MEDIA KIT: Elite Athlete Bios for 2004 Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K

Last updated on July 30

Below is a list of elite runners competing in the 2004 Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race on Aug. 1:

Elite Men

Gilbert Okari
Bib #: 1
Age: 25 (turns 26 the day after the race)
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: West Chester, Pa.
Best 10K: 27:28
Of note: His blazing winning time of 27:28 in the 2003 Peoples Beach to Beacon not only shattered the course record but was the fastest 10K in the world last year. Currently ranked in the top 25 in the world, he finished third at 10,000m in the competitive Kenyan National Championships. Also, during his banner 2003 season, won the Rite Aid Cleveland 10K and the Nairobi 10K, took second at the Crescent City 10K and third at the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile, the Bloomsday 12K and Azalea Trail 10K (27:47).

Khalid Khannouchi
Bib #: 3
Age: 32
Citizen of: USA
Residence: Ossining, N.Y.
Best 10K: 27:45
Of note: The 1999 Peoples Beach to Beacon champ, he is returning after a three-year absence. A crowd favorite, the Moroccan-born road race legend ran his first race as an American citizen at the 2000 Peoples Beach to Beacon. He held the world record in the marathon (2:05:38) for almost four years until last fall, and remains the American marathon record holder. Recorded the top U.S. 10K time so far in 2004 (29:23) in Green Bay in June. The Peoples Beach to Beacon is one of the few road races he will compete in as he returns from injury and prepares for the Chicago Marathon this fall, where he is a four-time champion. Has won 16 major road races in his career, including the 2003 Kyoto Half Marathon and the 2002 London Marathon.

Thomas Kiplitan
Bib #: 6
Age: 21
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Marakwet, Kenya
Best 10K: 27:31 (track)
Of note: Ranked #5 in the world, a sub-28:00 is well within the grasp of this up-and-coming young Kenyan. He has never lost a road race that he has entered on American soil. He won the 2004 Schlotzky’s Deli Bun Run 5K in Austin and five days later took second in a competitive 10,000m run in Palo Alto. In 2003, he won the CVS Downtown 5K in Providence and the U.S. 10K Classic in Atlanta, and finished 2nd in the Kenyan X-C Championship 4K and 4th in the World Cross Country 4K (11:20).

Wilson Kiprotich
Bib #: 10
Age: 24
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Kenya
Best 10K: 27:47.7
Of note: Currently ranked 9th in the world by Running Times magazine, he has been training at altitude in Switzerland to prepare for this race. Recorded the world’s second fastest 10K so far in 2004 (27:47.7)at the World's Best 10K earlier this year in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Also recorded 2004’s 3rd fastest half marathon in Milan, Italy in April.

Robert K. Cheruiyot
Bib: 7
Age: 25
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Kenya
Best 10K: 28:11
Of note: Won the prestigious 2003 Boston Marathon (2:10:11) as part of banner season that included a win at the 2003 Peachtree 10K (28:23). Currently ranked 11th in the world, he finished 3rd at the recent Peachtree 10K with a personal best 28:11. Also has been training in Switzerland with Kiprotich. Earlier in 2004, finished 3rd at the Meja-Maratona Internacional de Lisboa (59:54) and 9th at the 2004 World’s Best 10K (28:28). His career also includes wins at the 2002 Milan Marathon (personal best 2:08:59) and the 2002 Rome-Ostia Half Marathon.

Luke Kipkosgei
Bib #: 4
Age: 28
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Eldoret, Kenya
Best 10K: 27:12 (track)
Of note: Another track blazer making noise on the road race circuit, so far in 2004 he has won the Coopers River Bridge Run 10K (28:13) in Charleston, S.C., the Steamboat Classic 4-Miler in Peoria (17:36) and the 2004 Adidas Grand Prix Open 3000m. Also finished second at the2004 Azalea Trail Run 10K (28:56). A bronze medallist at the 2003 World Indoor Championships, he finished second in the 2002 World Cross Country 4K.

