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(c) 2024 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Published with permission. NORTHPORT, N.Y. (18-Sep) -- Saturday's 44th Great Cow Harbor 10K boasts a sold-out general field and will host the USATF 10K Championships for the third consecutive year.  A total purse of $47,000 is on the line including $8,000 for the winning man and woman and $2,500 for new course records. "We have great fields and I fully expect two course records as weather is looking good for fast times," said Will Fodor who recruits and organizes the elite athletes for the race.  "If we give out two bonuses we will be awarding $47,000 in USA-only prize money." Those course records are tough, however: 28:12.4 for men (Biya Simbassa, Under Armour, 2022), and 31:53.0 for women (Stephanie Bruce, HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, 2022). Although the USATF-certified course is net-downhill by about 41 meters (135 feet), it has a steep climb in the second mile on James Street which usually separates the contenders from the rest of the field.  Later, the final mile is nearly all downhill, conducive to fast sprint finishes. The women's field is very strong, despite the absence of 2023 champion Weini Kelati.  Erika Kemp (Brooks), who won the race in 2021 in a solid 32:18 will be back, and should face stiff challenges from former USA marathon record holder Keira D'Amato (Nike), 2023 national 5000m and 10,000m team member Natosha Rogers (Puma Elite Running), 2024 USA Olympic Marathon Trials fourth-placer Jess McClain (Brooks), 2023 USATF 5K road running champion Annie Rodenfels (adidas/BAA High Performance), the top American at the 2024 Mastercard Mini 10-K Amanda Vestri (Brooks/ZAP Endurance), and the second place athlete in the 2024 USATF Running Circuit Emma Grace Hurley (Asics/Heartland Track Club). Rachel Smith (Hoka), the USATF Running Circuit points leader, had planned to run but has scratched. Biya Simbassa, the 2022 men's champion and course record holder, leads the men's field.  He is currently second in the USATF Running Circuit points to Olympic steeplechaser Hillary Bor (Hoka) who will also be competing here on Saturday.  At the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race on Labor Day (the USATF 20K Championships), Bor handily beat Simbassa (who was third) which moved the two-time Olympian to the top of the USATF Running Circuit points table. Veterans Willy Fink (Under Armour), Sam Chelanga (Unattached), Anthony Rotich (U.S. Army), and Diego Estrada (Unattached) should also factor into the fight for the podium. The race prize money goes 10-deep: $8000-4500-2750-1500-1200-750-600-500-400-300.  There is also a $500 prime for the leaders at halfway.  Kelati, who won the women's race last year wire-to-wire, collected the 2023 women's prime, while Tai Dinger got the halfway prize on the men's side (he would finish seventh. The race reached its entry limit of 5,000 runners a full four weeks before race day.  That took organizers by surprise. "Our earliest, ever," said Fodor, whose son, Thomas,   "We did create a wait list to allow runners in the event if any valid scratches occurred enabling us to back-fill the available bibs.  To our astonishment we ended up with over 500 on the wait list." While it's tempting to make the race larger, Fodor said that keeping the runner experience at a high level is what is most important.  The population of Northport is only about 7500 and Fodor and his team want to give runners a genuine small-town race experience.  The race uses a wave start to assure every runner the chance at a clear roadway. "Our goal is to put on a quality event and to keep the name 'Great' in our name," said Fodor.  "We need to ensure all of the runners' safety (adequate water and medical personnel on site), while also achieving the goal of great overall customer satisfaction which we can confidently do with 5,000 runners." After Saturday's race here, only one event remains in the USATF Running Circuit program for 2024: the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K in New York City on Saturday, November 2.  The overall series champions will be crowned that day, and each will receive $30,000 out of a $300,000 series purse. PHOTO: Biya Simbassa winning the 2022 Great Cow Harbor 10K and the USATF national 10K title in a course record 28:12.4 (photo by Jane Monti for Race Results Weekly)    

Editor's note: The 2025 Emerging Leaders program is currently accepting applications. You can apply here. At the 2024 Running USA Industry Conference in Orlando, one of the most compelling newcomer stories came from Chef Yaku Moton-Spruill of Northern California. Chef Yaku found himself right in the heart of the running community, amidst like-minded industry professionals in a way he had never encountered before. As a member of the 2024 Emerging Leaders program, Chef Yaku's presence and insights offered a fresh perspective on the intersection of food and running. Hear him talk about his experience in a recent interview. A Culinary Journey into Running Chef Yaku’s journey into the running industry began with an unusual request. Originally a professional chef with a degree from culinary school in San Francisco and experiences on cooking reality TV shows to his credit, Yaku's entry into the running scene was serendipitous. His business partner was seeking a caterer for a grueling 24-hour trail event. Despite the daunting nature of the event, Yaku agreed to take on the challenge. "I remember thinking, 'What am I getting into?' but I wanted to carve out a new niche for