Masters 4 x 800 relay teams post record times at USA Track & Field’s Mid-America Region Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championship
Boulder, CO, August 14, 2022 – Running clubs around the country are thriving in America’s newest running boom. Sparked by innovations in running shoes and gear, the return of our favorite races from COVID hibernation, and convenient access to live events and pro athletes over streaming apps and social media, track is back in America. Clubs are giving athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in this exciting movement.
Look no further than the University of Colorado’s Potts Field this past weekend where masters runners, jumpers, and throwers from around the Mid-America region gathered to try their hand at the sport they love.
“We specifically circled this meet on the calendar to go after the club American record,” said John Borthwick, a member of the record-setting relay team for the Boulder Road Runners’ Men’s 55 age group. “Studying the records, we realized our club could potentially set three new marks in the same race.”
Boulder Road Runners women’s track and cross country teams are especially deep in the age 60 – 75 age groups. Team Coordinator Virginia Schultz’s Women’s age 70 4 X 800 relay team consisting of Nancy Antos, Linda Yarr, Lynne Kidder, and Lynn Hermanson averaged just over 4:00 minutes per athlete (16:54:93) to smash the prior American Club record by over five minutes, set just last month by Atlanta Track Club.
“I love trying new things, so I was game to try a relay,” said team member Linda Yarr. “I never imagined I could be part of a record-breaking team. It was a terrific team effort on our home field.”
“With the start time moved up, we almost didn’t get our team on the track with our lead runner having to jump out of her car, pin on a number, and get on the track, jogging in place to warm up,” commented Schultz. “Regardless, they managed to keep nerves at bay, the magic baton in hand, and bring the new record to their Club!”
On the strength of Dan Spale’s mad sprint to the finish line, the Men’s age 65 team posted a mark of 11:59.52, a stunning sub-3 minute average per relay leg for Dan and teammates Jack Pottle, Bruce Kirschner, and Mike Wien. Though five minutes under the current record, the team soon learned of another mark of 11:27.74 run last month by Shore Athletic Club that is pending ratification from USA Track & Field.
“If we don’t get the record, we will be more motivated to take it down next season,” Jack Pottle commented with a determined look that says they will indeed get it done in 2023.
“The pursuit of these kinds of records in Club sports is part of what makes it great,” added Team Coordinator Bruce Kirshner. “Its equal parts rivalry and camaraderie with other teams from around the country. Most of all, it is an opportunity, at any age, to come together around a sport none of us will ever outgrow.”
Fresh off setting the 4 x 800 American Record for the Non-Club Men’s 55 age group at the Masters Outdoor Nationals as part of a mixed-club team, Todd Straka and John Borthwick set sights on the club record and recruited fellow Boulder Road Runners members John Probst, and former CU Track and Cross-Country All-American Charles Trujillo. The foursome’s record time of 10:14.17 represents an average pace of nearly five minutes per mile and is the new American Record for that age group.
“Our Club focused a lot of energy on adding new age-group racing teams to represent Boulder Road Runners in USA Track and Field Masters competitions on the roads, track, and cross-country. It is really rewarding to see that payoff today with three records from teams representing three different decades,” said Todd Straka, Club Vice President (and relay team member).
Founded in 1979, Boulder Road Runners (BRR) joins clubs like New York Road Runners (NYRR), Boston Athletic Association (BAA), Atlanta Track Club, and other long-tenured clubs determined to see the sport prosper.
In addition to providing Boulder Road Runners members with USATF sanctioned club racing opportunities, the Club produces Colorado’s largest, and longest-running All-Comers Summer Track and Field Series, as well as the Mile High Mile. Club volunteers also help support meets for the University of Colorado Track & Field program and the renowned BolderBoulder.
“We are the shoulders on which our running community stands,” added Club President Chris McDonald. “Our members are servant leaders committed to seeing running in Boulder, and across Colorado, thrive regardless of an athlete’s club affiliation or nationality.”
W70: 16:54.93 – Lynne Kidder, Nancy Antos, Linda Yarr, Lynn Hermanson
M65: 11:59.52 – Dan Spale, Bruce Kirschner, Jack Pottle, Mike Wien
M55: 10:14.17 – John Borthwick, Todd Straka, John Probst, Charles Trujillo