On Thursday, 3 distance runners traveled to Simi Valley to compete in this years first opportunity to run in an actual meet. The last time they set foot on the oval in a competitive race was a little more than a year ago at the 805 Distance Classic in Ventura on the Buena High School track on February 22nd.

The Simi Valley invitation was contested on two days Thursday and Saturday, with Fillmore athletes competing on Thursday in the 1600 meter race and the 3200 meter race.

Alianna was the sole Fillmore competitor in the 3rd heat of the Rated race. There were 103 competitors in this race, grouped into one of three ability heats. Prior to this race, her personal best in the 1600 meters was a good 5:56.30 established on March 7, 2020 at the Don Green Invitational. At this meet, Alianna started at about mid pack, worked herself into the lead by the second lap and finished a strong second for a personal best of 5:47.83. This was a little more than a 2 second improvement per lap.

Michael Camilo Torres and Fabian Del Villar both competed in the top distance race of the day, the Invitational 3200 meter race. There was a total of 30 select competitors in this event. Prior to this race Camilo had posted a best time of 10:06.52 established on April 18th 2019 at the Ventura County Championships. Fabi’s best was a 9:35.84 in the 3200, established on April 5th 2019 at the Tiger Invite in Pasadena. On a cool Thursday night, both boys ran away with personal best Fabi ran among the top three during most of the race, and even took the lead for several laps before finishing in 4th place in an excellent early season time of 9:25.45. Camilo ran among the top 7 and finished in 9th place, torching his way to a 9:42.50. Both boys ran an excellent race establishing a new personal best.

It was a great way to start the track season for these three athletes. In the prior months leading up to this meet, we were off and on with the uncertainty that has been difficult for all of us. It was nice to attend a meet and compete, and nice that our athletes were On tonight. Wishing you the best.

Fillmore Coaching Staff