News

Jan. 28, 2007 - Boston Indoor Games, Boston, MA

Stellingwerff disappointed in Boston

Featuring a barrage of Olympic and world-level contenders, and hosting various world-record attempts each year, the Boston Indoor Games has become one of the largest indoor track meets in the world.

This year was no exception as a world-record was broken in the women’s 5000m and another attempt was made in the women’s 3000m, the same event that Stellingwerff raced in on Saturday night. Thus, it made for a fast and exciting race.

“I knew that Defar of Ethiopia was going for the world record in our race, but I was focused on my own race and my goal of breaking 9-minutes and I knew it was possible if I could run an even pace,” said Hilary.

The pacers set a blistering pace from the gun taking the leader, Defar, through the first kilomoter in2:49, right on 8:27 world-record pace, while the rest of the field followed. Hilary was in the second pack and passed the first km in 2:56, a few seconds faster than planned. She fought through the next two km, but unfortunately the early fast pace was not “money in the bank” and she slowed above her goal pace.

In the end, Defar was the winner, but three seconds shy of the world-record, in a time of 8:30.31. However, American Shalane Flanagan impressed all by being Defar’s biggest challenger, finishing just three seconds later in a new American record of 8:33.25. Stellingwerff ended up 10th place overall in 9:16.95.

“I was pretty disappointed with my results today, I wanted to run a lot faster,” said Stellingwerff. “I think my inexperience in this event showed today, but I am confident that next time I run it I will have that much more determination and racing experience to run my goal time. I know my fitness is good right now and I plan to show that in the next two 1500s I race in February.”

Next up for Hilary is the 1500m in Karlruhe, Germany on February 11th.

Click here for full results of the Boston Indoor Games.

-30-