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San Diego Woman Takes 2009 Foot Locker County Challenge Title

by Maya Shaff

• June 03, 2009
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At the 12^th annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, Lauren Waldrop took the title as the 2009 Foot Locker County Challenge winner, solidifying her place in the history books as the first woman to win the San Diego competition. She came through the finish line at 3:45:47, almost two minutes ahead of second place finisher Dane Whipple.

Lauren Waldrop crosses the finish line

The challenge, known as the ‘race within the race’, is a unique program in which local Rock ‘n’ Roll marathoners are selected to represent their respective communities and gain a chance to compete for a Tiffany & Co. trophy, as well as bragging rights for the year. The city champion in 2008 was from Vista.

The group of six ran together for the first 13.1 miles, and at the halfway point of the marathon course, broke apart to contend for this year’s title. Waldrop, who represented the city of San Diego, ran most of the race behind Whipple, until mile 25 when a leg cramp caused him to fall behind.

“I just thought to myself, I am not going to be beat,” said Waldrop. “It was perfect running weather and I just let the others fall back after mile 13. I really wanted to make it a good competition.”

The other participants and their finishing times are as follows:

Dane Whipple, La Mesa: 3:47:27

Monika Carlson, Hillcrest: 4:00:32

Mike Gabriella, Rancho Bernardo: 4:19:25

Diego Villamizar, La Jolla: 4:20:51

The winner of the Foot Locker County Challenge received an exclusive trophy from Tiffany & Co. All five participants in the Foot Locker County Challenge received VIP treatment throughout race weekend and exclusive Foot Locker County Challenge uniforms, courtesy of Sugoi.