The most significant inflection point in Illinois distance running during the track season is this week.
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Since its inception in 2016, Distance Night in Palatine has served as the greatest mecca of Distance Running within the state of Illinois at any point during the track season prior to the state meet. We say 'within' the state, because DNIP has attracted some of the Midwest's finest from our neighboring states as well, and will continue to do so in 2022. The single-event entry format, occurring typically on one of the first good-weather evenings in late April surrounded by steep competition from all three divisions in Illinois and more, has proven to foster iconic races and mind-blowing times for five seasons running.
In 2021, DNIP had additional meaning as it represented the first 'official' IHSA season meet that drew competitors from every COVID region in the state. Although the Western Suburban Conference was a notable absence from last year's meet, DNIP's two-session schedule enabled it to signify a return to normalcy that hadn't yet been seen. And it only took two brief minutes, the Allison Ince upset of Roisin Willis, for DNIP to declare soundly to the state that the greatness of Illinois track was back.
The young but established star from Normal Community will forever have a legacy inextricably tied to that of Distance Night in Palatine. Ince's Spring 2021 was laden with magical races wherever she went, and although her indoor championships were a sign of what was to come, it was Ince's first all-time Illinois lead submission in the 800 at Palatine which was the trademark moment. Thanks to Ali, Distance Night became the center of the running world for a week highlighted by a MileSplit clip on Youtube of the race garnering nearly ten thousand views. Thanks to Distance Night, Ali went from a promising freshman to Illinois' pride and joy.
Ince returns to run the 1600 at the 2022 installment, also to be streamed on MileSplitIL beginning with the Undercard races. Even considering the premier out-of-state talent, it is not clear where Ince's chief competition will come from. Still, the main distance storyline for the outdoor season will be the unprecedented depth on the Girls' side. DNIP will announce this depth and wherein the meet it lay with the release of the heat sheets soon.
Some attendees of Distance Night will come looking for a race to match last year's 800 'Wow' factor. While it is true the meet may not be able to match what happened last year, it is also true that it doesn't need to match what happened last year. Some previous players have moved on, some are still here, and new distance stars are waiting to emerge.
Come to MileSplitIL for all of the coverage throughout the week, and join us on our livestream coverage beginning at 5:30 CST on Saturday, April 23.