USATF Pacific

2014 USATF Outdoor Open Track & Field Championships

Relive the 2014 USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships!

Presented by The Pacific Association/USATF and the Sacramento Sports Commission

HELPFUL LINKS

NEWS

Updated July 8, 2014

► Heart Attack takes Doug Braasch

Posted by on Nov 14, 2009 in legacy | Comments Off on Heart Attack takes Doug Braasch

Heart Attack takes Doug Braasch

PA LDR Super Senior Competitor, Husband of Barbara Miller, Buffalo Chip and Shadow Chase Running Club Member

From a Buffalo Chips Email sent 11/4/09:

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Doug Braasch’s passing. Doug will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to his wife, Barbara Miller, and the rest of Doug’s family.

Few a wonderful slide show of Doug on the Shadow Chase Running Club’s Website:

http://www.shadowchase.org

A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held Saturday, 1 p.m., Nov. 7, 2009 in Modesto:

Angie Bosio’s house
907 Ohio Ave.
Modesto

Call me or e-mail me if you would like to contribute an any way. [email protected] 524-7110″

Directions: On Carpenter Rd. South of Maze Blvd. you will turn right on California and the first street to the left is Ohio. The house is on the right with a white corral fence.

► 2009 PA/USATF Youth Cross Country Standings

Posted by on Nov 5, 2009 in legacy, Youth | Comments Off on 2009 PA/USATF Youth Cross Country Standings

2009 PA/USATF Youth Cross Country Standings

Division/Athlete Club

  • 10/11 – Umoja
  • 10/18 – Pleasanton Heat
  • 11/1 – Mission Valley

Total as of 11/5/09

Sub Bantam Girls

  1. Jaxin Woodward Full Stride 5 5 5 15
  2. Emily Perez Santa Cruz 3 3 4 10
  3. Kiana Perez RPAL Express 4 4
  4. Lila Roake Santa Cruz 4 4
  5. Rachel Gurarie Pleasanton Heat 1 3 4
  6. Alexis Gonzales Valley Coyote 2 2
  7. Amariah Davidson Unattached 2 2
  8. Elizabeth Vastand Palo Alto Lightning 2 2
  9. Santa Rowles Unattached 1 1

Sub Bantam Boys

  1. Nicholas Clay RPAL Express 5 5 5 15
  2. Kurtis Lee Umoja 3 3 4 10
  3. Russell Agustin Unattached 4 3 7
  4. Cole De Francesco Santa Cruz 4 4
  5. Nathan Kent RPAL Express 2 1 3
  6. DaschAiner Castro Valley 2 2
  7. Gabe Gomez SLG 2 2 Bailey Ellis Santa Cruz 1 1
  8. A.J. Gurmanie Unattached 1 1

Bantam Girls

  1. Ailey Leduff American Canyon 6 7 8 21
  2. Julia Bounds Pleasanton Heat 10 10 20
  3. Claudia DeNove Palo Alto Lighting 7 5 7 19
  4. Ava Agustin Unattached 9 6 15 Diana Guirrero Pleasanton Heat 8 6 14
  5. Sierra Carmelich Full Stride 5 4 4 13 Talley Hill San Luis Distance Club 10 10
  6. Marielle Friedman Santa Cruz 9 9
  7. Meredith Corda Pleasanton Heat 9 9
  8. Blanca Sosa Unattached 8 8
  9. Emma Petersen Pleasanton Heat 3 3 6
  10. Erin Cummins RPAL Express 5 5
  11. Sarah Nicolosi Santa Cruz 4 4
  12. Mia Bernardo Unattached 3 3
  13. AnnakaBarragan Buffalo Chips 2 2
  14. Sarah Naranjo Santa Cruz 2 2
  15. Catherine Rauch Santa Rosa Express 1 2 3

Bantam Boys Tim Falls Pleasanton Heat 10 9 10 29 Ken Slaney Palo Alto Lighting 7 8 9 24 Gavin Hill Castro Valley 8 6 7 21 Dereck Vredenburgh RPAL Express 9 7 16 Miles WorthenRPAL Express 6 4 3 13 Charlie Velez Unattached 5 6 11 Alex Sokol Pleasanton Heat 10 10 Jason Gomez SLG 8 8 Miguel Dickenson Pleasanton Heat 2 4 6 Sam Reynolds Pleasanton Heat 5 5 George Yoshinaga Unattached 5 5 Elijah Gunn-Kerr Palo Alto Lighting 4 1 5 Skyler Haataja Palo Alto Lighting 1 1 2 4 Noah Seto Unattached 3 3 Jackson Halderman Santa Cruz 3 3 Dustin Decker Unattached 2 2

Midget Girls Priscilla Lee Umoja 10 7 8 25 Franny Kiles Onalysas 9 3 7 19 Elenor Velez Unattached 9 10 19 Chase Worthen RPAL Express 8 2 10 Chloe Pigg RPAL Express 10 10 Nina Bessolo Castro Valley 9 9 Kerry Norton Unattached 7 2 9 Dariya Smith Unattached 5 4 9 Annaka Green Pleasanton Heat 8 8 Erica Esparza Umoja 2 5 7 Kaitlyn Eklem Pleasanton Heat 6 6 Alexandria Emba Castro Valley 6 6 Ellen Keil Unattached 6 6 Caleece Nash Palo Alto Lighting 5 5 Preamila Roules Unattached 4 4 Femke Keukenkamp RPAL Express 4 4 Katie Fraticelli Pleasanton Heat 3 3 Delaney White Santa Rosa Express 3 3 Antiogne Piratano Umoja 1 1 Mary Orders Unattached 1 1 Hydeia Barney Full Stride 1 1

