Dam to Dam 20K
June 5
Heavy rains obstructed one of the greatest sights in Iowa running the morning of June 5. Standing on the Saylorville Dam, one can look to the south, overlooking the Des Moines River, and see the skyline of Des Moines, where the finish of the 20K race awaits tired legs. This particular morning, however, as one looked south, the only sight was that of heavy rains drenching the river valley.
What is a bad day for spectators can make a great day for runners, as staying hydrated and cool helps them keep their pace as they make their way downtown. An early breakaway by Ezkyas Sisay of Arizona and Alene Reta of New York was too fast for a chase group to catch. Sisay pulled away in the final miles to finish at Nolen Plaza alone in 1:01:16, averaging 4:57 per mile. He was followed by Reta in 1:01:39. Sammy Rotich of West Des Moines, was the first Iowan to finish. He placed eighth in a time of 1:03:32 and Guor Marial of Ames was ninth, running a 1:04:03.
The Runablaze women’s team had a strong race, placing three women in the top six, with Erin Moeller finishing second in 1:13:48. First place went to California runner Mary Akor in 1:13:23. Jenna Boran and Atalelech Asfaw, both of Minnesota, were third and fourth. Danna Kelly finished fifth in 1:15:30, holding an average pace of 6:04 per mile. Ashley Tousley, the third Runablaze runner was the next female, finishing sixth in 1:16:42.

 

Copper Creek Triathlon
June 6
After a soggy Dam to Dam, officials of the Copper Creek triathlon hoped the sun would make a rare appearance for their third annual sprint race in Pleasant Hill. After being rained out the first year and enduring a fog delay in year two, it was time for some good weather for the 400-plus athletes. Craig Hanken, race director, awoke to clear skys and light wind. Ready to race, the athletes entered Copper Creek Lake for a deep water start, unique in Iowa. At the boom of a cannon, racers were off on the 750 meter swim. At half an Olympic tri, Copper Creek boasts a long swim for a sprint, which is followed by a hilly 20K bike ride and 5K run around the lake and through residential neighborhoods of Pleasant Hill.


Becky Witinok-Huber returned from Boulder, Colo., to defend her 2009 title, winning over local Z3 High Performance Triathlon Team member Tanelle Berard. In the men’s race, TJ Tollakson turned in the fastest bike split, using his self-engineered Ruster Tail aero bars to better streamline his cycling profile. His lead was enough for him to maintain to the finish line, coming in ahead of Chris Vander Linden of Des Moines.

 

Rose Festival/Green Days Bicycle Race Weekend
June 17-20, 2010
Beginning a new tradition of a four day central Iowa bike race weekend, the combination of the Elkhart Time Trial, Rose Festival Twighlight Criterium, Green Days Criterium and Rose Festival Road Race were held the weekend of June 17-20.
While not scored all together, the four races made for a full weekend of events. The Elkhart Time Trial, on Thursday night was an inadvertent addition to the list of races, as it was rescheduled from June 10, due to storms. Triathlete TJ Tollakson put the hurt on dedicated cyclist by finishing in 15:27, more than a minute ahead of Category 2 rider Ryan French, 16:47.
The Rose Festival Criterium, held as part of the State Center Rose Festival, attracted racers from all corners of the state. Stormy weather again stole the show, with the women taking the brunt of the rain.
The Green Days criterium in Johnston was next on the list. The Zealous Racing crew in blue dominated the men’s field and finished 1-2-3 with Ryan French taking the honors. Newly upgraded Cat. 3, Vance Fletcher finished fourth in his final race before heading to the USAC Junior National Championships in Portland Ore.
In its first year, The Rose Festival Road Race finished off the weekend of racing. Held under threatening skys, the road race took place on a hilly 20-mile course north of State Center. With Iowa Cup points on the line, many more racers toed the line, with over 75 total registrants. Dewey Dickey made use of his climbing strength to win the men’s elite race, followed by Brian West and Lane Anderson.

 

Clive Running Festival
June 19
The Clive Running Festival is non-profit organization, and proceeds are used to benefit the local community. Funds from 2009 were used to install two water fountains on the Greenbelt trail for use by runners and others throughout the season. Previous years proceeds were used to purchase snow blowers for use by Clive Parks and Recreation workers to clear the Greenbelt Trail during the winter months. Dan Greene of Minnesota ran a 5:09 per mile average to win in a time of 32:01 in the 10K. West Des Moines runner Julius Rotich finished close behind in 32:09. Ben Carlson of Stanhope was next in 32:33. Angela Berry of Indianola won the women’s race in a time of 39:21, followed by Tricia Keane of Sioux City in 44:02. Stephanie Mortenson of Urbandale took third in 45:17. Keith Ables of Ogden finished in an impressive 37:55 to win the Masters Men’s division and placed fifth overall. Tami Prescott from Urbandale won the Women’s Masters race in 47:06. Full results are available at www.fitnesssports.com. N

CAPTION: Mary Akor, first female, Dam to Dam 20K.