I saw an age group World Record today!
AM: What a cool morning! I was asked to try and pace a Gainesville girl in an age-group world record attempt in the 5k (road) for a 12-year-old girl named Ani in Clermont, FL the other day. I figured what the heck- how often do you get to say you were a part of that? So I said sure. Well, today was the day. We actually had a group of 6 guys running her along to pace her which I think really helped. She wanted to go 5:25 to open the first mile and then try to hang on to that for the rest. Although she lost a couple of seconds along the next two miles, however, she did a great job and to my knowledge, she set the road course world record! Her final time was 17:16.77. I have no idea of the rules/requirements that go into it from here on out, but it still was fun.
It felt good at the end when she mentioned the group really helped motivate her. She seemed genuinely thankful and thrilled to have us there. She was just plain adorable. Afterwards, she said she appreciated us supporting and pushing her down the stretch. Made my day.
Here she is below with us.
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