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(Times photo - Donovan Quintero)
Randy Billey of Farmington runs along Navajo Route 13 at about the halfway mark of the 25th Annual Shiprock Marathon & Relays with Tsé bit'a'’ in the background Saturday. Billey took first in the men's marathon in a time of 2:52:53, averaging 6:36 per mile.
Near perfect weather blessed the 25th Annual Shiprock Marathon last weekend with 937 runners entered in four events.
The 26.2-mile course was the main event and Randy Billy of Farmington won the men's division and was the overall champion. Kay Evans, 46, of Chocowinity, N.C., won the women's event.
Billy, 31, who has won the marathon for two years in a row, was timed in 2:52:53. Evans was timed at 3:30:56.
Marathon coordinator Jeff Foultz said the course is certified and accepted by the U.S. Track and Field Association and can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon and the Olympic Trials.
Foultz said this year's event had a record number of entrants in the marathon, half marathon and the 10K trail walk, but less entries in the relay marathon, which had 65 teams.
Foultz said the addition of a 1K fun run was for young runners and "the idea was just to get them out there and be part of the marathon."
Foultz said throughout the day, the weather was perfect for runners as the wind was blowing from the back of the runners.
"Its nothing to hang your head about," Foultz said about runners that did not finish the race. "It was our Silver anniversary and we have a lot to be grateful for."
Next year's marathon will be held on May 3, 2009.
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11 comments so far (post your own)First, I want to thank Jeff Foultz and staff for organization this event annually in the four corners area. Good job, Randy Billy. I'm a dine wmn marathon runner from the east coast but I hope in the near future to do the shiprock marathon. Runners like Randy, Brandon Leslie and Alvina Begay inspire us to keep going also other elite runners. Alvina did a great job at the Olympic Trail (my friend and I were there). We met some other Boston Marathon DINE Runners too (we're proud of them too). There are different types of runners, the competitors or just to finish. I'm more in between, therefore, all runners and walkers you did a great job. In order to motivate people to get out there is not critizing one another but the goal is keep doing exercise. Sometimes joining a local running group is a great start or participating in the Move-it Program. As our ancestors did, I like running before sunrise to respect the new day. I like running in any types of weather (rain (except thunderstorms), windy, snow (except icy conditions but if trail is available, i'll do that). My goal is to do several marathons and do an Ultra Marathon. I have started a run/walk club here with my native friends and it's been going pretty well. Some of them have really improved their health. SO, NEVER GIVE UP!!!! BE HAPPY AND SMILE. Take Care, east coast DINE runner.
Posted by East Coast Runner on Friday, 05.9.08 @ 10:00am MDT | #938
Good Job to Randy and Kay!! LOL on comment posted at 9:40PM. very true.
Posted by OIFvet on Friday, 05.9.08 @ 05:07am MDT | #937
Use to be 280 pounds now 240 pounds. Walking is good, but avoid injury. A strained ligament can take weeks to repair so go easy. I have strained ligaments in my toes, achilles, knees, back, sacrum/hip and avoid blisters. A bad ligament injury can put you down for months. Take aspirin and vitamin C for liqament repair. Drink water and slow down if it hurts. Check with your doctor to see if you have a heart condition. If your heart stops, it feels like somebody is choking your neck and you feel pressure. This is a heart attack and death is certain. After a year, you can be a dancing hippo too. If you eat salads with good proteins those pounds will melt and you look like a Sharpie Dog. I have extra extra wide feet so make sure the shoes fit. My right foot is 1/2 size larger than my left foot so one may have to buy 2 pairs of shoes. Try to eat organic foods as the hormones given to cows may reduce your hormone levels and there is no hair growth. Have a fun walk. If diabetic be sure to take some sugar snacks.
Posted by Flag Whale on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 10:56pm MDT | #936
Its quite nice to hear that the Dine Nation have some positive direction with the marathon. We actually draw runners from all different region of the state and country.
Giving that our government system is not the greatest. Why not the Councils participate? Oh yeah! forgot, they can't run... too fat.
Posted by Great Job Runners!!! on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 09:40pm MDT | #934
WOULD BE VERY HAPPY AND PROUND IF ALL NATIVES WOULD JUST GET OUT OF THERE LAZY CHAIRS AND START RUNNING ANY DIRECTION AS LONG AS THERE EXERCISING FOR THEIR OWN GOOD, PERIOD!
GET FIT FOT A LONGER LIFE, DON'T LISTEN TO CHAPTER LIES, GO BEYOND THAT ONE WHO IS FEEDING YOU LIES ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES HEALTH, OBEY YOUR THIRST, GET FIT FOR A BETTER LIFE.
Posted by 4theHEALTHofit on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 06:50pm MDT | #933
hey that is not right, his legs are mine, his muscles to are mine. i tell you one thing, them legs are to heavy for me...haha. sorry randy, but i had to tell the truth..haha. as you can tell, randy was thinking about all me...Tara.
Posted by tara tso on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 05:45pm MDT | #932
By the way, where is Alvina Begay? I don't think randy out ran her, left her at mile post 398...haha.
Posted by easyEis2EASY on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 05:41pm MDT | #931
NICE LEGS RANDY. COOL SHADES AND BOY! LOOK AT THEM MUSCLES!!
Posted by sweetNDNchickNtown on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 05:38pm MDT | #930
Mr. Billy good job. Matter of fact, good job to all the runners.
Posted by nativebluesNDN on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 05:35pm MDT | #929
dang thats my man running for me hahaha run baby run!!!!!!!
Posted by tara tso on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 04:37pm MDT | #928
WHS pitcher Efran Kinlicheenie has the potential and stamina to succeed the in either the minor or major league competition just as any other high school baseball player envisions to become a professional sport player. The question surrounds all Navajo Nation sports enthusiast, do we support and advocate to our Navajo youths to succeed in their endeavors by being effective role models, providing mentorship and displaying effective sportsmanship when it is essential to support our Navajo youths regardless if they are playing for a non-reservation school team. Many Navajo youths whether reservation or non-reservation schools would surely appreciate your prayers and support, just like the Navajo kid who is now in the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland that graduated from Kingman High School.
Posted by '79WRHSNavyVeteran on Thursday, 05.8.08 @ 03:07pm MDT | #927