Leighton Spencer to compete at Doug Forrest Invitational
Leighton Spencer ranked #1 in Jamaica – will compete at the 2012 Douglas Forrest Invitational on January 14th. Leighton first competed in 2010, where he was victorious in the 5000M. Spencer departs from San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, January 12 where he is currently training with members of the Columbia University and the University of Texas track squad.
Spencer, the 2011 JAAA Senior Champion at 5000M and ranked #1 in Jamaica and top 20 in the North East USA by – NCAA Division XC Championships, is one of the promising long distance runners to represent Jamaica recently. Spencer concluded the NCAA Div. 1 National XC Championships running a PB of 31 minutes 28 seconds for 10,000M. Additionally, he was a key member of the history making Columbia University Men’s XC team that qualified for the first time in Columbia University history at the National Championships.
At Don Bosco Prep. – he was a strong #3 runner helping the Varsity XC to its initial Nike National X Championships –the team placed 10th after been ranked 22nd all that season in 2007. The following year – 2008, as Co-Captain of Bosco, and the #1 runner, he lead the team to an automatic bid at the Nike National X Championships. The team performed spectacularly, with Spencer leading the seven-member squad to sixth place out of twenty-two teams.
In 2011 – Spencer had a short season due to injury to his femur in the left thigh; his excellent conditioning enabled him to compete in the Jamaica Senior Championships in June –winning the race by over 40 seconds to his nearest rival. Spencer’s time was 16 minutes 22 secs. Twenty two days later and after returning to regular training for 16 days, competed for Jamaica at the Central American and Caribbean Games placing tenth in the 5000M with a time of 15 minutes 49 seconds, more than a 30 seconds improvement. Spencer’s personal best before the injury was 14 minutes 36 seconds (indoor) at the New York Armory.
Leighton said: “I am excited about returning to Jamaica. I need to exhibit my capabilities to the Jamaican community. Additionally, my grandfather will be celebrating his 89th birthday on the 13th January.” He further stated that it would be a privilege to run for Jamaica at the upcoming NACAC U-23 and the Olympics in London. He said, “I know the qualifying times for each of the meets mentioned; however, the current training will position me to meet the standards.”
The 5000M is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00am on Saturday 14th January. Leighton won the 2010 edition as a Columbia University freshman.
(submitted by Noel Spencer)
