Constien Wins First USATF Title at Indoor Championships in Albuquerque

Results

The 2023 USATF Indoor Championships were held February 16-18 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fourteen athletes from USATF Colorado competed in the championships.

Valerie Constien, 26, Boulder ran to her first national title as she won the 3000m in an epic last-lap battle against Whittni Morgan. Morgan sped up into the final circuit to try and lose Constien, but the Tokyo Olympic steeplechase finalist went wide off the final bend and ran past Morgan to the line to win in 8:48.29, a facility record. Morgan took silver in 8:48.42. Gabrielle Jennings of Boulder finished eighth running 9:14.54

IN THEIR WORDS - Valerie Constien

This was my first time racing at an Indoor Nation Championship. It was a tough race from the gun against some of the best women in the US. I knew I had to give myself a chance so I ran with the leaders for the entire race. I believed that if I was close to the front with one lap to go, I could win. I followed the plan and kicked for the win! I'm proud of myself and thankful for the opportunity to compete. 

In the women's 60m 2022 World Indoor bonze medalist Marybeth Sant Price, 27, of Thornton finished second in a season best 7.09. The race was won by Aleia Hobbs in a new American record 6.94.

Joining Sant Price in winning a silver medal was Sage Hurta-Klecker, 24, of Longmont. Competing the 1500m Hurts-Klecker (On Athletics Club) and eventual winner Nikki Hiltz broke away from the pack after the 1,100m mark and waged a spirited battle around the oval that was only settled in the final 20m when Hiltz eased ahead and broke the tape. Hurta-Klecker took silver in 4:17.26.

In the women's 800m Kaela Edwards, 29, of Boulder set a new career indoor best as she finished third running 2:00.52. Her previous best was 2:02.17.

The compete Colorado results scoreboard can be found here.

The compete Colorado results scoreboard can be found here.