Beantown Winter Classic - outstanding performances

Boston, MA

On Sunday, I got to witness a couple of amazing performances in the 2 Mile run. At the time, I could not appreciate how special the performances were because I was spending way too much time getting shots in focus (or not in focus!)

Tamrat Gavenas, running for Andover Phillips Academy (MA), posted the fastest time indoors this year in the 2 Miles. Following the pacer from Battle Road Track Club for the first mile, Tamrat was on pace to set a fast time. The hard work often comes when the pacer drops off, and the racer is left on their own. Tamrat ran the second mile unaccompanied, finishing 9:04.03. That time was faster than his best time in the two miles by nearly ten seconds. An outstanding personal best.

Tamrat in the portion of the race where the pacer had successfully brought him through the one mile mark. Tamrat running alone and putting in the work.

One lap to go, with a sub nine-minute indoor 2 mile effort just out of reach

It is only December, but 9:04 is outstanding! Tamrat finishing strong.

In the girls 2 mile run, seven of the ten fastest times in the nation came from the race on Sunday!! I know, I know...it's only December, but C'mon man, seven outstanding times in one race! Let's celebrate it!

Early in the 2 Mile run, Keaney Bayha of Pilgrim High School (RI) takes the race out hard, creating separation from the trailing pack of runners. I don't know much about Keaney, but I get from this race that she's not afraid to push the pace and run alone

Keaney Bayha continues to push the pace and lead the racers through the halfway point in the girls 2 Mile run. Although the pack has decreased Keaney's early lead, she is showing no visible signs of stress from the early fast pace.

Leyla Bhusri (718) of Shenendehowa Central and Keaney Bayha of Pilgrim running stride for stride. At this point in the race, Leyla and Keaney have separated themselves from the other racers and the race winner will come from this group.

Leyla Bhusri of Shenendehowa in the final stages of the 2 mile run, alone and pushing the pace.

That's what relief looks like! Leyla Bhusri crossing the finish line and posting the second fastest time in the country.

I'm glad I was able to witness such outstanding performances. I sincerely hope to see you all on the short track soon!

I will be at the Reggie tomorrow during the day (MSTCA Distance) and at New Balance in the evening (USATF-NE Night at the Track.)