Major Matchups Upcoming At The Carolina Distance Carnival!

​Under the night lights and on a brand new, lightning-fast track surface at Weddington High School, the Carolina Distance Carnival is set to shine as one of the premier showcases of middle-distance and distance talent on the East Coast. This distance-focused meet centers around three electric events-the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m-with loaded fields expected to produce personal bests, statement wins, and maybe even a few records.​

Adding a unique team element to the evening, the 1600m will be scored like a cross country race, with points awarded based on finishing places and team trophies up for grabs. That twist brings strategy and depth into play, giving squads a chance to shine not just through individual stars, but collective strength. With ideal conditions, high stakes, and one of the East Coast's freshest new track surfaces, the stage is set for a thrilling night of competition, camaraderie, and fast times in Weddington.​

As the sun sets and the lights come on, the spotlight will turn to the elite heats of the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m, where top athletes will battle for glory. Let's delve into the standout matchups and key contenders poised to make headlines in each of these premier events.

The boys 800m at the Carolina Distance Carnival is stacked from top to bottom, featuring a deep field of elite talent and a bevy of contenders all capable of dropping big times under the lights. With a massive field and ideal racing conditions on Weddington's brand new track, this race could turn into one of the fastest and most thrilling events of the night.

Will Cuicchi, the local favorite and UNC Charlotte commit, enters as the top seed with a lifetime best of 1:51.41 from the indoor season. Though he's only raced the 800m once outdoors this year-a controlled 2:01.97 effort-Cuicchi's indoor campaign saw him run under 1:53 on three occasions. This will be his first true test of the outdoor season, and he's looking to pick up right where he left off.

Joshua Cooper, the rising sophomore from Willow Spring, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the country. His 1:52.28 puts him 39th nationally and fifth among sophomores. Add in his national top-three indoor mark in the 500m, and Cooper has the kind of range and speed that could make him a real threat over the final 100 meters.

Ashton Thomas  of Dudley has been on a tear this year, setting personal bests across the board in distances from 300m to 1600m. His most recent performance, a lifetime best of 1:52.88, shows he's in peak form heading into the meet. If the race goes out fast, expect Thomas to be right in the thick of it.

Jayden Curry of Bruton might be the most seasoned racer in the field this year, with an extensive indoor schedule and multiple outdoor efforts already under his belt. He ran a lifetime best of 1:52.96 indoors and opened his outdoor campaign with a solid 1:55.82. With race experience and strength on his side, Curry could play spoiler.

Mallard Creek's Kenniel Hall is no stranger to big races, having already competed in four 800m events this season, including a third-place finish at the Florida Relays where he clocked a PR of 1:53.46. His consistency and tactical awareness make him a name to watch in a crowded field.

Spartanburg's Knox Eaton enters with momentum, having won his last three 800m races, including a personal best 1:54.39 last time out. Eaton is also a proven force in the 1600m, with six wins this season, and brings strength and closing ability to a fast race.

Beyond the headliners, there's a deep pack of athletes in the 1:54 to 1:57 range all looking to capitalize on the high-level competition and fast surface. With so many runners packed closely together in ability, expect aggressive pacing, strategic surges, and a chaotic kick for the line. The boys 800m is wide open-and it's going to be a thriller.

The girls 800m at the Carolina Distance Carnival is set to deliver fireworks with a top-tier field featuring some of the nation's best talent. Headlined by one of the fastest runners in the country and backed by a deep group of sub-2:12 athletes, this race promises to be a showcase of speed, strategy, and late-race grit.

Oluwatosin Awoleye returns to the Carnival as the defending champion and enters as the heavy favorite once again. Her season-best of 2:04.37 ranks her second in the country this year, and she's been nearly untouchable in 2024, going four-for-four in the 800m with times of 2:04, 2:05, 2:05, and 2:08. With big-race experience and an elite closing gear, Awoleye will be tough to beat if she controls the pace from the front.

Challenging her is Celia Schulte, the junior from Ohio who set the state indoor record earlier this year with a 2:07.52 performance at Nike Indoor Nationals. Though she's yet to debut in the 800m outdoors this season, her 2:08.97 best from 2023 and her success on the national stage make her a clear contender to mix it up with Awoleye.

