Nikki Hiltz Becomes 2-Time USATF 1-Mile Road Champion and Sets Course Record in 4:27 Drake Relays last night. The race was held in Des Moines, Iowa, and competing in a place that’s the battleground for so much anti-trans legislation just didn’t sit right. Ultimately, they decided to toe the line, because as they saw it, sitting this one out would be letting the people behind that legislation win.
In a star-studded field, Hiltz edged out reigning USATF Outdoor 1500m champion Sinclaire Johnson—who finished in 4:28.70—to win the road mile and set a new course record in 4:27.97. This was their second time winning the race. With their 2019 victory in 4:29.7, they’re now the only athlete in the event’s history to have twice gone sub-4:30 on the course. In a post-race interview with DyeStat, they said their surge in the last 100 meters was a response to all the Pride flags along the course.
“That’s what pushed me ahead of Sinclaire,” they said. “I feel like I’m running for something bigger than myself.”
From Runners World for Discover Puerto Rico Citius Mag that their win “meant more being in a state where there is so much hateful legislation and to meet queer people in the community that were so grateful and thankful I was here.”
On the heels of her five NAIA Indoor national titles earned last month, Addy Wiley, a 19-year-old Huntington University freshman, took third in 4:30.94, becoming the youngest podium winner in the event’s history.
Taking fourth in 4:31.1 was Colleen Quigley in her first running-specific race of the season, following her successful inaugural training block and racing season with USA Triathlon. In an Instagram post a few days before the race, Quigley addressed what she described as “confusion over which sport I’ll be competing in this year … track or triathlon?” The Olympian and national champion says she has “unfinished business” on the track (and the road), and walked away happy with this early season test of her fitness.
In the men’s race, Sam Prakel also earned a second national title, winning in 4:01.21.
Abby Carney is a writer and journalist in New York. A former D1 college runner and current amateur track athlete, she's written about culture and characters in running and outdoor sports for Runner's World, The New York Times, of the Best Fall Half Marathons, and other outlets. She also writes about things that have nothing to do with running, and was previously the editor of a food magazine.
