$500 prize again offered at Arizona 800-meter challenge

As he did last year, Doug Thompson is putting on the SISU Foundation 800 Meter Challenge Race. Doug writes: “We have moved the race to May 2, in order to use the Arizona State University track, which has a Mondo surface and a large stadium.  Our updated website is: www.sisu800.com; it’s not 100% complete, but the registration form works, as do most other elements.  Last year’s race featured a duel between the two fastest M55 middle distance runners on the planet: Nolan Shaheed and Horace Grant, as well as many other excellent performances.  This year we’ll continue to offer a $500 first prize, and other donated cash and merchandise prizes.  We feel that our new partnership with ASU will help us achieve our goal of making this a truly elite middle distance event.  And we’ll be doing several things to capitalize on the connection with this year’s Masters World Championships in Finland – SISU being a uniquely Finnish concept!”  Good deal, Doug!  Best of luck.


More details, from the website:

About the Race

Name: The SISU Foundation 800 Meter Challenge Race

Date: May 2nd, 2009

Location: Sun Angel Stadium, Arizona State U., Tempe, AZ has a Mondo Track surface. The race will be held during the double dual meet between ASU, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

Philosophy: Our primary focus is speed, personal records, and age-adjusted excellence. Prizes will be given to men & women who beat their All American age group standards by the greatest margins.

Prizes: $500 to the age-adjusted winner. Cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd place

Entry Fee: $25

Sponsor: The SISU Foundation encourages men and women of all ages to realize their potential by setting and achieving challenging goals. Sisu (“see-soo”) is a Finnish word defined as a magical combination of stamina, perseverance and guts – the attitude that what must be done, will be done, whatever it takes!

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February 11, 2009

5 Responses

  1. Jon Stone - February 11, 2009

    I think that this program is a great way to promote track and a healthy lifestyle in general. However, as a younger masters competitor (M40), I do get a little concerned when emphasis is only placed on age groups and age grading. If you are truly focusing on speed, then you should also give cash awards for the top three overall fastest times and those awards should be equal to the age graded awards.
    Also, if a stud like Jim Sorensen, David Nash, Tony Young, John Hinton or Sal Alah places in the top three in both the open and the age grading then, they should only be eligible for one cash award (spread the wealth rationale).

  2. Michael Daniels - February 11, 2009

    Well if you got the money to get there to go head to head its a good deal. But if you can’t get there, how about a coast to coast any track event or field event sent in your results monthly challenge. Win cash or do the FREE Family Challenge of http://www.masterstrackchallenge.com Its a different challenging concept. I personally will not compete in the MTC but you have to beat me to get top awards in the Free Family Challenge.
    Just compete anywhere in the world send us your results. Check it out.

  3. Ken Stone - February 11, 2009

    Sigh.
    Buyer, beware:
    http://www.masterstrack.com/blog/002951.html

  4. Michael Daniels - February 12, 2009

    That’s old news. Differences with associations have been solved. That was part of starting something new that I learned from. Stop complaining and challenge me. Its Free “Top Pro” I’m not the best but I like a challenge.

  5. panama kid - March 20, 2009

    I know Mike.Do you have something personaly against him?

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