Relive the 2021 Distance Night In Palatine featuring some of the greatest distance action
2021 was a precarious season for IHSA track and field because we were still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Events were held on by a string, and we were lucky to have a state championship, which was held in late June, several weeks out from the Fourth of July celebrations. One such event that captivated a starved audience was at Chic Anderson Stadium in Palatine, the site of Distance Night in Palatine.
One such event was the girls' 800m main event, featuring the nation's top middle-distance runner, Roisin Willis of Wisconsin. She came in with all the hype and a goal of breaking 2:00. What she and the fans received was much more intriguing.
Willis and an emerging freshman from Normal Community HS, 'Ali" Allison Ince, would shock the world, defeating 'Lady Goliath' 2:04.10 to 2:04.44. Four of the top all-time meet performances from this race.
