WHAT IS THE 'MODERN ERA'?

In 1980, the IHSAA lengthened the racing distance from 2.5 miles to 5000 meters.  Looking back at the early years of the 5K distance, the IHSAA State XC Meet was held at the South Grove Golf Course.  The times at South Grove were significantly faster than those at other venues for the event.  Therefore, on this website, the years 1994-Present will be known as the 'Modern Era' for the sport.  Below are average times (Top 25 & Top 50) from 1980-Present.  As you can see, the times are consistently faster during the 'South Grove 5K Era', which makes one think that 1) the South Grove Golf Course was short [possibly 3 miles instead of 5K], 2) the runners pre-1994 were significantly faster than recent runners or 3) a little of both.  However, to compare apples to apples, 1994-Present will be known as the Modern 5K Era and top times from those years will be compiled on the Modern 5K Era List.  However, overall 5000 meter times will continue to be compiled on the All-Time 5K List.