Carter Torrence is another name to watch closely. She's fresh off a big win at adidas Track Nationals where she clocked a 2:09.67, a strong sign that she's rounding into form just in time for a fast outdoor race. A well-timed peak could put her in the mix down the final stretch.

Louisa Betz of Broughton comes in with momentum of her own. The junior has already notched two wins this outdoor season with marks of 2:10 and 2:16, and owns a lifetime best of 2:09.46. Currently ranked 48th nationally, Betz has proven she belongs in a field of this caliber and could be right there if the race opens up.

Just outside the top four, several others will be looking to capitalize on the hot pace and the competitive atmosphere. Zoe Dorsey (2:11.76), Annie Lewis (2:11.81), and Jillian Parks (2:12.00) are all hovering just outside the national top 100 and have shown consistency throughout the season. Each will be aiming for a breakthrough performance under the lights.

With a strong front-runner, several proven national-caliber athletes, and a slew of contenders ready to pounce, the girls 800m is lining up to be one of the most exciting races of the night.

The boys mile at the Carolina Distance Carnival is shaping up to be a showdown between some of the nation's top distance runners, headlined by a loaded field with sub-4:10 credentials and aspirations to go even lower. The mix of elite indoor talent and outdoor experience sets the stage for a potentially electric race on the new Weddington track surface.

Leading the way is Cole Boone, the junior from Pulaski County who turned heads during the indoor season. Boone claimed the New Balance Nationals Indoor 800m title with a blazing 1:48.29 and added performances of 4:06.92 in the 1600m and 4:07.27 in the full mile. He's no stranger to the Carolina Distance Carnival either-his outdoor mile PR of 4:08.60 came at this meet last year. With his strength and closing speed, Boone enters as the clear favorite.

Right alongside him is Alabama's Daniel Skandera, one of the top juniors in the country. While he hasn't raced yet this outdoor season and had a light indoor campaign, his talent is undeniable. He owns PRs of 4:10.80 in the 1600m and 4:17.03 in the mile, and if he's fit, he'll be right in the mix down the stretch.

James Callahan of Cary Christian is another top contender, bringing in PRs of 4:09.42 for the 1600m and 4:10.90 for the mile, both set last year. He recently clocked a 4:18.97 mile indoors and looks to be trending toward another strong outdoor season. Philip Blum, representing Riverside, ran 4:11.01 for the mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor and has proven he can perform on big stages.

Rounding out the top five is Eastside's Jackson Wyatt, who also enters with a sub-4:10 mile PR (4:09.97) and has consistently been one of the top runners in the region.

With a deep and competitive field, the boys mile could become one of the fastest races of the night. A fast pace up front and ideal conditions may just be the recipe for a wave of personal bests.

Earlier in the evening, the middle school boys mile is also poised to produce fireworks. Micah Martin Price enters with a standout 4:31.45 and could be on the verge of a national class lead. He'll be challenged by Eli Sloop (4:37.50), Reagan Reith (4:39.34), and John Mounts (4:39.99) in what could be one of the deepest and most competitive middle school fields seen this season. With multiple athletes already under 4:40, this race has the makings of something special.

Girls

The girls mile is shaping up to be one of the premier events at the Carolina Distance Carnival, loaded with nationally ranked talent and rising stars. Headlining the field is Cardinal Gibbons senior Hannah Rae Shaffer, who owns a personal best of 4:47.63, placing her 11th nationally this outdoor season. She also ran 4:51.18 indoors and has already picked up four wins this spring, making her a strong favorite.

Her freshman teammate, Kaitlyn Estep, isn't far behind. Ranked #12 nationally and the top freshman miler in the country, Estep has clocked times of 4:49 and 4:58 this outdoor season and is building a serious reputation for poise and speed.

Charlottesville's Elaina Pierce has been consistently sharp, entering with a 1600m PR of 4:49.12 and a 4:55.28 mile from indoors. She's coming off back-to-back wins and looks ready for a breakthrough.

