Big Names in Camel City Elite

Big Names in Camel City Elite

Jan 28, 2015 by Meg Bellino
Big Names in Camel City Elite




WEEKEND'S RACE PREVIEWS:

UW InvitePSU NationalArmory InviteCamel City Elite | Razorback Invite

The Camel City Elite middle distance races will not disappoint in 2015. With $4,000 on the line in the mile races, as well as $1,000 bonuses if a facility record is broken, we're hoping these big names come with big performances. Check out the women and men in the marquee events.

Women’s 800m, Saturday 1:20pm CT
The women’s 800m looks something like the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Geena (Gall) Lara took home titles while representing the University of Michigan and was a 2012 Olympian in the event. She’ll be challenged by 2008 runner-up and 2009 third-place finisher Latavia Thomas, and sixth and fifth-place finisher and eventual NCAA champion Phoebe Wright. Heather Kampf set the facility record (2:04.28) in 2014 en route to her victory, and we can’t wait to see who takes the title in this blast from the past matchup.

Men’s 800m, Saturday 1:30pm CT
Nike and the Oregon Track Club Elite have stellar representation in this men’s 800m field. Former 400m hurdler turned 800m runner Brandon Johnson holds the fastest time in the field (1:43.84) and was a member of the 4x800m at the IAAF World Relays in 2014. Teammates Tyler Mulder and Harun Abda of OTC Elite will be fighting to break Johnson and the 1:48.64 facility record. Ryan Martin, formally of UC Santa Barbara, could shake things up with his 1:44.77 PR, as well.

Women’s Mile
, Saturday 2:45pm CT
Shannon Rowbury is coming off an impressive 4:27 effort at the UW Preview and is the favorite of the field. But never sleep on Morgan Uceny, who may exhibit more inconsistencies than most, but she’s still got that 4:00.06 1500m PR to her name. Heather Kampf was solid on the roads in 2014 and should be in the mix, as well. Georgia’s Carly Hamilton headlines the collegians in this elite mile. As a top NCAA returner, she holds PRs of 4:35/4:12 and will surely be going for her NCAA mark. Dark horse (and potential major threat) could be high school star Ryen Frazier. The NC State commit is currently sitting atop the U.S. high school charts with her 4:44.20 ran at the JDL November All-Comers Meet. The Footlocker Finalist and Great Edinburgh Team USA member is the youngest, but perhaps most fearless competitor in the field, and could be pulled along to something special.

Men’s Mile, Saturday 2:55pm CT
Some of America’s favorite milers make up this elite men’s field. Leo Manzano is fresh off of his 3:30.98 personal best in the 1500m in Monaco this summer and is the lone medalist in the field. Everybody’s favorite track and field personality Will Leer will be his top challenger. Matt Elliott (who brought everyone to tears, don’t act like you haven’t watched this video), Cory Leslie, and Riley Masters round out the elite field. You’ve got your experienced pros and your fresh newcomers, and it’s anybody’s race. Leslie owns the facility record (3:57.81) and we hope it goes down.