TASTY RACE Takiya Cenci Runs U.S.-Leading 400m Time

TASTY RACE OF THE WEEK

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Watch as Clovis North (CS) senior Takiya Cenci runs the fastest 400-meter time in the U.S. so far this outdoor season with her 43.19 solo effort at the West Coast Relays on April 2.

The incomparable Tim O'Rourke is on the call as Cenci, running from Lane 5, makes up the stagger in a heartbeat and is well out in front with more than 250 to go. 

That time, achieved on the CIF-State Championship track at Buchanan High School, held up as the national leading time through an Arcadia Invitational meet that reshuffled leaderboards across the country. 

The 400m winner at Arcadia?

How about Takiya Cenci, whose 54.15 winning time was only her third-fastest of the season, but was faster than the 54.84 she ran on the same track last spring for second place at what was then a CA-only Arcadia meet. 

Cenci's 53.19 is a 0.58-second PR from the 53.77 she ran at the Central Valley Classic on March 26. Those are the only two races to this point where she has ever dipped under 54 seconds for the one-lap challenge. 

She is the only girl in CA under 54 seconds and one of only two in the U.S. under that standard.


West Coast Relays

GIRLS 400m GOLD RACE 


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Photos by DeAnna Turner