BOSTON — In a captivating display of athleticism, Harvard’s Graham Blanks shattered the 13-minute barrier in the men’s 5,000 meters at Boston University’s Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, clocking an impressive 12:59.89. Blanks’ performance not only earned him a victory but also placed him second on the NCAA all-time list, making him just the fifth American to break 13:00 indoors.
The race was a tense solo effort for Blanks, who found himself pushing the pace after pacemaker Anthony Camerieri dropped out with a mile to go. With no one able to keep up, Blanks took on the challenge himself. He closed the final 1600 meters in a blistering 4:05, finishing more than 10 seconds ahead of runner-up Liam Murphy (13:10.42).
Reflecting on his performance, Blanks commented, “This was way harder. Last year I had help, but today it was all on me. That felt like a 100% effort.” Blanks’ victory further solidifies his reputation as one of the top distance runners in the NCAA.
This race may have been Blanks’ final collegiate competition for Harvard, as he is expected to turn professional. “I’ll get back to y’all,” he said, hinting at a decision regarding his future in the sport, which he expects to finalize by the end of the year.
Credit: watchathletics.com
Doris Lemngole Sets NCAA Indoor 5K Record
In the women’s 5,000 meters, Alabama’s Doris Lemngole took the top spot with a new NCAA indoor record of 14:52.57, edging out her former teammate, Hilda Olemomoi of Florida, who finished just behind her in 14:52.84. Lemngole’s performance broke Parker Valby’s previous indoor record of 14:52.79 set in 2023, showcasing her incredible strength and determination.
Lemngole’s victory came down to a thrilling final sprint, where she surged ahead in the last 200 meters, clocking a 30.66 split to seal the win. Despite Valby holding the overall collegiate record with her outdoor mark of 14:52.18, Lemngole’s breakthrough marks her as one of the NCAA’s top distance runners for the foreseeable future.
The race mirrored the exciting competition at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, where Lemngole and Olemomoi battled for the win. This time, however, it was Lemngole who came out on top in a highly competitive field, cementing her place among the fastest collegiate 5,000m runners.
Women’s 3000m: A Display of Speed and Strength
The women’s 3000-meter race was equally thrilling, with Colorado alum Bailey Hertenstein capturing the win in a time of 8:45.50, defeating a talented field of collegiate runners. Hertenstein, who now trains with the Nike Union Athletics Club, powered through the final lap to secure victory. Providence’s Shannon Flockhart (8:45.67) and Virginia’s Margot Appleton (8:46.23) also delivered strong performances, breaking into the all-time NCAA 3000m rankings.
The race featured several other athletes dipping under the 8:50 mark, highlighting the growing strength of NCAA women’s distance running. Hertenstein’s performance, along with the impressive times from Flockhart and Appleton, showed just how deep the talent pool has become in the NCAA.
The Evolution of NCAA Distance Running
Saturday’s meet at Boston University showcased the incredible depth of talent in NCAA distance events. From Blanks’ solo 5K effort to Lemngole’s record-breaking performance and the exciting 3000m race, the event demonstrated that the NCAA is a breeding ground for future professional track and field stars. As these athletes transition to the professional circuit, the world can expect to see even more historic feats in the years ahead.
