New York Skate Marathon and 100K National Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 22, 2009 -- New York Skate Marathon and 100K National Championship
By Nick Esposito
September 22, 2001

In the shadow of the tragedy of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the 11th annual New York Skate Marathon went off without a hitch. Less than two weeks after the attack on the U.S.A., it was uncertain if the event would be held at all. Race promoter Steve Novak felt the event was the last item on his mind during a very tough time in his hometown of New York City. His decision was encouraged, however, by the words of our Mayor himself telling New Yorkers not to let this act of terrorism discourage plans and to resume their normal lives. After a moment of silence and a wonderful rendition of "America the Beautiful" by Empire Skate Club's own Blossom Chu, just over 200 skaters began their event, many of them with tears in their eyes. Some regular entrants in the event were too emotionally drained from volunteer work with the Red Cross over the past two weeks to be able compete this year. They, however, were in attendance doing their share of volunteer work at the event itself.


The pro womens 100K race was won by Rennoc/Verduccis Helan Havem. After winning the Marathon the past several years she decided it was time to try her luck at the big race. The final sprint had Helan easily outdistancing Rollerblades Erin DiJulio who held off Solomans Nikki Diamantopulos for second place. The top five was rounded out by Team Torontos Beth Clarke and Empires Naomi Shuchter who had won the 100K several years ago.

1. Helan Havem (Rennoc/Verducci)
2. Erin DiJulio (Rollerblade/Risk)
3. Nikki Diamantopulos (Soloman)

4. Beth Clarke (Toronto)
5. Naomi Shuchter (Empire/Verducci)

I spoke with Paalasmaa, coach for Valtonen, before and after the race and he said that Valtonen achieved a top-15 place in last week's world championship 84-kilometer event held in France. He also reminded me that this was not Valtonen's first appearance at the New York 100k. In 1998, at the age of 17, Valtonen finished 13th, one spot behind Paalasmaa.


1. Jarmo Valtonen (K2 Finland)
2. Gustavo Naula (Empire/Verducci)
3. Eddy Matzger (Twincam/Salomon)
4. Juan Naula (Empire/Verducci)

5. Aaron Kincaid (Empire/Verducci)