2008 Results

The 2008 results are available for download here. (Requires the free Adobe Reader.)

2008 Photos

Click here for 2008 race photos provided by Rick Russell Photography.

2008 Race Report

250 runners, walkers and relay teams toed the line on a warm sunny morning at the Coburg Run In the Country Half Marathon on Sunday July 13, 2008. They finished the "town mile" quickly and headed out for their run in the country.

Runners pass through the heart of some prime Willamette Valley farm country, meeting tractors and swathers on the road, passing by combines harvesting rye grass, running past mint and corn fields, all the while with a great view of the beautiful Coburg Hills. The course is pancake flat, with long straight stretches that seem to go on forever. Depending on how your day goes, it can be either a smokin' fast course, or a grueling sun-exposed slug-fest. Temps rose steadily throughout the day, hitting the low 80's by the time the last walkers crossed the finish line shortly after 10:00.

The top three male spots were claimed by local Eugene area runners:

Thomas Kreutzpeintner, 42, was first in 1:17:24, Orin Schumacher, 35, was second in 1:18:44, and Alan Whalen, 46, was third in 1:21:17.

The women's top three were also all from Eugene: Denise Bourassa, 38, was first in 1:27:37, Erin Gray, 21 was second in 1:28:15, and Colleen Carter-Cox, 36, was third in 1:29:00.

The race also offered a half marathon relay for the first time. Eight 3-person teams participated, running legs of 5 miles, 5 miles and 5K. The Running Renies (David Renie, Kelsie Renie, and Lauren Renie) won with a time of 1:36:12.

The race directors work hard to make the Run In The Country a runner-friendly event with an on-time start, 6 well-staffed enthusiastic aid stations, each mile accurately marked, accurate professional timing, medals for all finishers, some nice raffle prizes, awards 3 deep in 5 year age groups, a free free kids fun run, and a high quality tech shirt with a professionally designed race logo. Net proceeds from the race are directed toward youth health and fitness programs, mainly those groups that provide volunteers for the race.

Next year's race is tentatively scheduled for July 18, 2009. Details can be found on this site, or questions directed to the race directors at runinthecountry@comcast.net.

A special part of the event this year was Meghan Arbogast's attempt to qualify for the USA Team to go to the World's 100k Championship in Italy this November. Ultrarunner Tom Riley was there to support her and reported on her attempt to the Ultra list serve as follows:

Today I witnessed an amazing effort...

Meghan Arbogast qualified for the USTAF WORLD 100K event in Italy November 8th this year. A time of 8 hours 40 minutes is needed to qualify.

Meghan ran in Coburg, Oregon in conjunction with the Run In The Country half marathon. Meghan started at 6 a.m. with the walkers in hopes of getting some miles under her belt before the sun came out. She was to do washboard loops for the day, just short of 5 for the day.

She came through the marathon distance in 3:13 looking strong. I do not know how her third lap went, but I am sure her effort was strong. On the fourth lap somebody left the oven door open, it was starting to get on the warm side... 96 degrees. but she was taking care of herself. Dousing, ice under the hat and still focused. And with the heat what do you do??? Turn the fan on--right, the wind would be 30 miles an hour into her face on sections of the course. Long Sections. Her pace would not falter. But the real story was the fifth and final lap...

On the fifth lap you could see it... focused and smiles with a goal in mind. and this wonderful lady had the most incredible positive attitude when you know she was hurting a bit. Amazing. My gosh, her stride was incredible. Pace... fantastic. And now it was 99 degrees and still 30 mile an hour winds. There was no question this was her day.

Meghan finished with all smiles in 8:23 for a 100k in less than desirable conditions.

So now we will just have to wait for the USTAF committee to choose a team. But given the conditions, her time, and doing this solo, we could only hope that this would help get her on the team. Way to go Meghan. We will be looking for you at worlds.

I am inspired...

(Read Meghan's report on her blog.)

Information about Run in the Country

The Run in the Country is the classic half marathon of the summer — it's fast, it's fun and the rural setting is ideal for the competitive and non-competitive participants alike!

Run in the Country started out 10 years ago with a modest goal: an event "designed by runners, for runners." Thanks to our participants, volunteers, donors, and sponsors, we have been able to make significant contributions to many local charities. We are still committed to do so this year.

This year we are holding four events:

The net proceeds for the Run in the Country will go to assist organizations focused on youth fitness and education. Charities providing four or more volunteers are eligible to receive a portion of our net proceeds.

Reminders

Insurance restrictions require us to exclude any wheeled devices (except for racing wheelchairs) from the course. Dogs and baby strollers not allowed. Roads will remain open to traffic and our County permit requires that we run in the direction of traffic (not against it).

Volunteers

We never have enough. To volunteer call 503-807-6378 or email RunInTheCountry@comcast.net. A good rule of thumb: run five and volunteer for one. Charities providing four or more volunteers are eligible to receive a portion of our net proceeds.