With five of the eight runners running their first AUS exhibition meet, the StFX Invitational was a learning opportunity. St. FX had a deceptively challenging course, with short but very steep hills and a lot of grass and turns to make it difficult to maintain your pace. If the course wasn't challenging enough there was a wide range of weather; from cold rain to sticky humidity and sunshine and then back to pouring rain and big wind gusts.
In the women's 6000m race, new runner Abby Donnelly was the top finisher for the Tommies, crossing the line at 00:30:40.480. Team captain Jensen Elliot had a strong race with a time only 20 seconds off her best finish in that distance. New team member Nicola Hines finished closely behind Jensen in her first AUS race and returning runner Alaina Mejia had a strong finish to anchor the team.
In the men's 8000m race, first year runner Lars Schwarz finished 18th overall with a time of 00:29:16.470. Team captain Ryan Terry ran a solid race despite fighting off a cold. New runners Tyler Fitzpatrick and Mark Bartlett ran solid efforts in their first race and longest distance to date.
The STU Cross Country team will continue to train and will next compete at the UNB/STU Invitational at Odell Park on October 6th.
Results
Women's 6000m
Abby Donnelly- 00:30:40.480
Jensen Elliot- 00:31:43.490
Nicola Hines- 00:32:08.550
Alaina Mejia- 00:34:34.570
Men's 8000m
Lars Schwarz- 00:29:16.470
Ryan Terry- 00:31:32.870
Tyler Fitzpatrick- 00:43:53.830
Mark Bartlett- 00:43:55.020