Results of the 2013 Cemetery Ridge 5K Challenge

At the start of the race in 38 Degree temperatures

Before I start, I understand that for someone at 8 years old running a 5K (3.1 Miles up and down a mountain) is unusual. But keep in mind; we are talking about Daniel Tulloch the Jamaican Flash here. Everyone knows that running is in his Jamaican blood. The Flash lives by a different standard, a world standard. Let’s start by comparing his times as a 7 year old vs. an 8 year old Flash. 

This 2 minute segment of the race shows Daniel getting ready to run the course.

Look at the valley below. This is where Daniel had to run too. Then he had to run back up the mountain and back behind where I am taking this picture to the finish line. 

This is the killer hill in this race. Daniel has about one mile to go, up a steep mountain grade and over the top of the mountain to get to the finish line.

In 2012, Daniel ran in the 14 and under age group. He came in 13th out of 25 males with an official time of 24 Minutes 2 seconds. His pace was 7 Minutes, 51 Seconds per mile. Daniel's speed was 7.6 Miles per hour. 

This year Daniel came in 38th out of around 150 people with a time of 25 Minutes 1.13 Seconds. That is 59 seconds slower than when he was 7 years old.

To start, Daniel did something that he has not done in competition since he was 4 years old. He did not go pee before he got on the starting line. Instead when we got to the cemetery, 3 minutes before gun time, he informed me that he had to pee. I told him it was too late, he can go when he got back. So he had to hold it for 3.1 miles.

Second, Saturday morning at race time, Daniel got up and went to the race in 38 degree temperature. He had to run in a hat and gloves.

Third, his competition was 14 and under. They were not the usual 14 and under boys. He was running against the Palmyra Cougars Cross Country Track Club. The youngest of these boys is in the Seventh Grade. They are very good! 

This is the Gravel Hill's Cemetery Ridge 5K Challenge race that Daniel ran, a 3.1 Mile course.

What is next?

November 9, 2013, we are running in Philadelphia. We will enter into the USATF 2K Cross Country Association Meet. I expect him to advance to the USATF 2K Cross Country Region 2 Meet. That will be the battle. 

If he qualifies in that meet, Daniel will move on to the National USATF Cross Country Meet in San Antonio Texas on December 14, 2013. If he qualifies for nationals, this will be his fourth consecutive USATF National Meet and his second consecutive Cross Country Meet.