I was there.
Why did you "think the overall setup was weak"?
Why do you think "alot of people in the area stayed home"?
I don't know how well the meet was publicized ahead of time. I thought there would be more spectators. I wonder if the $10 admission charge might have dicouraged some people with a casual interest, but it's hard to say how many more would have watched if it was free.
Here are two well written pieces about the lead up to the race and post race recap.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/07/derwood-readies-for-top-runners/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/08/keflezighi-wins-third-national-title/
julie culley's second place finish was really impressive. She should be sponsored....
Good videos of the mens and womens race here.
Focuses on GRC mostly, but you can get a good look at the race.
I thoroughly enjoyed the USATF Cross Country Championship races this past weekend, watching every race, from the community 4k through the final men's open race. The general venue was interesting, the course layout challenging, and the weather spectacular considering the time of year. The competitors were inspiring and more than a few outstanding performances put on for spectators.
I felt the event was competently put on by Montgomery County Road Runners Club in cooperation with USATF, however it did have more of a club event feel to it rather than what one might expect at a National Championship event. Sort of like you would get at a race where the most notable entrants would be the local speedsters from your city or county. I hope the competitors did not feel the same way! (An earlier post mentioned the event being a bit "weak"...maybe this is what they were referring to?)
Spectators were treated to a first row view around almost the entire course, even at the finish line in many cases, as the crowd appeared to be fairly thin. Especially considering the very large and active local running community, and with several major metropolitan areas in close proximity.
Regardless, it was a good day of racing with mud, grass, and corn cob debris flying all around. A little blood and mud on your legs lets you know it wasn't just a jog in the park. And I have a memory card full of great race pics to download too!
stop whining wrote:
OK in the 1st degree wrote:Winning this qualifying round doesn't mean much
Right, because you didn't win it and weren't even in it.
However, this was the National Championships, and it's a big deal to people who care.
German Fernandez won the National Junior Cross Country Championships.
1ST PLACE - what did you get?
Nobody got worked up when Rupp won it years ago, look at the title: Junior. The importance is way, way, way below the NCAA div. 1 Cross Championship. I'm much rather have been 1 and 2 at Footlocker, and then top 10s at NCAA's than win NJCCs any day.
iujsjs wrote:
I'm
"I'd"
much rather have been 1 and 2 at Footlocker, and then top 10s at NCAA's than win NJCCs any day.