Griak: Rain, Wind, Lots of Running

The start of the Gold high school boys race.  Winner Obsa Ali in second
as the pack leaves the start. Photo by Jim Ferstle

Rain and wind didn't dampen the competition at the Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday as one course record was set and the competition was fierce.  Runa Falch, a Norwegian running for Augustana, set the Maroon II collegiate record, running 21:34 for 6K.  St. Scholastica's Chelsea Johnson and Bethel's Matt Berens dominated the Maroon III collegiate races leading from the start.  Johnson finished in the women's 6K race in 22:03, Berens the men's 8K in 25:45(8K).

The men's collegiate Maroon II race was a three way battle won by Pittsburg State's Adam Volkert in 25:10 for 8K.  The men's Gold race 8K was won by BYU's Tylor Thatcher in 24:26, while Arizona State's Shelby Houilhan won the women's 6K in 20:35

Colorado high schooler Jordyn Colter of Cherry Creek won the HS Gold girl's 5K race in 17:47, while Obasa Ali won the biggest battle of the afternoon running 15:30 to outsprint  four runners down the final straight. Wayzata swept the boy's and girl's team titles.  Trent Powell of River Falls won the boy's Maroon 5K race in 16:20. Girl's Maroon results aren't posted yet.

Full results are HERE, Interviews and observations coming later, as well as photos.

The lead pack early in the Women's Collegiate  Gold race.
Photo by Jim Ferstle