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Strolling Down Route 66
From Chris Lieberman
Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 11, 2009
For the Washington Running Report
(Photo above: the contenders, Zac Feudebnurg and Liam.)
The Directors of The Williams Route 66 Marathon announce that one of the most unique world records in the marathon world will be battled (by stroller) on the streets of Tulsa on November 22, 2009. Elite marathon runners Michael Wardian and Zac Freudenburg and their children, 11 month old Grant Wardian and 10 ½ month old Liam Freudenburg, will be recipients of a free ride via their strollers as these two world class athletes race against each other and the clock to break 2:42:21, the current Guinness World Record set by Wardian and his older son Pierce at the 2007 Frederick Marathon in Maryland.
Executive Director Chris Lieberman states, "We are thrilled to have two of the world's finest endurance athletes come to Tulsa's Williams Route 66 Marathon to attempt to set a new world record with their children. We have taken every precaution to make sure this is a safe event for the children and everyone else in the marathon. It should be great fun for the spectators along the course and at Veteran's Park."
Michael Wardian, who runs for Team MarathonGuide.com and is also sponsored by The North Face, is coming off a 3rd place finish at the World Championship 50K race is ready to rock Route 66, "I heard from one of my friends and sponsor at MarathonGuide.com that Zac and Liam were trying to break Pierce and my Guinness World Record at the Route 66 Marathon so we are going to Tulsa too and it is going to be a "pram pushing duel" for the Guinness World Record. So, we intend to break the record with my son Grant on board." Zac Freudenberg, a 180 Energy Drink and Michelob Ultra Runner, replies, "Liam and I have been training hard and we think we have a great shot at that world record."
Both kids involved in the competition declined comment at this time. However, the excitement is building in both camps as the days get nearer to race date.
About the Contenders:
Current World Record Holder for a marathon while pushing a stroller: 2:42:21.
Most recently ran 2:23:13 at the Twin Cities Marathon in October and a personal best of 2:21:09 at the Vermont City Marathon in May 2009.
Finished 3rd in 50K World Championship October 31st in Gibraltar with a time of 3:00:15.
Reigning 100K and 50K National Champion and USATF ultra marathoner of the year for 2008.
Grant Wardian hails from Virginia and is 11 months old and weighs in at 18 lbs. He likes climbing stairs, opening cabinet doors, and throwing food on the floor. Hobbies include daily naps, playing with his older brother, Pierce, and chasing the family dog (Maggie). Grant hopes to one day be able to brag to Pierce about besting his World Record.
Zach Freudenburg
Winner of the 2009 St. Louis Marathon in 2:23:57 - April, 2009
2008 World Mountain Running Championships (short distance team) - Bronze Medal
Ran 2:21:40 in his debut marathon in Boston in 2007
Third place finisher at the grueling Pikes Peak Marathon.
Liam Freudenburg
Liam was born on January 6, 2009. He has dual Dutch and American citizenship, but not sure yet whether his first words will be Dutch or English. He hopes his post race press conference will indicate his preference. His favorite book seems to be 'The Hungry Caterpillar,' but he does not watch TV yet. He eats most things we put in front of him, but seems to really like bananas.
About The Williams Route 66 Marathon
The Williams Route 66 Marathon is run annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The fourth running of The Williams Route 66 Marathon is set for November 22, 2009. The Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon is run annually on the first Saturday of August. The Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend includes a two day health and fitness expo, pasta dinner, marathon, half marathon, 5‐person marathon relay, 5K run and walk, and a one mile fun run or walk. The post race festival includes concerts and a classic car show. To learn more about the events, sponsoring, training, or volunteering, please contact the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon via e-mail, via phone at (918) 409‐2828 or the event Web sites at www.route66marathon.com and www.quartermarathon.com.