Head to Head Finally: Efraimson vs. Cranny

Two of the nation's best high school distance runners Alexa Efraimson and Elise Cranny had somehow missed each other in head to head competition since their epic three way battle with Sarah Baxter at the Nike Cross Nationals in early December. The highly anticipated match-up finally happened on Sunday at the US Junior Nationals in the women's 1500 meter finals.

With a spot on the line for the World Junior Championships in Eugene later this month, Efraimson and Cranny were the clear top two favorites to earn those spots having run the IAAF qualifying standard already and as the US #2 and US #3 all-time performers in the 1500. The pace was strategic and pedestrian through the first two laps. At the bell lap, two other competitors were with the two distance running phenoms, but after 60-61 second last second lap, there were only two racing for the win on the last straightaway in Efraimson and Cranny.

The Stanford recruit Cranny was never able to pass the rising senior Efraimson with the high school girls 1600 outdoor national record holder taking the win in 4:16.87, but Cranny started and finished on her heels in second place at 4:17.40. Both now get to don the Team USA singlets as teammates for the World Junior team later this month and will be seeking a spot in the finals of the 1500 against the World's best to race for a top 3 medal.

So hopefully we get to see two of the high school all-time best in the 1500 compete head-to-head at least more one time if not twice at Worlds. Watch their race below from US Junior Nationals and post-race video interviews. 

Watch Race Video on USATF.TV

F 1,500 Meter Run - Finals  
Place Overall Athlete Class Team Result Heat  
1 1 Efraimson, Alexa 12 Camas High School 4:16.87 1  
2 2 Cranny, Elise   Niwot High School 4:17.40 1  
3 3 Morley, Bryn   Bigfork High School 4:26.34 1  
4 4 Pagano, Catherine 12 Northern Highlands Reg. HS 4:29.46 1  
5 5 Topham, Rebekah 12 Griswold High School 4:31.35 1  
6 6 Scholl, Tabor 12 West Grand High School 4:34.10 1  
7 7 Ramsey, Elizabeth   Greensboro Pacesetters 4:34.84 1

 

Video Interview with Alexa Efraimson

 

Video Interview with Elise Cranny