In a highly anticipated battle between New England stars, Providence's Molly Huddle CA Notice at Collection Shalane Flanagan at the Downtown 5K, the national championships for the distance on the road. Huddle's 15:12 win was her fifth title in six years in the Rhode Island capital.

For the men, David Torrence sprinted with less than 400 meters to go to win in 13:56 over Dan Huling and Dathan Ritzenhein.

"This is an important race for me to do well at and I feel like there's definitely some pride and a little bit of a streak going on," Huddle said after winning for the four consecutive year.

After opening the race with a 4:43 mile, Huddle and Flanagan found themselves right where everyone figured they'd be: at the front of the field. Close by were Emily Sisson, who trains with Huddle, and Gabe Grunewald.

Through the second mile, Huddle and Flanagan worked with sub-elite men in their vicinity to keep the pace up. Neither created enough separation to feel comfortable, though inside Flanagan thought Huddle had the edge as they made their way towards the finish.

"This is definitely Molly's distance," said Flanagan. "I probably felt sorry for myself a little bit [getting ready for the charge to the finish]."

The title would come down to who had the best sprint in the final 400 meters up and over a quick but steep hill on Francis Street leading to the finish. On Sunday, that was Huddle, who kicked away from newly minted U.S. 10K road record holder Flanagan to win by five seconds.

Huddle’s time of 15:12 was two seconds shy of the event record, shared by Huddle, from 2014, and South African Elana Meyer, from 1994.

The win was Huddle’s second national road title of the month, and provided some consolation for the world championships 10,000 final in August, where she lost the bronze medal at the line to teammate Emily Infeld quot;I wanted to make it decisive and not give them any hope," said Torrence said.

"I feel like I'm still trying to figure out what that race is going to do for me as far as motivation, or a learning [moment], or just trying to forget," she said. "I'm not sure yet. I do know I'm in good shape, and I'm just trying to put as many races between me and that day as possible. It's kind of difficult."

Providence College graduate Sisson was third in 15:48. Fourth went to Grunewald in 15:55, three seconds up on Kim Conley, on the comeback trail from a bad case of plantar fasciitis. Sunday’s race was Conley’s first since she won the national half marathon title in January.

Torrence Kicks To First U.S. 5K Title   

Miler Torrence's strategy was plain and simple: wait as long as possible to make the winning move. That he did, overtaking Huling and Ritzenhein for the win over the last hill.

"I knew it was going to be a sprint to the finish, and I was just able to catch them off guard," said Torrence. "I just stayed strong, mentally tough, and was able to stick with them today."

From the gun, Ritzenhein took control of the pace. The 32-year-old Olympian passed the mile in 4:30 and two miles in 8:55, leading while a large group formed in his slipstream. The pack gradually strung out by halfway, but no one wanted to take control from Ritzenhein. Among those behind were Torrence, Huling, new U.S. citizen Sam Chelanga, Running Shoes - Gear.

"I could tell right from the start everybody was going to prefer for me to take it. With so many track guys in it, I didn't want it to sit around for too long. I just pressed it as much as possible," said Ritzenhein.  

It was down to three as the leaders made the final turn just shy of three miles, with Huling taking the inside lane and gaining a step's advantage on Ritzenhein and Torrence. Up the incline, though, Torrence put his head down and surged. By far the best miler of the bunch (his personal best is 3:52.01), Torrence knew he could win if his move was bold enough.

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Torrence was surprised to find he had created a gap of five meters coming to the line, which he crossed in 13:56. Huling came through second in 13:59, followed by Ritzenhein in 14:03.

"I got to savor the finish a little bit. You know, it's not always that you can come home and be like, 'Yeah I got this!' That was a fun experience!" said Torrence.  

Aware he acted as a rabbit to his younger counterparts, Ritzenhein was pleased with the podium spot. He's eagerly awaiting the build-up phase leading to February’s Olympic Marathon Trials.

"I wanted to come out here and feel good today, and I was really happy with it,” he said. “I wish that I could have one more gear. But all in all, this is a great spot for me and I'm in a really good place."

Completing the top five were Chelanga and Jason Witt, finishing in 14:07 and 14:12. Last year's winner Estrada wound up tenth in 14:22.