Sam Ellis of Decatur begins to move out on the gun lap (pic by Atlanta Track Club)
3A- I don't think anyone anticipated the great duel this later developed into between Chase Kennedy of East Jackson and defending champ Sam Ellis of Decatur.. Ellis assumed the lead after 150m with Chandler on his heels, as the duo began to string out the field before the end of lap 1 which was split at a swift 1:03. Chandler Kennedy took the lead with 900m to go, with brother Chase beginning to engage in the frey as they split lap 2 at 2:08. Chase made a nice move with 600m left, sliding between Chandler and Ellis, until Sam made a huge move just before the gun and the duel was now on with Chandler dropping off the pace with 300m to go (this is where Jarryd Wallace of Oconee used to slay everyone- GOOGLE that name and you'll find a World Champion) Ellis then made yet another big move sliding in front of Kennedy as they began to enter the final turn (it appeared Chase almost lost his balance trying to stay in contact) and Sam extended his lead to 5m coming down the homestretch defending his title in a great 4:13.10 with Kennedy still digging in until the line going 4:13.91. That's a big WOW for AAA distance folks. Ben McKoy of Blessed Trinity passed Chandler Kennedy down the stretch seizing the Bronze in a nice time of 4:20.66.