Local Runner Qualifies
Marist graduate Roy Witty, a member of the St. Xavier University track team, qualified for national competition by clocking a time of 1:14.30 in a half-marathon (13.1 miles) that took place May 4 in Palos Heights.
With the time, Witty, a freshman, qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championship that will be held May 24 in St. Louis.
Witty ran his qualifying time in the First Annual Palos Bank Southwest Half-Marathon.
Witty, competing in his first half-marathon, averaged a 5:43 mile pace for the 13.1-mile race, finishing 12th in a field of 1,370 runners.
“I was extremely impressed with Roy’s performance and desire,” said St. Xavier’s men’s track coach Ed McAllister. “He is just coming back from a bout of pneumonia, and this was really the only attempt that Roy could have had.
“He looked tough right from the beginning and when I saw him at the 10-mile mark, I was pretty confident that he would make the time.
“It will be tough for him to be ready to run a full marathon in just three weeks, but if anyone can accomplish the feat, Roy can.”