Dave Clingan wears so many hats it’s a surprise his head doesn’t cave in. On one hand, he’s the official keeper of USATF Masters Rankings online. On the other, he moves up in the rankings almost every month as a world-class 800 man. So it goes for the Portland, Oregon, runner — the USATF Masters active athletes representative and co-webmaster of masterstrack.com (as well as the husband of Sharon and father of George and the mentor to a youth track team). (Not to mention majordomo of Crossroads Musics & Collectibles. At Carolina, Puerto Rico, he added another distinction — at age 49 one of the oldest finalists in the M45 800.

Herewith the results of that race:
M45 800 Meter Run:
1. Crossland, David, Great Britain, 2:01.26;
2. Castillo, Roberto, United States, 2:03.09;
3. Mendez, Gonzalo, Spain, 2:03.32;
4. Ortiz, Jorge, Puerto Rico, 2:04.05;
5. Clingan, Dave, United States, 2:04.73;
6. Ruiz, Jose L., Puerto Rico, 2:06.52;
7. Paterson, Stuart, Australia, 2:08.29;
8. Kelly, Martin, Ireland, 2:09.99.
And a mini-interview with Master Clingan:
What were your goals going into final?
I was hoping to run a decent race, which I did. I would have liked a better time (ran almost a second faster in Eugene two weeks prior). But all times were slow due to difficult race conditions. A medal would have been great, but realistically I knew that each of the top four guys would be very tough to beat. So I am satisfied with the outcome.
Did the race go as planned?
More or less. I wanted to be in contention for a medal at the end of the first lap, and I was. It was a pretty tight pack at that point. On the second lap, I’d hoped to stay in contact and make a move in the last 100m. I tried, but I drifted a bit too far back, and my finish was not strong enough to catch anybody on the home stretch.
What were your splits?
Don’t know! The clock was not running. Apparently, the rain caused a short.
What were wind/weather conditions like?
It was VERY hot and humid. Not conducive to fast times. About 20 minutes prior to the start, a huge thunderstorm hit us. It poured mercilessly. Then it went away just before the 800m races began, but the track was drenched. It was still drizzling a little when the gun went off for our race. There may have been a little bit of wind, but not enough to create any major problems.
What time of day was the final?
I think it was about 3:30 pm
What was it like to run in Atlanta 1996 USA uniform?
Cool! These uniforms look sharp. But I did have to take mine apart and sew it back together again, because the smallest size available was XL and I wear a Medium.
Feel any residual tightening in bad hamstring? (He had to drop out of the 2002 masters nationals 800 final in Maine after a lap while battling for the lead.)
My right hams has been bothering me all summer, but lately just a dull, persistent ache. It did not bother me at all during the race.
Have a faster 800 in you for Eugene?
I really think so, especially if conditions are optimal. That would mean several fast runners and a very quick first lap. On the other hand, I may have to run prelims in both the 800m and 1500m prior to the 800m final, so that may affect the times. We’ll see. But I feel very fit and ready to go. Hoping to break 2:03!