WAVERLY, Iowa – Gustavus long distance runner Marit Sonnesyn (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) capped her impressive Gustie career Thursday at the NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a 13th place finish in the 10k, crossing the line in 38:03.22.
“Marit ran a very good race. She was seeded 21st coming into the meet and was able to finish in 13th,” Head Coach Dale Bahr said. “It was super hot for 10k conditions, but she ran smart and stuck to the back of the chase pack. Every time someone would drop off she would let them go and get around them. I believe she was in 10th place at the 5k mark and something happened after that point, and then she started drifting back a little bit. Typically when that happens most people start falling off, but she didn’t quit, composed herself, locked in, and started running at her own pace.
“It was a very gutsy performance and she’s very tough. She’s been a mentally tough individual all season long. She never has excuses and is just a grinder. For her to be rewarded by qualifying for nationals this year, and running a 36:10 to set the school record earlier in the year, you couldn’t ask for a better end to a great career. I’m very proud of what she did here today.”
Amy Regan of Stevens Institute took first in 35:46.27, Abrah Masterson of Cornell took second in 36:16.87, and Lauren Strohbehn of Calvin took third in 36:30.91.
Gustavus has one more athlete at the NCAA Championships as Sarah Swanson (Sr., Fairbanks, Alaska) competes in the shot put, which starts at 12 p.m. Friday.