Reid, Gebre Set Course Records at Saint John's Santa Monica 5000
Sallberg, Bolf win 10K along the coast of Santa Monica

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Posted Wednesday, 29 October, 2008

From Brennan Lindner

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (October 19, 2008) - In a thrilling finish down Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue, San Luis Obispo-based runner Phillip Reid successfully held off Christian Hesch from Morro Bay to win the Los Angeles Sports and Fitness (LAS&F) Invitational at the third Saint John's Santa Monica 5000. Reid's time of 13:59.5, shattered the course record of 2006-07 winner, Kenyan Haron Lagat, by 5 seconds. Reid won $1500 for his victory, along with a $300 time bonus for breaking 14:20. The time between the three men - Reid, Hesch and Brett Gotcher - was less than three seconds, captivating hundreds of spectators on the bluffs of Santa Monica.

The LAS&F Invitational, which was first run in 2004 in Agoura Hills, brings together the best athletes from Southern California and the world to compete in the Championship of L.A. Road Racing.

"The LAS&F Invitational is the stage for California's best to compete. It makes for outstanding competition, a great race and also a wonderful event to watch," said LAS&F Publisher Danny Greenberg.

In the women's 5K race, Ethiopian Belainesh Gebre also set a course record with her 15:48, holding off Kenyan Everlyne Lagat who ran 16:05. Fellow Ethiopian and New Mexico-based Naser Teyba finished third (16:32).

In the 10K race, Jacques Sallberg of Team Running USA won the men's race in 30:33, while Christine Bolf of Los Angeles defended her crown in 36:18.

The festivities began early Sunday morning under partly cloudy skies and 60 degrees Fahrenheit as L.A. based yoga teacher Rainbeau Mars led a group stretch to the thousands of athletes. The post-race Party on the Pier featured several live bands and a pancake breakfast.

Race proceeds benefit Saint John's Health Center. With 30,000 patient visits each year, the Saint John's 24-hour Emergency Department provides life-saving services to the community each and every day.

"Saint John's has served the people of Santa Monica and neighboring communities for over 60 years. We are pleased to be the beneficiary of such a wonderful health and fitness event right here in our own community," said Robert O. Klein, Saint John's Vice President of Foundation and Health Center Relations.

3rd Saint John's Santa Monica 5000
Los Angeles Sports and Fitness (LAS&F) Invitational
Santa Monica, CA, Sunday, October 19, 2008

MEN
1) Phillip Reid (CA), 14:00*, $1800
2) Christian Hesch (CA), 14:01, $800
3) Brett Gotcher (AZ), 14:02, $600
4) Gilliat Ghebray (CA), 14:05, $300
5) Jordan Horn (CA), 14:06, $300
6) Haron Lagat (KEN), 14:14, $300
7) Ben Bruce (OR), 14:14, $300
8) Jeremy Johnson (CA), 14:29, $150
*course record (previous record, 14:05, Haron Lagat (KEN), 2007)

WOMEN
1) Belainesh Gebre (ETH), 15:48*, $1800
2) Everlyne Lagat (KEN), 16:05, $650
3) Naser Teyba (ETH), 16:32, $300
*course record (previous record, 16:16, Emily Chebet (KEN), 2006)

10K
MEN
1) Jacques Sallberg (CA), 30:33, $500
2) Brian Livingston (CA), 30:44, $300
3) Michael Chavez (CA), 31:09, $200

WOMEN
1) Christone Bolf (CA), 36:18, $500
2) Tove Berg (CA), 36:50, $300
3) Laura Conley (CA), 39:46, $200

Complete results at: www.SantaMonica5000.com

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