Posted: May 11, 2005

Athletics: Men's 1500, Women's Steeplechase To Highlight Minnesota Distance Invitational

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By Bob Ramsak

Top notch fields in the men's 1500 and women's steeplechase will gather at the inaugural Minnesota Distance Invitational at Macalester College in St. Paul on Saturday, May 21.

Scott McGowan, this year's U.S. indoor champion, heads a field of recent post-collegians including former Notre Dame All-American Luke Watson and Toby Henkels, an All-American for the University of Minnesota. Former NCAA stars Dan Wilson and Ian Connor, along with Ugandan Julius Achon and 20-year-old Mike McGrath, training partners at the Nike Oregon Project in Portland, are also in the field.

"The men's 1500 meters is going to be a very competitive and close race," said meet director Dennis Barker. "There is a mix of established names in this event along with some new young talent who are improving rapidly. Spectators watching this race are going to see fast times and some people who will be part of the future in the 1500 and mile in the U.S." 12 entrants have personal bests under 3:43.00.

In the women's 3000 meter steeplechase, eight of last year's fastest 10 fastest Americans are in the field, led by national record holder Briana Shook. Last July, Shook bounced back from a disqualification at the national championships with a 9:29.32 American record performance in Heusden, Belgium, the fourth fastest performance in the world. National champion Ann Gaffigan, who has a personal best of 9:39.35, is also in the field. International entrants include Rasa Michnioviate Troup and Jo Ankier, the Lithuanian and British national record holders.

Team USA Minnesota's Jenelle Deatherage (4:07.87) and 2004 Olympian Carrie Tollefson (15:04.07) top the field in the women's 1500 and 5000. A men's 5000 and 10,000 meter races for both men and women are on the program as well.

The meet will be hosted by Team USA Minnesota, a post-collegiate training center for elite distance runners where Barker serves as head coach. A prize purse of over $12,000 is on offer, with $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third in all events. The presenting sponsor for the invitational is Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.