Monica Scarborough ran 36:43 for 10k as a 6th grader

[williamwindhamjr]

In the nike mile recently a 7th grader ran a 5:00 for the mile which is good,but it just gave me a flashback to Monica Scarbrough.I have mixed emotions about what age a child should start serious distance running.

[CookyMonzta]

Re: Monica Scarborough ran 36:43 for 10k as a 6th grader

In the nike mile recently a 7th grader ran a 5:00 for the mile which is good,but it just gave me a flashback to Monica Scarbrough.I have mixed emotions about what age a child should start serious distance running.

That 36:43 (which I have to check the next time I go digging in my pile of news clips) was in 1982. In 1981, the year before, she won the Empire State Games scholastic girls 10K, the first time they held it.

I still remember the exact time: 37:13.69. If I'm not mistaken, it's still the age-10 national record.

[williamwindhamjr]

When she ran that 36:43 she never improved on that time for some reason.I always thought if she had a coach like mine who was a peak master,she would of shattered alot of high school records.Me and her won the men and womens PSAL XC individual titles and we went to empire state games together.She is a very nice person.If they ever have a youth runners hall of fame,she would definetly be at the top of the list.

[williamwindhamjr]

She ran that 37:13 as a 5th grader! she also ran a 4:52 1500 as a 5th grader,18:10 for 5k as a 6th grader.Monica beat alot of high school kids,but she overaced early,and never reached her fullest potential.

[lovetorun]

"She overraced early and never reached her full potential" That has been true of many who have run too hard too young...and I believe Jim Ryun was one of them.

[williamwindhamjr]

Well Jim got an Olympic silver to show for his hard work.

[lovetorun]

I'm an avid Jim Ryun fan...and agree that he had some great success...it's just that I believe he had the talent for so much more.

[williamwindhamjr]

I agree,but I always wonder if he hadnt trained the way he did,would we of had the Jim That everyone talks about today

[Dave]

who were the morons who let a sixth grader run 10k races? That seems the surest way to screw up a kid.

At best, the kid will burn out quickly and at worst there would be significant physical problems.

[mrbowie]

Sick, sick, sick adults.