Midwest Distance Classic results

Michaela Hackbarth competed in the 1600m at the Midwest Distance Classic on Saturday. The meet was delayed because of thunderstorms, but it didn’t keep Michaela from running a PR time of 5:11.28. Her previous best was 5:27, so this was a huge, but expected time drop. Good luck to Michaela as she finishes her track season next weekend at the NBON in North Carolina.

Pre-meet story from June 12:

The Midwest Distance Classic is a meet that has changed names and locations over the years, but has remained a solid testing ground for distance runners from around the Midwest looking to extend their season. DGS junior, Michaela Hackbarth will be competing in the 1600m race prior to next week’s trip to the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in North Carolina where she will compete in the 800m championship division. This will be Michaela’s first 1600m race of the season. The 2-hour MDC meet will begin at 7:00pm at Benedictine University in Lisle and will contest races from 800m up to 3200m, including the 2000m steeplechase. Michaela’s 1600m race is set to go off at 8:45pm. Come out and support Michaela as she attempts to set a new 1600m PR.

Mike Newman of DyeStatIL has published the following preview of the race:

Audrey Belf (Birmingham MI) is the big favorite in this race having a 4:44.56 seed time faster than the rest of the field close to 15 seconds. Belf is tuning up for the Brooks PR Meet the following week. Could we see a sub 4:40 from her on Saturday night?  There are three other runners in this field that have run sub five. Brooke Wilson (Mt. Prospect IL) is coming off of a win at last week’s Chicago Magnificent Miles. The sophomore had a breakout track season including finishing second in the 3200 Meter Run in the Illinois 3A State Meet. She could go 4:55 or faster in this competition. Audrey Ernst (South Elgin IL) finished behind Wilson at last week’s race. The freshman ran 4:58.58 to finish fourth at the Illinois 3A State Meet. She has a tendency to take the lead pushing the pace early. With Belf and a pacer up front, it could allow Ernst to run under 4:55 as well. Kathryn House (Chicago IL) ran 4:59.18 this season. She could be with Wilson and Ernst in that front pack using this race as a springboard to her senior season. One other runner to watch is Illinois 3A 800 Meter champion Michaela Hackbarth (Downers Grove IL). She has concentrated on the 800 and 400 most of the season. She finished third at last week’s Festival of Miles 800. This race could be a good tune up for next week’s New Balance Nationals for her.

Read more: DyeStatIL – News – New era starts for Midwest Distance Classic Saturday night