Posted: December 17, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Donovan, Marsted Win Rose Bowl Half Marathon

Inaugural event attracts 2,000 From Megan Rowe PASADENA, Calif. - (December 8, 2007) - The runners of the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K enjoyed clear skies and cool temperatures as they toured through the scenic and historic roads of Pasadena on December 8. Approximately 2,000 runners registered for the inaugural event, solidifying its presence on the Southern California running calendar. As partners in this endeavor, the Rose Bowl Operation Company and Pacific Sports LLC hope to make this race a winter tradition for years to come. Saturday's race led runners through a scenic and technical course that included hills, 3 miles of trails, river crossing and a tour of the Rose Parade route. A good portion of the half-marathon distance was led by Arthur Tang. After exiting the trail-portion of the 13.1 mile course, Patrick Donovan of South Pasadena took the lead with just over 2-miles of downhill running remaining and never looked back to win in 1 hour, 21 minutes, 1 second. The women's title was captured by Melissa Marsted of Santa Barbara in 1:29:55. The 5K course followed the traditional and popular Rose Bowl loop leading runners around the stadium and Brookside Golf Course and finishing just outside the Rose Bowl Court of Champions. The overall winners of the inaugural Rose Bowl Half Marathon 5K were Alberto Ramos of Los Angeles and Sue Zihlmann of Long Beach in 17:08 and 19:45, respectively. Following the race, competitors enjoyed the Finish Festival located inside the Rose Bowls' Court of Champions. The stadium was open for viewing. While enjoying a refreshing drink from the well-stocked Michelob Ultra beer garden, competitors were able to walk the Rose Bowl concourse and take a look at the newly laid field that is being prepared for the world famous Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2008. Complete results at: PacificSportsLLC.com. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest