BOSTON – North Carolina’s Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe delivered an unforgettable performance at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University, both smashing the NCAA 3000m record in a dramatic finish. Strand claimed the win in 7:30.15, narrowly edging out Wolfe, who crossed the line in 7:30.23. Their remarkable times shattered the previous collegiate record of 7:36.42, set by Northern Arizona’s Drew Bosley in January 2023.
With just one lap remaining, the two UNC teammates had already broken away from the field, with the only question left being who would set the new NCAA standard. This rematch came two weeks after Wolfe, the NCAA 5,000m champion, had outpaced Strand at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. But on the fast track at BU, both runners showed their strengths and pushed the pace to extraordinary levels.
“I think there’s an idea that Ethan has the better kick,” said Coach Chris Miltenberg. “But Parker can finish too.” Strand, however, was confident. “The last 200 meters, I just kept telling myself, ‘I got this.’ I knew I could catch him if I was close enough.”
Despite a blistering 26.47-second final lap, Strand still trailed Wolfe heading into the final stretch. With the finish line in sight, Strand surged past Wolfe in the last 25 meters to secure the win. His time of 7:30.15 not only broke the collegiate record by more than six seconds but also placed him among the all-time greats in U.S. distance running. Only three Americans have run faster indoors or outdoors: Grant Fisher (7:25.47), Yared Nuguse (7:28.23), and Bernard Lagat (7:29.00).
Wolfe’s 7:30.23 also placed him among the top names in U.S. history, ranking sixth on the all-time list. The pair of UNC runners showed just how deep the NCAA field has become. Arkansas’ Yaseen Abdalla also ran a personal best of 7:34.17, and Virginia’s Gary Martin posted a time of 7:36.09, making it clear that the collegiate 3000m is more competitive than ever. Abdalla, although not able to break the record, expressed his confidence after the race, knowing that his 7:34 time was still a significant achievement.
“I knew breaking the record was going to require a fast race, and that’s exactly what we got,” Abdalla said. “It’s great to see such fast times. I know I’m still in the mix for the championship this year.”
For Coach Miltenberg, the success of Strand and Wolfe was a culmination of consistent training and a unique bond between the two runners. While they don’t always train together, Miltenberg believes their rivalry has elevated them both. “Parker pushed Ethan with his acceleration work, and Ethan pushed Parker with strength training,” he said. “They’ve made each other better, and it’s been incredible to see.”
Both Strand and Wolfe have steadily improved since they arrived at UNC in the fall of 2021. Wolfe, a versatile distance runner, adapted quickly to the college level, while Strand, who came in as a miler, took a bit longer to find his rhythm. But together, they’ve pushed each other to new heights, each benefiting from the other’s strengths. “It’s a special dynamic,” said Miltenberg.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for both athletes. “They don’t come in obsessed with times,” Miltenberg said. “They just want to compete, and the times will take care of themselves.” As they set their sights on the 2025 season, both Strand and Wolfe are poised to continue making history in U.S. distance running.
