Once again we’re back for another exciting day at the Distance Showcase, hosted by Trinity Prep High School. The meet will commence with the 800-meter races, followed by the 1600, 3200, 5000-meter runs, and will end with the fun to watch, not so easy and messy, Milk Mile, for those who dare to attempt it.

Taking place just one week after the state meet, many of the state's top athletes, including some state champions, are all gearing up for another chance to drop their times, race old rivals, and make new friends.

After taking a look at the entries, we decided to take a look at each event and and list who’s in which race, and which races will be eagerly anticipated, though let’s be honest, the entire meet is already highly anticipated.

800-meter run

Starting off the day we have the good old half mile! We may not be seeing some of the top runners in the state in this event, but we will see one of two things: a very tactical race, mainly between sophomore Timothy Doyle and senior Adam Bradtmueller, or a very spread out race.

Coming in with a seed time of 1:54.6, we know that Doyle has some wheels, yet, so does Bradtmueller, who comes in with a seed time of 1:58.2. If it comes down to the two of them in a kicker’s race, who’s going to come out on top? And then of course, there’s always the underdog who steals the show? This opening event will be one to watch. Let’s see how many guys we can get under two minutes!

1600-meter run

The most loaded event of the day with a total of 27 entries from both sides, four laps around the track might make your head spin with who’s in it.

On the boys side, which is the thicker of the two, it’ll probably be much like the 800 in theory; that it’ll be a tactical race. Coming in with the top seed time of 4:19.2, look for junior Caleb Pottorff to possibly take charge of the race early. Look for senior Johns Volmar to be in the mix as well, along with a tight pack of runners, ranging from about 4:30 to 4:37.

On the girls side, we’ll see freshman Rebecca Clark, coming in with a seed time of 5:08, only running against three others, Claire Farnsworth, Sadie McLaughlin, and Alexandra Baba. Clark’s personal-best is 5:12, but maybe this race will be her chance to dip under 5:10. Despite the number of competitors, this should be a good race between Clark and Farnsworth.

3200-meter run

No big names per se in this race on the boys side, but look for a close race between a few individuals, seven of which are ranging from 10:00 to 10:13. If it seems like a big gap, you’re probably right, but it’s anyone’s race, and anyone’s day to set a personal-best. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a sub-10 performance. Stay tuned to find out.

On the girls side, probably the second most-anticipated race behind the Milk Mile, the girls 3200 will feature sophomore Rafaellla Gibbons and University of Florida signee, Hannah Brookover. Two girls, both from different classes, should be a race of age versus youth.

Gibbons comes in with a seed time of 10:27, with Brookover seeded in 10:41.9. However, don’t let the two powerhouses make you forget Rebecca Clark, who will be coming back from the 1600 earlier on. Clark will come in with a seed time of 10:57, and will be looked at to mix it in with two of the top girls in the state, making a name for herself in the process.

5000-meter run

Some of us prefer 3.1 miles on grass and dirt, with the occasional mud puddle. But if running 12 ½ laps around the track is your thing, then this is the race for you, and apparently, there’s a lot who “enjoy” this. But then again, some people really do enjoy a 5K on the track.

Look for a true race from start to finish. Look for Adam Bradtmueller to come back from the 800 with the top time of 15:20, as well as Noah Perkins and Chas Cook all to be in the mix, along with Haftom Fliegelman. This 12 lap rodeo is sure to be a good one, with the top eight seeds all under 16 minutes.

Milk Mile

It’s whoever dares to live life on the wild side. Look for all sorts of characters to attempt to finish the mile. And whoever does finish, it’ll be interesting to see where the times stack up.

Official live results will be available shortly after each event, and will be provided by Elite Timing. 

First RACE is set for 7PM on the campus of Trinity Prep in Winter Park.  Race day entries will be accepted.

We’ll be on-site to capture all of the action, so we hope to see you there! And remember, this is an OPEN MEET, so NO SCHOOL UNIFORMS!