Vinitskaya, Plaxton, Temu Return to QCM

The Quad Cities Marathon, presented by THE National Bank, received three additional verbal commitments within the past week.

The top commitment has come from two-time champion Alena Vinitskaya (Belarus). She ran 2:44:48 to win in 2003 and 2:45:48 to win in 2002. Her best time in 2006 has come at the Austin Marathon, where she ran 2:37:17 to place third. The women's field also added American Sarah Plaxton, who placed third in 2004 and 2005.

Kenyan Vince Temu offered his verbal commitment to the men's field. Temu placed second in 2002 and fifth in 2005. His 2:21:26 in 2002 ranks as the sixth fastest time in race history.

VERBAL COMMITMENTS AS OF 7-11-06:
WOMEN:
Alena Vinitskaya, Belarus (2002 & 2003 Champion)
Valentyna Poltavska, Ukraine (2005 Champion)
Sarah Plaxton, USA (3rd 2004 & 3rd 2005)
Katerina Stetsenko, Russia (Newcomer)
MEN:
Sergey Nochevny, Russia (2003 Champion, Course Record Holder)
Vyacheslav Rodionov, Russia (3rd 2005)
Vince Temu, Kenya (2nd 2002 & 5th 2003)

* Note: Top runners are encouraged to contact the Elite Coordinator at ifrink@crawfordsheetmetal.com. Elite field consideration will be given to men capable of running at or below 2:40 and women at or below 3:10.