There is no doubt that within the last four years the Festival of Miles HS All-Star races have become the place to be. Because of the popularity of the mile’s, they added the “Elite Development” races a year ago. Call it growing pains, but there are some pretty accomplished runners who are in the Elite Development section as opposed to the Championship Race this year. The meet will be streamed live on Flotrack.
From L-R: Matt Thomas (KY), John Nownes (NE), Graham Brown (IL), Ben Weisel (TN)
Boys Race
To the field is lined with runners between 4:13.68 and 4:21.77. Leading the charge is Matt Thomas (KY) who ran 4:15.34 for a full mile a month ago. Joining him are a number of state champs from across the surrounding states - John Nownes, first in the Nebraska 3200m and second in the 3200m, Dylan Hodgson, first in the Kansas 2A 3200m, Ben Weisel, first in the Tennessee Division II 1600m and 3200m, and Jon Davis, first in the 1A Illinois Boys 1600m and 3200m. The last two names, Weisel and Davis, are one’s to watch as they have shown success in other events. Weisel has some serious speed as he registered a 1:52.78 at his sectional meet as well as a 50 second open quarter. Davis clocked in at 9:05 3200m at his state meet - keep in mind, this is the “elite development" race.
From L-R: Melissa Menghini (MO), Grace Klaussen (MO), McKenzie Wilson (FL), Trina Moreno (IA)
Girls Race
The girls race features athletes who have run from 5:02.44 between 5:14.19. The top seed, Melissa Menghini, was third in both the Class 4 1600m and 3200m. Her PR of 5:02.44 puts her well within range to eye the sub five minute barrier on Thursday, especially considering the depth of the field. Joining her are Grace Klauseen, 10th in Class 5 1600m and third in the 3200m, Mackenzie Wilson, a 5:03 1600m runner from Florida, Trina Moreno, fifth in the Iowa State Meet 1500m, and Claire Workman, the Class 1 800m, 1600m, and 3200m State Champ for two consecutive seasons. Another athlete to watch is Kaylee Bogina, a multiple-time state champ from Kansas despite battling Chron’s disease.
Other Races
Big River Championship Boys Mile Preview
Big River Championship Girls Mile Preview