Strong Finishes for Mizuno Ambassadors at the US National 20K Championships

by Harper Cornell on September 7, 2011

September 5, New Haven, CT,  Mizuno Racing Team Member, Clara Grandt, continued her consistent successful string of summer races as she placed 2nd in the US National 20K (12.4 miles) Championships in a time of 1:09:05 (5:34 per mile pace).  Fighting warm and muggy conditions, Clara was 24 seconds behind Janet Cherobon-Bawcom of Rome, GA.   Running in a group of 5 at the 5 mile mark, Clara broke away and opened up a lead of 70 yards and was not passed until mile 9.   This was the first time in Clara's young career (first pro race was New Haven 20K in 2010) that she ran in the lead pack and then tried to break away.   This race strategy is a major step in Clara's development as she aims for the US Olympic Marathon Team in 2012.   Second Mizuno finisher was Megan Armstrong-Peyton in 7th with a time of 1:10:28 (5:41 per mile).  Kristen Zaitz ran her first race back after an injury that had side lined her for over a month.   She was in 5th place at mile 9, but had to drop out as the fast early pace took its toll.   The final Mizuno women's finisher was Heidi Westover in 26th place with a time of 1:19.32.   On the men's side, new Mizuno Team Member Zach Hine placed 8th in 1:02.14 (5:01 per mile).  For the 3rd year in a row Patrick Rizzo finished in 11th place in 1:02.33 (5:02 per mile).  Completing the Mizuno Men was Luke Watson in 30th place, 108:56.