myself," Chef Yaku recalled. The experience was eye-opening. He was astounded by the passion of the runners who, despite enduring extreme physical challenges, returned from the trails covered in mud and smiles. As Yaku observed and engaged with the running community, he found himself drawn to the camaraderie and spirit of the sport, especially its ability to bond complete strangers as newfound friends. Although he was initially skeptical about running itself, the community’s warmth and the shared experiences left a lasting impression on him. The Impact of the 2024 Conference Though he initially wasn’t sure what to expect, attending the 2024 Industry Conference influenced Chef Yaku in many ways. The conference provided him with a platform to share his unique perspective on how culinary expertise can improve and elevate events. His breakout session was a hit, drawing a standing room only crowd who were eager to learn how to elevate food offerings at running events. "The conference was incredible," Yaku said. "Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for running, regardless of their background, was deeply inspiring. We were all runners first, and that common ground made it easy to connect." For Chef Yaku, the most valuable aspect of the conference was the sense of community and the exchange of ideas. He appreciated how the race directors and other industry professionals in attendance, regardless of their experience level, supported each other and shared insights openly. Advice for Future Emerging Leaders When asked if he would recommend the Emerging Leaders program to others, Chef Yaku's response was enthusiastic. "Absolutely, do it without hesitation. The program offers incredible opportunities to learn and grow, whether you’re a novice or experienced in the field." He emphasized the importance of approaching the conference with an open mind and a willingness to absorb new information. For him, the experience was transformative, helping him to expand his horizons beyond the culinary world. The conference not only offered Chef Yaku professional growth but also fostered lasting connections. He has continued to engage with many of the people he met, collaborating on events and projects across the country. "I’m excited about the opportunities that have come from this conference," Chef Yaku shared. "From catering for trail series in Utah to helping out with marathons, it’s been a fantastic journey. The connections I’ve made have opened new doors for me." Chef Yaku Moton-Spruill’s experience at the 2024 Running USA Industry Conference is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary engagement. His journey from the kitchen to the running world illustrates how passion and expertise can intersect to create meaningful impact. For anyone attending future conferences, Chef Yaku’s advice is clear: be a sponge, absorb everything, and embrace the sense of community. The Running USA conference is not just an event but a vibrant ecosystem where runners and professionals alike can come together, share knowledge, and inspire each other.  

Note from presenter Chris Quetant: In order to gain access as an event organizer on the USATF Connect platform and submit a sanction request you only need to create an account and complete SafeSport training (both come at no cost). However, we do always encourage all event organizers and volunteers to become 3-step SafeSport compliant (USATF member, SafeSport training, & background screening). This is especially encouraged if you have direct engagement with athletes. Additional resources mentioned in the video: USATF Sanction Video Tutorials Certified Course Measurers: USATF • Measurers Certified Courses: USATF • Database Search  List of Approved World Athletics Competition Shoes World Athletics Global Calendar link

(c) 2024 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Published with permission. EUGENE, ORE. (30-Jun) -- In the hour leading up to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s stunning world record in the 400-meter hurdles (50.65), fans at the final session of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials — Track & Field were treated to a series of sensational middle- and long-distance races. On a memorable night at Hayward Field, Bryce Hoppel and Nikki Hiltz climbed up the all-time lists in the 800 and 1500, respectively, and Grant Fisher won his second event of the meet. All three broke Trials records. In the men's 800, Hoppel prevailed in a furious battle to grab the lead position on the rail at the 200-meter mark. He led at 400 meters in 51.20, with sometime training partner Hobbs Kessler --who had already made the team in the 1500-- swinging wide and surging into second place. Brandon Miller made a bid for the lead down the backstretch but Hoppel refused to yield. En route to his sixth straight U.S. title (three indoors and now three outdoors), Hoppel continued to build his lead, finishing in a sizzling 1:42.77. That's a lifetime best and makes him the third fastest American of all time. "In the moment I raced as hard as I could," said Hoppel, who won the world indoor title in March and is eyeing the podium in Paris. "I'm excited to try that against some international competition. I was feeling amazing.  