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THE SCOOP:
Kenyan Joseph Kahugu does much of his training in the south suburbs under the tutelage of Homewood's Bruce Meyer. Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Kahugu won the Samsung Dubai Marathon in a course-record 2:09:33. Kahugu, no stranger on the Chicago running scene, won $12,000 for the victory plus a $20,000 bonus as the first Dubai runner to break 2:10. Gashaw Melese Asfaw of Ethiopia was second in 2:10:40, and Hamtamu Bele, also of Ethiopia, was third in 2:11:02. Three-time champ Wilson Kibet was 10th. Kahugu ran his PR of 2:07:59 at The 1998 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, placing fourth. He ran a 2:09:37 at Chicago in 1999, placing seventh.

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THE NEWS:
Dan Ryan Woods on the Southwest Side continued to be closed Wednesday as animal control units from the city and Cook County continued to search for a third dog that might have been involved in the death of one runner and mauling of another. Anna Cieslewicz, 48, of Evergreen Park, was mauled to death by a stray dog or dogs. Mary Murphy Smith, 46, of Chicago survived the attack. Officials killed two dogs after the attacks occurred on Sunday. A prayer service for Cieslewicz will be at 9:45 a.m. Thursday at Kenny Brothers Funeral Home, 3600 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Church, 9343 S. Francisco, Evergreen Park.

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THE MAGIC OF DISNEY:
A strong contingent of runners from Illinois participated at the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half-Marathon on Sunday morning at Lake Buena Vista, FL. Among the Illinois finishers were four members of the marathon's "Perfect 10 Club," whose members have completed all 10 Disney 26.2-milers. They were Jeff Vorreyer, 40, of Hinsdale - 2:59:12; Ron Kuhn, 59, of Carol Stream - 4:47:35; Don Harrington, 59, of West Chicago - 5:15:34; and Susan Daley, 43, of Chicago - 6:29:42.
And how about this! Wendie Orkin of Northbrook married her fiance, Sean Cheyney, near mile 10 at the Magic Kingdom. They exchanged vows at the Rose Garden near Cinderella Castle in front of 70 family members and friends. Then they finished the marathon together! Click here for special Disney coverage:Inside Disney

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THE CHIP UPDATE:
In case you haven't seen this elsewhere, USA Track & Field, the national governing body for road racing, now allows use of chip times for age-group records, as long as the fastest age-group finisher is also the first of that age group across the finish line. The new rule is a major step toward acceptance of chip times as official. While many marathons and larger races can be ex- pected to use the chip, most smaller races will not because of the expense and logistical problems of transponder chips.

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THE TRIAL - PART 1:
ABD Cycling Club's first event in its fourth annual Indoor Time Trial Series produced a good turnout on Sunday in Wheaton. Fastest time for the 10K (stationary) was 13:02 by Alexander Novak of the South Chicago Wheelmen. Kristin Koury of Team Apache was fastest female in 16:38. For results, go to:Results

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ATTENTION TRIATHLETES:
Lakeshore Athletic Club Lincoln Park's "Beginning to Tri," session for athletes who have not tried the "tri" sport is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. This is one of many triathlon-related programs at all of the Lakeshore locations. For more information, click on:www.togetherwetri

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THE TV BEAT:
ESPN2 tentatively will show its Ironman Wisconsin program at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16. Check listings for changes.

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THE EL NINO UPDATE AND THE WEEKEND AHEAD: Local cross-country ski events once again are in jeopardy this weekend. For the latest on Saturday's Subaru Northern Illinois Nordic in Wheaton, Sunday's Hammond Casino Joliet Nordic races in Joliet, and the rest of this weekend's events, indoors and outdoors, see our searchable calendar at www.chicagoaa.com

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THE REMINDERS: The Chicago Area Runners Association's Circuit Awards Party & Fund- raiser is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Chicago Athletic Club, 12 S. Michigan Ave. Cost is $45 per person, but $35 if you're 19-and-under or 70-and-over. Good food and entertainment is planned. For complete information, go to: www.cararuns.com
Fleet Feet Sports resumes its Historic Fun Runs at noon on Sunday, Jan. 26, with a "Run to Riverview." These non-competitive runs are 4-7 miles and are guided by runner/historian Chuck Betzold. For more information, call 773-271-3338 or go to www.fleetfeet.com

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THE CLOSER (THIS IS REALLY IT!): If you are an event director and haven't submitted your race information for our annual Event Guide, it needs to be done now! Here is where you go to get it done: Submit your event, click here
See you next week. Stay warm.