UAA track star Caroline Kurgat recently set the all-time NCAA Division II record in the 10,000 meters with a 32 minute, 8.09 second performance — breaking Cal State LA’s Sylvia Mosqueda’s record (32:28.57) set in 1988.
At the Stanford Invite on Friday, the senior ran to a fifth place finish among a group of Division I and professional runners despite fighting flu-like symptoms.
“It was an amazing performance especially considering the fact that we weren’t a hundred percent sure if she was gonna even run it,” UAA track and field coach Michael Friess said. “It speaks to the level of talent Caroline has — especially in the division that she’s in — as she’s just so much better than what has come before her.”
Kurgat adds a third national record to her illustrious resume. During the indoor track and field season in January, Kurgat set the national records in the 3,000- (9:07.05) and 5,000-meter (15:28.46) races
Thanks to another record breaking performance, Kurgat earned the honor of being named United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Week.
No other Seawolf has captured this award during the outdoor season, but this marks Kurgat’s third selection.
Kurgat will also be recognized by the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame with the Pride of Alaska Award for Outstanding Athletic Achievement at the class of 2019 induction ceremony on April 25th for her outstanding performances this season.
Kurgat and the Seawolves return to action on April 18-20, where they will travel to California for three meets.