Benjamin Maiyo
Bib #: 5
Age:
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Kenya
Best 10K: 27:08 (track)
Of note: Won the 2004 Albertson’s Bay to Breakers 12K (34:50) and finished 3rd in the recent Utica Boilermaker 15K (44:06). Currently ranked #62 in the world, he has been training at altitude in Boulder, Colorado with Okari and Kipkosgei to prepare for Peoples Beach to Beacon. He was a silver medallist at 10,000m in the 2001 Goodwill Games.

Tekeste Kebede.
Bib #: 11
Age: 24
Citizen of: Ethiopia
Residence: Ethiopia
Best 10K: 28:37
Of note: Strong 2004 season includes a 3rd place finish at both the Celestial Seasonings Bolder Boulder 10K (29:43) and the Suzuki Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon (2:11:48). Finished 5th at the 2003 Cherry Blossom 10-miler (47:39) and 9th at the 2003 Azalea Trail 10K with a career best 28:37.

Nick Rogers
Bib#: 8
Age: 29
Citizen of: USA
Residence: Eugene, Oregon
Best 10K: 27:55 (track)
Of note: Earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in 2000 after finishing third in the 5000m at the trials (13:29.52. Remains among the top U.S. distance runners. Finishes in 2004 include a 5th at the Senior Bowl 10K, 6th at the Gate River 15K (44:35) and 7th at the NYRRC 8K (U.S. Men’s 8K Championship) (22:52).

Keith Dowling
Bib#: 9
Age: 35
Citizen of: USA
Residence: Reston, Virginia
Best 10K: 28:15 (track)
Of note: Ranked 35th among American road racers, he finished 11th at the 2004 U.S. Men’s Olympic Marathon Trials. Also finished 3rd at the 2004 Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Arizona Half Marathon. Was the first American finisher (15th overall) at the 2002 Boston Marathon, and the 5th American to cross the tape at the 2001 NYC Marathon. Finished 6th in the 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials. Won the 10,000m at the 1995 Penn Relays.

Kim Gillard
Bib #: 12
Age: 33
Citizen of: Australia
Residence: Boulder, Colorado
Best 10K: 28:23 (track)
Of note: Won the 2003 Uptown 5-Miler in Dallas with a career best 23:06.9. Other wins in 2003 included the St. Paddy’s Day Run in Dallas, the Komen Race for the Cure 5K in Fort Worth and the Luzerner Stadlauf in Switzerland. Finished 4th at the 2003 U.S. 10K Classic (30:31) and 15th at the 2004 Celestial Seasonings Bolder Boulder 10K (30:56) in March.

Elite Women

Catherine Ndereba
Bib #: 60
Age: 31
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Philadelphia
Best 10K: 31:02
Of note: Adored by fans, she is returning to the Peoples Beach to Beacon to defend a title she has won five times, including last year (31:52). Will be one of the favorites in the 2004 Olympic Marathon in Athens. To date in 2004, she won her third Boston Marathon (2:24:27) and finished 2nd in the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (53:00). She once held world record (2:18:47) in the marathon. Won the 2003 World Championships in the marathon, finished second at the 2003 London Marathon and is a two-time winner of the Chicago Marathon. In addition, over the past five years alone, she has won five major half marathons and 11 other major road races. Ranked as the top women’s runner in 1996 and 1998 by Runner’s World and Running Times. Holds the course record (31:34) in the Peoples Beach to Beacon.

Luminita Talpos
Bib #: 61
Age: 31
Citizen of: Romania
Residence: Boulder, Colorado
Best 10K: 31:54
Of note: Finished a close second (31:53) to Ndereba in the 2003 Peoples Beach to Beacon and will be anxious to try to capture the crown this year. Also placed 5th at the 2001 Peoples Beach to Beacon so is experienced on the course. A successful 2003 season included a number of high finishes in major events, including seconds at the Peachtree 10K, Utica Boilermaker 15K and Bix 7-miler, and a 3rd at the Albertsons Bay to Breakers 12K. Won the 2002 Cherry Blossom 10-miler and the Bay to Breakers 12K. Her 2004 season includes 7th at the Crescent City Classic 10K and 9th at Peachtree.

