Jesse Does it for Alma

Jesse finally does it! He has ran his long awaited Olympic Trails Qualifier at California International Marathon with a time of 2:17:18! Kris had planned to run too, but got the news of his daughter's birth and had to rush home, so Jesse rose to the occasion and did what he had to do for his buddy and new little one back in Albuquerque. Way to go guys!!!!!! And welcome to the world Alma Rose

Armijo Leads Dukes Sweep at Chips n Salsa Half Marathon

All Dukes Podium Finish

The old addage, "third time's a charm," rung true for Dukes runner Jesse Armijo, who handily won the Chips n Salsa Half Marathon on his third attempt at the race.  It was also Armijo's personal best on the course, winning in 1:08:20.  Fellow Dukes, Kristopher Houghton and Chris Peverada, finished second and third, respectively, to round out the Dukes' 1-2-3 sweep.  Also running well for the Dukes, was Patrick McClernon and J.D. _____.  J.D. a UC Santa Barbara product, recently joined the Dukes and is steadily rounding back into shape.  McClernon, a recent arrival from Florida, shaved forty seconds from his sea-level half marathon personal best, running 1:21:57.  The Dukes extend their sincere appreciation to Steve and Paulina at Run Fit for their beautiful course and generous prize purse.

Program for the Week of 9/12/2011 - 9/18/2011

Tue -   5:30am at the Dukes House for Easy Run

           6pm at the Dukes House for Easy Run

Wed -  5:30am at the Dukes House for an 8 mile Tempo Run (continuous)

            6pm at the Dukes House for Easy Run

 

Thur - 5:30am at the Dukes House for Easy Run
            6pm at the Dukes House for Easy Run

 

Fri -    5:30am at the Dukes House for Easy Run

            6pm at the Dukes House for Easy Run

 

Sat -   7am at Spain for Easy 12 miles in the foothills

            6pm at the Dukes House for Easy Run

Sun -  7am at Alameda for Long Run

           or Chips and Salsa 1/2 Marathon

Dana Triumphs at Imogene Pass

In a gritty performance, Dana Patton finished the famed Imogene Pass Run despite a nasty fall on the steepest downhill section.  Bloody, but not beaten, Dana hardened his resolve and finished 70th out of 645 finishers in a time of 3:04:35.4. (official results here) Dana humbly acknowledged the blunder, "I took a huge fall coming down the pass, but managed to pull together and finish," and gave credence to the race's motto - "Mountains Don't Care."  Dana will now take a well-earned rest, before setting his sites on a late Fall marathon.

See Dana's full review here.

Dukes Win Lobo Invite in Stunning Display of Pack Running

Dukes Track Club after winning 2011 Lobo Invite

The Dukes faced tough competition from the UNM Lobos, the NM State Aggies, and the UTEP Miners in the State's largest cross country invitational this morning at UNM's North Campus Golf Course.  Despite having only one runner in the top ten, the Dukes placed all of their top five in the top twenty finishers and won the Men's College Open race outright.  The Dukes' relentless pack-running strategy carried the day, as their top five was separated by a mere 44 seconds (25:20 to 26:04).  Jesse Armijo was again tops for the Dukes and displayed his excellent cross country talent placing 4th overall.  Allen Wagner, Solomon Kandie, and Neal Holtschulte donned the Dukes jersey for the first time and are an impressive addition to the team. The Dukes will now turn their talents to the roads seeking Olympic Trials Qualifiers for the marathon this Fall.

Official results here.

Other outstanding runners competing for the Dukes today included: Chris Peverada, Mark Pepple, JD, Dana Patton, Loren Wohletz, and Trevor Manzanares.

The Dukes extend special thanks to their supportive fans, especially Lauren Patton, Josh Fristoe, Laura Bowerman, Laura Bresson and family, Maria & Emo, Mbarak & Liana Hussein and the Kenyan Contingent, Scott, and Miguel Sandoval.  Thanks for all the cheers. Go DUKES!

Team Scores:

#1           Dukes Track Club

4              Jesse Armijo

11            Allen Wagner

12            Neal Holtschulte

14            Kristopher Houghton           

17            Solomon Kandie

58            Total Team Points

#2          University of Texas, El Paso

3            Elkana Rotich

7            Justice Chirchir

9            Abel Koskey

10           Solomon Gardea

31           Juan Blanco

60           Total Team Points

#3          New Mexico State University

5            Jonah Ruybalid

6            Kevin Taft

15          Victor Sanchez

18           Ian Ruybalid

22           Ryan Fenton

66           Total Team Points

#4          University of New Mexico

1            Nicholas Kipruto

8            Pierre Malherbe

19           Edwin Herring

20           Allen Pittman

32           Gabe Aragon

80           Total Team Points

 

Program for the Week of 8/22/11 to 8/28/11

Wed  - 5:30am for an Easy Run - Dukes House
Thur  - 5:30am for a tempo workout - Dukes House

        - 6:00pm for an Easy Run - Academy

Fri    - 5:30am for an Easy Run - Dukes House

        - 5:30pm for an Easy Run - Dukes House

Sat   - 7am at Spain

Sun  - 7am at Alameda 

Armijo Claims 4th Overall In First International Competition!

In a solid performance, Jesse Armijo - wearing his first US jersey - placed fourth overall at the Intact Edmonton Half Marathon, running 1:06:28 for the distance.  The Intact Half Marathon served as an international dual meet staged between the United States and Canada. Although both countries were out-shined by the dread-locked Ezykas Sisay from Ethiopia, the United States took a decisive team victory over Canada. We will post a link to Jesse's recap as soon as he returns.

See Top 10 Men's Results below and full results here.

1    20-29     1:03:41  3:08   Ezkyas Sisay       ETHIOPIA           

2    30-39     1:04:48  3:11   Joseph Chirlee    UNITED STATES    

3    20-29     1:05:26  3:07   Joseph Moore     UNITED STATES             

4    20-29     1:06:28  3:16   Jesse Armijo       UNITED STATES         

5    20-29     1:08:04  3:21   Rutto Kibete       KENYA                  

6    20-29     1:08:24  3:21   Kimosop Willy   CANADA          

7    20-29     1:11:30  3:32   Benard Onsare   KENYA                  

8    30-39     1:17:01  3:39   Yves Gagnon       CANADA            

9    30-39     1:17:08  3:40   Bryce Stewart     CANADA

10  20-29    1:17:59  3:42   Tom McGrath      CANADA              

Weekly Schedule 8/16/11- 8/21/11

Tue - 5:30am / 6:00am (2 groups) from Dukes house for a tempo run

6:00pm at Academy

Wed - 5:30am / 6:00am from Dukes House

Thur - 5:30am / 6:00am from Dukes House

Fri - 5:30am / 6:00am from Dukes House

Sat - 7am at Spain

Sun - 7am at Tramway & I-40