National Weekend Rundown for March 19


Judy Pendergast, Ella Donaghu Are BACK!

In case you thought New Balance Nationals was the end-all, be-all, think again! Two of the top 3K/3200m/Two Mile converted times of the year came this weekend from two girls who have stayed quiet since cross country.

Judy Pendergast, the top combined finisher at NXN/Foot Locker Nationals, ran 10:11.56 over 3200m to win the Dupage Valley Conference title by 68 seconds. Even after conversions, that mark would be good enough for runner-up honors at New Balance. The time is an Illinois indoor state record.

Pendergast earned national renown last fall when she broke Illinois' Detweiller Park course record in 15:53 for three miles. Her latest accomplishment sent Twitter buzzing.


But Ella Donaghu of Grant, Ore. may have done one better last week. The senior clocked 9:27.13 for 3K at a tri-meet; that time converts to 10:08 for 3200m and 10:12 for two miles. She won by 85 seconds. The time ranks U.S. No. 1 outdoors; the only athlete to run faster indoors was two-time national champion Weini Kelati, who clocked 9:19 in a pro field at the Camel City Elite Meet.

Not only are Pendergast and Donaghu two of the fastest ladies in the nation, but they're also two of the smartest. Pendergast is committed to Harvard, while Donaghu will attend Stanford next year.