Indian Path Medical Center & SunTrust Bank Crazy 8s 8K Run
2010 Race Plans Unveiled
Defending Champ Cheprot, plus 3 Other Former Champs Return
6-16-10
Kingsport, TN
On Saturday night July 17th at precisely 9:58 pm, when most people are turning down their covers and preparing for a good night’s sleep, the streets of Kingsport will once again awaken with runners for the 21st running of the of the Indian Path Medical Center & SunTrust Bank Crazy 8s 8K Run. Crazy 8s, the World’s Fastest 8K, is a Kingsport sports tradition and one of the most popular events in Kingsport’s Fun Fest.
In 2009, little known Simon Cheprot from Kenya ran away from the pre-race favorites down the stretch and broke the tape in J. Fred Johnson Stadium in 22:20.7. That time, while still about 18 seconds slower than Peter Githuka’s 22:02.2 world mark established in Kingsport way back in 1996, was still the fastest 8 kilometer time in the world last year. Crazy 8s officials announced today that Cheprot will return to Crazy 8s and defend his Crazy 8s crown.
“We’re still the world’s fastest,” boasted co-event director Hank Brown. “We had the fastest time in the world last year. Simon came here and surprised everyone, including me. We’re very happy to have him back.”
Cheprot, however, will not be the only past champion checking their bags for Kingsport on July 17th. A total of four past men’s champions will crowd the lead pack blazing through the world-famous candle-lit, figure-8 course. Those four are Cheprot, 2007 champ Simon Ndirangu (Kenya), 2006 champ Julius Kiptoo (Kenya), and 2001 champ Alene Emera (Ethiopia). These four kings will be gunning for the Gastroenterology Associates $5,000 Men’s Dash For The Gold, given to the first male to cross the finish line. They will also be in hot pursuit of Githuka’s long-standing world record and the Regional Eye Center $10,008 payday for the first man to break the mark.
“I can’t remember when we’ve had four past champions in one race,” said Brown. “That’s pretty incredible.”
Ndirangu came to town in 2007 and ran to an eye-popping 22:15.9 victory, a time which ranks 7th all-time at Crazy 8s. Many still remember Emera’s stirring 22:03.4 performance in 2001 when he inexplicably let up in the final stages of the race, missing the world mark by just over 1 second. Kiptoo, who has been a Crazy 8s favorite for years, has finished in the top 5 three times.
Last year, Crazy 8s gave out unique “8-Man” medals to the first 2000 finishers in the 8K, courtesy of The Regional Eye Center.
“The medals were extremely popular,” said John Williams from The Regional Eye Center. “We were very pleased with the excitement it generated in the 8K. This year we will give out medals to the first 2300 finishers.”
The menu of Crazy 8s activities actually kicks off on Friday evening, July 16, with the Lively State Farm Crazy Mile in downtown Kingsport. The K-8s Dog Walk, an untimed fun walk for dogs and their owners, will bring up the “tail” of the Crazy Mile. The Crazy Mile will take place just prior to the Fun Fest Parade in downtown Kingsport.
The McDonald’s of Greater Kingsport Little 8s Youth Field Day will kick things off on Saturday with fun field day activities for kids and families. The age group runs will feature races for toddlers to 12-years old with distances from 100 yards to 600 yards. Special 8s will return this year with races for individuals with special needs.
Neil's Walk, presented by Cardiovascular Associates, Holston Medical Group, and Eastman Credit Union, is one of the largest walks in the area with over 800 participants. Named for Neil Danehy, who died suddenly from a heart attack in 2005, the walk and the Neil Danehy Heart Foundation were created to raise awareness and help combat coronary heart disease. This non-competitive 3k event will start on Ft. Henry Drive and return to finish inside the stadium. Last year, Neil’s Walk raised $11,500 for the Foundation.
The United Way of Greater Kingsport Healthy Lifestyles Expo will feature over 30 health and fitness related vendors and booths. The expo will be in the Dobyns-Bennett parking lot outside the stadium, and will open to the public at 5:00 pm Saturday. Those who stick around after the Awards Ceremony might be lucky enough to win the $1000 Midnight Mad Money given away by Bill Gatton Honda. Winner must be at least 18 and must be present to win.
For more information or to register for any Crazy 8s event, visit www.crazy8s.org
Sponsors are Indian Path Medical Center, SunTrust Bank, The Regional Eye Center, Cardiovascular Associates, Gastroenterology Associates, Holston Medical Group, Eastman Credit Union, McDonald’s of Greater Kingsport, Performance Medicine, Lively State Farm, United Way of Greater Kingsport, Foot Rx of Johnson City, Bill Gatton Honda, Food City, Salsaritas, Culligan, Charter Communications, Oak Hill Cemetery, and Dashboard Audio.
VIP Sponsors are Jon Mather Dentist, Mountain Region Family Medicine, UBS Financial Services, Hope Haven, and First Bank and Trust.
Crazy 8s is managed by We Run Events.
All-Time Performances- 8 kilometers Road
World Men
World Men
All-Time Performances- 8 kilometers Road
World Men
22:02.2 ( 1) Peter Githuka (KEN) 14 Feb 1969 20 Jul 1996 Kingsport TN USA
22:03.4 ( 1) Alene Emera (ETH) 25 Jun 1982 14 Jul 2001 Kingsport TN USA
22:03.9 ( 2) Enock Mitei (KEN) 26 Nov 1980 14 Jul 2001 Kingsport TN USA
22:04 ( 1) Alberto Salazar (OR/USA) 07 Aug 1958 04 Jan 1981 Los Altos CA USA
22:06.0 ( 3) Shadrack Kosgei (KEN) 24 Nov 1984 14 Jul 2001 Kingsport TN USA
22:08 ( 2) David Moorcroft (ENG) 10 Apr 1953 04 Jan 1981 Los Altos CA USA
22:08 ( 1) John Doherty (IRL) 22 Jul 1961 21 May 1989 Agawam MA USA
22:08 + ( 1) Ismael Kirui (KEN) 20 Feb 1975 02 May 1993 Dublin IRL
22:09 ( 1) Josephat Machuka (KEN) 12 Dec 1973 19 Mar 1994 Virginia Beach VA USA
22:10.7 ( 1) Linus Maiyo (KEN) 1982 19 Jul 2003 Kingsport TN USA
22:12 ( 1) Sammy Kipketer (KEN) 29 Sep 1981 25 Mar 2006 Dallas TX USA
22:13 ( 1) Alberto Salazar- 2 07 Aug 1958 31 Dec 1978 Los Altos CA USA
22:13 ( 2) Craig Virgin (IL/USA) 02 Aug 1955 31 Dec 1978 Los Altos CA USA
22:14 ( 3) Nick Rose (ENG) 30 Dec 1951 04 Jan 1981 Los Altos CA USA
22:14 ( 4) Thom Hunt (CA/USA) 17 Mar 1958 04 Jan 1981 Los Altos CA USA
22:14.7 ( 4) David Makori (KEN) 06 Nov 1973 14 Jul 2001 Kingsport TN USA
22:15 ( 1) Simon Sawe (NM/USA) 23 Mar 1969 14 Jun 1997 San Jose CA USA
22:15.5 ( 1) Mebrahtom Keflezighi (CA/USA) 05 May 1975 27 Mar 2004 New York NY USA
22:15.9 ( 1) Simon Ndirangu (KEN) 01 Nov 1985 14 Jul 2007 Kingsport TN USA
22:16.0 ( 1) John Korir (KEN) 15 Dec 1975 18 Jul 2004 Kingsport TX USA
22:17 + ( 1) Simon Rono (KEN) 09 Apr 1972 03 Oct 1999 Attleboro MA USA
22:18 + ( 1) Bruce Bickford (MA/USA) 12 Mar 1957 26 May 1985 Agawam MA USA
22:18 + ( 1) Salvatore Antibo (ITA) 07 Feb 1962 24 Feb 1990 Cento ITA
22:18 ( 2) Lazarus Nyakeraka (KEN) 22 Nov 1975 14 Jun 1997 San Jose CA USA
22:18 + ( 2) Khalid Khannouchi (NY/USA) 22 Dec 1971 03 Oct 1999 Attleboro MA USA
22:18 + ( 2) Khalid Khannouchi (NY/USA) 22 Dec 1971 03 Oct 1999 Attleboro MA USA
