Jones dominated the Girls 5000 Meter race tonight, winning in 16:57.21--over 45 second lead over the next competitor. Meanwhile, Caleb Vogt finished in 9th place in the boys race.
Both races were broadcast live on the MileSplit Network. And those of us from Florida got a big thrill be able to see our Florida girl, Bona Jones, take it out strong and never look back.
The Estero senior lead the entire race, front to back. She took it out at a very hard pace and murmors in the chat room of others watching the video doubted she'd last. "Someone always takes it out too fast, " they explained it away, "she'll fade." The unbelievers can't be blamed, mostly out-of-staters who didn't know of Bona's talent and drive.
Well, she did not fade. She came through 800 in 2:35 and the mile at 5:15. With each lap her lead grew larger, lapping some. In the end she had over a 45 second margin of victory and took home the national title with a time of 16:57.21 (a new PR).
Following the girls race, the boys 5k began. The track was absolutely packed--we were all amazed at the size of the field. Toward the beginning of the race there was no sign of Caleb, lost somewhere in the pack. But slowly he was able to pick his way through the crowd.
For a while, he made a challenge for the lead, running as high as second place. But Ben Massam's quick pace took its toll. Massam continued to build a gap between himself and the chasers.
Vogt hung tough but between fighting with the crowded track and trying to follow Massam's surge, a few runners were able to pass him back. The Winter Park senior fell to a very respectable ninth place with a time of 15:19.60.
If you missed the live video feed tonight, be sure to catch it tomorrow! The first field events start Friday at 3:00 for the javelin and the track events pick back up at 4:30 with the racewalk. Live video will once again be available on this and any other MileSplit Network site. Just click the link in the header at the top of every page!
5000 Meter Photos - Bona Jones and Caleb Vogt
Photos by Don Rich
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Girls 5000 Meters - Bona Photos
Race photos--all alone out front.
