September 25, 2022 The USATF Masters 12 Km Championships were hosted for the second year by the USATF-NJ’s By Hook Or By Crook Run. A record number of athletes gathered on the Jersey Shore and a record number, 299, finished. The course is out and back on the National Park Service roads on the Sandy Hook National Gateway recreation Area. There is very little elevation change, there is scrub and some trees along the road that provide some protection from crosswinds and provide a small amount of shade. The course is largely open to the sun. On a warm and sunny September 18th, athletes needed to be careful to avoid dehydrating or overheating. Most athletes dialed back their pace over the final couple of miles. A very few ran into problems and had to either stop or jog it in. One athlete collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital for observation. Two others that I have heard of had to stop, but both were able to jog it in after a break. One of those two was also taken to an ER for observation. All athletes currently appear to be in good health. The first installment reported on the Overall Races, both Men and Women and on the Age Division contests within the Women’s Race. This Recap will start with the Men’s Age Division Championships, and then move to Age Grading and, finally, the Team contests.
