So excited!

A week ago I was hired by Silicon Laboratories & Junior Achievement to photograph a marathon relay. Silicon is the main sponsor for the marathon. This was the second year I was asked to photograph it. The exciting thing this year was that the Guinness Book of World Records was there. Apparently there has never been a marathon relay in the guinness book. I kinda just assumed they would bring their own photographer w/ them (they flew in a guinness guy from London), but apparently they didn't, because my pictures were on their website!!! It would be SO awesome if my picture goes in the book! Check it out:

http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_The-fastest-marathon-by-a-relay-team/BLOG/859177/7691.html?widgetId=278229

The Fastest Marathon By A Relay Team

On Sunday, 27 September 2009, Guinness World Records™ was present in the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay, in Austin, Texas, USA, to officialize the attempt for the Fastest marathon by a relay team of 5.

In this 5th annual event, to benefit Junior Achievement, gathered 543 teams (totalizing 2,715 participants), Humana sponsored the Guinness World Records challenge: Who could be the overall winner and to set the mark to be attempted in future events?

The race culminated in a banner finish and new course and world record of 2:10.49, set by Team Jack and Adams / Zapata Roadrunners made up of Kibet Cherop, Rueben Ondori, Stephen Ariga, Scott Kimbell and Derek Yorek.

"The Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay is a special event all on its own, especially with such a scenic course, so many enthusiastic and friendly participants, and the fundraising for an important cause," said Derek Yorek of Team Jack and Adams / Zapata Roadrunners. "We came out today in hopes of having a great time while running through some of our favorite parts of Austin – winning the race and earning a world record was an added thrill. What an awesome day."

This 5 person-team marathon relay included teams representing running clubs, neighborhood groups, local businesses, city workers and college organizations, and participants coming from different states and even from other countries.

The 2nd place was for the Team Jack and Adams / Misfits with 2:15:17 and the 3rd was for the Airrosti Rehab Centers with 2:19:27.

Winning the family division, Team Juarez finished with the time 3:22.47. Stephen Stein, Phillip Jordan, Juan Carreon, Jess Hager and Isaac Mora won the military division in 3:03.58.

“The Relay is a one of a kind event where you can run as a team, make a world record, enjoy the views of downtown Austin and support financial literacy,” said Shannon Pleasant, director of corporate communications for Silicon Labs. “Participating is the perfect way to give back to the community and we are so pleased to be part of such a successful race. “

All proceeds from the 2009 Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay benefit Junior Achievement of Central Texas, providing educational resources to teach financial literacy by local business and community volunteers that meet with over 16,000 area students each year.

“We are so fortunate to have such a strong community here in Austin,” said Dave Swincher, president of Junior Achievement of Central Texas. “It was great to have so many runners, spectators, volunteers and sponsors come out and support our cause and what we believe in. This relay is making a big impact on the lives of students in Austin and it is important that we continue our efforts every year.”

The race kicked of the start of the Austin Distance Challenge and covered 26.22 miles, divided into five relay legs.

With 2,715 runners, this race ranks as the second largest stand alone marathon relay event in USA.

The Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay is sponsored by Silicon Laboratories. Additional sponsors include Humana, Third Rail Creative, News 8 Austin, Helping Here, Heineken Light, Hospira, State Farm, Aetna, Virgin, Papa John’s, American Airlines, Rockford, RunTex, Ranch Road and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide.

For additional information on this event, please visit www.austinmarathonrelay.com.

Pictures courtesy of Amy Melsa Photography