22:18 ( 2) Abraham Chebii (KEN) 23 Dec 1979 25 Mar 2006 Dallas TX USA
22:18 ( 1) Wilson Kebenei (KEN) 20 Jul 1980 22 Mar 2008 Dallas TX USA
22:19 + ( 1) Joseph Kamau (KEN) 21 Sep 1972 06 Oct 1996 Attleboro MA USA
22:19.0 ( 1) David Makori- 2 06 Nov 1973 17 Jul 1999 Kingsport TN USA
22:20 + ( 1) Simon Rono- 2 09 Apr 1972 04 Oct 1998 Attleboro MA USA
22:20 + ( 3) Patrick Ivuti (KEN) 30 Jun 1978 03 Oct 1999 Attleboro MA USA
22:20 a ( 1) Samuel Ndereba (KEN) 02 Feb 1977 11 Nov 2006 Richmond VA USA
22:20.7 ( 1) Simon Cheprot (CO/KEN) 1990 11 Jul 2009 Kingsport TN USA
World Women
24:27.8 ( 1) Asmae Leghzaoui (MAR) 30 Aug 1976 13 Jul 2002 Kingsport TN USA
24:35.6 ( 1) Deena Kastor (CA/USA) 14 Feb 1973 03 Apr 2005 Chicago IL USA
24:38 ( 1) Paula Radcliffe (ENG) 17 Dec 1973 24 Apr 1999 Balmoral SCO
24:43 ( 1) Sonia O'Sullivan- 2 28 Nov 1969 22 Apr 2000 Balmoral SCO
24:45 ( 1) Paula Radcliffe- 2 17 Dec 1973 11 Apr 1998 Balmoral SCO
24:48 ( 1) Liz McColgan (SCO) 24 May 1964 10 May 1992 Washington DC USA
25:02 ( 1) Lynn Jennings (NH/USA) 01 Jul 1960 12 May 1991 Washington DC USA
25:03 ( 1) Grete Waitz (NOR) 01 Oct 1953 15 Mar 1986 Virginia Beach VA USA
25:03 ( 1) Birhane Adere (ETH) 21 Jul 1973 10 May 2003 Balmoral SCO
25:04 + ( 1) Paula Radcliffe- 3 17 Dec 1973 15 Oct 2000 Laughrea IRL
25:04 ( 1) Marina Bastos (POR) 07 Jul 1971 24 Apr 2001 Cartaxo POR
25:04.5 ( 1) Deena Kastor- 2 14 Feb 1973 26 Mar 2005 New York NY USA
25:05 ( 2) Benita Willis (AUS) 06 May 1979 10 May 2003 Balmoral SCO
25:07 ( 1) Lynn Jennings- 2 01 Jul 1960 14 May 1989 Washington DC USA
25:07 ( 1) Getenesh Wami (ETH) 26 May 1974 14 Apr 2001 Balmoral SCO
25:07 ( 1) Sonia O'Sullivan- 3 28 Nov 1969 30 Mar 2002 Balmoral SCO
25:08 ( 2) Lynn Jennings- 3 01 Jul 1960 10 May 1992 Washington DC USA
25:09 ( 1) Shelly Steely (NM/USA) 23 Oct 1962 28 Apr 1991 Portland OR USA
25:09 ( 3) Judi St Hilaire (MA/USA) 05 Sep 1959 10 May 1992 Washington DC USA
25:09 ( 1) Lornah Kiplagat (NED) 01 May 1974 01 Jun 1997 Tilburg NED
25:09 ( 2) Paula Radcliffe- 4 17 Dec 1973 14 Apr 2001 Balmoral SCO
25:10 ( 1) Judi St Hilaire- 2 05 Sep 1959 13 May 1990 Washington DC USA
25:12 ( 2) Judi St Hilaire- 3 05 Sep 1959 14 May 1989 Washington DC USA
25:13 ( 2) Tegla Loroupe- 2 09 May 1973 22 Apr 2000 Balmoral SCO
25:14 ( 3) Brenda Webb (TX/USA) 30 Jun 1954 14 May 1989 Washington DC USA
25:14 ( 2) Susan Sirma (KEN) 26 May 1966 12 May 1991 Washington DC USA
25:15 ( 1) Leann Warren (OR/USA) 02 Mar 1961 28 Oct 1989 Alhambra CA USA
25:15 + ( 1) Tegla Loroupe (KEN) 09 May 1973 02 Jun 1996 Tilburg NED
25:16 ( 1) Alevtina Ivanova (RUS) 22 May 1975 25 Mar 2006 Dallas TX USA
