The NAU women’s distance crew had an impressive night Friday at the Bryan Clay Invitational, none more impressive than senior transfer Alyson Churchill, who, running unattached, achieved a massive PR by finishing seventh in the top invitational heat in 15:17.20 .
Churchill, who came from Florida State to NAU via the transfer portal following cross country season, beat pros such as Emily Infeld. The race was won by Alabama’s Hilda Olemomoi in 15:06, the secondfastest collegiate time ever.
All told, 50 women broke 16 minutes in the 5K Friday night, including NAU’s Gracelyn Larkin, who finished 20th in the first heat at 15:37.51, and Ava Mitchell ran 5:58.48 to finish seventh in the third heat. (Dark Sky’s Alicia Cridebring finished two palces behind Larkin in the first heat at 15:37.74.)
Nico Young did some speedwork by competing in the 800 meters and ran 1:48, despite getting tangled early when a runner stumbled in front of him.
Other Bryan Clay highlights: In trhe second heat of the men’s 5,000 invite, Abdi Nur beat former NAU teammate Luis Grijalva, 13:20.96 to 13:21.09. NAU’s Kang Nyoak was in the same race, finishing 21st at 14:00.43.
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