USATF-Minn. Team Circuit Kicks-Off Sunday

Many of the region’s best runners will toe the line on Summit Avenue this Sunday to kick off the 2009 USATF Minnesota Team Circuit. The Human Race 8K is the first event in the nine race series which continues through the spring and summer, concluding with the City of Lakes 25K on September 13. As the traditional start of the new racing season, The Human Race is the first opportunity for many runners to get a look at the competition that they will be facing in the coming months.

Run N Fun has to be considered the team to beat in the Team Circuit open divisions. The women’s squad has taken the team championship for three consecutive years, while the men’s team has won the past two. On the men’s side, Run N Fun could face a challenge from Collegeville, who won last fall’s Cross Country Circuit and have added a number of talented athletes in recent years. Craig Yotter – USATF Minnesota’s Managing Director – notes that TC Running Company has also been adding depth to their roster and could be a significant factor in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Team Circuit Scorekeeper Joe Papin sees Run N Fun as a heavy favorite for the season titles, but notes that a number of other squads could challenge in individual races. “Overall, I see this year as an opportunity for several teams to re-create themselves on the road and hopefully one or two can find opportunities to upset the defending champs... I just don't see it happening often enough to produce a true competition for first place,” said Papin. He stressed that depth and durability can be as important as front-running talent in the six-month long circuit.

Look for a strong showing from TC Running Company in the men’s masters and grand masters divisions. The Eden Prairie based squad won the masters title last year and have a number of athletes who have moved into the grand masters ranks. Run N Fun and the Molar Milers should also be stong in both divisions, having shared the grand masters title in 2008.

The St. Cloud River Runners captured the women’s masters and grand masters titles last season. They should be challenged again by Run N Fun and Team Unattached in masters and by MDRA and Prairie Striders in grand masters.

The Human Race 8K begins at 1:20 on Sunday afternoon, starting near the corner of Summit and Cleveland Avenues.

File photo by Gene Niemi