Pro Field following closely behind the pacer as spectators illuminate the track with the flashlights on their cellular devices. Photo Credit: @michael.j.giglio
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Magnum Mile
The forecast for Saturday, as was the case for the entirety of last week, called for higher than normal temperatures with heat indexes surpassing the triple digit mark across most of the Tri-Star state. However, a front would slowly start making it's way from north to south beginning in the mid-afternoon bringing with it the potential for thunderstorms. Most meets were scheduled to occur in the morning and had adjusted start times or combined divisions to accelerate the pace of the meet and avoid dangerously warm conditions. With an evening start, the Magnum Mile Invitational could also avoid these warmer conditions but risked the possibility storms.
The one mile races went on without issue. Chattanooga Christian's Zachary Youngblood won the boys high school division with a 4:24 while CSTHEA's Hannah Faudi won the girls high school division in 5:19. After those and a few Open races it was time for the Pro Events.
In a three person field for the Pro Women's Mile, Allie Buchalski (right) would narrowly edge Kristie Schoffield at the line for the victory 4:35.91 to 4:35.97. The two had recently raced each other earlier in August where they both set personal bests in the distance at 4:30.16 and 4:33.02 respectively.
Then it was time for the Pro Men's which would feature Waleed Suliman, Craig Engels and Evert Silva and just after the race started, a lightning bolt struck either a transformer or powerline close to the stadium and knocked out power. You can see the strike occur in this REEL.
The race was halted but restarted minutes later with fans lighting the track with their cell phone flashlights. Kasey Knevealbaard won the event running 3:59.51, Engels placing second in 4:01.18, and Silva placing 3rd in 4:02.27 with a new personal best.
What a crazy series of events to cap of a day of racing in Chattanooga.