THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 18, 1995 TAG: 9503180332
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY VICKI L. FRIEDMAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Runners and walkers of all ages will have plenty of company at today's 23rd annual Shamrock Marathon.
More than 4,000 runners are expected to compete in the day's events.
Heavy favorites to win the 26.2-mile marathon are Mexico City's Jose Frajoso and Ethiopia's Alem Kahsay, who completed the Ivory Coast Marathon in 2:14.04.
Virginia Beach's Leslie Fedon-Willis, last year's runner-up, and Bonnie Bernard Lopez of Bethesda, Md., lead a strong women's field.
The Shamrock Open 8K has attracted an increasing number of world-class runners, and this year is no exception, says event organizer Jerry Bocrie.
``I expect it to go real close to the world record (22:04),'' Bocrie said. Last year despite strong winds, Josephat Machuka set the Shamrock record in the 8K at 22:09.
The Shamrock Sportsfest runs today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sports vendors will demonstrate and sell the latest in sports apparel, exercise equipment and nutritional products at the Virginia Beach Pavilion.
Today's races start at 19th Street outside the Pavilion and run along the Boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue, Shore Drive and Fort Story.
The first race is the masters 8K at 8:30 a.m., followed by the marathon, rated by Runner World as one of the top 20 in the country, at 9. The open 8K begins at 9:30 followed by the 5K walk at 10. The children's marathon begins at 10:45. ILLUSTRATION: RACE FACTS
Today's main event: The 23rd annual Shamrock Marathon, a
26.2-mile course rated by Runner World as one of the top 20 in the
country. Other events are an 8K, a children's marathon (ages 6
months to 6 years old), a master's 8K and a 5K walk.
Race times: Registration starts at 7 a.m. and continues until the
start of the race today. Masters 8K starts at 8:30 a.m.; marathon at
9 a.m.; 8K at 9:30 a.m.; 5K walk at 10 a.m.; children's marathon at
10:45 a.m.
Where: The starting line for all events will be on 19th Street
outside the Virginia Beach Pavilion. Courses run to the Boardwalk,
Atlantic Avenue, Shore Drive and Fort Story.
Cost to register: $22
More info: 437-4740
Sportsfest: From 7 .a.m to 3 p.m. is the free Sports & Fitness
Expo in the Pavilion. Includes vendors demonstrating and selling the
latest in sports apparel, shoes, exercise equipment and nutritional
products.
by CNB