This course has only held one 5000m Invitational but already has that "PR Course" reputation. Kaitlyn Obremski (Topsail) has the fastest personal best of the bunch, a 17:30 time she clocked at her regional last season. Kaitlyn will likely be joined by her sister Makayla Obremski at the front of this race as both runners are making their 5000m debut of the season. Kaitlyn has won the two tune up races she has ran this fall, a 3000m and a 3200m. Makayla only ran in the 3000m with Kaitlyn and was runner-up. We will see a lot of fresh faces as all four of the top entries have yet to run a 5000m this season.
Paxton Chitty (Ashley) ran 18:07 last season and has the second best personal best in the field. Molly Parker (Hoggard) has not competed since March of outdoor track season. She has a 18:27 personal best but if she has been training these last few months she can easily compete for the win and a new personal best. Right there with her will be her teammate Sloane Fleming-Hickey. She has a 18:34 personal best and, like Parker, has not competed since March of outdoor season.
Quinn Shanahan (Durham Academy) ran 18:15 at the High Point VertCross last weekend at Ivey Redmon, so a sub 18:00 performance could be in the making if she is healthy.
Lauren Wimberly (Pinecrest/Franklin Elite) broke 19:00 at Team Regionals at WakeMed last season as a freshman and is ready to dip down in the mid-low 18:00's this season. Natalie Fox (Ashley) ran 19:00 last season also as a freshman so she will be looking to dip down under 19:00 for the first time