Moskowitz relects on 'breakout race'

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

There’s a good chance a lot more people know the name Eli Moskowitz after the historic  3,200-meter race at the Glenn D. Loucks Games in White Plains (New York). 

The tall, lean senior distance runner from Souhegan High in Amherst (New Hampshire) had what he called a “breakout race.”

Moskowitz ran a 25 second personal record on his way to an eye-opening 8-minute and 44.79-second third place finish. 

Mikey Brannigan of Northport (New York) won in 8:42.92 and Alex Ostberg of Darien (Connecticut) was runner-up in 8:43.93. 

Moskowitz was one of only four individuals that went under 8:50 and part of an elite pack of 10 that finished in less than 9 minutes. 

He also was one of four that broke a state record in the event. 

If there were any questions of just who Moskowitz was before last Friday, he made sure his name won’t be forgotten. 

“Watching the video afterward, they (announcers) talked just about every runner during the course of the first mile except for Eli,” Souhegan coach Jeff Wilson said with a laugh. “But I did hear at the meet people mention him, people knew who he was, but he clearly moved himself up in terms of his overall ranking.”  

Moskowitz’s name, almost buried amongst a laundry list full of nationally ranked distance runners, entered the event with a clear idea of what he was getting himself into. 

“We definitely had an idea it was going to be a fast pace,” Wilson said. “The word on the street among the coaches was Alex Ostberg’s goal was to break 8:40. I remember telling Eli that beforehand, in some sense I was telling him that because the pace would be pretty brutal.”

As the race unfolded, Moskowitz clocked an opening 64 second opening lap and was able to stay composed and hang with the front pack. 

“That was a very fast first lap,” Wilson said. “But Eli just looked so relaxed and comfortable; I was more excited than concerned.”

Moskowitz, who ran in sixth place for a majority of the race, moved his way up and with 800 meters to go, challenged for the lead. On the bell he was shoulder to shoulder with Ostberg.

With 200 to go, Brannigan surged ahead as Ostberg and Moskowitz followed.  

“At that point I was at a place I’ve never really been before,” he explained. “Honestly, I didn’t feel too bad at that point; I think I could have gone a little more aggressively with 200 to go.”

Before the Loucks Games, Moskowitz’s best time in the 3,200 was 9:10, which he produced in the spring of 2014. The New Hampshire all-time state best was 8:59.43 by Aaron Watanabe of Hanover in 2010.

An injury last year toward championship season prevented him from racing, so he never got a chance to run again. 

Moskowitz, who was a Northeast Cross Country Foot Locker Finalist this past fall, said he thrives on competition. The Loucks Games turned out to be the perfect storm for him.

“A week later I’m kind of still in shock, it was definitely quite amazing,” Wilson said. “Eli is very goal-oriented, passionate about running, so it’s not surprising. I did expect him to break nine minutes, but never in my wildest imagination think he’d run what he did.” 

Moskowitz, ranked third in the U.S. in the 3,200, said a race like this, not only is a confidence booster, but better prepares him for the future. 

But for Moskowitz, who will attend Brown this fall, elite competition doesn’t come around too often. He said he’d like to get a chance to race Ostberg again, but that may not happen. 

There’s a possibility the two could collide at the New England Championships on June 13 in Saco, Maine. 

Moskowitz is also uncertain if he’ll compete at New Balance Nationals or Brooks PR, if an invitation comes. 

But whatever happens, Moskowitz is sure to be ready. 

“I know I have the ability and next time I’m in a situation like that I can be more aggressive,” he said.