Midget Boys

  1. Ben Zaeske Pleasanton Heat 10 9 10 29
  2. Peter Schlachte Pleasanton Heat 9 6 9 24
  3. Logan Taggart RPAL Express 7 5 6 18
  4. Romain Hardy Pleasanton Heat 6 3 7 16
  5. Andrew Sartor Pleasanton Heat 10 10
  6. Alexander King Unattached 8 8
  7. Spencer Lachman RPAL Express 8 8
  8. Kahale Warring Pleasanton Heat 8 8
  9. Dennis Mandudzo Palo Alto Lighting 5 3 8
  10. Nick Coumou Pleasanton Heat 2 5 7
  11. Michael Dunne Pleasanton Heat 7 7
  12. Liam Galbraith Santa Rosa Express 7 7
  13. Ryan May Pleasanton Heat 4 4
  14. Sergey Cutter Santa Cruz 4 4
  15. Kevin Anawalt Pleasanton Heat 4 4
  16. Grant Carson Palo Alto Lighting 3 3
  17. Andrew Mellick RPAL Express 2 2
  18. Ian Stuertz Unattached 2 2
  19. RJ Agustin Unattached 1 1
  20. Owen Weitzel RPAL Express 1 1
  21. Patrick Odome Full Stride 1 1

Youth Girls

  1. Sophie Hartley Unattached 9 10 10 29
  2. Amihan Agustin Unattached 9 9 18
  3. Monique Esparza Umoja 4 5 8 17
  4. Reaghan Emrick RPAL Express 8 8 16
  5. Danielle Nivinski RPAL Express 7 7 14
  6. Kylie Joerger RPAL Express 1 3 6 10
  7. Clare Carroll RPAL Express 10 10
  8. Megan Wenzel Unattached 7 7
  9. Selena Friedman Santa Cruz 6 6
  10. Allison Bayliss RPAL Express 6 6
  11. Havana Coleman Umoja 5 5
  12. Katie Spenue Palo Alto Lighting 4 4
  13. Bridet Gottieb Unattached 4 4
  14. Emma Dreymann Palo Alto Lighting 3 3
  15. Sydne Aguilar San Luis Distance Club 2 2
  16. Shona McCarthy Unattached 2 2
  17. Juliet Logan Unattached 1 1

Youth Boys

  1. Tristyn Martin RPAL Express 10 9 19
  2. Neilson Powless RPAL Express 9 8 17
  3. Harley Norton Unattached 8 6 14
  4. Matthew Whitman Pleasanton Heat 5 8 13
  5. Aidan Goltra Pleasanton Heat 10 10
  6. Gabriel Avias Pleasanton Heat 10 10
  7. Zach Beston Pleasanton Heat 4 1 5 10
  8. Taylor Guinnip RPAL Express 9 9
  9. Simon Novich Pumakid Running 2 7 9
  10. Steven Cummins RPAL Express 3 4 7
  11. Gabe Hurwitt Jr. Aggies 7 7
  12. Stephen Giuntini Unattached 7 7
  13. Ryan Gray Jr. Aggies 6 6
  14. Joseph Diaz Unattached 6 6
  15. Tommy Malone Jr. Aggies 5 5
  16. Ryan Colaco Pleasanton Heat 4 4
  17. Austin Taggart RPAL Express 1 2 3
  18. Reed Klaeser RPAL Express 3 3
  19. Caleb Olivarez Castro Valley 3 3
  20. David Duncan Jr. Aggies 2 2
  21. August Kiles Onalysis 1 1
► Important Changes for November 15 Roseville PAL Express Meet

Posted by on Nov 1, 2009 in legacy, XC, Youth | Comments Off on Important Changes for November 15 Roseville PAL Express Meet

 

Important Changes

for November 15 Roseville PAL Express Meet

At the Pleasanton Heat  youth cross country competitions on Sunday, October 18, a vote was taken to change the format of the youth cross country races that will be held on November 15, 2009.  Specific  changes:

  • Bantam, Midget, Youth age groups will be  combined into a single, same-sex race competing over the distance of  3K
  • To ensure timely and accurate results for  this combined event the Roseville PAL Express Track Club has secured an  automatic timing company
  • All athletes are requested to pre-register  by the deadlines specified in the meet registration flier so the meet can  start on time
  • Questions?  Please call Maura Kent @  916-786-7288

Meet information flier has been updated with these changes.
► 2009 RETC XC meet Update

Posted by on Nov 1, 2009 in legacy, XC, Youth | Comments Off on 2009 RETC XC meet Update

 

Rain or Shine

Sunday, 15 November
2009

William Jessup
University

333 Sunset Blvd.,
Rocklin, CA 95765

What do you need to know?

 

  • Registration:
    • Roseville PAL is
      paying to have an automatic timer at this meet. For this to work       you need to
      pre-register      .
      Thank you!
    • Registration requested
      by midnight Wednesday, November 11

      • Register by sending
        an e-mail to         [email protected] that contains:

        • Title of e-mail:
          Nov 15 RPAL Express XC – athlete’s name, school name or club name
        • Body of e-mail:
          Athlete’s Name, Date of Birth, Sex, USATF # (or state doesn’t have
          one); use form below if club or school
      • Check the RPAL Express
        website (        www.eteamz.com/RosevilleExpress) to confirm unattached, school or
        club entries have been received
    • Same day registration
      is acceptable, but your name will not show up in same day results …
      only later in online results
  • Cost:
    • $6 per athlete (send
      your registration fees to RPAL Express, 1442 Deerfield Circle, Roseville,
      CA 95747)
    • There will be no
      refunds so ensure your entries are correct
  • Awards:
    Top 3 in each age division will receive a medal; participant ribbon
    to all who place 4th and beyond in each race
  • Results:
    Results will be posted within 30-minutes after each event is over and
    on the PA/USATF website within 2-days after the meet is completed
  • Snack Bar:
    RPAL Express will provide a concession stand beginning at 8 am
  • Volunteers:
    RPAL Express will provide all volunteers to conduct races
  • Questions:
    Contact Maura Kent @     [email protected] or (916) 786-7288

 

Meet Timeline

 

  • Packet pick-up /
    race day registration can begin 8:00 am
  • Course walk through
    (occurs for all @ same time) 9:00 am
  • Sub-Bantam race
    begins 10:00 am

    • If small # of Sub-Bantams,
      Bantams will race @ same

time but each age group
running their respective distance

  • Order of competition
    (distance of race)

    • Sub-Bantam (2K)
    • Bantam / Midget
      / Youth Girls (3K)

      • Race together but
        score separately
    • Bantam / Midget
      / Youth Boys (3K)

      • Race together but
        score separately
    • Intermediate / Young
      (5K) (will compete as one age group)

      • Same age division
        girls & boys will run together but score separately
      • Last race of day:
        only Intermediate/Young will earn awards … but parents, siblings &
        coaches are invited to join in this race … cost is $6 per person

