A Distance Gala Report

It's been an impressive season for University of Iowa-bound Kayla Beattie (Sr., Woodstock, IL). The Northern Illinois native has emerged as one of the country's very best distance runners, while primarily running race after race by herself.

It was no different on Thursday evening, at the Belvidere North (IL) Sectional, where Beattie lowered her US#1 3,200m time to 10:06.15. Passing through the first four laps in 4:53, Beattie tried to break the ten minute barrier, but the blazing early pace caused her to slow down in the final few laps. She won the event by a minute and nine seconds.

Beattie then came back to take the 1,600m sectional title with ease. Beattie again got off to a quick start, continuing the push half way, then crossed the finish line at 4:49.08, 25 seconds ahead of her nearest competition.

Beattie will run in the Class AA (the middle division) Illinois State Track and Field Championships, again facing little competition, but hoping to put on quite a show in her last regular season track and field meet.