Crazy8s History
Indian Path Medical Center & Suntrust Bank 8K Run
Top All-Time Performances - thru 2009
Males
Year Name Citizen Time
1 1996 Peter Githuka Kenya 22:02.21
2 2001 Alene Emere Ethiopia 22:03.4
3 2001 Enock Mitei Kenya 22:03.9
4 2001 Shadrack Kosgei Kenya 22:06.0
5 2003 Linus Maiyo Kenya 22:10.6
6 2001 David Makori Kenya 22:14.7
7 2007 Simon Ndirangu Kenya 22:15.9
8 2004 John Korir Kenya 22:16.0
9 1999 David Makori Kenya 22:19.0
10 2009 Simon Cheprot Kenya 22:20.6
11 2001 Sammy N'geno Kenya 22:22.2
12 2000 Reuben Cheriuyot Kenya 22:24.5
13 1997 Peter Githuka Kenya 22:25.7
14 2007 Karim ElMabchour Morocco 22:25.7
15 2007 Linus Maiyo Kenya 22:27.3
Females
Year Name Citizen Time
1 2002 Asmae Leghzaoui Morocco 24:27.8 1
2 1999 Margaret Okayo Kenya 25:40.0
3 1999 Jane Omoro Kenya 25:40.6
4 1999 Catherine Ndereba Kenya 25:41.2
5 2001 Irene Kwambai Kenya 25:46.4
6 1999 Teresa Wanjiku Kenya 25:47.6
7 1994 Laura Mykytok Pa 25:49.4
8 2007 Ogla Kimaiyo Kenya 25:51.6
9 1997 Elana Meyer South Africa 25:51.9
10 2008 Ogla Kimaiyo Kenya 25:53.1
11 2006 Luminita Talpos Romania 25:56.5
12 1999 Derartu Tulu Ethiopia 26:01.8
13 1998 Catherine Ndereba Kenya 26:01.9
14 2001 Grace Momanyi Kenya 26:02.0
15 2003 Silvia Skvortsova Russia 26:03.1
Past Winners - Men
2009 Simon Cheprot Kenya 22:20.6
2008 Demssew Tsega Ethiopia 22:40.9
2007 Simon Ndirangu Kenya 22:15.9
2006 Julius Kiptoo Kenya 22:59.3
2005 Tibebu Yineu Ethiopia 23:06.0
2004 John Korir Kenya 22:16.0
2003 Linus Maiyo Kenya 22:10.6
2002 Patrick Nthiwa Kenya 22:37.9
2001 Alene Emere Ethiopia 22:03.4
2000 Reuben Cheriuyot Kenya 22:24.5
1999 David Makori Kenya 22:19.0
1998 John Kariuki Kenya 22:39.7
1997 Peter Githuka Kenya 22:25.7
1996 Peter Githuka Kenya 22:02.21
1995 Gideon Mutisya Kenya 23:08.0
1994 Keith Brantly Florida 23:28.0
1993 Eric Lorenz NC 23:35.6
1992 Jacques Van Rensburg South Africa 22:59.8
1991 Jim Kaiser KY 23:41.5
1990 Thomas O'Gara Ireland 24:36.7
Past Winners - Women
2009 Meseret Mengsitu Ethiopia 26:19.1
2008 Ogla Kimaiyo Kenya 25:53.1
2007 Ogla Kimaiyo Kenya 25:51.6
2006 Luminita Talpos Romania 25:56.5
2005 Victoria Klimina Russia 26:15.0
2004 Silvia Skvortsova Russia 26:12.0
2003 Silvia Skvortsova Russia 26:03.1
2002 Asmae Leghzaoui Morocco 24:27.8 1
2001 Irene Kwambai Kenya 25:46.4
2000 Naomi Wangui Kenya 26:21.8
1999 Margaret Okayo Kenya 25:40.0
1998 Catherine Ndereba Kenya 26:01.9
1997 Elana Meyer South Africa 25:51.9
1996 Libbie Johnson Colorado 26:44.0
1995 Maria Louisa Servin Mexico 26:05.9
1994 Laura Mykytok Penn 25:49.4
1993 Monica O'Reilly Ireland 27:01.5
1992 Joan Nesbit NC 26:31.3
1991 Stephanie Orman Georgia 28:02.9
1990 Cheryl Boessow Alabama 29:18.5