Holbrook and Ely Are Crowned Champions at the GBTC Invitational
1/18/2009
The snow couldn't keep them home and for Mariko Holbrook and Matt Ely it was worth the trip to the Gordon Indoor Track at Harvard University on Sunday, January 18, 2009 as both athletes won their respective 3000 meter races.
Holbrook was engaged in a 3-way battle throughout, but made her move over the last two laps to take control of the lead and come away with the victory. This despite the fact that she had to dodge a field of men competing in the 60m dash that came rushing toward her as she was finishing the race!
Matt Ely didn't face any such obstacles as he patiently waited through a tactical race before making a strong move with 2-laps to go to ensure his victory. Bernie Mueller and Mark LaRosa also had strong races, running conservatively through the first half of the race and finishing strong. Mueller's race was a personal best, earning him the bronze.
Two B.A.A. athletes escaped the snow and cold for a few days to compete in the Houston Half-Marathon in Houston, Texas on Sunday, January 18, 2009 which served as the 2009 USATF National Half Marathon Championship. In his first attempt at the half-marathon distance, Ben Schmeckpeper ran 68:39 to take 42nd place in a deep field. In the women's race, Carly Graytock, who has been battling injuries all fall and just came off of a solid race at the USATF Club National Cross Country Championships in December, was forced to drop out at 9 miles with hamstring issues.
Visit the GBTC website for additional GBTC Indoor Track Invitational results.
Visit the USATF website for additional Aramco Houston Half Marathon results.
