Whisper Runners Race AAU Nationals in Charlotte!

Elsa Linquist (Ilwaco HS) finished 19th between all 14yo female runners at the AAU National meet in Charlotte, NC.

Three months, and 2,700 mile later, Whisper runners closed the season at McAlpine Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, racing fierce competition on Saturday, December 7.  Led by the strong duo of Tristan Walter (Our Lady of Lourdes) and Mason Strogen (Liberty MS) and, the boys 13-14 team finished 11th in a field of 16 complete teams.  Additional highlights include Leif McBennett (Vashon Island HS), Elsa Linquist (Ilwaco HS), Chloe Carlsen, Lucas Ballard-Miller, and Elias Nitzschke, each placing in the top-25, and taking home a hefty finisher medal en route.

Whisper began the season in Tillamook, Oregon, at the Ultimook Race, with the girls team placing second, and the boys finishing first. Two new meets on the 2024 schedule included a trip to Seattle for the West Seattle Rust Buster, and the John Payne Invitational at Chambers Bay in University Place. The largest contingent of runners representing Whisper took place at the Halloween Dash Bash on October 19, which also happened to also be the largest Halloween Dash Bash race in its brief three year history.  See the teams athletic.net page for a list of season results.

The post-season included two trips to Seattle for Associations and Regions, and the final meet of the season in Charlotte. Associations was run at Magnuson Park, which proved to be a fast course among solid competition. Regions, on the other hand, was soggy, muddy, and slippery, particularly along the first 400m stretch, along the corners, and the final 400m home stretch. Whisper runners were not immune to running 30-50 seconds slower than average, as only 5.9% of the 8U’s, 9-10’s, 11-12’s, and 13-14yo age divisions set personal bests. Nationals, however, provided solid footing, compact gravel, and clear skies on race day, and in the days leading up to the championship race.

Whisper Running will offer club track in the spring, which typically begins in April. For elementary or middle school-age runners looking to participate in club track, connect with us today, and join the fun this spring.