FLINT, MI – For three consecutive years, one woman has finished first in the 10-mile HAP Crim Festival of Races in downtown Flint.
Sydney Devore, 31, of Ferndale, won the women’s race at the 46th annual event Saturday, Aug. 26, for a 3-peat, with victories in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Devore has never lost at the Crim, running her first race in 2021.
The event draws thousands to the Flint area and attracts athletes from around the world. This year’s event is being scored live and results are available at this link.
Related: Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 HAP Crim Festival of Races
“This is the best finish line because as soon as you see that brick and you hear everybody, it just like one of the best finish lines in this state for sure,” Devore said.
Despite finishing with an official time of 55 minutes and 45 seconds, holding a pace of 5 minutes and 35 seconds per mile, Devore said she ran faster last year. She ran 26 seconds faster in 2022, clocking in at 55:19.
“This is my third time in-a row-winning and that was definitely in my mind,” she said. " I just wanted to get that three-peat and so when I crossed the finish line I was just like, ‘I did it!”
In the men’s competition, Nathan Martin, varsity cross country coach at Jackson High School, earned his first 10-mile victory Saturday.
Related: High school coach wins Crim Festival of Races 10-mile run
As for the challenges of the course, Devore said there is “really never” a flat portion of the road. She added it was hotter outside this year than last year which makes running more difficult.
“You’re always either going up or down, so, walking into a pace really isn’t possible,” Devore said. “And then yeah, it’s humid out. So, it’s just really such an awesome course because it’s tough. It’s not just like a time trial. Like you really have to be smart and manage your effort well.”
Although Devore is from metro-Detroit, she said the Crim in Flint feels like a “hometown” race.
“I feel like everybody that I know is here running in some capacity,” Devore said. “My friends; we have family that live in the area and so … like when I’m out here, I’m kind of like, this feels like my course in a way, and so, I feel ownership of it. Winning it just makes me feel more pride I think than any other race just because it is so close to home.”
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Read more at The Flint Journal:
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