 

Age Groups

Age Group Birth Year Age Group Birth Year
Sub-Bantam 2001 or later Youth 1995-1996
Bantam 1999-2000 Intermediate 1993-1994
Midget 1997-1998 Young 1991-1992

 

 

 

Driving Directions

 

  • From Reno
    Take I-80 East to Rocklin. Take Highway 65 North (exit 106) toward
    Lincoln/Marysville. Stay on Highway 65 for 4.9 miles. Turn
    right on Sunset Blvd. (stop light intersection … major construction
    on off ramp). Move to left lane. Turn left onto Atherton
    Road (stop light entrance into college campus). Once into the
    campus, turn left in front of the first building and circle around to
    the back of the campus to park.
  • From San Francisco

Take I-80 West to Sacramento,
just as you finish crossing the Yolo Causeway (long low bridge between
Davis and West Sacramento) move to the right side of the freeway and
take the I-80 East to Reno exit. Follow directions above from
Highway 65 North to the college

  • From Modesto

Take I-99 to Sacramento.
As you enter the Sacramento downtown area stay to the far left and take
the Business I-99 loop towards Reno. Merge onto I-80 East to Reno.
Follow directions in Reno from Highway 65 North to college.

 


Your browser may not support display of this image.


 

Name of School, Club:
____________________________________________________

Athlete

Name

Athlete

Birth Date

Age Group

(i.e., Midget)

Sex (Male or Female)USATF # (or don’t have one)

 

► Hammer Throwing Videos by Harold Connolly Available

Posted by on Nov 1, 2009 in legacy, Track & Field, Youth | Comments Off on Hammer Throwing Videos by Harold Connolly Available

Hammer Throwing Videos by Harold Connolly Available

to Support Youth Hammer Throwing

From: <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 5:29 PM
Subject: Hammer Throwing

US Hammer Throwing

Harold Connolly

In 2002, after retiring as Director of US Programs for Special
Olympics, I made a decision to devote my 23 years of hammer throwing
competitive experience and subsequent 26 years of hammer throw coaching
toward establishing a strategy to motivate and help American boys and
girls attain the victory stand in the hammer throw at the 2012 or 2016
Olympic Games. In the year of the 2012 Olympic Games, I’ll be 81 years
old.

My personal goal is to attend the Olympic Games when a boy or girl I
assisted wins an Olympic hammer throwing medal. This is a major factor
that keeps me committed to my training, followed faithfully if not as
vigorously as throughout my own Olympic career. In this regard my role
model and good friend is the oldest Olympic gold medalist thrower,
Wilbur Moose Thompson (London Olympic Games 1948, shot-put) now 88
years young and still coaching.

It’s the general consensus among the most successful hammer throw
coaches that it takes 8 -12 years for a hammer thrower to attain
Olympic victory stand status. By 2012 – 2016, my passionate hammer
throw quest will have covered 10 – 14 years. Will the ebbing decline
of American top level hammer throwing have turned by then and potential
American Olympic hammer throw medalists have emerged? In 2016, I’ll be
85, and I want to be in the Olympic Stadium to witness the positive
results I confidently expect.

In September, I received a message from a man I coached in college with
his pledge to match contributions made to the 2009 USATF Youth Hammer
Throw Fundraiser up to $5,000. He said that he wanted to support our
efforts to advance continued youth participation in hammer throwing,
the event that positively influenced the course of his life.

To continue disseminating authoritative hammer throw coaching
information across the country and to add a donation incentive to the
2009 USATF Youth Hammer Throw Fundraiser, I recently completed the two
most effective Hammer Throw Technique and Coaching Instructional DVDs I
have ever put together:

Hammer Throw Training, 3 Turn – 4 Turn (3.68 GB)
Youth Hammer Throwing, A and B (2.70 GB)

After reading this appeal, I hope you will open and use the donation
form and/or log on to: www.hammerthrow.com/grants/

There you will find detailed descriptions of:

Training and Coaching DVDs;
USATF Youth Hammer Throw Development Project;
USATF Youth Hammer Throw Grants Program;
2009 Training Grant Application Form; and
How You Can Support American Youth Hammer Throwing.

► 2009 PA/USATF CROSS COUNTRY GRAND PRIX STANDINGS – TEAMS

Posted by on Oct 22, 2009 in legacy, XC | Comments Off on 2009 PA/USATF CROSS COUNTRY GRAND PRIX STANDINGS – TEAMS



2009 PA/USATF CROSS COUNTRY GRAND PRIX STANDINGS – TEAMS





2009 PA/USATF TEAM STANDINGS AS OF 11/30/2009

Payouts | Open Men | Open Women | Masters Men | Masters Women | Seniors Men

Seniors Women | Super-Seniors Men | Super-Seniors Women | Veterans Men | Veterans Women

For 2009, standings are the points in the best 5 non-championship races PLUS championship points

OPEN MEN:




















































































































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 AGGIES 12   15 15 15   15 15 15 90
2 TRANSPORTS ADIDAS 15 15 13.5 12     13.5 13.5 13.5 84
3 WVTC 13.5 13.5 10.5 13.5 13.5     10.5 10.5 75
4 RIVER CITY REBELS 10.5 12 12 10.5 12 15 9 12 9 72
5 US COAST GUARD 9 7.5     10.5   6   0 33
5 NB EXCELSIOR   10.5 6 7.5 7.5       1.5 33
5 EMPIRE   9 3 9     4.5 7.5 0 33
8 TAMALPA     4.5 0     7.5 9 6 27
8 STRAWBERRY CANYON TC     9       10.5   7.5 27
10 WVJS 7.5     6 9   3   0 25.5
10 PAMAKIDS 6 6 1.5   6     6 0 25.5
12 WOLFPACK INTL 4.5   0 1.5     1.5 4.5   12


OPEN WOMEN:






































































































