2024 BU Terrier Classic Race Recap
Author: Anna Camp Bennett, @annac.bennett
Photo: David Hicks, Dyestat
Boston — The Boston University track facility is home to one of the fastest indoor tracks in the East. There has even been speculation that it’s a little short, but don’t worry, it is regulation. For this reason, I decided to make the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener my first race of 2024 and my Olympic journey.
Fall training had gone well and my body was feeling fast and ready.
We were slated to have a pacer through 800m to 1000m of the race in 66’s (each 400).
As the race started, I found myself a little boxed in and the two women in front of me were already off of the pacer by a few steps. I didn’t want this opportunity to pass me by, so I made a quick move to the outside and connected with the pacer and felt the field behind me follow suit. This made me happy knowing that we all were going to have a good race that day!
The pace went through a little slow, only hitting 2:15 as opposed to the 2:12 that I had been hoping for. Although it was not ideal, I was gearing myself up for a strong kick and fast finish!
I could feel at least one athlete on my shoulder with 400 meters to go and decided to start winding up the pace. She stayed close until the last 50 meters where I pulled away for the win and a new mile Personal Best (PB) of 4:27.13.
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The athlete behind me Kimberley May Providence also ran a 4:27 which was a PB for her by 10 seconds! Soon behind her was Brigham Young University’s Riley Chamberlain–running a big PB of 4:30, with Carmen Alder shortly after with a new PB of 4:34!
Many athletes in the field hit new PBs and it was a great opening race to an exciting season.
Although I had a new PB, I had hoped for a faster time because I felt my fitness was ready. However, something I love about this sport is as fun as it is to hit your own personal goals, it can be just as fun to celebrate those around you hitting their goals too. Especially in a race where you take the lead and help everyone run fast.
That’s what this race was about for me and I can’t imagine a better start to my Olympic journey this year!
Since the Race
Since writing this article, Anna ran an indoor PB of 4:26.95 in Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games, which showcased a blazing pace, setting national records from five countries, including the American Record.
Anna likewise set another indoor PB of 4:10.20 in the 1500 at the USATF Indoor Championship, taking third place on the podium. Stay tuned for more for what Anna accomplishes next!
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About the Author
Anna Camp-Bennett is a professional athlete with Adidas, the Run Elite Program, and coaches with Taylor Made Elite. She is the 2021 NCAA National Champion in the women’s 1,500 meters and won an NCAA cross country team title in 2020 with Brigham Young University.
Photos courtesy of David Hicks, Dyestat, and Boston University.
