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The Texas Distance Festival (TDF) boys 1600m will be a very challenging event and if the race is approached in the manner the meet is designed, it could be quite the barn burner.

The Elite field is full of boys who have all run under 4:20 this season or in their career. Then, there is the next level of the field; boys proven to be able to crank things up a notch.

Seven boys have run 4:14 or faster this year. Tate Bothun (Berthoud HS, CO) ran 4:14 last season and Ben Wright (Austin Lake Travis) at 4:14.26 won the Texas A&M Bluebonnet High School and has plenty of speed, allowing him to run with anyone.

However, there is a pair of dangerous Arkansans have been running well, are riding high, and will prove to be quite the adversaries.

River Hardman (Russellville, AR) recently ran a 9:17 in the 3200m and has a 4:14 personal best in the 1600m. Bentonville junior Matthew Shelly won the Arkansas indoor 1600m state title in 4:15.51 and ran 4:16 in the mile indoors.

Texas has a pair of young guns who who have been tearing up the UIL distance running scene since they arrived.

Sophomores Caden Leonard (Southlake Carroll) and Noah Strohman (Holliday) will be tasked to lead the charge for the Texans. 

Leonard has run 4:10.26 this year and ran 9:02.61 in the two mile at the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet last week. Strohman ran 4:11.74 indoors this season as well as 9:02.54 outdoors in the 3200m. He also has a 4:07.84 personal best in the mile.

Be mindful to watch the TDF boys mile this weekend.