HEEEEERE’S JOHNNY!

runguru December 4, 2017

Johnny Rutford of Omaha, representing Lincoln Running Company Racing turned in the marathon of his life.

Fast on the heels of last Friday’s call to Go Long Nebraska, a handful of LRC Racing athletes were already in Sacramento, not listed on the status of elites, confounding me. Johnny will have no such problems moving forward. His sterling 2:21:34 the fastest marathon in almost 10 years by a Nebraskan. As always, with all due respect to Mike Morgan and Tanner Fruit, both ex-pats that have achieved the standard. Johnny was 52nd in our USA Marathon National Championships. Eric Noel of Lincoln, representing LRC Racing was 60th in 2:23:12. Michael Rathje of Omaha, also representing LRC Racing was 83rd in 2:27:04. Got to hand it to these hard working fellas. Three runners from the same team under 2:28:00, Nebraska, in the guise of LRC Racing, seems to be answering the call to go long. And that ladies and gentleman is great stuff. Kayte Partch (unattached) of Lincoln was first female from Nebraska in 2:49:55. Nate (2:38:35) and Karissa Stack (2:59:06) both running very well.

More local interest from CIM. Two time Nebraska Trail Run Half Marathon Champion Patrick Rizzo qualified for his 4th consecutive Olympic Trials Marathon finishing 20th in 2:17:27. My old buddy Fernando Cabada (recent of the Good Life Halfsy) was right ahead of Patrick finishing 19th in 2:17:07. Mason Frank (formerly Iowa Ablaze) of Denver was 26th in 2:17:39. Sara Hall led all women in 2:28:10.

Fifty women met the Olympic Trials standard of 2:45 Thirty seven men met the 2:19:00. Another CIM in the books!

So today’s message is nothing but optimistic. Nebraska runners may still be just below the radar for most national championship fields, but these runners and racers that have the drive to strive are the first step back to national respectability.