OTC Elite athletes shine at USATF Distance Classic

By Curtis Anderson | May 21, 2018

EUGENE Ore. - Oregon Track Club Elite celebrated a trio of outstanding individual performances at the 2018 USATF Distance Classic at Occidental College in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

Hanna Green looked strong in her outdoor season opener in the 800 meters with a second-place finish at 2:01.40 - just off her personal best of 2:01.17. The 2017 Virginia Tech graduate is scheduled to compete in the National 800m at the Prefontaine Classic on Friday, May 25 at Hayward Field.

"It was good to get the ball rolling over 800m and see how Hanna has absorbed what we've been doing in workouts," OTC Elite coach Mark Rowland said. "It was a nice opener, just off her PR, so we're excited to challenge the 2-minute barrier this season."

In the men's 800m, Harun Abda was aggressive from the outset and posted an outdoor season-best mark of 1:47.87 with a third-place finish.

"Very positive and one of his better races tactically," Rowland said. "He executed with an attacking attitude ... and gained confidence moving forward."

Hassan Mead, the reigning U.S. champion in the 10,000m, competed for the first time this year after an extended training stint at altitude. Despite the long layoff from racing, Mead placed third in the 1,500m at 3:38.32.

"That was good blow-out for Hassan. He needed that," Rowland said.

Mead is expected to join 18 other runners in an American record attempt in the 2-mile at the Prefontaine Classic on May 25 at Hayward Field. Matt Tegenkamp set the current U.S. standard of 8:07.07 at the 2007 Pre Classic.