The meet that has produced so many great performances, including Craig Engels' sub-1:50 800, is getting even better in 2015!
Continuing the Traditions of the Last 6 Years
The Elite Tune-Up is back in its perch as the preeminent post-season meet on the North Carolina schedule, and with some exciting changes this year it could play an even bigger role across the Southeastern region. The meet has a new location, at Marvin Ridge, and a new set of featured events that will draw from a wider and deeper talent pool. The essential point of the event is the same, however, and its two central traditions will remain in place: an evening schedule that avoids the heat of the day, and top-notch competition among North Carolina's best (and beyond).
The meet began in 2009 as the brainchild of Robert Youtz, and was originally designed as an open meet for distance runners of all levels. However, it turned out that there was a strong market for a meet that high school elites could use to prepare for outdoor nationals, and so it quickly gained a strong following among some of the state's best programs. The early success of the event expanded outward from the core distance races, as well, leading to some of the best sprint and field event performances in state history. Check out a small sampling of the all-time greats that have competed in this meet over the last few years:
- Trentavis Friday ran 10.17 and 20.33 in 2014, plus 46.97 in 2013
- Breanna Warren threw 154' 5" in 2013
- Blake Dodge ran 2:09.32 in 2014, leading 4 other girls under 2:14
- Craig Engels ran 1:49.89 in 2012, then John Crossley clocked 1:49.99 in 2013
New Features for 2015
In order to take the meet to the next level a new partnership was needed, and it comes from our neighbor to the South. SCRunners will join with NCRunners in promoting the meet, and together we will draw together the top athletes from both states to make the competition stronger than ever before. This partnership will lead to the Border Clash 1600 and 800 races, where the top 4 athletes from each state will compete for bragging rights as well as big times! We hope to expand this new feature to include Georgia and Tennessee, and if the initial events are successful the idea can spread into the sprints and field events, as well. Most important of all, anybody can compete the meet - since it is past the high school season and is unsanctioned, it is open to athletes of all ability levels. From the elite athletes that we recruit to compete for their state, down to the dedicated athlete that just loves to compete and want to continue improving, everyone can find what they want in this meet.
Want a chance to sharpen up for New Balance Nationals, an opportunity to set a new PR, or just one more meet to close out the season?
This is the event for you!
More Elite Tune-Up Coverage
- Meet Page (with links to prior years)
- Schedule: Coming This Week!
The meet that has produced so many great performances, including Craig Engels' sub-1:50 800, is getting even better in 2015!
Continuing the Traditions of the Last 6 Years
The Elite Tune-Up is back in its perch as the preeminent post-season meet on the North Carolina schedule, and with some exciting changes this year it could play an even bigger role across the Southeastern region. The meet has a new location, at Marvin Ridge, and a new set of featured events that will draw from a wider and deeper talent pool. The essential point of the event is the same, however, and its two central traditions will remain in place: an evening schedule that avoids the heat of the day, and top-notch competition among North Carolina's best (and beyond).
