DeBues-Stafford (8:38.51), Scott (7:36.0) Climb National Top-10 Lists; Johnson, Thompson Win 800s

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor/Chuck Utash Photos

Gabriella DeBues-Stafford became the third-fastest Canadian woman in the 3,000 meters, Marc Scott moved to No. 4 all-time on the U.K. list, and the Bowerman Track Club produced winners in all four events Saturday night at the Prickly Pear Invitational in Phoenix. 

The mini-meet was organized by Nike-sponsored BTC and served to break up training for many of the club's athletes who haven't raced since last summer. The Bowerman athletes recently completed five weeks of altitude training in Flagstaff.

The meet was held without spectators and COVID-19 protocols were in place to protect the health of the athletes. 

RESULTS | PHOTOS | INTERVIEWS | VIDEOS

Scott used a late rush to hold off teammates Grant Fisher and Sean McGorty as he ran 7:36.08 to beat a star-studded field. Fisher (7:37.21) and McGorty (7:37.47) both ran lifetime bests, as did On Running Club's Joe Klecker (7:39.18), who was fourth. 

In the women's 3,000 meters, DeBues-Stafford used a 61.5-second closing lap to pull away from BTC teammates Karissa Schweizer and Elise Cranny, and Colleen Quigley, running unattached for the first time after leaving the group. 

DeBues-Stafford finished in 8:38.51. Quigley outkicked two of her former teammates to place second in 8:40.23. Schweizer was third in 8:40.25 and Cranny was fourth in 8:40.33. 

Sinclaire Johnson, making her BTC debut, outran New Balance Boston's Elle Purrier to win the 800 meters, 2:01.70 to 2:02.04. Johnson was the 2019 NCAA champion in the 1,500 meters for Oklahoma State. 

Heather MacLean of New Balance Boston was the third finisher to run under the U.S. Olympic Trials standard, finishing in 2:02.28. Cory McGee (2:02.65) and Dani Jones (2:02.99) of New Balance/Team Boss finished fourth and fifth, respectively. 

The BTC's Josh Thompson won a somewhat pedestrian 800 meters in a personal-best 1:49.15, his first time under 1:50 since 2016.