B.A.A. INVITATIONAL MILE

Massachusetts Reigns Supreme at B.A.A. Invitational Mile

B.A.A. High-Performance Team Member Annie Rodenfels captured her first win at the B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

BY BARBARA HUEBNAR

April 16 was a great day for Massachusetts at the B.A.A. invitational Mile, with Bay State native Johnny Gregorek and Annie Rodenfels, competing for the B.A.A. High Performance Team, taking victories in the professional race after dozens of young local athletes delighted in the opportunity to cross the Boston Marathon finish line in races of their own.

In the men’s pro mile, the 30-year-old Gregorek — a state 2—mile champion while competing for Seekonk High School — came from behind to triumph in 4:08.16.

It was awesome, "said Gregorek, who knows how to put on a show for Boston fans — In 2019, he became the second-fastest U.S. indoor miler In history when he ran 049.98 on the Boston University track. "The crowd was great the energy is awesome around here it couldn't be better, really. The goal was to win and that's what I did."

Running the event for the first time. Gregorek described the three-lap course in the Back Bay as 'fun, a lot of tight toms It was kind of exciting. like roller derby.' Americans Kasey Knevelbaarcl (4:08.88) and Shane Streich (4:09.28) placed second and third.

Asked if breaking tape on the Boston Marathon finish line might inspire him to run the 26.2-miler someday. Gragorek didn't hesitate. "l can definitely see myself doing it as a fun thing."

For the women. the B.A.A.'s Rodenfels (4:3551) outdueled Taryn Rawlings (4:35.88) to the line, with Emily Lipari, who previously ran for the B.A.A. team, third (4:36.98). Capping a fast 16 hours with a fourth-place finish 14:3724) was Peabody. Mass. native Heather MacLean.