Lagat, Kibii Reign at Union-Tribune Race for Literacy 8K
More than 2,500 children also experience Union-Tribune Kid's Magic Mile

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Posted Thursday, 11 March, 2010

From Ryan Lamppa, Running USA

SAN DIEGO - (March 7, 2010) - Kenyans Haron Lagat and Jane Kibii claimed victories at the 22nd Union-Tribune Race for Literacy 8K held on Sunday morning. Temperatures in the mid-50s and steady rain made for some very un-chamber-of-commerce-like San Diego conditions, but it did not deter the 2,110 runners and walkers who participated in the 4.97-mile event that started in historic Balboa Park and finished downtown. More than 3,500 were registered in the event.

Lagat, the 2007-08 race champion, was first to sail past the finish line, winning in 22 minutes, 57 seconds. Kibii dominated the women's field, clocking her first Union-Tribune Race for Literacy victory in 26:16.

In the men's race Lagat, 26, and countryman, Aron Rono, took the lead early on, separating themselves from the chase pack during the first mile. The duo ran side-by-side until Lagat booked it to the finish line in the final 800 meters.

"I wanted to beat the course record, but I knew it wasn't going to happen because of the rain," recounted Lagat. "My shoes were soaked." The course record (22:28) was set by David Kipngetich in 2002.

Rono, 27, was runner-up seven seconds back (23:04) with Mario Marcias of Alamosa, Colo. third in 23:21. Lagat finished five seconds slower than his 2007 event best and 29 seconds off the course record.

Kibii, 24, who won the Carlsbad Half Marathon in January, enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory. Johanna Bonfiglio of Carlsbad, Calif. finished second in 27:56 and Mary Kate Bailey of San Diego was third (28:16).

The unique Union-Tribune Race for Literacy course winds through San Diego's Balboa Park and the colorful Hillcrest neighborhood before taking runners and walkers onto the closed Cabrillo Parkway, a picturesque highway. The race's final mile tours through the historic Gaslamp District and finishes downtown.

Owned and managed by In Motion, Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif., the Union-Tribune Race for Literacy weekend also included the Union-Tribune Kid's Magic Mile fun run, which took place on Saturday, March 6. More than 2,500 children participated in the one mile dash through Balboa Park. The event weekend benefits literacy programs in San Diego County.

22nd Union-Tribune Race for Literacy 8K
San Diego, CA, Sunday, March 7, 2010

MEN
1) Haron Lagat (KEN), 22:57, $1000
2) Aron Rono (KEN), 23:04, $500
3) Mario Macias (MEX / CO), 23:21, $250

WOMEN
1) Jane Kibii (KEN), 26:16, $1000
2) Johanna Bonfiglio (USA / CA), 27:56, $500
3) Mary Kate Bailey (USA / CA), 28:16, $250

For race results and more, go to: www.inmotionevents.com

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