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August 26, 2006 - Merksem, Belgium

Stellingwerff pleased with breakthrough season

Stellingwerff ended her successful season Saturday night at the Flander’s Cup Final in Merksem, Belgium with an 800m. The women’s field featured many top British athletes with sub-2:05 performances this season.

The pacesetter took the field through 400m in about 61-high, at which point Hilary took over the lead and tried to get things going. She fought British runner Karen Harewood (2:00 pb) over the last 200m, but Harewood took the in win in 2:04.11, with Stellingwerff not far behind (the final times have not yet been posted).

“I was hoping to go through 400m a bit faster, but it was still a great race with the British girls,” said Hilary. “The time wasn’t great, but I fought til the end and was pleased with the competitive effort and the second place finish.”

Hilary closed off the night by pacing the women’s 1500m through 1000m in around 2:44, to help fellow Canadian Malindi Elmore and friend Lauren Fleshman, who both ran fast times of about 4:09 and 4:10 respectively.

After a successful season, with a major pb in the 1500m and significant steps towards future goals, Hilary will now take a break from racing and training.

“I’m really happy with the steps I have made this year and I feel that I’m in a good position to reach my goals over the next few years,” says Hilary. “My coach Dave and husband Trent, have both been an integral part in my running success this season – with a lot of communication between them and myself to adapt my training and racing schedule. I’m very pleased with the set up and support system I have, which will only help me continue my progression towards World Champs next year and the Olympic Games in 2008.

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