University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Notre Dame Last Chance Invitational
Benford Clinches Third At Notre Dame Last Chance
03/05/2011 | Women's Track & Field
March 5, 2011
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -
Redshirt-senior Andrew Benford places third in the 5,000m at the Alex Wilson Invitational, hosted by the University of Notre Dame. The race took place on Friday evening at the Loftus Center on Notre Dame's campus.
"Andrew ran a great race," said men's head coach Steve Taylor. "I wish the rabbit had taken it out faster but in all it was an excellent race. I'm happy he ran under 14 minutes. It's an impressive accomplishment, especially during the indoor season."
Benford placed third and ran a personal best time of 13.59.99 in the 5,000m men's race. The meet served as a "last chance" meet, giving runners a final opportunity to qualify for the 2011 NCAA Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas next weekend.
"I felt great," said Benford. "At 800M (2:15) I knew we were too slow and at the mile (4:27) we obviously had to pick up the pace. I was chopping my stride for the first 2 miles (8:56.1) and with about 1000m to go I decided it was time to go and took the lead. The next 800M was quick and that might have hurt my chances of running a little faster because I slowed over the final 200m. I obviously wanted to qualify for the NCAA Championships but I'm still happy to run under 14 minutes."
Taylor added, "Andrew races with heart. When he steps on the track it's pure and he has no fear of anyone or anything. I hope everyone watched it on FloTrack... This was a fun race to watch."
To view the video of Benford's 5,000m race, click here.
Benford's 5K splits: 65.5/2:15.7 (70.2) @800M/3:20.1 (64.4)/4:27.5 (67.5) at 1600M/5:35.2 (67.7)/6:42.7 (67.5)/7:47.5 (64.7)/8:56.1 (68.6) @3200M/10:03.7 (67.5)/11:13.5 (69.7)/12:18.3 (64.8)/13:24.1 (66.2)/13:59.99 (35.2) for 5K
