by Larry Eder
In the qualifying for the team for the world XC, the US championships were held in Spokane, Washington. The weather was good, and the two elite races were tough up front.
Congrats to Shalane Flanagan and Dathan Ritzenhein, who took the women’s and men’s wins. More details below (photo galleries tomorrow!)
On the women’s side, Shalane Flanagan and Molly Huddle took, off, built a lead, but Shalane was clear by 1k, which she hit in 3:01! Flanagan build a fifty-one second lead (25:10 to 26:01) by the time she finished! Amy Hastings was five seconds back on the women’s side, in 26:06. Magdelena Lewy was fourth in 26:09, with Renee Metevier Baillee fifth in 26;26, and Sara Hall in sixth in 26:37! (full results follow).
No quarter asked. No quarter given. Dathan Ritzenhein and Patrick Smythe staged a war out there over 12 kilometers. Patrick took the lead, then Dathan, for all intensive purposes, blasted away, building eighteen seconds before reaching the finish, winning 34;34 to 34:52. Scott Bauhs, showing some of his talent, took third in 35:01, with Benjamin Bruce in fourth in 35:16, and Bobby Curtis running 35:20 for fifth (a week after his nice 13:38 5k at the Rbk BIG).
To see complete results, please click on http://www.usatf.org/events/2010/USAXCChampionships/schedule.asp
For more on the sport, please click on http://www.runningnetwork.com
