Swaney, Mitchell Win Rose Bowl Half Marathon in Course Records
Four course records in half-marathon and 5K

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Posted Thursday, 18 December, 2008

PASADENA, Calif. - (December 13, 2008) - In only its second year, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon once again proved itself to be an exciting event with a challenging course for half-marathoners and 5K runners alike. Though the skies were grey, the conditions were perfect for runners as they took on the 13.1-mile course through the scenic historic streets of Pasadena and four course records were set on Saturday morning.

From the starting point in front of the Rose Bowl, the most well-known stadium in the United States, the half-marathon course took runners around Pasadena and through the hills of the Arroyo Canyon. Runners got the best of both worlds, switching from trails to city streets and from flats to hills. Leading the half-marathoners was 27-year-old Matthew Swaney of Venice, Calif. Swaney finished in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 25 seconds, a course record by more than eight minutes.

The top women's finisher was Emily Mitchell of Hermosa Beach. Having celebrated her 30th birthday just the day before, Mitchell gave herself a present with a 1:26:06 win, also a course record. Though birthdays are hard for some, Mitchell said, "I chose to race on that day to celebrate since running and the love for running are so much a part of my life."

The 5K made a complete loop around the Rose Bowl and Brookside Golf Course. Runners could keep their eyes on the historic stadium for the duration of the run, while at the same time taking in the splendor of the hills of Pasadena. Charging through the 5K finish line first was Los Angeles resident Andres Diaz in 16:20. The winner of the women's races was 14-year-old Ashley Matsen of Temecula who ran 19:34. Both also set course records.

Waiting for runners beyond the finish line, after medals were awarded and pictures were taken, was a Post-Race Finish Festival at the Rose Bowl Court of Champions. The festival included live music from the Andrew Jed Band, a Michelob Ultra beer garden, and plenty of food and fun for all who participated in the event.

2nd Rose Bowl Half Marathon
Pasadena, CA, Saturday, December 13, 2008

MEN
1) Matthew Swaney (CA), 1:12:25*
2) John Moss (CA), 1:19:08
3) Edgar Lopez (CA), 1:19:58
*course record (old record, 1:21:01, Patrick Donovan)

WOMEN
1) Emily Mitchell (CA), 1:26:06*
2) Sarah Hart (CA), 1:27:37
3) Melissa Marsted, 43, CA, 1:31:06
*course record (old record, 1:29:55, Melissa Marsted)

Find complete race results at: www.pacificsportsllc.com