This weekend’s final test run before Ivy League Championships next week proved fruitful for the Columbia track teams at the Princeton Elite Invitational. In the Lions’ last race tune-up, the Light Blue runners managed to nab some high-place finishes while keeping their legs in competitive shape.

Sophomore Serita Lachesis and senior Zach Richard began the weekend with two victories. Lachesis captured the 800-meter title, while Richard won the 1,500-meter race. Lachesis was followed by freshmen Samantha Lee and Abbie Dubin-Rhodin in sixth and seventh, rounding out the Lions’ pack. Junior Ryan Hays and sophomore William Ballenthin placed third and eighth in the 1,500-meter race behind Richard.

Other strong performances came from sophomore Mike Mark, who placed second in the 800-meter run, defeating a group of Princeton runners. Sophomore Christina Henderson and freshman Hannah Kligman took a two-three finish in the 5,000-meter race, and freshman Terence Prial took fourth place in the steeplechase event.

Saturday was a day that saw notable races from younger runners. Three freshmen took top-five spots in various events. Jacqui Brown took third in the 200-meter dash, while fellow freshman Laura Vogel placed fifth in the 400-meter dash. Katherine Kolombatovich captured fourth place in the 400-meter hurdles, followed closely by freshman Haley O’Sullivan in sixth. Sophomore Sean Quinn earned the bronze in the men’s 400-meter hurdles.

Next weekend will be the culmination of the Lions’ league training, as they face off the Ancient Eight in Heptagonal Championships in New Haven.