Addison Ritzenhein, 9, joins mom and dad at Fifth Third River Bank Run in Michigan

By Chris Lotsbom, Dyestat Editor

While Dathan Ritzenhein deservedly received praise for running away with the USATF 25K National Championship on Saturday at the Fifth Third Bank River Run in Grand Rapids, Mich., he might not have been the most impressive Ritzenhein on the day. 

Ritz’s 9-year-old daughter Addison completed the event’s 5K alongside her mother, Kalin, finishing in 25:27. Addison’s performance has already gained attention from a prominent Michigan-based team — the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project.

Of course, Addison’s parents are formidable runners: dad Dathan has made three Olympic teams and still is a standout on the roads, while mom Kalin formerly ran for the University of Colorado and Villanova University (her PB’s stand at 4:32.56 for 1,500 meters and 16:28.95 for 5,000 meters, according to All-Athletics.com). There is no sign of Addison’s brother Jude Ritzenhein in the results from this weekend, but he might have some speed as well.

Addison has proved to be inspirational for dad Dathan.