Brooks PR Invitational Illinois Connections - Courtney Clayton

Brooks PR Promotion 2013
Todd Grasley
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The Brooks PR Invitational brings together the nations top track and field athletes from across the country to compete at the Dempsey Center in Seattle, Washington, one of the fastest indoor tracks in the nation. The meet consists of seven events the 60 meter dash, 60 meter hurdles, 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, one mile run, and two mile run. Illinois is well represented sending six of the state's finest to Seattle. Leading up to the meet we will spotlight these talented runners.

Courtney Clayton
Hononegah High School (Rockton, IL) SR.
Event: 800m
PR's: 55.71 (400m),  2:08.48 (800m), 5:14.48 (1600m)

Clayton is coming off of a great outdoor season last spring that was highlighted by a seventh place finish at the USATF Junior Outdoor T&F Championships and a state title in the 800m.  Her PR is currently 2:08.48 for that distance. The senior and current Vanderbilt signee says her training has been going well so far.

"My teammates and I have been in-season for about six weeks now. We have had some pretty intense hill workouts, long runs, and some cross training.  I feel strong and ready to go out with a bang this year."

She will have a chance to compete against the best half milers in the country this weekend when she toes the line at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. She says she is looking forward to going out fast with a group of girls and hopefully post a good time to see where she stands the rest of the season.

"I’m excited to be able to meet new athletes; I know a few of my future teammates at Vanderbilt will also be competing at the invitational, so it will be great getting to know them. Some of my goals for the rest of the season are to compete at a few big invites, to take down more records including Shelly McBride’s 800 meter state record of 2:07.3 and to make the most of every meet and practice with my teammates."

Getting To Know Courtney Clayton

What kind of music do you listen to before races?
             
I usually will listen to anything that gets me up-beat and in the zone! The play list I listen to before I run includes a lot of Nicki Minaj, some Linkin Park, and Kesha.

 If you were stranded on an island with only three things what would they be?

I would bring someone to keep me company, plenty of food to eat, and my dog Oliver:
 
What is your favorite food?
 
I would have to say my favorite food is fried chicken or chicken wings.
 
What are some unrunning related things that people don’t know about you?
               
Some things people may not know about me is that I love the outdoors.  Kayaking, camping, and boating are my favorite. My friends and I try to do these things as much as possible in the summer. I also love animals. I have a little Yorkie Bichon pup named Oliver at home and when I’m older I hope to get another.