Cross Country Competes at UTC PowerAide Invitational

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Festus Chemaoi led the Middle Tennessee cross country teams on Friday, taking a 5,000 meter victory in a time of 15:12 at the 2010 UTC PowerAide Invitational in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chemaoi, the current Sun Belt Runner of the Week, ran a conservative pace in the first mile of the contest hanging with the pack before taking the lead near the midway point of the race. The Kenya native then easily breezed to the finish line in 15:12, seven seconds ahead of runner-up Emmanuel Kirwa of Chattanooga. Chemaoi ran 15:10 at last year's UTC PowerAide Invitational.

Senior Chris Mason pushed the pack pace right out of the gate, leading the race in a sub 4:50 effort for the first mile. He would eventually finish 13th in 16:07.

Isaac Biwott was the third Blue Raider runner, taking 15th in 16:13. Newcomer Justin Carcaro placed 21st in 16:28.

"These early races are about getting everyone ready for the Sun Belt Championships," said head coach Dean Hayes. "Each person has an assignment in the race to help them process. This procession will pay off down the road."

In the women's race, freshman Deanna Brasz finished as the top Middle Tennessee female for the second consecutive week. Brasz's time of 11:27 on the 2 mile course placed her third overall in just her second race as a Blue Raider.

Caroline Tanui continues to be the biggest improvement on the women's squard. Entering the season as an unknown quantity, Tanui has shown well finishing in the top three on the team in the first two events of the season. She placed seventh overall in a time of 11:53.

Marla Bailey came in 10th in 11:57. Stephanie Smith and Rachel Islam rounded out the MT scorers taking 13th and 14th with respective times of 12:03 and 12:05.

The Blue Raider women finished second as a team scoring 43 points.

The teams return to action next Saturday as they will compete at the 2010 Vanderbilt Commodore Classic at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tenn. The women's 5,000 meter race will begin at 10 a.m., to be followed immediately by the men's 8,000 meter race. Results and coverage will be available on GoBlueRaiders.com.

Blue Raider Men's Finishers
1. Festus Chemaoi 15:12
13. Chris Mason 16:07
15. Isaac Biwott 16:13
21. Justin Cacaro 16:28

Blue Raider Women's Finishers
3. Deanna Brasz 11:27
7. Caroline Tanui 11:53
10. Marla Bailey 11:57
13. Stephanie Smith 12:03
14. Rachel Islam 12:05
16. Kristen Tithof 12:08
17. Alissa Ruggle 12:10
27. Autumn Gipson 12:29 < P>

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