Just when you thought he couldn't reach even higher heights, Loudoun Valley senior Drew Hunter achieved the ultimate distance goal. Just after 2:30pm on Saturday February 6th he joined just one other under the illustrious four minute barrier. The only other one under this mark is none other than South Lakes' Alan Webb who did this feat in 2001.
Against a stacked field of professional runners, what both needed to achieve this, Drew ran the perfect race to finally break the four minute barrier. The field opened in 61 with Drew hanging back near the rear. It was a fast start but nothing he couldn't handle. At the halfway point he made up the difference and clocked a 2:00 for the 840. It was then he had to start making his move. He slowly worked around the field and as the rabbit stepped out the pack lead Drew through the 1200 and 3:01. This is when everyone who has ever seen him run knew he had it. But as we learned last year with Grant Fisher, nothing is for certain.
He powered around the Armory oval and the crowd all got to their feet. They really didn't even worry about all of pro's running... this race was about Drew. He sprinted down the final meters and the crowd erupted but waited for the final and official time.
3:58.25! The crowd went wild and Drew, someone who is very stoic most races (even Foot Locker) was visibly emotional and overjoyed to finally have achieved his goal. He is definitely the most popular guy in New York City this weekend.
This is only the icing on that cake as he ran a 7:59.33 3K national record just one week ago down in NC. He is having the greatest high school running season ever and it is only halfway through. There was also talk about him battling a cold this weekend which makes you wonder what he is capable of doing outdoors at full strength. He will likely then set his sights on the 3:53 outdoor national record this sprint.
No one. Really, no one can stop Drew.
