Above: McLean leading after the opening mile. Photo by Ryan Comstock
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PHILADELPHIA - Natalie McLean (Pine-Richland) concluded her High School career on this biggest stage last night. She finished third in the 5000m at New Balance Nationals Outdoor, running 16:54.75 and earning All-America honors.
With the effort, Natalie McLean moved up the All-Time list and now resides at PA No. 8 All-Time.
McLean broke 17-minutes for the first time in style. She moved to the lead right after the opening mile and kept the pace honest. Rose Coats and Hannah Rae Shaffer moved with her, and eventually, McLean surrendered the lead around the 3k mark.
She then powered home to a third-place finish.
McLean finished as the runner-up in both the 1600m and 3200m at the PIAA State Championship. She used the momentum to deliver a stellar performance on Thursday Night.
Not far off behind, Ellie Keefer (Rustin) also ran well. She crossed the line in 17:29.86 for 11th place. Her previous lifetime best was the 17:53.31 she ran to finish sixth at Nike Indoor Nationals.
Keefer's time will slot in as the new PA No. 21 All-Time mark.
McLean will attend and compete for Georgetown University. Keefer is committed to Monmouth University.
