Olympian Elva Dryer Returns to Freihofer's Run for Women 5K
1997 Freihofer's champion poses threat to Benita Johnson's bid for four-peat

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Posted Thursday, 14 May, 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. - (May 13, 2009) - Benita Johnson's quest to win four consecutive Freihofer's Run for Women titles - a feat matched only by eight-time winner Lynn Jennings - could face another test on Saturday, May 30th in the form of 1997 race champion Elva Dryer.

Dryer, 37, who is running well and finished 12th at last month's Boston Marathon (2:38:50), has informed organizers she plans to compete. In her last two trips to New York's capital city Dryer finished 4th in 1999 and runner-up in 2004.

"Freihofer's is pleased that Elva will be competing. She is one of those rare athletes who can compete at distances from the mile up to the marathon," said Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope, explaining that Dryer won the Austin Half Marathon in February and was fourth at the USA 15K Championships in March. "Her inclusion in the field will help make for an exciting battle on the streets of Albany for the overall title."

"In her 1997 appearance here, Elva ran tactically throughout the race and injected a devastating surge exiting Washington Park that decided the outcome," recalled Event Director Regan. "Elva's victory that year kept Lynn (Jennings) from a fifth consecutive Freihofer's title and gave her the USA 5K and Freihofer's titles."

In addition to her win at Freihofer's, the Gunnison, Colo. resident is a two-time Olympian on the track and has also won national titles on the roads in the half-marathon and the 10K (twice), as well as a national championship in the indoor 3000m.

Those wishing to follow the race as it happens can do so live on Twitter, the free social networking and micro-blogging service. Fox 23 News Sports Anchor Rich Becker will tweet regular updates from the Freihofer's Run for Women press truck. To capture the drama of the race as it unfolds, go to www.FreihofersRun.com and click on the Twitter icon at the bottom of the page.

From that location, also check out the event's Facebook page for regular race updates and videos in the coming weeks, as well as have the ability to post your own photos, video footage and event memories and comments.

For those unable to log onto Twitter that morning, or listen to Fox 23 News color commentator James O'Brien's live press truck updates, Fox23 News will broadcast a 30-minute Freihofer's Run for Women TV special Saturday, May 30 at 10:30pm. Complete race day results, including in-depth race coverage and analysis, will also be available in the Sunday edition of the Albany Times Union newspaper.

Now in its 31st year, the event - home of the Master's World & Brazilian national records - features thousands of women of all ages and abilities from Olympians to recreational joggers, who challenge themselves on the picturesque 3.1-mile course. To register for the Freihofer's Run for Women, or for more information about the Freihofer's Run for Women, the Freihofer's Community Walk, Freihofer's Kids' Run and CapitalCare Health & Fitness Expo, go to: www.FreihofersRun.com

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