Niamh Hayes 1600m Champ 5:04.14

On Friday night at the John Bennett Indoor Complex in Toms River Niamh Hayes of Howell won the Monmouth County 1600 meter championship with an indoor PR and NJ#2 time of 5:04.14. This was Hayes' opening race for individual competition this season after previously participating on some successful relays. 

Photo Album by Mae Kellert

Making the time even more impressive is that the victory came after being sick and out of school the two days prior. This isn't her first county championship either, she won the 3200 meter event two straight years in 2015 and 2016 and plans on returning focus to that distance as the season moves along.

After missing last year's state season due to illness she has her eyes set on competing well at the NJSIAA level. Before she had to bow out early in 2016 she had an undefeated season going with three wins in the 3200 meter and one in the 1600 meter. Her last indoor victory came at Sectionals where she ran an 11:11.61. 

Hayes was fifth at the 2016 spring Meet of Champions in the 3200 meter with a 10:37.72 and finished sixth at the Meet of Champions this past cross country season. 

Top Six Finishers - Full Results

GIRLS 1,600 METER RUN FINALS
PLACEATHLETETEAMRESULTWINDH#
1Niamh Hayes12Howell HS5:04.141
2Madison Brand11Middletown South HS5:09.031
3Colleen Megerle10Colts Neck HS5:09.611
4Amanda Stone10Monmouth Reg. HS5:09.631
5Rachel Kenny11Matawan Reg. HS5:14.361
6Nora Honrath12St. John Vianney HS5:17.841