Susan Chepkemei
Bib #: 59
Age: 29
Citizen of: Kenya
Residence: Kenya
Best 10K: 31:11
Of note: One of the hottest women runners on the road race circuit right now, she is ranked 5th in the world by Running Times magazine. She is coming off wins at the recent Utica Boilermaker 15K (Time of 48:50 is the fastest 15K in the world so far this year) and the Peachtree 10K (Her 31:55 is the 8th fastest 10K in the world to date in 2004). She also won those two races in 2003. An accomplished marathoner, she finished 4th at the 2003 London Marathon with a personal best 2:23:12. She also won the 2001 Rotterdam, finished 2nd there in 1999 and took second at the 2001 New York City Marathon.

Masako Chiba
Bib #: 55
Age: 28
Citizen of: Japan
Residence: Sakura, Japan
Best 10K: 31:21 (track)
Of note: Currently ranked 17th in the world, she has been on Chepkemei’s heels all month. She finished 3rd at last weekend’s Bix 7 Miler and 2nd at the Utica 15K. Accomplished marathoner, she earned bronze at the 2003 World Championships (2:25:09), 2nd at the Osaka Ladies, and finished the year ranked #4 in world by Track & Field News. Believed to be the only runner to ever medal in the World Championships in both the marathon and on the track -- she earned bronze in 1997 in the 10,000m. Finished 5th at the 1996 Olympics in the 10,000m.

Kayoko Obato
Bib #: 67
Age: 32
Citizen of: Japan
Residence: Chiba, Japan
Best 10K: 32:57
Of note: One of Japan’s top marathoners, she finished 9th in the 2003 Peoples Beach to Beacon (33:53) and will more comfortable on the course this year. Also in 2003, she 2nd in America’s Finest City Half, 3rd in the Philadelphia Half (1:12:05) and 5th at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half. Her career also includes four top 10 finishes in the Chicago Marathon and an 8th at the 1999 World Marathon Championships in Seville.

Alvetina Ivanova
Bib #: 62
Age: 29
Citizen of: Russia
Residence: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Best 10K: 32:26 (track)
Of note: A strong runner who will be in the hunt, she won the 2004 Third River Bank Run 25K (1:26:38), finished 2nd at the 2004 Bay to Breakers 12K (40:27) and the 2004 All Russian Cross Country Championships, and 3rd at the 2004 Lilac Bloomsday 12K (40:08). Lost comfortable lead at Falmouth Road Race last August when she lost focus near the finish, ended up in second. Also in 2003, won the Park Forest Scenic 10-Miler (53:18) and 2nd at both the Nagano (personal best 2:29:05) and Honolulu marathons.

Tatyana Petrova
Bib #: 63
Age: 21
Citizen of: Russia
Residence: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Best 10K: 32:37
Of note: A talented young runner, she could surprise the field. She has two wins so far this year – Quick Invitational 8K in Dallas and the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K (32:46) in Richmond, Virginia. Also ran a personal best 32:37 while finishing 3rd at the Crescent City Classic 10K in April. Finished 3rd at recent Utica Boilermaker 15K (49:52). In 2003, won the Russian Under 23 Championships at 5000m.

Nicole Jefferson Aish
Bib#: 68
Age: 28
Citizen: USA
Residence: Gunnison, Colorado
Best 10K: 32:13 (track)
Of note: A U.S. Olympic Trials finalist at 10,000m, she finished 12th (33:39). Also in 2004, finished 3rd at Mt. SAC Relays 5000m Invitational (15:21) and 4th at Friehofer’s Run for Women 5K (15:56). Was a Bronze Medallist at 5000m at the 2003 Pan American Games.

