2004 US 10K Classic

US 10K Classic, Atlanta, GA, September 6, 2004
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Two new U.S. 10K National Champions were crowned at the world's toughest 10K race on the Cobb County Parkway near Atlanta, GA, on September 6. 2004. Mandi Howard and Eddy Matzger stepped up on the highest step of the podium to receive the hardware, having won their races in 17:49 and 19:22 respectively.

Hurricane Frances held off just long enough to allow the competitors to stay dry, but swirling winds presented an extra challenge to the skaters. Before the start it seemed as if skaters would be blown up the hills thanks to a huge tailwind, but come race time, the winds started shifting and blowing every which way.

The Marietta Daily Journal had this to say about Matzger's title: "After being edged for the title by a tenth of a second last year by Anthony Lobello, Matzger wasn't about to leave anything to chance this time, and broke away from the pack early.

"I didn't want it to be that close this year," Matzger said. "This is easily the toughest 10K in the world with the hills -- they're just stacked up so fast, you feel the oatmeal in your legs right after the first hill. So, I usually make it a race to the top of the second hill, and if anybody's still with me, I know they're going to be in contention. It's a great test of fitness."

Jesse Blair or Roswell was runner up, coming in at 19:22, while Covington's Kimberly Foster clocked 21:24.60.

There was a tremendous buzz at the event. Olympic runners and U.S. Postal's George Hincapie were also in attendance!

"I survived!"	Roadrollers	Winners
Downhill finish	Blakey love	Final feet
Young gun	Star spangled	Go Lisa
Bruce is loose	Final climb	Sprint!
Whew!	Steel man	Hincapie and me

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