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 IMPALAS 13.5 15 12 15 13.5 15 13.5 15 13.5 87
2 AGGIES 15   15   12   15 13.5 15 85.5
3 TAMALPA   13.5 10.5 12 15     12 4.5 67.5
4 GVH 10.5   9   10.5 13.5   10.5 7.5 61.5
5 WVTC 12     13.5 9   10.5 7.5 6 58.5
6 WOLFPACK INTL 9   6 10.5     12   9 46.5
7 PAMAKIDS 7.5 10.5 3 9 7.5   7.5 4.5 1.5 43.5
8 EMPIRE   12 4.5   6   6 6 3 37.5
9 PENNISULA DISTANCE     13.5           12 25.5
10 RIVER CITY REBELS           12       12
11 NB EXCELSIOR     1.5             1.5


MASTERS MEN:
























































































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 AGGIES 15 10.5 15 15 12   15   15 87
2 EMPIRE 9 13.5 9 13.5 15 15 12 13.5 10.5 81
3 TAMALPA 10.5 15 12 9 13.5     15 12 78
4 WVJS 13.5 12 10.5 12 10.5 12 13.5 12 9 72
5 PAMAKIDS 7.5 6 4.5 7.5 7.5   10.5 10.5 3 46.5
6 SANTA CRUZ TC 12   6 10.5 9         37.5
7 NB EXCELSIOR   9 13.5           13.5 36
8 RIVER CITY REBELS           10.5     4.5 15
9 WNLR     7.5           6 13.5
9 BUFFALO CHIPS           13.5       13.5


MASTERS WOMEN:




















































































































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 IMPALAS 9 13.5 15 12 13.5 12 15 15 15 87
2 TAMALPA   15 13.5 15 15 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 85.5
3 WVTC 13.5   10.5 13.5     12 12 10.5 72
4 WVJS 12 12 12       10.5 9 7.5 63
5 SANTA CRUZ TC 10.5     9     6   6 31.5
6 GOLDEN WEST AC           10.5 9 10.5   30
7 AGGIES 15               12 27
8 GVH           15     9 24
9 PAMAKIDS     7.5         6 4.5 18
9 PACIFIC STRIDERS       10.5   7.5       18
11 EMPIRE   10.5             1.5 12
12 BUFFALO CHIPS           9       9


SENIORS MEN:
























































































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 TAMALPA 13.5 13.5 15 15 15 6 9 15 15 88.5
2 WVJS 15 15 13.5 13.5 13.5 10.5 13.5 13.5 12 82.5
3 AGGIES 12   12 9 9 15 15 10.5 13.5 78
4 EMPIRE   12 10.5 12 12     12 10.5 69
5 RIVER CITY REBELS 10.5 9 7.5 10.5   13.5 12 9 7.5 63
6 SPARTANS 9 6 6 7.5 7.5 7.5 10.5 4.5 4.5 46.5
7 PACIFIC STRIDERS 7.5 7.5 9 6 10.5   7.5   3 45
8 GOLDEN WEST AC           12       12
9 BUFFALO CHIPS           9       9
10 SANTA CRUZ TC   4.5               4.5


SENIORS WOMEN:




































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 TAMALPA 15 13.5 13.5 15 15 15 15 15 15 90
2 IMPALAS   15 15 13.5   13.5 13.5   13.5 84
3 EMPIRE   12 12 12 13.5     13.5 12 75
4 WVJS 13.5                 13.5


SUPER-SENIORS MEN:
































































































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 TAMALPA 15 15 12 15 15   13.5 15 15 90
2 WVJS 13.5 13.5 15       15 10.5 13.5 81
3 BUFFALO CHIPS 12   10.5 13.5   15 12 13.5 12 78
4 EMPIRE     9 12 13.5 12 10.5 12 10.5 70.5
5 RIVER CITY REBELS           13.5       13.5
5 PACIFIC STRIDERS     13.5             13.5


SUPER-SENIORS WOMEN:








































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 TAMALPA 15 15 13.5 13.5 15 15 13.5 15 13.5 88.5
2 IMPALAS     15 15 13.5   15 13.5 15 87


VETERANS MEN:








































 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 WVJS 15 15 15 15 13.5 15 15 13.5 13.5 88.5
2 TAMALPA 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 15 13.5 13.5 15 15 85.5


VETERANS WOMEN:


























 Club SantaCruz Empire Open Golden Gate Garin Presidio Willow Hills Shoreline Tamalpa PA Champs TOTAL
1 TAMALPA                 15 15


► PA/USATF 2009 Umoja Cross Country Meet Results

Posted by on Oct 10, 2009 in legacy, Youth | Comments Off on PA/USATF 2009 Umoja Cross Country Meet Results

