Princeton Invitational 2019

An onslaught of rain tore through Princeton, New Jersey on Sunday morning as the Hens took to the famously fast course at the Princeton Invitational. Despite the elements, many runners still managed to slip-n-slid their way to shiny new PRs and renewed excitement for Regionals next weekend.

When the women crossed the finish line, a visible pang of disappointment could be seen on their face as they looked at the time. Little did they know, this course is actually certified to be 6,170 meters long – almost a full 200 meters longer than the typical women’s race. To determine the actual 6k time for the women, subtract 40-50 seconds off the gun time. 

The women’s team had to sit out a few key players due to injuries this week including front runner Bailey Davin and top seven racers Abby Kaye, Rachel Handleman, and Maddy Ciskowski. Luckily, everyone stepped up and filled the gaps flawlessly, ultimately carrying the women to a third place finish in a field of eleven teams! 

Leading the women was Allison Einig in a time of 25:17.9 (24:35 6k time), followed shortly by Emma Bateman in 25:22.4 (24:40 6k time) and Talia Brookstein-Burke in 25:23.8 (24:41 6k time). 

The pack continued to stream in with Elise LaFramboise, Morgan Gallagher, Emily Magoon, and Amelie Harpey rounding out the top seven in an impressive one through seven split of just 41.9 seconds! 

The men’s team also had to sit out their front runner, Michael Durkin, but saw the return of Brendan Jones, a consistent top seven placer, after he sat out at Lehigh- also due to injury.

The men’s team was led by Michael Murphy in a time of 26:58.8, good for 15th place out of 182 runners. Schuyler Reed (27:17.1) and Brendan Jones (27:27.1) both came through the chute looking strong with some impressive kicks that earned them 25th and 33rd place, respectfully, good for a 5th place finish overall out of 14 teams. 

Rounding out the top seven were Evan Massa, John Papadopolous, Paul Filipow, and Trent Zuspann. 

Next week, the team will travel to Frederick, Maryland for the Mid-Atlantic Regional race. Here’s hoping for better weather than today! 

Full results from the Princeton Invitational can be done here

Allison Einig placed 13th overall for the girl’s race

Michael Murphy was first for the guy’s team in 26:58.8