Area Runners Look for Highlights in Twilight at Birmingham High

Christian Cushing-murray of the Santa Monica Track Club, Regina Jacobs of the Mizuno Track Club and Deena Drossin of Arkansas, all former standouts at area high schools, are expected to compete in the Asics Twilight Distance Classic at Birmingham High tonight.

The invitational portion of the meet, which starts at 7:30 tonight, consists of the men’s 800, 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, and the women’s 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000.

The collegiate-open section Saturday includes the men’s 800, 1,500 and 5,000, and the women’s 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 10,000.

Cushing-murray, a 1984 graduate of North Hollywood High, has a personal best of 3 minutes 37.93 seconds in the 1,500.

Jacobs, a 1981 graduate of what is now Campbell Hall who is a two-time Olympian in the 1,500, will compete in the 800. She holds the meet record of 2:01.71.

Drossin, a five-time state champion in cross-country and track at Agoura High, will run the 5,000.

In other events, defending champion Joe Tamblyn is one of five entrants who have run under 1:48 in the 800. Delmir dosSantos of Brazil heads the list of entrants in the 5,000 with a time of 13:39.09.

Fran Tenbensel (4:08.91) of the New Balance Track Club and Polly Plumer (4:14.56) of the Asics Track Club top the list of entrants in the women’s 1,500.