ElliptiGO as an alternative.

Designed by runners, the ElliptiGO is the first outdoor, low-impact, fitness device specifically designed to emulate the running motion. It allows athletes of all levels to get a high-intensity workout without experiencing the repetitive impact of running.

In keeping with his "100" theme, Rick put together a plan to run across the country on the ElliptiGO in 100 days to raise awareness about the benefits of being physically fit, something he learned in the Marines.

"The Marine Corps had such a positive impact on my life and supporting the Semper Fi Fund seemed like a great way to honor that influence," said Hermelin. "

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that directs urgently needed resources to post 9-11 Marines and sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces. The Semper Fi Fund provides relief for financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as assistance for those with perpetuating needs.  Since establishing this fund in 2004, more than 38,000 grants totaling more than $57 million have gone to thousands of Marines and their families.

Follow Hemlins's trek on his 100 Days for the Corps blog: www.100daysforthecorps.wordpress.com. Donations to the Semper Fi Fund in Rick's name can be made on his fundraising page:  http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=178860

For more information about ElliptiGO and its products, visit www.elliptigo.com or follow them on Twitter @elliptigo and Facebook at www.facebook.com/elliptigo.

JUNE 2
Barn Burner 104
Endurance mountain bike fans, you don’t want to miss this one. The fourth annual Barn Burner 104 presented by Landis Cyclery returns to Flagstaff on June 2. The big news it is one of six races in the Lifetime Fitness Leadville Qualifying Series. Qualifying slots will be allocated based on top age group  performances and a lottery among all those that meet a set time standard. Whether you are racing for fun or a slot, the action gets started at 7 a.m. LeMan’s style with participants running to their bikes. The 26 mile loop course on forest service roads might be consider a roadie course for some and not technically challenging but it is at altitude. Cool weather usually prevails with the popular option to camp out.
There are four divisions: Cowboy – race by yourself, Cowboy Single Speed, Pardner – race with a friend, or Posse – a team of friends. Pardner and Posse has categories for male, female and coed. Race promoters provide a little motivation to keep you pedaling. If you are riding solo and finish under 9 hours or ride with a partner or team and complete the 104 in 8 hours, you earn the big buckle. Ten and 11 hours respectively earns you the smaller buckle.
For all the details visit www.redrockco.com

Mountain High
Need a cool country get away? Want a fun family outdoor event? Head to Payson on June 1-3 for  variety of fun events.
The Payson Arizona Mountain High Games is the Southwest’s largest celebration of adventure sports combined with ATV trail rides, and a massive outdoor expo.  Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the cool mountain temperatures while competing in or watching this thrilling event.
Professional and amateur athletes from all over the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest will converge upon the mountain community of Payson to compete in  eight different competitions for cash and prizes. This year’s sporting events include: a Mountain Bike Race, Trail Run, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, Archery Competition, ATV Rodeo, ATV Trail Rides, Sawdust Games (note the Sawdust Festival is no longer a 2 day event) Trucks Only Demolition Derby, and an old fashioned Horseshoe Tournament. For the mountain biking crowd and runners the  Trail Run and  MTB event offers great trails and cash prizes. Just another reason to head to the rim.
The Payson Event Center is located at the South entrance of Payson across the road from the Mazatazal Casino at 1400 S. Beeline Highway Payson Mountain High Games. To learn more visit paysonrimcountry.com/mountainhighgames/

Meet some very inspiring women in our most recent issue.

And see what else is inside at Women 2012