Kirtner Wins Seeded Race in 15:47
Daniel Moore (left) found a way to get by US#4 Jacob Burcham (right). (Photo by Jeff George)
Not many times in Jacob Burcham's running career has he been passed down stretch, but that is exactly what happened at the Great American Cross Country Festival held at the WakeMed Soccer Complex in Cary, NC on Saturday. Unranked Daniel Moore of Holy Trinity Academy in Florida ran a course record 14:57.6 to defeat US#4 Burcham who ran a personal best 15:00.2. Kentucky standout Jacob Thomson finished 3rd in 15:02.8. It was the 2nd time that he has finished behind Burcham in a national meet this season.
Burcham pushing the pace- Photo by Steve Lee
There is no doubt the defeat will motivate Burcham to greater achievements. Moore was not expected to challenge Burcham as his previous personal best in the 5K was 15:43. Everyone thought the race would come down to the rematch between Burcham and Thomson. However, Moore had other ideas and ran a huge personal record and upset the runner many think can win either Foot Locker or Nike.
Very few athletes go undefeated and the bumps in the road are what make great athletes successful. Burcham is a great athlete and finishing 2nd in 15:00 flat is pretty amazing in itself.
Joe Kirtner, senior, from Winfield won the Boys Varsity Seeded race in a personal best time of 15:47.2. This was a 42 second PR for Kirtner. His previous best was 16:29 at Foot Locker South last year.
Joe Kirtner winning Seeded Race in 15:47
Great American Boys Seeded Race