Our episode guest is Leo Bearrs, a senior at Yale High School. While local Blue Water Area athletes might recognize Leo from around the BWAC conference meets, what they might not know is that Leo is also a racewalker and steeplechaser. Leo recently won the Michigan USATF Junior Olympic Championships 3000-meter racewalk and 2K steeplechase in Olivet on June 21. He also won the regional championship in both events in Louisville, Kentucky, in July, qualifying for the USATF Junior Olympics National Meet at Savannah State University in Georgia. Before the heat index of 110 degrees-plus suspended the meet due to a heat delay for other athletes, Leo was able to finish 16th in the steeplechase and 4th in the racewalk. His PR in the racewalk is 19:37, and in the steeplechase, it’s 7:29. We’ll learn what racewalking and steeplechasing are all about, how they differ from running, and interesting and unique facts about these events. We’ll also get to know Leo personally as an athlete, as well.

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Coverage of Blue Water Running is sponsored in part by Elite Feet of Port Huron. If you need running shoes, spikes, or apparel, they have a friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you find the right fit and have spent years supporting local athletes in the Blue Water Area. They are located at 327 Huron Ave in downtown Port Huron.

Verlinde Insurance, located in Richmond, Michigan, is a new supporter of coverage on Blue Water Running. Training as an athlete teaches you resilience and preparation. Apply those lessons to your life with their insurance plans. Be ready for anything with them by your side.

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