SPORTS 'N SPOKES

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Third Time's a Charm

Arizona athletes return for another go at the Run, Walk, & Roll Marathon.

For the third consecutive year athletes from across Arizona converged at Tempe Town Lake for the Run, Walk, & Roll Marathon, hosted by Arizona Disabled Sports (AzDS) on January 7, 2012.

The event, which is open to all athletes, attracted more than 800 participants as well as a host of local vendors and celebrities. Most notably were past winners of NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Ali Vincent (season 5), and John Rhodes (season 12), who helped kick off the race and showed their support for the athletes. Vincent has become a familiar face to the annual event offering her support and good cheer to her fellow Arizonians.

With more than 32 vendors on hand, the crowd had a cornucopia of activities to help pass the time as well as take their minds off the 46 degree morning. The event opened with the singing of the national anthem by local vocalist Michelle Moyer, whose a cappella rendition captured the patriotism of both young and old.

“Singing at this event was a memorable moment,” says Moyer. “As cold as it was, I was excited to sing the national anthem. I was also very touched by the athletes who were so determined to race.”

First to the starting line were the 10K wheelchair racers who were anxiously awaiting the start horn. Last year’s winner, Troy Davis, would be trying to beat his time of 32:32, but only time would tell and the competition this year looked tough.

The event officials readied the racers and with a loud blast of the horn they pushed across the line. It was a powerful group of athletes who all wore a look of determination as they faded into the distance.

With the 10K racers well on their way, the 5K wheelchair athletes took their place at the starting line. Despite there being only four racers for this event, it was obvious they had their game faces on and were ready to show their stuff.

Faith Ryberg and Rachel Kroener were both returning to best last year’s time. Kroener showed up in a brand new racing chair and was anxious to give it a try. She competed last year using her daily wheelchair.

With another blast from the horn the four racers pushed off and were quickly spreading as they reached the first turn. The crowd relocated to the finish line as the 10K racers started to come into view.  

 
It was a battle between Mike Benge and Davis as they made their way along the straightaway but it was Benge in the lead with Davis close behind. Both men strained toward the finish with Benge crossing at 29:06 followed by Davis at 29:12.

While the 10K runners prepared to start, the 5K wheelchair racers where staggering across the finish with Ryberg in a dominating lead over the pack. She finished at 25:25 beating last year’s time of 33:33.

“I am so proud of the growth of the roll division of the run event,” said event organizer Lane Jeppesen. “The track racers, hand-cycles, recumbent cycles, tandem cycles, freedom cycles - everyone did amazing.”

Check out more pictures on our Facebook page.

For complete race results visit: Race Place Events

For more information or to see if you can volunteer visit Arizona Disabled Sports

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