U.S. Women Turn in Solid Performance at IAU 100K World Cup

November 16, 2003

Led by Nikki Kimball's 8th place finish in 8:51:35, the US women's team, based on cumulative finish time at press time,
finished 4th overall (behind Italy-Germany-Japan) in the IAU 100K World Cup competition. The depth of the US women's team was apparent with Anne Riddle joining Kimball with a top 10 finish in 9th place (8:55:03). Not far behind was Connie Gardner's 13th position (9:25:57)to round out the top three US
scoring members. Alternate Jenny Capel ran a consistent race to finish fourth for the US women in 9:33:45. Also finishing for the US women was Anne Heaselett in 9:56:46, Tania Pacev in 10:22:07 and Laura Nelson, 11:25:01.

The challenging 4 loop course (25K each loop) coupled with temperatures in the upper 70s and humidity topping 80% was sure to result in a race of attrition. From the 9 a.m. start time conditions remained unchanged throughout the day. Only those finishing after dark enjoyed slightly cooler conditions. There were 294 starters in the competition and just over 100 had
finished by 11 hours into the race.

The men's race was led by Howard Nippert who ran "like a metronome" according to team manager Lin Gentling, "Howard is such a pro, consistent and strong." Nippert moved up one position from his 13th place finish in 2002 to 12th position this year in a time of 7:59:02. The US men experienced problems mostly due to the heat with cramping shutting down Dan Verrington's quads near the 50K and stomach problems sidelining Chuck Hubbard at 75K. Dave Dehart was the second US men's finisher in 10:24:33, with Bob Sweeney the final US finisher in 11:19:00.

There were other running events as part of the 100K celebration including a 5K, 10K, 25K, 50K, and 100K citizens race. In addition a WMA Masters 100K championships were held with age grop individual and team awards presented. The US fielded a masters team comprised of national team members and unattached runners. Roy Pirrung, fresh off an American record at the USATF 24 Hour Championships last weekend, won the 55-59 year age group with a time of 9:43:07. The women's team 35-39 of Heaselett, Nelson, and Riddle won bronze and Connie Gardner won silver in the 40-45 age group.

Official results will be available within 24 hours from the IAU.

Men's Finish:
1- Howard Nippert, 12th overall, 7:59:02
2- Dave Dehart, 10:24:33
3- Bob Sweeney, 11:19:00

Women's Finish:
1- Kimball, 8:51:35 (45th overall, 8th among the women)
2- Riddle, 8:55:03
3- Connie Gardner, 9:25:57
4- Jenny Capel (ALTERNATE) 9:33:45
5- Anne Heaselett, 9:56:46
6- Tania Pacev, 10:22:07
7- Laura Nelson, 11:25:01