PA/USATF 2009 Umoja Cross Country Meet Results

October 10, 2009

Evergreen College, Montgomery Hill Park, San Jose, CA

View Photos

DivisionID Gender Distance FirstName LastName Team Time Place
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Jaxin Woodward Full Stride 08:57.92′ 1
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Lila Roake Santa Cruz 10:42.81′ 2
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Emily Perez Castro Valley 10:48.78′ 3
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Alexis Gonzales Valley Coyote 11:33.31′ 4
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Santa Rowles unattached 12:00.12′ 5
Sub-Bantam Girl 2K Salome Carmelich Full Stride 13:31.88′ 6
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Nicholas “Nick” Clay Roseville PAL Express 9:08.74′ 1
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Cole De Francesco Santa Cruz 10:00.89′ 2
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Kurtis Lee Umoja 10:48.27′ 3
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Nathan Kent Roseville PAL Express 11:00.89′ 4
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Bailey Ellis Santa Cruz 11:32.75′ 5
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Gabriel Gomez unattached 11:00.89′ 6
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Skyler Carmelich Full Stride 11:48.01′ 7
Sub-Bantam Boy 2K Ricardo Gonzales Valley Coyote 13:22.16′ 8
Bantam Girl 3K Talley Hill San Luis Distance Club 14:51.25′ 1
Bantam Girl 3K Mareille Friedman Santa Cruz 15:28.44′ 2
Bantam Girl 3K Diana Guirrero Pleasanton Heat 16:22.00′ 3
Bantam Girl 3K Claudia DeNove Palo Alto Lighting 16:23.60′ 4
Bantam Girl 3K Ailey Leduff American Canyon 16:44.79′ 5
Bantam Girl 3K Sierra Carmelich Fullstride 17:08.76′ 6
Bantam Girl 3K Sarah Nicolosi Santa Cruz 17:21.47′ 7
Bantam Girl 3K Mia Bernardo Unattached 17:32.22′ 8
Bantam Girl 3K Sarah Naranjo Santa Cruz 20:26.60′ 9
Bantam Boy 3K Tim Falls Pleasanton Heat 13:17.10′ 1
Bantam Boy 3K Derek Vredenburgh Roseville PAL Express 13:45.21′ 2
Bantam Boy 3K Gavin Hill Castro Valley 13:52.01′ 3
Bantam Boy 3K Ken Slaney Palo Alto Lighting 14:07.30′ 4
Bantam Boy 3K Miles Worthen Roseville PAL Express 14:40.06′ 5
Bantam Boy 3K George Yoshinaga Unattached 15:35.44′ 6
Bantam Boy 3K Elijah Gunn-Kerr Palo Alto Lighting 15:51.56′ 7
Bantam Boy 3K Jackson Halderman Santa Cruz 15:57.27′ 8
Bantam Boy 3K Dustin Decker Unattached 16:10.74′ 9
Bantam Boy 3K Skyler Haataja Palo Alto Lighting 16:29.08′ 10
Bantam Boy 3K Austin Mellick Roseville PAL Express 16:44.90′ 11
Bantam Boy 3K Gregor Dairghi Palo Alto Lighting 16:51.48′ 12
Bantam Boy 3K Tarek Nasr Palo Alto Lighting 16:59.43′ 13
Bantam Boy 3K Duncan McCarthy Pleasanton Heat 17:58.11′ 14
Midget Girl 3K Priscilla Lee Umoja 15:00.69′ 1
Midget Girl 3K Franny Kiles Onalysas 15:23.16′ 2
Midget Girl 3K Chase Worthen Roseville PAL Express 15:33.53′ 3
Midget Girl 3K Liam Galbraith Santa Rosa Express 15:41.22′ 4
Midget Girl 3K Kerry Norton Unattached 15:50.94′ 5
Midget Girl 3K Alexandria Emba Castro Valley 15:55.97′ 6
Midget Girl 3K Caleece Nash Palo Alto Lighting 16:24.28′ 7
Midget Girl 3K Premalia Roules Unattached 16:31.12′ 8
Midget Girl 3K Delaney White Santa Rosa Express 16:36.41′ 9
Midget Girl 3K Erica Esparza Umoja 16:50.69′ 10
Midget Girl 3K Antiogne Piratano Umoja 17:45.32′ 11
Midget Girl 3K Mikaela Williams Umoja 19:51.22′ 12
Midget Girl 3K Alexandria Geremew Umoja 19:52.22′ 13
Midget Girl 3K Gina Audiss Santa Rosa Express 19:56.03′ 14
Midget Girl 3K Camille Johnson Umoja 20:04.97′ 15
Midget Boy 3K Ben Zaeske Pleasanton Heat 12:49.52′ 1
Midget Boy 3K Peter Schlachte Pleasanton Heat 13:12.41′ 2
Midget Boy 3K Spencer Lachman Unattached 13:19.19′ 3
Midget Boy 3K Logan Taggart Unattached 13:29.89′ 4
Midget Boy 3K Hardy Romain Pleasanton Heat 14:24.32′ 5
Midget Boy 3K Dennis Mandudzo Palo Alto Lighting 14:46.78′ 6
Midget Boy 3K Sergey Cutter Santa Cruz 15:04.50′ 7
Midget Boy 3K Grant Carson Palo Alto Lighting 15:25.30′ 8
Midget Boy 3K Andrew Mellick Roseville PAL Express 15:34.95′ 9
Midget Boy 3K Owen Weitzel Roseville PAL Express 15:44.95′ 10
Midget Boy 3K Beau Balocchi Santa Cruz 16:14.09′ 11
Midget Boy 3K Page Taibodeaux Palo Alto Lighting 16:19.20′ 1
Midget Boy 3K Justin Fang Palo Alto Lighting 16:29.18′ 2
Midget Boy 3K Jeremy Mayhew American Canyon 17:11.14′ 13
Midget Boy 3K Jared Kozak Pleasanton Heat 17:52.08′ 14
Midget Boy 3K Oliver Brehio San Luis Distance Club 18:52.09′ 15
Youth Girl 4K Clare Carroll Unattached 15:51.47′ 1
Youth Girl 4K Sophie Hartley Unattached 16:11.75′ 2
Youth Girl 4K Reaghan Emrick Roseville PAL Express 17:19.34′ 3
Youth Girl 4K Danielle Nivinski Roseville PAL Express 17:42.56′ 4
Youth Girl 4K Sydne Aguilar San Luis Distance Club 17:42.84′ 5
Youth Girl 4K Selena Friedman Santa Cruz 18:29.25′ 6
Youth Girl 4K Monique Esparza Umoja 20:24.47′ 7
Youth Girl 4K Katie Spenue Palo Alto Lighting 20:37.22′ 8
Youth Girl 4K Emma Dreymann Palo Alto Lighting 21:46.44′ 9
Youth Girl 4K Ayla Dillis San Luis Distance Club 21:58.81′ 10
Youth Girl 4K Kylie Joerger Roseville PAL Express 22:22.15′ 11
Youth Girl 4K Havana Coleman Umoja 29:32.28′ 12
Youth Boy 4K Tristin Martin Roseville PAL Express 15:44.63′ 1
Youth Boy 4K Neilson Powless Roseville PAL Express 16:04.46′ 2
Youth Boy 4K Harley Norton Unattached 16:25.00′ 3
Youth Boy 4K Gabe Hurwitt Jr. Aggies 16:43.03′ 4
Youth Boy 4K John Nicholas San Luis Distance Club 16:53.32′ 5
Youth Boy 4K Ryan Gray Jr. Aggies 17:05.78′ 6
Youth Boy 4K Tommy Malone Jr. Aggies 17:05.78′ 7
Youth Boy 4K Zach Beston Pleasanton Heat 17:32.39′ 8
Youth Boy 4K Steven Cummins Roseville PAL Express 18.01.95′ 9
Youth Boy 4K David Duncan Jr. Aggies 18:23.25′ 10
Youth Boy 4K Caleb Olivarez Castro Valley 18:45.74′ 11
Youth Boy 4K Austin Taggart Unattached 18:53.88′ 12
Youth Boy 4K Johan Brower Unattached 19:30.78′ 13
Youth Boy 4K Mitchell SanJose Santa Cruz 20:04.86′ 14
Youth Boy 4K Byron Mayhew American Canyon Striders 21:13.43′ 15
Intermediate Boy 5K Matthew “Matt” Decker Roseville PAL Express 25:10.98′ 1
► Youth Cross Country: Christine Bayliss – One to Watch!

