Sean Wade Blasts Three American Records in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas – Conditions were perfect for Masters Hall of Famer, Sean Wade’s, attempts to pick off three American records in a single race. According to Jay Hendrickson, Race Director, the River Oaks Invitational was designed to provide such an opportunity while meeting all local and USATF Covid-19 guidelines. A closed loop USATF-certified circuit of 1.537 miles provided the perfect surface in Wade’s hometown; the weather cooperated with 50 degrees, low humidity, and little to no wind. But it was an ambitious goal. Wade aimed to take records from three Hall of Famers, Brian Pilcher 12K in 41:09 on May 6, 2012; Norm Green 15K in 50:45:09 on March 27, 1988; and Jim O’Neil 10 Miles in 54:25 on April 10, 1994. The most recent record has stood for almost 9 years; the other two even longer, 26 and 32 years, respectively.
 
Although the task was daunting, the plan was deceptively simple. The toughest of the three records was the 10 Miler, which required a 5:26 pace. A 5:27 pace was needed to break the 15K (9.32 miles), and a 5:31 pace to break the 12K (7.45 miles). Wade determined to maintain a 5:25 pace for as long as he could. If he could keep that up for 12 kilometers, he had that record in his pocket. Keep it up another couple of miles and pocket the 15k, and then hold on for all you are worth to get the 10 Miler. A simple strategy perhaps, but not easy to execute at age 55!
 
Three runners toed the line, but only Wade had his eye on such a big prize. The timing mats were laid out at 12K, 15K and the finish line at 10 Miles. His average pace for the first 12K was 5:23.6, for a 40:13 12K, and the record broken by 56 seconds. Through the 15K he was at 5:24.2 per mile, for a 50:22 15K, breaking that record by 23 seconds! If he did not break down in the final two-thirds of a mile, the 3^rd record was his. He crossed the finish line at 10 Miles in 54:05, with 20 seconds to spare, the third American record pocketed!
 
Wade said, “I want to thank Jay Hendrickson for all his hard work and everyone else who contributed to this effort.” Wade was injured last summer but worked his way into shape. Covid continued to eliminate most high-quality races for Masters athletes; he did not want to waste his fitness. “I wanted to make sure I got something on the board; I have been injured so often. If I can stay healthy, I will go for the 10K and 8K records in a few weeks, and then the 5K and the 1 Mile after that. If I am somehow able to stay healthy for that whole period, I should have the fitness to go after the M55 World’s Best in the 5K. I need to beat 15:31. A 15:30 requires a 4:59.3 per mile pace; it is a challenge I look forward to.” If anyone is up to it, it is Wade!
 
Submitted by
Paul Carlin
USATF Masters LDR/Media Coordinator
Running Professor LLC/runningprof.com