by Larry Eder
University/College/Open Divisions (courtesy of Drake Relays news service)
JENNY TAKE A RIDE
In the race of the night, Jenny Simpson prevailed in the women’s 1500 — as usual. Simpson, the bronze medalist at last summer’s Olympics, pulled out of the pack to take the lead in the final lap, then survived a sprint to the finish to win the Rio Rematch race in 4:16.10. It’s the fifth straight victory for the Webster City, Iowa native in the race, matching a streak achieved by former Wisconsin star Cindy Bremser, who did it from 1981-85. Simpson won against an impressive field that had deep Iowa connections. Brenda Martinez, a 2016 Olympian, was second; Shelby Houlihan, an eight-time Drake Relays champion at Sioux City East, was fourth; and former West Des Moines Dowling Catholic standout Karissa Schweizer, who has won two NCAA championships, came in seventh. Kate Grace, the 2016 Olympic Trials champion in the 800, finished third. A mere 57-hundredths of a second separated the top four runners, giving the fans what they came to see.
RunBlogRun opines: Jenny Simpson is focused on London 2017. She wants to make the US team and take a medal in 2017. This is more important to her in that many of the women in front of Simpson in London 2012 have been banned from the sport. We wish Jenny luck as she builds to the 2017 Summer season.
