CJ Albertson, a professional athlete from Fresno, has been reinstated as the winner of the 2022 Modesto Marathon.

Albertson, winner of the last in-person Modesto Marathon in 2019, was following a Modesto Police Department motorcycle officer during Sunday’s race when the officer took a wrong turn, following the 5K/10K course instead of the marathon route. The officer immediately noticed the error and led Albertson back on course, but not until after he ran approximately 400 extra meters. Albertson was far ahead of the pack at that point, so the error was most likely not noticed by other runners.

The MPD officer verified the events.

Albertson, 28, was initially disqualified for not following the correct course. However, the ShadowChase Running Club Board of Directors, which puts on the race, and Race Director Gabriela Guerrini reviewed the events and considered that no course-cutting or unfair advantage was gained by the altered route, so his win should be reinstated.

“In doing the research we found that this is still a legal verified time” according to the International Rules for Road Running, said Board Director Mike Araiza. USATF rules state that a runner may not shorten the course, but says nothing about going too far.

“We thought it was only fair to reinstate his amazing win,” said Guerrini.

Albertson’s winning time was a sizzling 2:12:08. He may be recognized by some runners as the leader of the first 20 miles of the 2021 Boston Marathon held in October before eventually finishing 10th. Albertson was using the Modesto Marathon as a tune-up for the upcoming Boston Marathon to be held April 18.

Albertson took Sunday’s marathon events in stride and wasn’t worried about getting bragging rights. “I felt really good on Sunday. I wanted to run a fast first half, which I did in 64:20. … I felt really comfortable and then I backed off in the latter miles.”
Then he showered and went home only to discover the DQ. “I just figured, you know, the course thing,” he said.

The new father of a 5-month-old said Modesto is a good course for anyone looking to run a fast time, but he initially hadn’t planned to even run Sunday. However, a friend who was running offered him room to stay in, and since his wife was going out of town, “it beat staying home and doing a long run by myself.”

In the world of volunteers, there are people whose lives are so fulfilling, they leave you breathless, yet motivated to do better and give more. We are humbled by their selfless gift to others, yet gasping in the wake of their activity. Gabriela Guerrini — Gabi to her friends — is one such whirlwind. Perhaps that’s one reason why she’s the perfect person to serve as Director of Volunteers for the Modesto Marathon.

“I am responsible for recruiting up to 600 volunteers for the marathon and organizing them,” she explains, then adds, “Shameless plug: email me at [email protected] if you’d like to be part of our great event! “

That’s Gabi, always working the crowd, and usually with a smile and kind word. Perhaps that’s why she’s still such great friends with her ex-husband.

What?

Yep, they’re still so friendly with each other many people don’t even realize she was married to our ShadowChase Running Club President Thomas Lopes. The two were married for 10 years and have raised two children – Matthew and Madeline – together.

Guerrini joined ShadowChase about five years ago, beginning like many with the Modesto Marathon training group. “I ran my first half at the Modesto Marathon with my son Matthew.

“I joined because the year of the horrible storm – 2010?, 2011? — I helped my friend at the aid station in front of her house (mile 1.55). The excitement I felt seeing all the runners go by was addicting! I had to be part of the running community!”

She definitely jumped in with both feet running.

Besides helping with the marathon and a multitude of other ShadowChase activities, Guerrini serves on the board of the Dusty Bottoms Trail Runners as secretary.

“We put on a few races and fund-raise for the Center for Human services,” she said.

She’s also helping Modesto distance elite runner Jon Olsen put on his 24 hour race in February 2017. “This is super exciting,” she said. “It’s the first time I am helping a real celebrity!”

Guerrini says her motivation to volunteer grew from Modesto being put in a bad light. “A friend once said, ‘if you’re going to live here, try to make it better, not worse.’ I believe that Modesto is a great place for us to be and I want to help make it somewhere people are proud to live. And now that I am an empty nester, it is easier to wear many hats.”

A true Renaissance woman, Guerrini works as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at Modesto Junior College and Merced College. “For Merced, I work with migrant farmers, teaching out of a housing complex they live at during their season.” She’s also been a waitress and bartender for over 30 years. “I still get hired to do caterings and private bartending gigs,” she said. “At most parties you’ll find me at the bar mixing drinks for people.”

She’s also organizing a fund raiser between the Prospect Theater and DBTR for this Halloween!

We should add ultra runner to her long resume since she’s completed the Way Too Cool 50K race. “I can’t look back and say which race was my favorite,” she said. “There is something special about each of my races. If you know me, I am very social, and I love running with my friends anywhere!”

She also dabbles in tai chi since her partner of 11 years, Jim Hutson, “is really into tai chi and has travelled to Nice, France; Lapland, Finland; and every year goes to La Honda and Sandy Island, NH, for tai chi camps.”

So what could be left on this woman’s agenda?

“My future running goal is to heal my achilles, which has kept me from running since June. Very frustrating! Other goals: get my kids through college and live a happy and fulfilling life.

“I see myself in the future doing more of what I love — enjoying life with Jim, travelling and being active.”

 

If you know a ShadowChase Running Club volunteer you would like to see in the spotlight, please contact Karen Lozano at [email protected].

The Modesto Marathon is getting a new name and look thanks to a multi-year partnership announced this week. The race will now be called the Sutter Health, Memorial Medical Center Modesto Marathon. A new logo to reflect the change has been unveiled.