Posted by on Sep 22, 2009 in legacy, XC, Youth | Comments Off on Youth Cross Country: Christine Bayliss – One to Watch!

 

Youth Cross Country: Christine Bayliss – One to Watch!

By Bob Burns

David and Jennifer Bayliss go to great lengths to make sure track and field is an enjoyable experience for their 12-year-old daughter, Christine.

Before they head off to a big race, her parents try to arrange a get-together with her competitors beforehand. When they traveled to last summer’s USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Virginia, the Bayliss family spent a couple of days visiting the historical sites in Washington D.C.

“It’s important to remember that these are young kids,” David Bayliss said. “We’ve got to make it fun for them.”

Winning is also fun, and Christine handles that part of the equation. She won her first national championship in July when she raced to victory in the midget girls 3,000 meters at the Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Greensboro, N.C. Her winning time of 10:23.56 set a Pacific Association age-group record.

Her accomplishments are even more remarkable when measured against her training load. David, a former professional biathlete, and Jennifer, the school record holder in the 3,000 meters and an All-American performer at Montana State in mid-1990s, are vigilant against early burnout.

“I have the ‘less is more’ philosophy,” David Bayliss said. “Christine may have had one week in which she put in 20 miles. Her weekly average is more like 10 to 12 miles. This is about having fun and giving her an opportunity.”

Christine lives in Danville with her parents and three siblings. A seventh-grader at Charlotte Wood Middle School, she competes in St. Joan of Arc CYO events during the school year and runs for the Roseville Express in USATF meets.

Four years ago, her parents signed her up, along with older sister Allison, for the local CYO program.

“At first, I didn’t like it that much, but as the years went on my friends joined, it became more fun,” Christine said. “I think it’s really fun to travel. I’d like to see more places.”

Her first exposure to national-class competition came in 2006, when she finished eighth at the Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Spokane, Wash. She skipped cross country nationals in 2007 but placed fifth in the midget division at last fall’s event in Mechanicsville, Va. Bayliss finished just five seconds behind the winner, Paige Rice.

The next two national meets are much closer to home. The Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships will be held Dec. 12 in Reno, and the JO Track Championships are set for July 27-Aug. 1 in Sacramento. Bayliss will compete in the midget class (11-12) at the upcoming cross country nationals.

“I’m definitely looking forward to compete at the JOs in Reno with my friends,” she said. “I hope to take first place.”

Bayliss won the 3,000 meters at this year’s track nationals by more than five seconds, defeating two of the runners who had finished ahead of her at the 2008 cross country nationals. Bayliss also holds the Pacific Association record for midget girls in the 1,500 meters at 4:50.24.

“Christine has the potential to be another Jordan Hasay,” said Jennifer Allred-Powless, the American River College track and cross country coach who assists the Roseville Express distance runners. “Her dad is really educating himself about the sport, and she’ll reap the benefits from that.”

David Bayliss was an all-state performer in cross country in Connecticut prior to attending Stanford University. He resumed his running career after graduating and served as a volunteer assistant coach at Palo Alto. Jennifer placed third in the 3,000 meters at the 1993 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.

“I think I got a little bit of this (talent) from my parents,” Christine Bayliss said. “Sometimes I run like my mom.”

David, a business development manager for a construction company, coaches his daughter in CYO track. The team practices just three times a week, and one of those practices is a “fun” day, featuring maybe the high jump or relay races. Christine, who also plays competitive soccer, sounds as if she’s getting the hang of racing.

“I’m learning how to be less nervous as I get more experienced,” she said. “I think it’s OK to be a little nervous, but remember it’s fun. It’s not that big of a deal. Just try your best.”

Her parents came up with the idea of arranging informal gatherings with other national-class runners before the big meet. Christine became friends with Paige Rice, the Portland (Ore.) standout, when they met prior to the JOs in Spokane.

“We’re trying to make this a social, fun experience and introduce the team to other kids from around the country who are experiencing the same thing.” David Bayliss said. “We want to show them that track is a great community sport.”

 

Christine Bayliss

 

 

 

 

 

 
► Pacific Association / USATF Board of Athletics Foster City Recreation Center

Posted by on Sep 22, 2009 in legacy, Youth | Comments Off on Pacific Association / USATF Board of Athletics Foster City Recreation Center

Pacific Association / USATF Board of Athletics
Foster City Recreation Center
Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Meeting Minutes

Attendees:  Irene Herman (President); Dave Shrock (VP); Lloyd Stephenson (Treasurer); Maura Kent (Secretary); George Kleeman (Past Pres); John Mansoor (Exec Dir); Al Hernandez (Men’s T&F); Fred Baer (Women’s T&F); Tyler Abbott (Men’s LDR); Joy Upshaw-Margerum (Master’s T&F); Art Klein (RW Chair); Susan Armenta (Athletes Com); Dick Connors (Officials Com); Bob Thompson (Officials Com); Cynci Calvin (Com Com); Phil Watkins (Equipment); Peter Tappia (Sports Medicine); Charlie Sheppard (Disabled Com); Roosevelt Kent, Jr. (Coach’s Com); Al Stranbridge (Women’s LDR Com); Tom Bernhard (Men’s LDR Com); Mark Winitz (Men’s LDR Com); Tim Wasou (Men’s LDR); Shirley Connors (Official’s Com); Nadine Davis (Youth Sec); Becky Klein (Youth RW); Sonny Maynard (At Large); Dolton Simmons (Youth Officials); Tony Williams (Youth Membership); Robert Thompson (Officials Com); Qwen Stewart (Youth 2010 LOC); Eric Stewart (Youth 2010 LOC); Charles Murphy (At Large Athletes); Maria Castillo (Youth VC)

Meeting Called to Order at 7:32 pm

Minutes from May 5, 2009 PA/USATF BOA meeting (Maura Kent)

  • Motion to approve prior minutes (1st by G.  Kleeman / 2nd by B. Klein)  Approved (15 yes / 1 no / 2  abstain)

Treasurer’s Report (Lloyd Stephenson / John Mansoor)

  • Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report (1st  by G. Kleeman / 2nd by T. Abbott)  Approved (24 yes / 1 no / 0  abstain)
    • ACTION:  Bill Hawkes has  offered assistance to Lloyd Stephenson to develop balance sheet, overall  financials and tax preparation

Budget for 2009-2010 (Lloyd Stephenson / John Mansoor)

  • Motion to approve budget (1st by T. Abbott  / 2nd by D. Shrock)  Approved (24 yes / 0 no / 0 abstain)
  • Brief discussion about using Constant Contact “zero spam tolerance” Email service for sending PA broadcast emails. Communications Comittee Chair Cynci Calvin reports that the cost of approximately $60 per month is covered by 2009-2010 Communications Committee budget. This service will be purchased and made available to Committees’ Communications Comittee Representatives.

