Simpson, Saunders Smash JDL Fasttrack Records at Camel City Elite

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Jenny Simpson entered the 2020 Olympic year with a strong performance in the 3,000 meters Saturday at the Camel City Elite at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C., winning in 8:51.49 to break the track record.

Simpson sped away from challengers Amanda Eccleston and Sharon Lokedi over the final four laps.

Shot-putter Raven Saunders enjoyed a triumphant return to indoor track in the shot put, breaking the facility record by more than a full meter with 58-6.50 (17.84m). She has spent the past two years away from the sport dealing with her mental health.

It was a surprising outcome in the men’s elite mile, where Willy Fink of The District TC outsprinted Edward Cheserek to the finish line and won 3:59.79 to 3:59.84.

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Clayton Murphy won the elite men’s 800 meters with a time of 1:47.59. He beat The District TC runner Alex Amankwah, who was second in 1:48.68. Craig Engels of Nike, making a homecoming appearance, was third in 1:49.03.

Raevyn Rogers of Nike won the elite women’s 800 meters in 2:03.15, beating New Balance’s Lindsey Butterworth (2:03.25) to the tape. Both runners had to overcome prep sensation Athing Mu, who led much of the race before settling for fourth place in 2:04.08.

Kayla Davis, a high school sophomore running unattached, broke two meet records by clocking 24.13 seconds in the 200 meters and 54.64 to win the 400 meters, beating college fields by dominant margins.

Davis moved up to US#4 in the 400 meters and improved her US#7 200-meter time.  

Jessica Harris of Nike won the women’s elite mile in 4:33.59.

Dominque Clairmonte from North Carolina State won the women’s 3,000 meters in 9:37.06.

Erika Kinsey of Puma won the women’s high jump with a clearance at 6-3.50. Inika McPherson was second at 6-1 and high school star Morgan Smalls of Panther Creek NC tied for third at 6-0. Smalls is the only high school girl over six feet this season.

Gordon Lewis from North Carolina Central ran 48.61 for a new meet record in the men’s 400 meters.

CJ Jones from The District TC won the 600 meters with a track record time of 1:17.98. Teammate Quamel Prince took the 800 meters in 1:49.51. Prince also won the 1,000 meters in 2:25.64.