Press Release
For Immediate Release
Indian Path Medical Center & SunTrust Bank Crazy 8?s 8K Run
The Kenyans Attack Crazy 8's!
7-12-06
Kingsport, TN
The Indian Path Medical Center & SunTrust Bank Crazy 8's 8k Run is well known throughout the distance running mecca of Kenya. It all started in 1996 when a little known Kenyan runner named Peter Githuka broke the 8k world record on the candle-lit streets of Kingsport. Ever since, elite distance runners from that country have made the pilgrimage to Kingsport to try and break Peter's record and collect the Regional Eye Center $10,008 world record bonus. Many have come close, but none have done it, and on the 10th anniversary of Githuka's record-setting run, no less than 16 Kenyan men will toe the starting line late Saturday night, July 15th.
"We always attract a top group from Kenya," said co-race director and elite athlete recruiter Hank Brown. "This year is no exception. We don't have to advertise ourselves to the Kenyans. They know all about Crazy 8's."
Kenyan men have posted 14 of the top 15 times ever run on the figure-8 course, and have won 9 out of the last 11 races. To say they have dominated Crazy 8's is certainly an understatement.
According to Brown, it would be difficult to pick out any one or two as a favorite. "They're all good. Man, they can all run 13something for 5k, and 28something for 10k. I just hope one of them runs 21something Saturday night!"
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If there is a headliner in the group, it would be Julius Kiptoo, 2nd at Crazy 8's last year by a shadow to Ethiopian Tibebu Yeneu. With Yeneu out of the race with an injury, Kiptoo steps up as the top returnee and one of the pre-race favorites. He recently won the Fifth Season 8k over a very talented field in 22:45. He should be ready to go faster at Crazy 8's.
Race organizers have lined up Kenyan David Cheromei from Virginia Intermont College to take the elite field through halfway, and maybe even 5 kilometers, in world record pace.
"It's tough for a single runner, or even a pack of runners to dictate a pace like that," explained Brown. "David came over last week and jogged the course, so he's familiar with it. He's ready to do his job."
"We could see a huge pack for most of the race," said co-director Tyler Hobbs. "I think this is going to be the most exciting race yet, especially with the new course and the finish inside the stadium."
The Kenyan men who are currently entered in the Crazy 8's 8k are:
Isaac Arusei
Abdi Chepkwony
David Cheromei
Benson Cheruiyot
Solomon Kandie
Richard Kimeli
Richard Kiplagat
Julius Kiptoo
Stephen Kirui
Abraham Kosgei
Samuel Kiplimo Kosgei
George Ondimu
Richard Ondimu
Jared Segera
Michael Sang
Jacob Yator
For more information, visit www.crazy8s.org
Sponsors are Indian Path Medical Center, SunTrust Bank, Holston Medical Group, Cardiovascular Associates, Regional Eye Center, Blue Lizard, Eastman Credit Union, REACH!, The Great Body Company, Foot Rx, Citadel Broadcasting, Oak Hill Cemetery, Culligan, Food City, and Charter Media.
VIP Sponsors are Mather Dentist Office, Mountain Region Family Medicine, Holston Medical Group, Martin Dentistry, Celebration Church, UBS Services, and the YMCA.
Crazy 8's is managed by We Run Events.