Start Lists are out, curious who everyone has in their top 3 + a sleeper for the distance races: These are my picks. Feel free to disagree and give your picks. (The times included are their declared times)
Mens 800
1.) Isaiah Harris- 1:45.64
2.) Bryce Hoppel - 1:45.30
3.) Clayton Murphy - 2:20(1k)
Sleeper - Drew Piazza 2:21 (1k)
As always this race is wide open(ish), after Milrose, Harris looks to be in his best form since leaving Nike. But when you have 3 guys who have made a US team up front. We’re guaranteed a great race.
Women's 800
1.) Allie Wilson (2:36 1k)
2.) Kristie Schofield 2:01
3.) Kaela Edward’s 2:01
Sleeper - Nia Atkins - 2:02
-Allie was one of the more Consistent 800m runners in the US last year. I think she is in a good place and if she runs her usual race she should come out on top. In the right race Schofield could take it but I say it’s a 20% chance.
Mens 1500
1.) Josh Thompson - 3:37 (split 3:34 at Milrose)
2.) Christian Noble - 3:53 ( split 3:35 at BU)
3.) Sam Prakel - 3:53 (split 3:36 at Milrose)
Sleeper - Cole Hocker - 3:50 (2022 time) - curious if he actually shows up after pulling out of Milrose, only reason I have him on the outside looking in.
Prakel and Noble are two of few doubling this weekend. I gave them the edge based off both of them having experience running multiple races over a few days. Giving the Win to Josh as he is going into the race fresh and will most likely have more legs at the end.
Womens 1500
1.) Nikki Hiltz - 4:24
2.) Sage Hurta-Klecker 4:25
3.) Emily Mackay 4:26
Sleeper - Addy Wiley -4:32 - young star is having a great indoor season so far. Despite controversies I think she will be a player in the mix this weekend.
- This is Nikki’s world and we are living in it, They have had a great campaign so far this year. Impressive altitude races at NAU is the main reason I have them taking the win in Albuquerque
Mens 3000
1.) Christian Noble - 7:42
2.) Sam Prakel - 13:15 @ BU
3.) Eduardo Herrera - 13:11 @ BU
Sleeper - David Ribich - 7:44 - after switching groups his first outing in the 3k showed promise. Has a lot to prove this weekend.
- Might be the most controversial pick out of all but given the race is at altitude I don’t anticipate it being a fast. Gave the edge to the two guys with the fastest mile times.
Womens 3000
1.) Whittni Morgan - 8:30
2.) Emily Mackay - 8:40
3.) Elle Henes - 8:36
Sleeper - Valerie Constien - 8:41 - she ran great at BU, could quite hang with Mackay the last 200 but was just off her in the end.
- This is Morgan’s race to lose IMO, I think if it is slow and comes to a kick then Mackay could catch her off guard. But I like Morgan’s chances as of now