Colby McCollum of Cuthbertson is another freshman phenom to watch. She won the freshman mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor in 4:52.12-a meet record-and followed it up with a 4:51.85 in the 1600m outdoors.

Kasey Dingman of Lake Norman rounds out the top group with an outdoor best of 4:56.90. She owns a mile PR of 4:53.48 from the indoor season and has consistently been in the mix at the front of her races.

With this much firepower on the line, a sub-4:50 winning time is very much in play, and it's likely the national rankings will get a shake-up after this one.

The middle school girls 1600m could also produce fireworks of its own. Seventh-grader Athena Pluchos of Union Academy enters with a remarkable seed time of 5:01.56, a mark that puts her on the edge of a national lead for her class. With the right conditions, she may even challenge the five-minute barrier-an elite milestone at the middle school level.

She'll be joined by a talented chase pack that includes Amelia Clewley (5:11.55), Hayes Vossekuil (5:13.68), and Josephine Lenart (5:14.38), all capable of big drops. Between Pluchos's frontrunning potential and the depth of talent behind her, this race could quietly become one of the most impressive showings of the evening.

Saturday night's boys 3200m at the Carolina Distance Carnival promises to deliver a thrilling showdown between some of the Southeast's top long-distance talents. With all four of the top entrants holding personal bests under 9:15, this race could produce fireworks-and potentially new personal bests.

Riverside's Ty Jones, a Furman University commit, headlines the field. The senior has already secured two victories this season and enters with an outdoor season best of 9:17.87. He also clocked a 9:06.81 for the indoor 2-mile earlier this year, showcasing his potential for something special under the lights.

Right on his heels is Albert Turner of East Chapel Hill. Turner has been dominant in his limited appearances this spring, going undefeated in both of his 3200m races and setting a new lifetime best of 9:05.68. He's one of the most consistent runners in the state and will be tough to beat if the pace stays honest.

Alex Severson, traveling in from Texas, brings with him a strong resume that includes a new 2-mile PR of 9:09.40 set earlier this year. The senior continues to build momentum through his 2025 campaign and is a legitimate contender in this deep field.

Andrew Harding enters as one of the most prolific winners in the field, going undefeated in four 3200m races this outdoor season. The senior also broke through with a big PR of 9:15.15 in the indoor 2-mile, and his confidence and closing speed could be the x-factor in a tightly packed final lap.

Expect a fast early pace and a competitive finish, as each of these experienced athletes has shown the ability to rise to the moment. A sub-9:00 clocking isn't out of the question if the race goes out hot.

Girls

The girls 3200m at the Carolina Distance Carnival is shaping up to be a tightly contested and tactical race, with five competitors entering with times within 11 seconds of one another. A breakout performance could come from any direction in this deep and evenly matched field.

Ava Lindsey, the standout sophomore from Greenville Hurricanes, will line up as the top seed. Undefeated on the season, Lindsey has already posted times of 10:29.79 and 10:43.70 in the 3200m and looks to keep her perfect record intact with a strong close and smart pacing.

Elaina Pierce of Charlottesville is pulling double duty at this meet and enters the 3200m off a victory in her only race over the distance this season, where she clocked a 10:51.43. With a PR of 10:35.47 from the indoor season, she's got the wheels to challenge for the win if the pace gets hot.

Arizona Blankenship, a senior out of Swain County, brings experience and consistency to the field. She's claimed two wins this season in the 3200m, both in the 10:50s, and carries a season best of 10:37.06 from last year, making her a dangerous threat if the race comes down to the final lap.

Bailey Brackett is making the trip up from Georgia, where she's been dominant across five races this season, winning four of them. She owns an outdoor season best of 10:51.68 and a sharper indoor PR of 10:38.70. If she's ready to peak, she'll be right in the mix.

Rounding out the front pack is Alleghany's Kiera Lowman, who opened her 3200m campaign with a bang, running a lifetime best of 10:40.45 in her first and only race at the distance this season.

With no clear runaway favorite and plenty of championship experience in the field, expect a strategic race early, followed by fireworks over the final 800 meters. This one could come down to a kick.