by Terry Foody, Kentucky State Chair, USATF Masters
January 5, 2010
The BLUEgrass runners had the pleasure and the privilege of competing in the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships on Dec 12th at Masterson Station Park in Lexington. Over a thousand runners came from all over the nation to earn top honors as the best club in America. Four races were held: Masters Women 6K, Masters Men 10K, Open Women 6K, and Open Men 10K.
The challenging course was matched by the outstanding ability of the runners. Kentucky had close to 40 finishers, with entries from Kentucky Team “A” and “B,” Derby City AC, and BLUEgrass Runners. Conditions that day could not have been better. The weather was just ideal! The well-marked course was somewhat bumpy on the starter hill from the heavy rain earlier in the week followed by freezing temperatures on Thursday. The beginning of Prison Hill was a little slick and muddy. However, overall, the surface was great! It was at the Friday Night Technical Meeting that this was one of the toughest courses in the championship series.
BLUEgrass Runners, we did well! We sent 14 runners out to the fields, hills, and dales that day, and we stood up against the best in the nation. The Women’s age 40+ team was only one point different from the next team ahead in the ranking. The Men’s 50+ team tied for their place with another team. The Women’s 60+ took second place, with Mary Nagle winning the silver in her age category.
At the Awards Ceremony, the excitement was palpable in the crowded room. One thing about runners: despite the fierce competition between individuals and teams, they always seem supportive of the winners and happy to be a part of the whole scenario. The party afterwards was lively with conversation and congratulations.
There was an article with results in Lexington’s Herald Leader – 11/13/09, pages C7 & C11. Full results at http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/USATFClubXCChampionships/results.
Special thanks to Val Zeps and Debbie Jackson for getting their teams registered and entered.
The Kentucky Officials handled the race like the professionals they are; giving us direction, encouragement and spectator control. Many thanks to USATF and our Kentucky officials for bringing this opportunity to us. We are so fortunate to have them thinking about runners and including masters in the local competitions.
There is already talk of the BLUEgrass Runners competing next year in Charlotte, NC on 12/11/10! It would be great if we could all go and maybe take a few more teams (e.g., Women’s 50, Men’s 60). In the meantime, there will be a number of opportunities for us to hone our skills at Kentucky USATF indoor and outdoor track and field events and cross country meets throughout 2010. All are welcome to participate.
The BLUEgrass Runners have now joined the ranks of the USATF National Club Cross Country Champions. Hooray for all!
