The women’s race at Danehy this evening will be just as exciting as the Men’s event we previewed last night. We’ve got two Olympic Trials quality runners in here as well as several other local sub-elites to dazzle Cambridge with fast performances. Jason Ayr and Mike Giberti spread the word on what to expect below:
The Women’s Field:
The Favorites:
Laura Paulsen (Greater Boston Track Club) – A four time All-American for Johns Hopkins University and Defending Friday Night Lights 10k Champion, Laura has the experience and the talent to defend her title. Laura’s 2015 Penn Relays 10,000m win in 33:59 puts her on the list as the top seed and her strength displayed during the overwhelming hot 2016 Marathon Olympic Trials prove she has what it takes to race hard in the heat.
Erica Jessemen (Dirigo RC) – A force on the regional road race scene Erica proved she recovered quickly from her 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon showing with a 1:14:43 win at the New Bedford Half Marathon. Erica’s road best of 34:18, run in the dead of summer at the Beach to Beacon 10k shows her ability to grind in the heat as she looks to dethrone the returning Champ.
Holly Rees (Battle Road Track Club) – With a PR marathon performance at this year’s tough Boston Marathon in 2:54 and with a PR 5,000m six weeks ago, Rees may have the perfect mix of strength and speed right now to shake it up with the heavy favorites.
“Knocking on the Door”:
Liz Ryan (Greater Boston Track Club) – A 2:45 marathoner who was mixing it up on the track with shorter distance this winter, Liz looks to take her talents to the 10k distance on the track for the first time and if her marathon strength translates, this could be a very successful debut.
Sheri Piers (Dirigo RC) – Three time winner of the Beach to Beacon 10k and 2:36 marathoner, masters runner Piers may be up against the young guns here, but that has never stopped her before. Look for Piers to use strength and experience to run a smart race that threatens the leaders.
Annmarie Tuxbury (Woodbridge Running Co.) – An ace distance runner at Bryant, Annmarie posted PRs of 17’14 and 36’18 for 5k/10k with the Bulldogs last spring. She’s still carrying that talent with her after graduation and is definitely game to throw down a fast time.
Taylor Bickford (Battle Road TC) – If you’ve ever purchased Tracksmith apparel, Taylor Bickford is a name you’ve probably heard or a face you’ve probably seen in their modeling photos. She was also 4th at last year’s FNL 10k and is coming back this year to try for a podium spot.
Aly Millett (Greater Boston Track Club) – Aly was a middle distance runner in college while at University of Vermont, but she’s stepped up her game since then, dropping some serious times from sub-5 miles to sub-3 marathons. A bride to be, the new Mrs. Ursiny will be looking to do some damage in this evening’s show.
Here’s an overall entry list for the women’s elite race to go off at 8:30 this evening. If you’re in the area, definitely show up to the event. If not, follow Level Renner on Facebook and Twitter for live video and updates.
