Abby Nichols Runs To 4th Place At USATF Women's 6k Champs

Canton, OH -- Abby Nichols produced an 18:36 mark on the roads over 6-kilometers this past weekend in Canton for 4th place overall at the 2024 USATF Women's Festival and Championships. 

Celebrating its 4th consecutive edition in the Hall of Fame City, the Women's Championships brings together a collection of the country's best professional road racers, along with recreational runners and age-group athletes for spirited competition and community building.

The event's mission is "to empower girls and women by providing unparalleled opportunities and fostering an environment of sisterhood through the channels of competitive running and road racing development," per the USATF Women's 6k host site. 

In the professional contest, Annie Rodenfels persevered against a deep, accomplished field of elites by breaking the tape in 18:03. 

Now running out of Massachusetts and representing BAA and adidas, Rodenfels has a history rich in Ohio roots. She lined-up for Dayton Christian (Miamisburg) throughout her high school tenure and went on to compete collegiately at Centre College (KY). 

Prior to her 6k victory, we last saw Rodenfels a few weeks ago in the Pacific Northwest at the USA Olympic Team Trials, where she placed 8th in the 3000m Steeplechase finals, clocking 9:22.66. 

Rounding out the podium were Amanda Vestri (Blowing Rock, North Carolina) and Emma Grace Hurley (Zionsville, Indiana), who recorded 18:16 and 18:20 marks, respectively. 

The aforementioned Nichols secured the 4th position on the heels of a blistering final sequence on Market Street, edging Hoka teammate Rachel Smith at the line. 

Nichols, a member of the Kettering-Alter class of 2016, was a multiple time OHSAA state champion prior to embarking on the NCAA, where she made stops in Columbus and Boulder to represent Ohio State and the University of Colorado. 

Nichols will look to continue her success on the road racing circuit at the upcoming Guardian Mile, which is slated for the streets of downtown Cleveland on Saturday, July 27th.