Starliper Clocks 9:07.14 At BU; Hart Runs 16:09.56 For 5K

By Mary Albl of DyeStat 

Less than a week removed from winning the NYRR Millrose Games Girls New Balance Mile in record fashion, Marlee Starliper was at it again. Friday evening at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational at Boston University’s Track & Tennis Center, the Northern PA senior ran to a high school US#1 time in the 3,000 meters, clocking 9 minutes, 7.14 seconds.

Starliper’s performance was the fourth-fastest prep time in history in the event, right behind North Rockland’s Katelyn Tuohy (twice) and Mary Cain. Her time was also a senior class record, breaking the time of 9:14.12 set in 2017 by Kate Murphy of Lake Braddock VA. 

Competing in the first seeded section of the event with professionals and collegiates, Starliper captured seventh place in her heat and ninth overall. Dana Giordano of Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) won the event in 8:51.78.  

Starlper, who will attend North Carolina State this fall, beat her future teammate and current NC State freshman, Kelsey Chimel, who finished in 10th (9:10.74). 

On Feb. 8 at The New Balance Armory Track and Field Center, Starliper won the NYRR Millrose Girls mile in a US#1 time of 4:37.76. That time ranks her as the fourth-fastest prep in the event.

Also competing against a pro and collegiate field was Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West IL on Friday evening as she toed the line in the women’s 5K. Hart ran a national-leading time of 16:09.56, which is the fifth-fastest prep time ever. Hart placed ninth place overall. New Balance’s Jenny Simpson easily won in 14:58.67.