UMass grad Heather MacLean ran a tactical 1,500 meters to qualify for the USA Track & Field outdoor championships final.

The 2021 Olympian crossed the line second in Heat 2 of Thursday’s first round, comfortably in the top three to advance. MacLean finished in 4 minutes, 7.9 seconds, barely behind heat winner Sinclaire Johnson (4:07.84) at Heyward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

After staying in the pack but close to the inside for most of race, MacLean broke away down the back stretch of the third lap when a group of three started to break away. She moved to second around the final turn and kicked home with Johnson to leave no doubt about her spot in the finals at 9:30 p.m. Saturday (CNBC/Peacock).

The two of them posted the top two qualifying times followed by Addy Wiley (4:09.53) and Cory McGee (4:09.62). McGee was on the Tokyo Olympic team with MacLean after they went 2-3 at the Olympic Trials in 2021.

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