Human Race 8K Champion Pat Russell and Securian Frozen Half Marathon Champ Melissa Gacek currently lead the Minnesota Running Data Center Runner-of-the-Year standings.
The standings are tallied from performances on certified courses in Minnesota across a full range of distances. The newly updated standings include events through April.
Russell, who competes for GEAR Running Store, leads Run N Fun's Jeremy Polson 29-27. GEAR teammates Pete Gilman and Josh Metcalf are currently tied for 3rd with 26 points. RNF's Ed Whetham is fifth with 22.
Gacek, who represents Run N Fun, leads with 21 points. She's ahead of a three-way tie for second between GEAR's Sonya Anderson-Decker and Nicole Cueno and RNF's Amy Lyons. Angie Voight of RNF is fifth with 12 points.
Runner-of-the-Year standings are compiled for masters runners by age group as well. Anderson-Decker is tied with RNF's Bonnie Sons for the lead in the women's 40-44 age-group. John Vandanaker of Lundgren Ford tops the men's 40-44 list.
Mike Setter, who compiles the ROY standings, tips his hat to long-time state record-keeper jack Moran (of RaceberryJam fame) for his assistance with the effort.
"It's all based on data that Jack has been graciously providing," Setter told DtB. "He's definitely the one making things work this year even though he is not the official state LDR record keeper."
I'm sure the record keeping is, for the most part, a thankless job. However, I know just from talking to other runners, that it's very much appreciated.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think things like the record keeping, raceberryjam, this website, our local running magazines, Team USA Minnesota, etc. are the things that set the Minnesota running scene apart from other states.
So a huge thanks to Jack for his years of service and to Mike for stepping up to the plate.
Finally, thanks for including links to my site when you talk about these awesome runners. Interviews with Pete and Sonya can be found in the archives. In addition, I'm feverishly working on interviews with many of the other names that you mentioned.