D'Agostino Shows Strength, Tully's Stock Continues to Rise

By Scott Bush

A number of top American distance runners used Thursday evening's Adrian Martinez Classic for one final tune-up heading into the last few weeks before the USATF Outdoor Championships. Big races, fast times and a close finishes dominated the evening in Concord, Massachusetts, as the event once again showcased rising stars in the sport.

Here's what we learned.

D'Agostino is Starting to Hit Her Stride

It's been a quiet past year for Abbey D'Agostino. After dominating the college landscape at Dartmouth, the new pro has been coming back from a lingering injury and is only now regaining her championship form so many fans have come to expect whenever she steps on the track. While the pace was relatively mild to begin with Thursday in the women's 5,000m, D'Agostino pulled away late to edge out Olympian Desi Linden, 15:23.66-15:27.13. D'Agostino looked smooth over the final mile of the race, easily gapping the chase pack and cruising to a big victory. Keep an eye out for Abbey D later this month in Eugene. 

Tully Continues to Impress

After running an eye-opening 15:05.58 5,000m effort at the Payton Jordan Invitational earlier this season, followed by a sub-4:10 (4:09.10) 1,500m finish at the HOKA ONE ONE Middle Distance Classic, Nicole Tully is on a roll. The current NJNY TC runner edged out a tough field in the women's Adro Mile, winning in 4:31.4h. Tully used a big surge over the final 30 meters to just narrowly beat Hannah Fields and Rachel Schneider, once again show savvy veteran instincts and tenacity that's sure to serve her well at USATF Outdoors later this month. 

Martin Earns a Big Win Over 800m

The soft-spoken 800m specialist Ryan Martin earned a big confidence Thursday evening, narrowly winning the men's two-lap event over a late charge from HOKA ONE ONE athlete Mike Rutt. Martin ran to the front (just off the rabbit) from the gun and led the pack the entire race, winning 1:46.74-1:46.78. Martin continues to show he's one to watch in the 800m.

Andrews is Poised for a Breakthrough at USATF Outdoors

Robby Andrews continues to shine this season, winning the men's Adro Mile in 3:57.15 over HOKA ONE ONE's Ford Palmer, who placed a strong second in 3:58.42. After a tremendous performance to win the USATF Indoor title over 1,000m, Andrews is building momentum every time he steps on the track. His win in Concord was a new mile PR and the former Virginia standout seems more than ready to take another leap forward in a few weeks time.