Chandler Rotary Recap: Distance Races

Carlos Villarreal (red), kicks past William Mayhew (black) in the Chandler Rotary. Arizona Milesplit Photo.

The Chandler Rotary is accustomed to some very high profile athletes coming and turning in some very big performances. This year was no exception to that. In fact, this year's girls mile was the race the entire nation was talking about. Milesplit (both in Arizona and nationally) as well as other track and field media outlets were billing this race as the race of the week. It featured no less than 4 Gatorade runners of the year with 10 other girls who had broken 5:04.

With so many elite runners in the field it had the look and feel of a championship race. Experienced runners know if their competitors are of equal ability, leading wire to wire can be very difficult. The race went out slow, as championship races often do. Montana freshman Annie Hill wasn't having it though and made a move with 800 to go. While this move ratcheted up the pace it didn't really separate the field. Dani...