Sunday, February 28, 2021
Santee, California -- The National Championships for the parent organization, USATF (USA Track & Field) were held in clear weather. Starting temperatures were in the 40s going into the 70s as the race progressed, Humidity was low as an east wind of 10-15 mph up to 25 mph came up in late morning. There were a dozen qualified men in the 50 km and seven women in the 35 km. There were also some international entrants for both races as well as other walkers for shorter distances.
Prize money for qualified entrants (U.S. citizenship) was awarded seven deep for the two featured races. Nick Christie, a top male qualifier, was aiming for a time in the low four-hour range to atone for last year’s disastrous odyssey. Others, such as Andres "Dre" Gustafsson, Anthony Joseph "AJ" Gruttadauro and Matt Forgues, could make for a spirited race after 35 km (28 laps) that was contested on a 1.25 km loop at the Santee Trolley Mall. The women’s race had top contenders Katie Burnett, Stephanie Casey, and Robyn Stevens.
All events started simultaneously that included 10km, 20km, and 30km. There were three international 50km racers with best times in the low 4:00 range, and faster than any U.S. racer. The course took 40 laps for 50km (Men’s Championship). Other laps were 8 for 10km, 16 for20km,24 for 30, and 28 for 35km (Women’s Championship).
Thanks go to Calvin Lau for the story and photographs!