Chicago Boys 800m Invite unites top middle distance runners

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It was an idea penned by Anu Parekh to bring some of the best of the distance talent together in the city of Chicago one last during the interim of the 2022 post-season. He knew that his son junior Akili Parekh of Chicago Latin was going to run one last big time two-mile race at Nike Outdoor Nationals before calling it a season. Why not invite some of his fast friends within the city limits for a time trial at an off event? The suggested distance would be the 800 meters and all involved were elated.

The pace setter was asked to take the pace out in 55-56 seconds in order for the field to have an opportunity to drop a few personal bests. Lane Tech's Jack Klein was listed as a pacesetter and since he would be running the mile and two-mile at adidas Outdoor Nationals, it's a great opportunity to get some extra work in. 

Klein led a stream of comrades through the first 400 on cue in 56.31. As the race passed the 500m mark, Klein did not veer off the side of the track. Since he was officially entered into the field, he could continue on. "I felt good after the 500, so I decided to finish," he said afterward. 

The 600m touched 1:24- mid for Klein but Michael Polizzi of Chicago Taft and Julian Aske of Evanston Beacon Academy were lurking. As the race entered the homestretch, Klein was tiring and tieing up. Polizzi's surge would take him past Klein and into the finish line first with a lifetime best 1:54.95 and concluding a great junior season.