Date: Friday, July 28, 2023
Location: Detweiller Park; Peoria IL
Distance: 3.0 miles for all races except junior high (2.1) and kids (800m)
Race times:
The 16th edition of Detweiller at Dark is an unofficial embarkment to the cross country season. Co-meet director Brad Henz of Shazam Racing indicated the event has drawn the most entries in its history- with registration open up to the opening race.
As for the races themselves, look for competitive efforts from all divisions, especially from the high schoolers. This is an opportunity to provide an analysis of the summer conditioning.
The temperatures will be near record-breaking marks 99-103 F during the first race to "real feel" 90 degrees by the main events at 9pm.
Girls outlook-
Record: Katrina Schlenker- 16:49 (2019)
-Last year was a thriller with Anna Harden of Hersey IL running down then incoming freshman Natalie Bierbaum of Normal University with a time of 17:18. Harden has graduated so it means we will have a new champion. Key names to watch include Erica Woodard (Tolono Unity), Sofia Arcuri (Maine South), Luisa Arcuri (Maine South) (Maine South), and Julie Bach (Normal West).
Boys outlook-
Record: Gabe Fendel- 14:30 (2017)
-If you believe in the "Detweiller curse" it may not apply this year if Will Conway of Floyd Central IN is in the field. Conway is one of the elite distance runners in the Hoosier state, producing a 15:05 5K mark. During the track season, he clocked 4:05.72 for 1600m and 8:57.22 in the 3200. Defending champion Isaac Teel of Pinckneyville is in the field. Will Gelon of Prairie Ridge is a name to watch for.