A year ago at the John Hay Distance Festival at Henderson, Marlee Starliper competed against a strong elite field in the 800 meters. Then a Northern junior, Starliper went 2:09.44, a 800 meter PR and the third fastest time of last spring in the event.
Starliper, known more for her chops in races a mile and up, proved she had plenty of speed, taking fifth in a strong field. Deborah Rodriguez captured the win in 2:05.01.
This race served as a tune-up for Starliper, who would go on to claim the national title a few weeks later at New Balance Nationals Outdoor. Starliper wanted to get a speedy race in before she took to the mile at NBNO. She won handily in North Carolina in a time of 4:41.18.
Women's 800 Meters (Elite) Finals ========================================================== Pl Name Team Time ========================================================== 1 Rodriguez, Deborah Juventus 2:05.01 1:02.037 (1:02.037) 2:05.004 (1:02.967) 2 Piccirillo, Angel Juventus 2:05.68 1:02.373 (1:02.373) 2:05.675 (1:03.302) 3 Howell, Michelle Howell District TC 2:06.15 1:02.304 (1:02.304) 2:06.144 (1:03.840) 4 McDonald, Kimarra Juventus 2:06.53 1:02.583 (1:02.583) 2:06.527 (1:03.944) 5 Starliper, Marlee Northern 2:09.44 1:04.471 (1:04.471) 2:09.432 (1:04.962) 6 Evans, Maddy WCRC 2:09.60 1:04.015 (1:04.015) 2:09.596 (1:05.582)
Starliper clocked even splits, staying put after a very quick early pace. She went out in 64.47 and came back in 64.93.
Watch the race above and check out an interview below: