I asked mate and race announcer extraordinaire Peter Taylor for his thoughts on the Hartshorne Mile…

Numerous women made a splash at this year’s Hartshorne Memorial Masters Miles, and here are my notes on a few:

Aeron Arlin-Genet – Taller than I had expected (she is 5’ 9”), Aeron looked like a current member of a college women’s 4 x 800 relay quartet. Her form is impeccable, and she won the 40+ elite race convincingly. Aeron commented later that it was “so fun to be a part of this.” With very little experience running in masters events, Aeron said that this event was totally different from what she is used to (which is running against college and open runners).

Cheryl Bellaire – “I hate the mile” is what Cheryl said to a local reporter, and she said that to me as well. I believe that Cheryl would like a shorter race. As the leader, Julie Hayden, crossed the line with one lap to go in the W50+ elite event, Cheryl was about 30 meters behind (assistant director Rick Hoebeke said it was at least 30 meters after looking at the videotape). Somehow, even though the deficit looked insurmountable, Cheryl dug down deep and ran down Julie by 2.33 seconds. She later said that the whole last lap was “pretty much a blur.” After crossing the finish line she literally took a dive and stayed down for perhaps two minutes or so (she was not hurt).

Christine Olen – Christine had the best reason for making the long trip (Chris traveled all the way from Idaho) ─ she had explained to someone (presumably in Idaho) that she had gotten an invitation: “I have to go.” Chris took the bronze in the elite 40+ (she ran 5:11.40).

Bernadine Pritchett – Bernadine won four unofficial awards (I was the only voter): (1) Traveled the farthest, as she flew from London, England, to Newark, New Jersey, then took a flight to Ithaca. (2) Best dancer (showed this at the banquet). (3) Prettiest dress. (4) Best accent (as noted, she is from London). Bernadine ran 5:13.82.

Karen Steen – Karen lives in Olympia, Washington, and thus qualifies as another long-distance traveler. Karen said that it was “awesome to toe the line in this field. Very impressive.” Karen had the best time of women aged 45+ (5:15.92). Because the track (Cornell University) is flat, it is not particularly conducive to fast times.

Other women in the meet no doubt had stories, and maybe they will be heard elsewhere.
Peter Taylor

Thanks Peter, I’m sure your wonderful race calling added to the exciting atmosphere of the Hartshorne Mile!

Race Announcer, Peter Taylor