Carson City's Erika Sosa, Gloria Sosa and Peter Brinson all fared well at the USA Track and Field Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships held recently in Spokane, Wash.
More than 2,000 runners from 48 states competed in the event. The three Carson runners competed for the Silver State Striders. The snow covered Plantes Ferry Park course was perfect for the local runners who are used to training
in 30 degree conditions.
Erika Sosa ran in the Midget division along with 232 other competitors who had qualified from 16 different regions. She completed the 3K (1.87 miles) course in 12 minutes, 35 seconds, which was good for 131st place. She averaged a 6:45/mile pace over a course filled many turns and hills.
Peter Brinson also ran in the Midget class that numbered 235. His goal was to start out fast and stay in the lead group. With so many runners, competitors can be swallowed up when the course narrows to the eight foot width. He finished in 11:48 (6:16/mile pace) and in 113th.
Gloria Sosa competed in the intermediate catagory that included 141 runners. She ran well, placing 71st in 20:39 (6:39/mile pace) for the 5K, 3.1 mile run.