From the opening mile, it was clear that Parker Wolfe was on a mission. He floated over the dirt without a shadow - no one dared to jump on Wolfe's train because he torched the opening mile in 4:37.
You read that right.
One mile in to the boy's race of the Heritage Distance Classic and it was clear that Cole Sprout's one year-old Colorado soil record (and course record) of 14:38 was in danger.
While the name of the meet changed, it should be noted that the Heritage Distance Classic was run on the Liberty Bell course of dirt and pavement in Littleton, Colo. at 5,466 feet.
A year ago Wolfe dropped the second-fastest time of the year behind Sprout, running 14:47. Any other year and Wolfe's time would've been the main topic of discussion, given that a sub-15 at Liberty Bell - at altitude - is a very, very rare feat. But, Sprout had the record that day, and Wolfe would have to wait.
A year removed from that performance, Wolfe finally had his day, his moment.
The Cherry Creek senior ran away from the highly competitive field to run a new Colorado soil record, a course record, and a nation-leading time of 14:30.
"This was a big goal of mine" Wolfe said of breaking the record.
As impressive as the result was as a standalone, add that Wolfe battled through COVID-19 this past July.
"It definitely took a toll," he said. "But I think I'm pretty much back to normal now."
Wolfe's 14:30 currently leads the country by a staggering 21 seconds.
While Wolfe was flying onwards into history, the race behind him was just as exciting.
Ty Garrett appears to be acclimating to the altitude pretty well.
The Valor Christian sophomore finished a clear second, running a big personal best of 15:23. Garrett transferred in from Indiana, where he finished 22nd at state as a freshman.
And speaking of PRs, Heritage senior Michael Beck had a big race of his own. He finished third Saturday, running 15:40, which was just ahead of Mountain Vista transfer Owen Nolan, who finished in 15:44.
Early on the team race looked like it would be tight, but Mountain Vista's depth prevailed. They put four in the top-10, and their entire scoring five in the top 12. They tallied 36 points, and their 1-5 split was an impressive 33 seconds, which was only bettered by Chaparral, who finished second in the team race with 55 points. Heritage took third with 75 points.
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