NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. -- Madison Nelson produced her third top-five finish of the season at Saturday's Briar Cliff Invite run under pleasant conditions at the Adams Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, SD. She was the fourth collegiate finisher on the day and sixth overall in the field of 89 that featured athletes from ten schools, including NCAA Division I South Dakota State and Dordt University, currently ranked at No. 8 among NAIA teams. Nelson's time was once again a personal best and a ten-second reduction of the Bellevue Bruin school record, crossing the line in 18:34.7.
All of the Bruin athletes had personal or season bests on the day. Hannah Perkins ran a lifetime best 20:02.2 with a 32nd place finish. She was a minute faster than her effort at Wayne State a week ago. Claire Kimutai also produced a season record, cutting two minutes from her previous best. Kimutai placed 76th with her 23:30.5.
Head Coach Craig Christians: "It was a very good day for our women, and I was proud of how we ran today. Madison has been the model of consistency this fall and is running at such a high level. I thought she was outstanding again. Hannah's effort today is what I'd call a "breakthrough race" for her. She has certainly placed herself in the national qualifying conversation in the NSAA. Claire has been working hard, too, and it's great to see her rewarded for that. I know that she's hungry for more, and results like today will hopefully motivate her to keep the trend going."
The Bruins will take a break from racing for a week and will be back in action on Friday, October 14, when they compete in the inaugural Platte River Rumble taking place at Mahoney State Park.
