Wednesday Grab Bag

We'll make it a catch-up, catch-all day today on DtB ... sundry items from around the sport to get up-to-date on what's happening in the state of Minnesota track and running.

Team Circuit Resumes ... The USATF - Minnesota Team Circuit gets back into action again this weekend at the Rice Street Mile. The Run N Fun women will attempt to lengthen their 50-43 point lead over GEAR in the open women's division in this the shortest event of the series. The RNF men will battle GEAR as well, they lead their rivals 86-84 in the grand prix's open men's division.

Only three events remain in the 2007 circuit -- the Rice Street Mile on July 28, the MDRA Minnesota 15K - USATF Minnesota Championship on August 12, and the City of Lakes 25K - USATF Minnesota Championship on September 9.

Team USA Minnesota Reminds Us ... that the ING New York City Marathon, hosts of the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials this fall, is raising money for the U.S. post-collegiate development programs it supports -- including Team USA Minnesota -- via a marathon late-entry donation program. The event has set aside 250 spots in this year's NYC Marathon on November 4 at $1,000 each with a goal of raising $250,000.

In addition, a $2,500 donation to the New York Road Runners through its NYRR Champion's Circle program will give donors guaranteed entry into the ING New York City Marathon in 2007, as well as complementary VIP finish line seating at men's trials, to be held in New York City's Central Park the day before annual marathon. Funds raised through Champion's Circle will also be directed to fund long-term development of professional USA distance runners.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Tells Us ... that there's a way to earn prize money at the race without breaking a sweat. The event is again hosting a Cheer Zone contest, offering cash awards to the top three award winners to be donated to a neighborhood school, non-profit association, or recreation/community center. The Cheer Zone contest is meant to be a way to recognize the neighborhoods that come out to support runners each year. Those interested in creating an Official Cheer Zone should register by August 1st.

Each cheer zone will be given a cheer zone starter kit with Thunder Sticks, spectator guides and decorating ideas to get creativity started. Official Cheer Zones will be judged on creativity and enthusiasm. Cash prizes will be awarded with $750 going to the first-place winners, $500 to second, and $250 to third.

Webb Pushes Holman Down The List ... There's a Minnesota angle to Alan Webb's new American Record of 3:46.91 in the mile. It, and Webb's 3:30.54 1500 this season, have moved Minnesota native Steve Holman down one notch on the U.S. all-time lists in both versions of the mile.

Holman's career best of 3:50.40 in the "actual" mile now ranks him as the 9th fastest American all-time. The former Richfield High School star fares better in the 1500 meter "metric mile" -- his 3:31.52 ranks him 5th on the list.