Road Mile Championships on El Toro Runway
Overall, Andrew Acosta of Eugene OR was uncatchable, unleashing a final kick that enabled him to finish in just under 3:59, a new course record, ahead of a pack of truly awesome runners. Club Ed runners also raced for a part of the day’s glories (though our racers did not challenge the four-minute barrier…this time).
We were represented by 11 club members (names, race time, and age group place as shown): Chris DeWitt (4:25, 11AG); Aaron Munger (4:35, 13AG); Humberto Sanchez (4:37.9, 14AG); Jon Megeff (4:40, 1AG); Paul Cooney (4:57, 10AG); Rich Gust (5:05, 2AG); Jim Torii (5:40, 8AG); Dave Grethen (5:49, 13AG); Steve Notaro (5:58, 7AG); Karina Bird (6:11, 2AG); Sharon Lotesto (6:41, 1AG). Due to confusion in the finish chute following some of the races, official finish times and observed finish times sometimes varied by a few seconds, but all ran well.
Chris and Aaron finished out their impressive track season and club seasonal debut with solid runs. Humberto showed he can still bounce with the best, despite an occasional foot problem. Megeff was…well, the always amazing Megeff, almost winning his entire heat, but getting outkicked in the last 150 meters. Paul continued to re-write his personal record book. Jim and Dave confirmed they are fast (and can go faster). Steve showed that there is still speed in those legs, even right after the National Triathlon Championships last week (he was 3rd there). Karina reminded us she is fast on the comeback trail, and Sharon continued to amaze and impress us all.
As the times and age group finishes show, we raced well, but ran into some deep competition. Many of the other clubs, especially the Orange County groups, were out in force. Cal Coast/Compex had an impressive showing across the races and age groups, fielding flashingly fast feet for first finishes in several divisions (from seven year olds to Seniors), and fielding a half dozen or more runners in several of the age-group races. The Equalizers continued to impress in the school-age groups, and a dozen or more other clubs’ presence showed this race’s popularity is steadily growing.
Congratulations (and thanks) to all who raced down the tarmac and showed the team’s colors…on to the next race!