The third day of competition at the WMA World Track & Field Championships featured the finals of the Women’s 5,000 meters, contested at Sacramento City College in the heat of the late morning. Christine Kennedy became the first PAUSATF athlete to win an individual gold medal at these championships.
Over the past decade or longer Kathryn Martin of New York has made the distances from 800 meters to the half marathon her playground, winning numerous National and World titles. Until today, I don’t believe she has ever faced Kennedy, though I’ve previously suggested Martin would not best Kennedy if they met. They met today in the Women’s 55-59 5,000 meter and Kennedy helped Martin earn what may be her first silver medal, beating the perennial age group champion by a convincing 22 second margin.
Other local standouts in the Women’s 5,000 meter include:
Barbara Robben W75 5th
Karen Steele W50 9th
Lisa Balestrini W45 10th
Magdalena Visser W40 3rd
Verity Breen W40 5th (competing for Australia)
The Men’s 800 meter preliminary heats were held today at Sacramento State University. These following local athletes advanced to the next round:
Paul Zager M50
Jeff Mann M45
Greg Hales M45
Jaime Heilpern M40 (won his heat)
The Women's 100 meter preliminary heats were also held today at Sacramento State University. Two local favorites, Joy Upshaw and Liz Palmer each one their heats, advancing easily to the next round of the W50-54 division.
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