NMJC (MXC) Places 4th at Half Marathon Championship in Richmond
The NMJC men's half marathon team finished in fourth place with 37 points at the 2024 NJCAA Men's Half Marathon National Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Dorey Park.
The Thunderbirds were one spot off the podium behind third place Odessa (31 points), second place Salt Lake (15 points), and national champion Iowa Western CC (11 points).
The Thunderbirds were coming off a 2023 national title in the half marathon behind the fantastic performances by German and Tomas Vega who finished first and second in 2023 individually.
The T-Birds were hampered with injuries during the 2024 season that led top runners Killian LeBourhis and Mohammed Mrahi to miss the half marathon championship.
Brian Cheruiyot was the best finisher for the T-Birds in Richmond on Tuesday coming across the line in 13th place with a time of 1:08.20.60. The finish earned him USTFCCCA All-American honors.
Emmanuel Kimaiyo placed 17th overall in the 13.1 mile race. The freshman ran a 1:09.05.60 to pick up USTFCCCA All-American honors.
Paul Maurer was the third T-Bird to earn USTFCCCA All-American distinction with his 19th-place finish. The sophomore completed the race in 1:09.09.40 to complete the team score for NMJC.
Cyrus Kimaiyo placed 48th with a time of 1:14.11.80 in his first appearance at the half marathon.
Freshman Israel Takap finished in 52nd place with a time of 1:14.19.70 and Nathan Bonavida was 64th with a time of 1:15.43.20.
The T-Birds ended the half marathon season just off the podium placing fourth in the nation.
