Race Previews

Northwoods Turns 20...

Wednesday, 09 August 2023 00:10

NORTHWOODS PREVIEW - Can BROOKS GROSSINGER win Northwoods for the 18th time. Of course he can. At age 46, can he continue to cover the scenic route in under 60 minutes. Sure. Is there anyone in the field that can challenge him this year? Is there anyone who also can break the 1-hour mark?

Maybe.

The last time someone other than Brooks broke 60-minutes was in 2018. That athlete was Jordan Roby, who was one of triathlon's pandemic casualties, i.e. one who transferred to a single sport, in his case, distance running.

So who will be his toughest opponent next Saturday? Last year's. runner-up BRANDON LEE, a North Dakota transplant now residing in Lino Lakes...

Lee's improvement from year-to-year has been phenomenal, so yes he's going to go faster at NW this year. A sub-60? We think he's ready.

The final men's podium step should go to seven-time Northwoods runner-up DAVID LEWIS, who should get a nice push from former Minnesota Junior of the Year MITCHELL CLAYTON.

The clear favorite in the women's competition is CHERYL ZITUR, who will be seeking her third strainght win here.The race for the other two podium spots should go to past winners CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN and MATA AGRE.

Northwoods is celebrating its 20th anniversary. As usual, the race filled early.