Hirsch and Fleuchaus Qualify for NAIA Marathon
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The NAIA National Marathon competition is set for Sunday, December 3 at 7 am (9 am central time) in Sacramento, Calif. as a part of the California International Marathon. Viterbo's Ben Fleuchaus has qualified on the men's side, and Anya Hirsch is entering the race as the top-seeded women's runner.
The marathon is now a standalone event, formerly being a part of the Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
In order to qualify, athletes had to average running 50 miles/week from August 9 – November 5 (12 weeks), as well as completing two 2-hour runs. A total of 100 spots this year were allotted to the NAIA by the CIM., 50 men & 50 women.
Here is what Head Coach Marcia Taddy had to say of Anya and Ben:
"Ayna and Ben have a great opportunity to compete and represent Viterbo Athletics this weekend. It has been helpful for the marathon to be placed after the cross country season as they both have had a really solid Fall of training. The weather will fare better in December as yearly average temperatures in Sacramento have been in the low 50's this time of year. Heat will not be an issue like I have heard it has been in previous years with the marathon as an event with the Outdoor National Track and Field meet.
Anya has been quite disciplined with her training, and it shows with her seated first going into the competition. She has consistency on her side as she has knocked out workouts beautifully and has really found a rhythm on those "not-so-glamourous" long runs. I am excited to see what she can do with her last season of competition and her marathon debut!
Ben has surprised me with his marathon training. He somehow finds a different gear to accomplish what he needs to do with the marathon from the more traditional cross country training. We almost weren't able to get him this far. A late summer shoulder injury almost took away his Fall seasons entirely. I'm thankful that we were able to be cautious about reinjuries and get him to the National race.
Bumping their mileage and injecting longer 20 mile plus runs have been instrumental in melding a cohesive marriage between faster workouts for the cross country season and keeping their eye on the prize of qualifying for the Marathon Nationals.
To be honest, the Marathon is a new frontier for me as marathon competition was not offered for my athletes in my previous coaching positions. I am excited for the opportunity to use my knowledge and prepare my athletes for this new season. I have enlisted the help and expertise of my former coach and highly decorated marathoner himself, Tom Antczak. Recently retired from his head coaching position at UW Platteville, I am thankful to call upon his knowledge to assist me and my athletes to a very fruitful marathon season."
For more information and results, click here.
To follow Anya live, click here.
To follow Ben live, click here.