PA Foundation Task Force (Lloyd Stephenson)

By-Law Amendment (George Kleeman)

  • Motion to approve By-Law changes as they  were posted on the PA/USATF website (1st by G. Kleeman /  2nd by T. Abbott)  Approved (26 yes / 0 no / 0 abstain)
  • Motion to  modify By-Laws to move back to 5 meetings a year for PA/USATF BOA
    • Motion to approve frequency of meetings  (1st by F. Baer / 2nd by D Connors)  26 yes / 0 no / 0  abstain
    • Motion approved (19 yes / 6 no / 0  abstain)
      • Adopt prior rotational schedule (Jan,  March, May)
  • Motion to modify how to select unattached athletes for Sports Committees.
    (Updated language for selection of unattached athletes for Sports Committees by law proposal from George Kleeman, submitted 10/14/2009)
    (18) Representatives of athlete members, elected by their /respective Sports Committees at their annual meeting on the basis of one member for each eight hundred (or fraction thereof) athlete members as registered on June 30th, each year. Where athletes are members of or represented by more than one sports committee, each scuh committee will be entiltled to count them in their athlete membership as a whole althlete, e.g. Joe Brady is both a racewalk athlete and a masters’ thrower. At least one or 10% of the elected athletes, which ever is higher, must unattached.  If there are not any unattached athletes available and willing to serve then an attached athlete may fill the position.   NOTE: Attached athletes are represented by sections 16 and 17 of this article.
    • Representative of Athlete member,  elected by the respective sports committees on the basis of one member for  each eight hundred (or fraction thereof).  Other members of this  Association elected by them at their annual meeting.  At least one or  10% of these athletes whichever is higher, must be an unattached athlete  for that committee.  If there are not any unattached athletes then an  attached athlete may fill the position.
    • First reading completed in tonight’s  meeting
    • ACTION:  Reread and  approve in next PA/USATF BOA meeting
      • Motion (1st by G. Kleeman / 2nd by T.  Williams) Approved (26 yes / 0 no / 0 abstain)

Youth Background Checks

  • PA/USATF is the only Association excluded  from the national USATF process.  That is because our process is more  stringent and has been adopted for over 3 years with successful  results

Convention Delegates (Dave Shrock)

  • To receive reimbursement a delegate must  attend opening and closing ceremonies andis expected to attendthe majority  of event specific meetings applicable to their sports committee discipline  they are representing on behalf of PA/USATF.  Conference is Thursday –  Sunday.  Nameswere solicited from the Sports Committee as well as from  the room at large.  Three names did not meet the minimum qualifications  of attending twoprior PA/USATF BOA meetings within the last 12 months.
    • Individual motions submitted for each  person todetermine if theyshould be allowed to represent PA/USATF at the  national convention.  Motion is as follows:  if the person will  attend at least two PA/USATF BOA meetings (this meeting can count as one)  before the Convention then they’ve met thatrequirement
      • Motion (1st L. Stephenson / 2nd G.  Kleeman) Approved (24 yes / 0 no / 0 abstain)
      • Motions foreach of the three below per  statement above:
        • Tom Bernard (Men’sLDR)
          • Motion (1st T. Abbott / 2nd L.  Stephenson) Approved (24 yes / 2 no / 0 abstain)
        • Brooke Wells (Women’sLDR)
          • Motion (1st J. Upshaw-Margerum /  2nd T. Williams) Approved (23 yes / 1 no / 1 abstain)
        • Pope Powell (Youth BOA)
          • Motion (1st M. Castillo / 2nd T.  Williams)  Approved (16 yes / 3 no / 5  abstain)
  • Suggested PA/USATF BOA members to  National Convention
    • Men’s T&F – Al Hernandez  (C)
    • Women’s T&F – Fred Baer
    • Master’s T&F – Joy Upshaw-Margerum  (C-HS / A)
    • Master’s LDR – Lloyd Stephenson  (IA)
    • Coach’s Committee – Dave  Shrock (C)
    • Race Walk – Art Klein
    • Youth – Joanne Slaton-Camargo
    • Officials – John Murray
    • Athlete Committee – Susan Armenta  (IA)
    • Disabled – Charlie Sheppard
    • President – Irene Herman (A)
    • Men’s LDR – Tom Bernard (IA)
    • Women’s LDR – Brooke Wells
    • At Large:  George Kleeman, Becky  Klein, Bob Podkaminer, Dick & Shirley Connors
    • Alternates:  Maria Castillo, Pope  Powell
    • PA/USATF Delegation Leads:  Art  & Becky Klein
      • Motion (1st D. Shrock / 2nd B. Klein)  Approved (24 yes / 0 no / 0 abstain)

Sports Medicine Committee (Peter Tapia)

  • When sanctions  are submitted to the PA office, Heike will forward the EMT name &  certification # to Peter who in turn will validate if this person is certified  to act in the role of EMT at a PA/USATF sanctioned meet
  • Provide liaison  role to all Sports Committees who need medical advising
  • Each EMT must  provide their own insurance … USATF sanction insurance does not cover these  folks

Disabled Athletes Committee (Charlie Sheppard)

  • Requesting each  Sports Committee to help promote the participation of disabled athletes in  each sports discipline

Championship Reports (All)

