Johnson Three-Peats at 30th Freihofer's Run for Women 5K
Australian Olympian becomes only third woman in event's storied history to accomplish hat-trick; Wiltse wins Masters title

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By Edward Parham
Posted Monday, 2 June, 2008

ALBANY, N.Y. - (May 31, 2008) - In winning the 30th edition of the Freihofer's Run for Women 5K for the third consecutive time, Australia's Benita Johnson became only the third woman to accomplish that feat in the event's storied history (Lynn Jennings, an eight-time winner, and Marla Runyan are the other two). In claiming this year's win in a time of 15 minutes, 46 seconds, Johnson turned back the race-long challenge of a powerful Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent and claimed a prize purse of $10,000. Second place went to Amane Gobena of Ethiopia in 15:52 ($5000), with countrywoman Azizza Aliyu winning a very close battle for third in 16:02 ($3000).

"I didn't have a plan," asserted Johnson. "You never know how the race is going to go. The early pace was very slow. And I got a cramp in my leg (at the end) because I had to run the last kilometer so hard. This win was the one that hurt the most. But I really wanted to win three in a row."

Johnson, 29, dedicated the race to her father, who was terminally ill in Australia. She was leaving Albany immediately after the race to return home to be at his side.

"My father is very sick," she said. "He's only got a few days. This race was for my Dad. But I can use things in my life as motivation to go forward and to have strength."

Tragically, moments after finishing the event and calling her family with news of her victory, Johnson learned that her father had died.

The strength that the Australian two-time Olympian and 2004 World Cross Country champion brought to this race was evident from the outset. Always at the front of the pack, Johnson fronted a large pack through an opening mile of 5:14 with Gobena, Genoveva Kigen (KEN), Jane Gakunyi (KEN), Kathy Butler (GBR), Millicent Gathoni (KEN), Everlyne Lagat (KEN) and a knot of others all holding close.

Approaching two miles, things began to change as Johnson maintained pressure and attrition began to take its toll. The two mile marker was passed in 10:20, and while Johnson and Gobena raced shoulder-to-shoulder, daylight had begun to open on the rest of the field. With the contenders reduced to just two, it was clear that it would be only a matter of time before she made her move.

That point came at 4K. Johnson, concerned to avoid a sprint to the finish line, injected an increase in pace that was clearly intended to decide the outcome once and for all. Gobena fought hard to hang on, but Johnson's strength and tenacity, coupled with her knowledge of this hilly course, were insurmountable and, in the closing downhill half mile, allowed her to turn an inch of daylight into a 6-second advantage.

Freihofer's is Johnson's only U.S. race of the season. Following this, her plan is to race a 10,000 meter on the track in Europe, and then decide if that distance or the marathon will be her focus for the Beijing Olympic Games in August. At Athens in 2004, Johnson placed a disappointing 24th in the 10,000m.

Gobena, 25, held on for an isolated second place, while Aliyu, 22, charged through in the closing mile to out-kick the more-favored Gakunyi, a 2004 Olympian at 5000 meters, and Gathoni, winner of last Monday's Bolder Boulder 10K. Aliyu and Gakunyi were both timed at 16:02, with Gathoni at 16:03.

The Masters competition, for women 40 and older, went to Paula Wiltse from Brockville, Ontario, who raced to a 17:29 victory. Wiltse's win - which earned her $750 - bested Marisa Hanson (17:45), who as Marisa Sutera won this race in 1986. The over-50 division victory went to Joan Benoit Samuelson, who as Joan Benoit won the Olympic Games Marathon in 1984. Benoit Samuelson's time of 17:50, was shy of her objective, the 17:28 U.S. 50-54 age group record of Shirley Matson, set in 1991.

"Though we were saddened by Benita's family tragedy, it's quite plain to see what a tremendous champion and great athlete she is," commented Freihofer's Run for Women Event Director George Regan. "Because of her, and because of the 3,385 women who followed her, this was a great day for Albany."

This year's 30th edition also included the USATF National Race Walk 10K Open and Junior Championships featuring some of the nation's top race walkers, several of whom will be Olympic team contenders. Teresa Vaill, 45, of Gainesville, FL, formerly of Pine Plains, NY, won the event in a time of 47:50 and took home the $500 first place check. Rounding out the top three were Solomiya Login, 28, of Philadelphia, PA, (51:58 - $400) and Lauren Forgues, 20, of Boothbay, ME (52:42 - $300).

30th Freihofer's Run for Women 5K
Albany, NY, Saturday, May 31, 2008

1) Benita Johnson (AUS), 15:46, $10,000
2) Amane Gobena (ETH), 15:52, $5000
3) Azizza Aliyu (ETH), 16:02, $3000
4) Jane Gakunyi (KEN), 16:02, $2000
5) Millicent Gathoni (KEN), 16:03, $1000
6) Florence Jepkosgei (KEN), 16:08, $750
7) Everlyne Lagat (KEN), 16:11, $500
8) Genoveva Kigen (KEN), 16:20, $300
9) Alina Alekseyeva (RUS), 16:23, $250
10) Kathy Butler (GBR), 16:31, $200

MASTERS (40+)
1) Paula Wiltse, 40, CAN, 17:29, $750
2) Marisa Hanson, 44, USA / NY, 17:45, $500
3) Joan Benoit Samuelson, 51, USA / ME, 17:50, $350
4) Laurel Park, 45, USA / MI, 17:58, $200
5) Carmen Troncoso, 49, USA / TX, 18:40, $100

Complete results at: www.FreihofersRun.com

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