I'm ready to go." Behind him Kessler passed Miller with 50 meters to go for the runner-up spot. Kessler lowered his personal best to 1:43.64, while Miller clocked 1:43.97, just off the 1:43.73 he ran in Friday’s semifinals. The next three finishers all ran the fastest times of their lives: Josh Hoey (1:44.12), Jonah Koech (1:44.32) and NCAA champion Shane Cohen (1:44.65). Clayton Murphy (1:44.90), the Olympic bronze medalist back in 2016 and the 2021 Trials champion, finished seventh. Kessler is the first American man to qualify for the Olympics in the 800 and 1500 since Rick Wohlhuter won both races at the 1976 Trials. He is leaning towards doing the double in Paris, but says he will discuss it with his coach, Ron Warhurst, and team. There is no overlap on the Olympic schedule, but the 1500 final is the night before the heats of the 800. "I think it can be done, but we'll see," Kessler said.  "I want the U.S. to have the best chance in the 8 and if it would mean that is someone else doing it fresh we'll let that happen. But if we think I can really give a good effort, we'll do that.  I was able to run 1:43 in my fifth and sixth races in less than 10 days so I think I have the ability to do it." In the women's 1500, defending Trials champion Elle St. Pierre wasted no time pushing the pace. She tore through 400 meters in 61.19 and 800 in 2:05.55, stringing out the pack. "I knew the field was really deep and I just wanted to make it honest," said the Vermont native, who won the 5000 meters earlier in the meet. "That worked for me in ’21 and I knew I could run fast. I was honestly surprised how well my legs felt for running two 5-Ks and two other rounds of the 1500." Leading the challenge were Sinclaire Johnson, Dani Jones, Emily Mackay and Hiltz. St. Pierre continued to lead at 1200 (3:08.77), but with 150 meters to go, her training partner Mackay drew even, then gained a slight lead down the homestretch. Hiltz came off the final turn and used a decisive kick to pass them both and win the race in 3:55.33, smashing the meet record of 3:58.03 that St. Pierre set in 2021 and moving to No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list. "I knew we were running fast, but I didn't want to know [the splits]," said Hiltz, the American record holder in the mile (4:16.35) and the silver medalist at the world indoor championships this year. "My instructions before the race were, 'Don't try to make an Olympic team, try to win the race, and so that's what I did." Hiltz, who identifies as transgender and non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, had been flooded with so much support from fans in person and on social media that she was feeling overwhelmed in Eugene. "I told myself I'm not gonna think about all the love and support until 100 meters to go, and at that moment you can let it all fill you up and push you to the finish line," said the reigning USA 1500m champion. "And that's exactly what I did, that's literally what brought me home." Mackay (3:55.90) edged St. Pierre (3:55.99) for second place, and they are now the third and fourth fastest Americans. The first eight finishers all went sub-4:00 and set personal bests, including Johnson (3:56.75), Corey McGee (3:57.44), Elise Cranny (3:57.87), Heather MacLean (3:58.31) and Helen Schlachtenhaufen (3:59.71). St. Pierre told reporters that she will not run the 5000 in Paris, which opens up a spot for Parker Valby, who was fourth in that race. Still, she had no regrets about doing the double at the Trials. "I'm really proud of myself. That took a lot of confidence and a lot of work," St. Pierre said. "There were times when I wasn't sure that I could pull it off, but I'm really proud and happy for myself that I did do it." The men's 5000 took an unusual turn when Woody Kincaid, already on the team in the 10,000, made a breakaway after only two laps, building up a lead of five seconds at the 1600 mark, with defending U.S. champion Abdihamid Nur (Kincaid's training partner) initially leading the chase pack. Fisher, who spent the time at his high-altitude training base in Park City, Utah, between the 10,000 and Thursday's heats of the 5000, pushed to the lead at 3600 meters and moments later he and Nur had gained separation from the field. Nur sprinted to the front with 250 meters remaining, but Fisher found one more gear and had just enough to break the tape first in 13:08.85, an Olympic Trials record. "I honestly didn't think it would be a very fast race. My plan was to go with three and a half laps to go and have it be a strong enough move that it made people think about going or not," said Fisher, who also made the team in both the 5000 and 10,000 in 2021. "There were a couple of variables that I didn’t quite expect, but that's how racing is." Nur was just a step behind, in 13:09.01. "We were squeezing those last four laps and I just wanted to get to that finish line," he said after making his first Olympic team.  "I wanted to win, but Grant had a great kick and we put on a great show." Part of that show was the battle that developed for third place between collegiate rivals Parker Wolfe of North Carolina and Graham Blanks of Harvard. Wolfe, who won the NCAA title on this track less than a month ago, steadily gained separation over the final lap, clocking 13:10.75, a personal best, to Blanks's 13:12.61 (Wolfe closed in 55.39, the fastest of anyone in the field). Dylan Jacobs (13:17.26) and Sean McGorty (13:18.27) followed, with 1500 winner Cole Hocker (13:20.99) finishing seventh. Fisher and Nur have met the Olympic qualifying time (13:05.00), but Wolfe has not. If his World Athletics ranking doesn’t move up high enough for a spot in the Paris field, then Blanks does have the mark. PHOTO: Nikki Hiltz wins the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials 1500m in a championships record 3:55.33 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. (photo by Jane Monti for Race Results Weekly)