PARATRIATHLETE AARON SCHEIDIES BEATS THE HEAT WINNING HIS DIVISION AT THE 116TH BOSTON MARATHON
Scheidies kicks off 2012 race season in record breaking temps that sidelined thousands
BOSTON - April 19, 2012 Despite sweltering 89 degree temperatures at the 116th Boston Marathon, world and national champion paratriathlete Aaron Scheidies placed first in the Visually Impaired Division at Monday's race.
"I am super excited about my results for Boston. I have raced in the most grueling and well know triathlons, but this is a whole new playing field. The Boston Marathon is the Ironman Kona of the running world and I am so excited to be able to show Boston what I've got." said Scheidies.
The 30-year-old visually impaired world-class paratriathlete, finished the 26.2 mile course from Hopkinton to Copley Square in 2:55:53, just 43 minutes behind the top male and 25 minutes ahead of two-time first place finisher in the visually impaired division of the Boston Marathon, Adrian Broca. Finishing 368th overall out of 22,480, Scheidies jumped more than 500 racers from his initial rank of 877 going in to race day.
A 2011 ESPY Award Finalist for Best Male Athlete with a Disability, Scheidies says while nearly 4300 opted out of the grueling race due to the extreme weather, he went prepared to battle the high temperatures.
"I knew the heat would be a factor, so my strategy was to gain ground on the flat areas and down hills and take the hills a little more slowly. Still, Heartbreak Hill felt like a mountain on Monday," said Scheidies.
The seven-time world and eight-time national triathlon champion ran the Boston Marathon with Team, the Marathon team for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Coordinator of Team with a Vision, Josh Warren, says Scheidies determination is an inspiration to all athletes, "We are incredibly excited to have elite athletes like Aaron on our 2012 team. Aaron's talents both on and off the race course are amazing and are a lesson to us all on the limitless abilities of the visually impaired community."
Scheidies, a physical therapist in Seattle, ran his first complete marathon as part of the Grassroot Soccer Marathon Team at the 2011 New York City Marathon in November. He was guided by friend and Reality TV Star Ethan Zohn, who is currently battling cancer.
"Each time I race, be it in the sport of triathlon and now marathon running, I hope that I'm able to make a difference in the lives of those who need an advocate for them," said Scheidies. "Running with Ethan allowed me to help those who are working toward the prevention of HIV/AIDs through education and using the power of soccer."
Then in December 2011, with his 2011 USABA title in hand, Scheidies earned his coveted spot for the 2012 Boston Marathon after claiming top honors at the 29th annual California International Marathon, which serves as the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes Marathon National Championship in Sacramento, California.
As he kicks off his 2012 race season, USA Triathlon announced Scheidies achieved All American Status for the fourth season in a row.
He will continue his longtime relationship with PowerBar with a multi-year deal. PowerBar is Scheidies exclusive sports nutrition products.
CEP Compression is also extending their sponsorship of Scheidies in a new multi-year deal. Medical professionals have long recommended compression for patients looking to improve blood circulation and overall leg health. Backed by medi's 60+ years of experience, CEP uses the science behind medical compression to help athletes maximize performance and recovery.
CEP Compression will utilize Scheidies in both the sports of triathlon and marathon running. Scheidies will lead pace groups on behalf of CEP at the following running races: May 20 Portland Rock & Roll Marathon & Half Marathon and Jun 23, 2012, Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon & Half Marathon.
Other sponsors continuing to work with Scheidies include KSWISS who provides Scheidies with his sports apparel and footwear.
For more information on Aaron Scheidies and to secure interviews or sponsorship opportunities please contact Carie Goldberg of Gold Standard Sports at (310) 709 7630 or carie@goldstandardsports.com or Sandy Peddicord of TrendSide PR at (515) 554-6934 or sandy@trendsidepr.com.
About Aaron Scheidies
Aaron Scheidies is a 30-year-old that has overcome more in his short life than many conquer in a lifespan. Born with a hereditary eye condition that slowly deteriorates his central vision, Aaron now has 10% of the vision of a fully sighted person. Competing in the sport of triathlon for more than a decade, Scheidies began with sprint triathlon and has continued up the triathlon pyramid with 70.3 and full Ironman races. Having traveled around the globe and competing in nearly 200 triathlons, Scheidies is a seven-time triathlon World Champion and an eight-time National Champion. For more information on Aaron please visit www.cdifferentwithaaron.com.
About Gold Standard Sports
Gold Standard Sports is a boutique sports and entertainment marketing and management agency specializing in the brand and image building of professional athletes and talent. Gold Standard guides the careers of each individual through endorsement opportunities, lifestyle pr, marketing and philanthropic outreach. GSS has the unique ability to achieve success for each individual through highly cultivated brand and media relationships. In addition, GSS does casting and talent sourcing for consumer brands looking to connect with athletes and celebrities to bolster marketing and pr campaigns.
About TrendSide PR
TrendSide PR is a boutique public relations and marketing agency specializing in brand and image development of talent, athletes and corporations. At TrendSide PR, it's about more than securing placements in the media. Our goal is to strengthen public perception and create an impactful image that resonates with your target audience. We strive to become your trusted partner who always keeps your best interest top of mind. Using the power of strategic media, TrendSide PR will help you get the word out about your brand through integrated plans that resonate through all media channels.
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