Garnet Valley's Eric Albright looked like he was primed for a big junior season outdoors last spring before the coronavirus pandemic shut down those plans.
Now a senior, Albright has started out his indoor season in a big way, running a US No. 1 time in the 1,000 meters at the 757 Showdown at Virginia Beach. Competing unattached, the Garnet Valley middle distance runner went 2:28.96 to win the invitational section of the 1K on Saturday -- a new nation-leading time in the event.
That time also moves Albright up to sixth in Pennsylvania state history in the event, per the MileSplit database. Josh Hoey holds the state record in the 1K with a 2:24.64 from 2018.
Albright bided his time in the pack for the opening four laps of the 5-runner race. Then as he took the bell lap, he made his move up the field. On the backstretch, Alright surged to the lead like a slingshot. Down the homestretch, he held off a hard-charging Isaiah Schulties of Maryland for the win and the national lead.
It's a big start to the winter for Albright. During his sophomore season, he ran a best of 1:54.69 in the 800 meters at the Delco Championships and at the state meet placed fifth in the always-competitive 800 final. Last winter as a junior, Albright went 1:54.63 indoors at Ocean Breeze and then a month later placed fourth at the indoor state meet.
It will be interesting to see what else is in store for Albright this winter and into the spring after a prolonged absence from racing, but if Saturday's performance was any indication, expect it to be fast.
Watch Albright's 1K win above and check out some meet coverage links from the 757 Showdown below.
| PLACE | ATHLETE | TEAM | RESULT | H# | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Albright | 12 | Unattached - PA | 2:28.96 | 1 | ||
| 2 | Isaiah Schulties | 12 | CHAMPION SPEED DEVELOPMENT | 2:29.12 | 1 | ||
| 3 | Matthew Griffin | 12 | New England Elite Track Club | 2:29.85 | 1 | ||