“I am beyond excited for our new partnership with Sutter Health, Memorial Medical Center,” said Race Director Vickie Chu-Hermis. “We’re very fortunate to have found a partner that has a shared goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles with a focus on preventative health.

“It’s amazing when two not-for-profit companies can join together to help make our community, and beyond, a healthier place to live,” she said. “With Sutter Health’s commitment, it provides us a greater platform to transform lives on a larger scale.”

Daryn Kumar, CEO of Sutter Health’s Memorial Medical Center, was equally enthusiastic about the partnership.

“We are very proud of our association with the Modesto Marathon over the years and look forward to strengthening our relationship and building on the foundation that Surgical Artistry started,” he said.

Surgical Artistry’s Dr. Tammy Wu and Dr. Calvin Lee were the original marathon sponsors.

Kumar continued, “We have participated as sponsors for many years, but more importantly from a community involvement perspective. Every aspect of this event ties to things we value and promote: physical fitness, healthy living, teamwork, and community. Supporting the marathon and Teens Run Modesto fits perfectly with our mission to enhance the well-being of people in the communities we serve.”

Chu-Hermis praised the support of Surgical Artistry’s Drs. Wu and Lee. “They had faith in us from year one, before we had a proven track record. With their support, we have been able to provide over $414,000 of our total proceeds to our Teens Run Modesto program. For that, we are truly thankful.”

The ShadowChase Running Club of Modesto founded the Modesto Marathon seven years ago as a means to fund the TRM program in which valley students are challenged to experience the benefits of goal setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved physical health through a structured training program culminating in the running of the Modesto Marathon.

Since the program began, some 1,500 students have participated in the half and full marathons. Many students have credited the program with helping to turn their lives around and giving them new structure. Approximately $50,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to TRM students who have completed the program. Some students have said they had not considered college an option prior to participating in the running program.

This past year, a leadership program for junior and senior high school TRM students has been established.
In addition, ShadowChase sponsors a popular adult training program annually. The new program is set to begin next month. For more information, contact [email protected].

Pick up your race packet and check out the booths:

Whether you’re running the Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon or not, you won’t want to miss checking out the Golden Valley Health Centers Fitness Expo on Saturday at the Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St. (behind the Doubletree Hotel), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public – just make sure to bring your twin sets for the occasion!

Runners will have the opportunity to pick up their race packets while visitors can check out the dozens of vendors offering everything from fitness clothing and nutrition to jewelry to informational handouts. You may even want to take part yourself if you own a fitness brand, in which case check out this example of a trade show banner that will help your stall to be noticed among the crowd. It’s a lucrative opportunity thanks to the huge amount of footfall.

Athena and Clydesdale signups

Those runners planning to compete in the Clydesdale and Athena categories will need to visit the Golden Valley Health Centers booth to sign up and weigh in. This division is offered to help runners of non-traditional stature be competitive in a division of their own. This year there will be Clydesdale (males 200-pounds and over) and Athena (females 160-pounds and over) divisions in both the full and half marathons. You may even want to pick up a new strap for your Fitbit on Mobile Mob beforehand to make sure you’re all ready to keep track of those steps!

Race Day Packet Pickup

Those unable to attend the Expo may pick up their bibs and swag 6-6:45 a.m., Sunday in front of the ShadowChase Running Club office (Pike Building) at 11th and M streets. We highly encourage those who can to attend the Expo and avoid race day congestion and confusion, along with the risk of arriving late to the start line. Those unable to attend may have a friend or family member pick up their race packets.

Wine pickup at Fuzio

Part of the runners’ swag this year is a bottle of Celebration Red wine, created especially for our runners and walkers by C.G. Di Arie Winery. To pick up your wine on Saturday, you’ll need to get your bib at the Expo, then walk across the street to Fuzio Universal Bistro. Fuzio will offer additional bottles of this beautiful custom red blend commemorating your race for $20 for those who will want one to display as well as one to drink. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat while at Fuzio, owner Thomas Lopes has generously offered to waive corkage Saturday and Sunday. Those wishing to wait until Sunday may take their race bib to the beer and wine garden at the Finish Line Festival after their race. A valid ID is required for wine pickup at both venues!
Registration still open but prices going up!

Online registration will remain open through Saturday, however prices will go up Friday at midnight. Race swag is only guaranteed to those who are signed up by Friday. Race morning registration for all races will be available for an additional fee, with no guarantee of swag.

Parking information

Please visit our website for parking information: https://momarathon.wpengine.com/travel/parking/

Wondering how the Modesto Marathon will impact your driving through the city? We’ve got you covered.

This map shows the race course through the city limits with the approximate times of road closures.

2015 City Resident Notification Map

Hope this helps spectators as well as those needing to get to work or church on Sunday morning.

Is there anything better than a post-race massage? Getting that rubdown right at the finish line feels great and starts the recovery process.

The Modesto Marathon has once again formed a team of massage professionals to take care of our runners.

Here is a list of therapists you will see on race day:

1. Michelle Dawson – Massage Therapy
2. San Joaquin Valley College
3. Valley Chiropractic Care, Dr. Christopher Akin
4. Kathleen Adams-Pain Relieving Massage
5. Elizabeth Vera
6. Mana Luna; Julia Bertrand, Jade Gray
7. Dr. Bob Armstrong Chiropractor
8. Helping Hands Day Spa
9. Back to Normal Bodyworks, Daniel Morales