Merima Hashim
Bib #: 58
Age: 22
Citizen of: Ethiopia
Residence: Ethiopia
Best 10K: 30:59 (track)
Of note: A promising young runner making the transition from the track to the roads, she will be competing in the Peoples Beach to Beacon for the first time. At 10,000m, placed 6th at the 1999 World Championships and 2nd at the 1999 African Games. Top finishes in the 10K include a 3rd at the 2002 Cooper River Bridge 10K (32:58) and a 2nd at the 2000 Bolder Boulder 10K.

Yashuko Hashimoto
Bib#: 64
Age: 28
Citizen: Japan
Residence: Osaka, Japan
Best 10K: 32:04 (track)
Of note: The winner of the 2003 Berlin Marathon, she is one of Japan’s top marathoners who also is finding success at shorter distances. Won the Steamboat Classic 4 Mile (20:40) earlier this year. In 2003, won the Marugame Half Marathon with a personal best 1:09:32, and finished 4th at the Sapporo Half.

Fumi Murata
Bib #: 65
Age: 29
Citizen: Japan
Residence: Osaka, Japan
Best 10K: 32:23 (track)
Of note: Earlier in July, finished just ahead of Ndereba to take 4th at the Sapporo Half marathon (1:10:48). Finished 5th at 2004 Nagoya Women’s Marathon (2:30:11, a personal best). She is a member of the 2004 World Half Marathon Team. Other highlights include a 7th at the 2003 Berlin Marathon and 2nd at the 2003 Great Scottish Half.

Madai Perez
Bib #: 72
Age: 24
Citizen: Mexico
Residence: Mexico
Best 10K: 32:22 (track)
Of note: Recently named to the Mexican Olympic Team, she will compete in the marathon in Athens. Won the 2004 Celestial Seasonings Bolder to Boulder 10K. Finished 2nd in 2004 and 2003 at the Fortis Rotterdam Marathon. She is the Mexican National Champion in both 10K and 12K.

Miho Ichikawa
Bib #: 66
Age: 34
Citizen: Japan
Residence:
Best 10K: 32:55 (track)
Of note: Finished 4th earlier this year in a 10K in Japan (33:05).

Saori Mikishima
Bib #: 73
Age: 18
Citizen: Japan
Residence:
Best 10K: not available


Tania Jones
Bib #: 71
Age: 34
Citizen: Canada
Residence: Toronto, Ontario
Best 10K: 33:22
Of note: On maternity leave in 2003, she was the 2002 Canadian Marathon Champion and a member of the 2001 Canadian World Championship Team.

Susannah Beck
Bib #: 70
Age: 36
Citizen of: U.S.
Residence: Maine
Best 10K: 33:03 (track)
Of note: A native of Yarmouth, Maine, and a Waynflete graduate, Beck is an elite caliber runner who has re-located to Maine and is eligible, and favored, in the Maine women’s category this year. She finished 10th at the 2003 Peoples Beach to Beacon (34:44) and 7th in 2002 (33:47). Earlier this year, she finished 9th at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and 2nd at the U.S. Women’s Half Marathon Championships (1:15:03). She finished 3rd in the 2002 Twin Cities Marathon with a personal-best 2:36.34 and 4th at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. She was a two-time Maine high school cross country champion and a 1986 Pan Am Games Junior 1,500-meter silver medallist.

Masters

Men

#32 Bob Winn, 45, Ogunquit, Maine. Winner of the first two Maine titles at the Peoples Beach to Beacon and course record holder in that category (30:52), he remains one of the region’s top road racers.

#33 Michael Payson, 41, Falmouth, Maine. A favorite in both Maine and Master’s category, he won the LL Bean 10K and the Clam Festival 5 miler, Maine’s other most competitive road races.

Women

#56 Carmen Ayala-Troncoso, 44, Austin, Texas. Listed as 36th on the American rankings, she was the first master at both the 2004 3M Half Marathon (1:16:53) and the Peachtree 10K (35:31), and finished 2nd in the 2004 Circle of Friends New York Mini 10K (35:30) and 2004 Friehofer’s Run for Women 5K (16:55).

#57 Valentina Ergorova, a Russian who won the Gold Medal in the marathon at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.