Fox Rocks for Rookies, Veterans Alike
APPLETON, WISC. (9/24/06) - "Want me to call for help?" the course monitor asked the woman at the 18-mile mark. I ran past, then turned to offer encouragement.

Her name was Erinn and she having a rough time in the midst of her first marathon. I walked with her for a minute to help her regroup. Neither of us knew at the time her boyfriend was winning his first marathon.

The 16th annual Community First Fox Cities Marathon and U.S. Cellular Half Marathon were held on a sunny course that winds through small towns along the Fox River Valley.

First-time marathoner Phil Skiba of La Crosse, Wisc., won in 2:32:24, with second place going to Craig Ottman from Forth Worth, Texas, in 2:37:15. For the women, Sue Pierson of Neenah, Wisc. (also 2003 winner here) won in 2:56:42, with Alisha Damrow of Appleton second in 3:09:56.

Cool but comfortable early-fall temperatures greeted nearly 3,000 runners Sunday morning. Events included the marathon, half harathon, half marathon power walk and marathon relay.

"This is my first marathon and my first marathon win," Skiba said. "So I guess you could say I am one-for-one. The course wasn't bad, but the hill around mile 16 was tough and the hill at mile 24 was a nightmare." He was alone from 22 miles on.

While the rookie was winning in his first attempt, veteran Pierson was cruising. "I just decided to run this two days ago," she said. But her base was solid, as was her performance.

Neither winner felt seriously challenged by other runners. "They told me I was in seventh earlier, but the first six (women) split of at the half- marathon turn," Pierson said.

While that was all going on, Jason Ryf of Oshkosh won the men's half in 1:08:17. Wendi Ray from Sister Bay led the women with a 1:16:03. In the power walk, Bob Tervonen of Ironwood, Mich., came in at 1:56:24, with Gloria Bubolz of Reedsville at 2:17:12 for the women.

Catherine Tierney, president and CEO of title sponsor Community First Credit Union, was extremely pleased. "This is a special place," she said. "The Fox Cities, our companies and our people are known for their volunteerism and community spirit. People love success; they want to get on board and be a part of it."

Indeed they did. Running down the finishing chutes, it seemed like every company in town had its banner displayed.

Erinn and I finished within a minute or so of each other at around 4:40. There was a still lot of food, beer and post-race amenities to go around. Fox Cities is a great place to go for a marathon.

And the adventure continues ...

Check out "Marathon" Don Kern's latest at www.cooladventures.net. MR