On Saturday, August 2nd, some Titan Distance athletes competed in the Illinois Meet of Champions, hosted at Chicago Hope Academy Stadium. In the inaugural year for the meet, the format was changed to a multi-day structure to comply with COVID guidelines. Seven Titan Distance athletes were given the opportunity to run in the Mile Run of a very high-quality meet for the first time in 149 days. The athletes run for GBS, but rather for Fleet Feet Racing on a beautiful new track in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.

Brian Hiltebrand set a new PR in the 1600m as well as the Mile. Brian ran the Mile in 4:34.95 with a 1600m split of 4:32.91.

Cody Slutzky finished first in his heat of the Mile, finishing in 4:54.30. Cody was interviewed by MileSplit Illinois after finishing his race.

Mrugesh Thakor and Michael Jerva both had very good races with the circumstances, finishing 4:53.21 and 4:55.71 respectively. 

This meet was the first meet under COVID conditions, and was very well managed. Social distancing, mask-wearing, and temperature checks was the norm for the spectators, and the athletes were still able to focus on their race. If this meet was an indication conditions of the upcoming Cross Country season, while it will be different, it will still be a very exciting season!