Stacked Fields Assembled For GVSU Elite 3200 Meter Events

(Riley Hough has put together an unblemished 2022 indoor campaign with seven event victories in as many starts)

Saturday at Grand Valley State University will mark the 8th running of the Gazelle Sports Elite 3200m events. 

The 3200's are the featured attraction of the MITS - GVSU Series Meet No. 5. The headlining contests have consistently drawn the who's who of Michigan-based distance runners over the years, as well as a plethora of out-of-state talent, including an appearance by Katelynne Hart (Glenbard West, IL), who captured 1st place honors at the event's 2019 installment.  

"This year we had the most applications from out-of-state athletes that we've ever received," said event coordinator Josh Vork. 

"This is a testament to an increased willingness for athletes to travel in search of elite competition," said Vork. 

In the men's race, Michigan State University recruit Riley Hough enters as one of the pre-meet favorites. Hough claimed the Eastbay National XC title in December and has rode that momentum into indoor. Included in his '22 body of work are 14:24.76 and 4:08.33 efforts for the 5k and the imperial 1 mile distances. 

Hough figures to be tested by a collection of his in-state rivals not to mention a notable entry coming in from the Hoosier State. 

On the women's side, the deep line-up features Michigan's top ranked 800m and 1600m competitor Rachel Forsyth, four-time Michigan Division 4 XC state champion Abby Vanderkooi, Arianne Olson (13th at Eastbay XC Nationals) and Lauren Pansegrau (21st at Eastbay XC Nationals). 

Also, similar to the men's contest, some firepower from Indiana will be in action in the ladies race.

If the competitors toeing the line on Saturday have record breaking aspirations in mind, they certainly have their work cut out for them. The event's standing all-time marks reside with Wolverine State high school legends Nick Foster (8:57.56 in 2019) and Zofia Dudek (9:56.72 in 2020).

* This is technically the ninth year of the event's existence, however the 2021 edition was canceled due to Covid-related restrictions. 

Meet Information

Schedule of Events

Men's Elite 3200m Start List

(Julia Flynn put on a show at the Mideast Cross Country Classic in Ohio this past November, winning the meet title by north of 25-seconds)

Women's Elite 3200m Start List