  • XC Club National  T&F – lost bid … awarded to Greensboro, NC
  • National Masters  and Youth JO both at Sac State summer of 2010 … both LOCs are on track for  successful meet
  • World Masters is  considering Hughes Stadium in 2011 but Hughes has a 5 month project that  spring / summer to replace their infield with the project Hughes Stadium will  be moving the field events that are currently inside the stadium to the  warm-up area south of the stadium.  The challenge here is that this is  traditionally athletes have warmed up for for their events.  Now athletes  will be expected to warm-up on the baseball / softball fields across the  parking lot
  • National Club  T&F Championships will be at College of San Mateo on July 9 & 10,  2010 (Fri/Sat)

Equipment Contract & Inventory (Phil Watkins)

  • Phil has been  working with the Youth BOA to inventory all of our equipment (both field event  as well as electronic).  Last inventory area is equipment at Charlie  Sheppard’s home.  Once that is done Irene will secure an insurance rider  to cover the equipment and storage trailer

Committee Reports

NOTE:  All Committee Chairs were asked to submit in advance of the meeting their written reports so they could be posted on the PA/USATF website along with the meeting agenda.  This is a new practice that has been adopted going forward.  All meeting attendees are encouraged to review these hand-outs prior to attending so you can ask clarifying questions during the BOA session.  Otherwise, only new information will be shared by each Committee Chair.

  • Coach’s Committee (DaveShrock)
    • Coach’s Committee Election results
      • Roosevelt Kent, Jr. elected as High  School-Youth rep
      • Thomas Kloos elecrted as open-collegeate rep
      • Ken Grace elected as coaching education rep
      • Dave Shrock re-eelcted as committee chair
    • Secured funding in the 2010 budget to  cover 20  scholarships for PA/USATF members to attend the next twoUSATF Level 1   Coach’s Clinics hosted by PA/USATF:
      • Dates of USATF Level 1 Coach’s  Clinic:  December 19-20 @ Sac City; January 16-17@  Chabot College, Hayward
    • Nor Cal super clinic will be held  23  January  2010 @ Sac City
    • Date set for Fresno Indoor Meet – Run for Dream   (February 6)
    • Coach’s Developmental School will be held  February 6 in conjunction with Willie Davenport Olympian learn-by-do clinic at James Logan HS, Union City
  • Officials Committee (Shirley  Connors)
    • Recently held two well attended cross  country officiating clinics
► IAAF World Athletics Final, Thessaloniki, Greece

Posted by on Sep 14, 2009 in legacy, Track & Field | Comments Off on IAAF World Athletics Final, Thessaloniki, Greece

IAAF World Athletics Final, Thessaloniki, Greece

Sept.14, 2009

Maggie Vessey races to a Thrilling Come-from-Behind 2nd in the 800m

Event REPORT – 800m – WOMEN

Anna Willard makes it four out of four 800m victories this year, chased by team-mate Maggie VesseyAnna Willard makes it four out of four 800m victories this year, chased by team-mate Maggie Vessey
Anna Willard’s late season momentum continued here today with her confident victory in the women’s 800m.

The 25-year-old, who began the season as the No. 2 American steeplechaser, ended it as one of the world’s best 800m runners when she capped her breakout middle distance season with a 2:00.20 victory.

200 metres into the race, Willard tucked in behind leader Elisa Cusma and remained in second until taking the lead off the final turn. Striding on confidently, she was never really challenged to add yet another impressive victory to her 800m resume.

“I started well and ran fast for the first 200 metres to avoid getting pushed,” said Willard, who collected victories over the distance in New York, Paris, and Brussels. After a season in which she also joined the sub-four minute club in the 1500m with her 3:59.38 in Zurich two weeks ago and finished a solid fifth at the World Championships over the distance, Willard has admitted to taking a liking to the shorter distances.

“I prefer the 800,” Willard said, “but I also like the steeplechase.” For now, her plans are to continue competing in both along with the 1500m. Some more off-season reflection may change her mind.

Until tonight, no American woman has ever won a middle distance title at the World Athletics Final. Here, along with Maggie Vessey, Willard led a U.S. 1-2.

Maggie Vessey, the Eugene and Monaco winner this season, moved from seventh to second over the final 80 metres, reaching the line in 2:00.31 to edge Briton Jenny Meadows, the Berlin bronze medallist, by 0.10. Russian Mariya Savinova (2:00.72), the European indoor champion, also overtook Cusma (2:00.84) to finish fourth.

Bob Ramsak for the IAAF

Shannon Rowbury 5th in 1500m

Event REPORT – 1500m – WOMEN
Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Langat takes a surprise win in the women’s 1500m (Getty Images)

Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Langat takes a surprise win in the women’s 1500m (Getty Images)
A year ago, Nancy Langat didn’t produce a victory until she crossed the line first at the Olympic Games. This year, the 28-year-old Kenyan apparently saved the best for last as she collected her first win of the season in the final edition of the World Athletics Final.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to win,” said Langat, who took advantage of the sluggish pace to collect her first win in eight outings over the distance. “The race had a very slow tempo which was an advantage for me.”

Dawdling paces were the order of the day in the first two middle or long distance events on the programme, and that trend continued in the women’s 1500m. With no one forcing the pace or making a move, the tightly wound pack took more than 73 seconds to cover the first lap, and nearly 75 to cover the second.

Ethiopian Geleta Burka, who was famously knocked to the ground and out of contention in the World Championships final, made the first move when she jumped to the lead about 900 metres into the race, taking the bell in 3:14.85. But she didn’t really manage to break away from anyone, with World champion Maryam Jamal of Bahrain shadowing her closely and Russian Anna Alminova just another step behind.

Burka still led midway through the final turn, but with plenty in reserve, others positioned themselves to stake their claims for the podium.

Finishing strongest was the Olympic champion who passed by the Ethiopian on the inside to reach the line unchallenged in 4:13.63. With much of the field running in lanes two, three and four, Briton Hannah England found an opening on the inside to finish a surprise second (4:14.05), just edging American Christin Wurth-Thomas. It was certainly the highest profile finish for the 22-year-old England, who improved to 4:04.29 this season.

Meanwhile, Jamal, who came to Thessaloniki with four straight WAF titles under her belt, faded to fourth in 4:14.12, with American Shannon Rowbury, the Berlin bronze medallist fifth (4:14.18).

Bob Ramsak for the IAAF