New Course Records up for Grabs at 25^th Run Through Redlands

In the years after the 1984 Inaugural Run Through Redlands, the course has assumed three distinct layouts.  The original course, which started at on Redlands Blvd at the Mall and ended in the Harris Company's parking lot was in use through the 1991 Run.   In 1992 the course was changed to allow all three competitive events to end at the Redlands Bowl.   This second configuration was used for 16 years, from 1992 through the 2007 run. 

All that will change with the running of the 2008 event.  Course records for each of the events in Men's and Women's divisions are up for grabs.   “Previous course records will be kept separate since the new course has less dramatic changes in elevation”, said Tim Murone, Race Director for the 2008 Run.   He went on to say, “with a flatter course we anticipate faster times than we have seen on either of the previous two layouts.”

According to Murone, “some runners, like Brigid Freyne, are able to keep performing at a high level over quite a number of years, so it is possible to hold a record on more than one RTR course.”    “Debbie Heaton, no longer runs competitively, but her record in the half-marathon still stands, and will always be remembered for the original course record even if her time is eventually  beaten on the 2008 course layout”, he stated. 

During the first 8 years {1984 through 1991}, the following course records were established for the Original course layout, which finished at Harris':

During the middle 16 years {1992 through 2007}, the following course records were established for the Bowl Finish course layout:

Although the course changed after 1991, record finish times turned in by David Ortiz, Men's 5K  00:14:58; Brigid Freyne, Women's 10k 00:36:27; and Debbie Heaton Women's 1/2M 01:24:31 have never been surpassed.   There is no doubt that David, Brigid and Debbie were exceptionally dedicated and gifted runners, establishing high marks for others to aspire to.

Beyond the personal attributes of these runners, several other factors may also be at work.   The Redlands Bicycle Classic, held in March, caused the Run Through Redlands to be moved to April in the early 1990's, when weather tended to be warmer.  That coupled with the rugged layout of the “Bowl Finish” Course may have made it hard to beat the times of the “Original” course.

For the  2008 Run Through Redlands, the course will again be changed, to provide new challenges and opportunities for runners.  The old Half Marathon which had a reputation as one of the toughest courses around because of grueling grades, has been abandoned in favor of a flatter layout.  The new course winds through scenic areas and past historic homes, but provides new vistas for participants.  It has a historic connection by following a route past Redlands Community Hospital that is reminiscent of runs that preceded the Run Through Redlands.  

 2008 Anniversary Course Layout Records: