September 20, 2009
Melanie Rineer, Publicity Director
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc.
520-745-2033/www.perimeterbicycling.com

– News Release –

Records Fall at
El Tour Kick-Off Run/Walk in Marana

MARANA, Ariz – The Diamond Ventures 12th Annual El Tour Kick-Off 10K & 5K Run/Walk presented by University Medical Center offered 268 registrants clear skies and temperate conditions this morning.   

The “kick-off” event for the 60-day El Tour season was held today for the benefit of the Ben’s Bell Project helping all to “believe in the power of kindness.”  Participants had the opportunity to run or walk on the same course as last year through the beautiful countryside of Marana, Arizona.

The 10K and 5K events begin and end at Ora Mae Harn District Park with participants completing either 1 or 2 counter-clockwise laps consisting of Barnett, Sandario and Moore roads, returning on Lon Adams Rd. to the Park. The courses offer participants mostly flat and fast stretches with a panoramic view of the rural area south of the Marana Municipal Complex.

Brian Hall broke his own 5K record of 17:46 from last year.  In addition, the top three 5K women’s finishers all bested Merry Dearmon’s record of 45:22 from last year.

5K Podium - Men
1st – Brian Hall, 34, Tucson, 17:20 (new record);
2nd – Marcus Needham, 43, Tucson, 19:48;
3rd – John Yau, 32, Tucson, 20:41

5K Podium - Women
1st – Melody Mustafa, 50, Tucson, 22:33;
2nd – Alana Bolton, 34, Tucson, 25:49;
3rd – Sarah Streb, 24, Tucson, 27:20

10K Podium - Men
1st – Shane Carr, 36, Tucson, 35:15; 2nd – Todd Hansberry, 40, Tucson, 36:06; 3rd – Dave Hill, 58, Tucson, 37:12

10K Podium – Women
1st – Stephanie Wenneborg, 36, Tucson, 39:52
(new record);
2nd – Melissa Hollman, 28, Tucson, 40:18;
3rd – Merry Dearmon, 54, Tucson, 44:00

Registration 
10K – 86; 5K – 177; Bike Patrol 5 
Total – 268 

Money Raised
approximately $4,000 to date

Other Sponsors & Contributors
AZDMAT, Blue Pants Racing, Bohac Consulting Services, Clif Bar, Clif Shot Bloks, COOL 1450 AM, DakotaPro.biz, Freeze Frame Fotography, Frys, Kola’s LLC, Metro Restaurants, Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, 19 South Racing – Nogales, Michelob ULTRA, Penske Truck Rental, Pima County, Providence Institute, Tail Winds, The Bagelry, Town of Marana, Tucson Home Magazine and Wells Fargo Bank.

Other 2009 Events
Perimeter Bicycling also organizes Dependable Health Services 22nd Cochise County Cycling Classic, October 17th and University Medical Center 27th El Tour de Tucson presented by Diamond Ventures, November 21st.  Applications can be found in Tail Winds, at local bicycle and running shops or online.

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