On Feb. 22, Washington State University sent two runners to compete in the Battle for Boston against some of the Nation’s top runners. The Cougs sent sophomore Evans Kurui and redshirt sophomore Zenah Cheptoo. Kurui competed in the Men’s 5000m and Cheptoo ran in the Women’s 3000m. Athletes are entered into this event based off of performance entries submitted by coaches. With the dominant performances that both Cheptoo and Kurui have had this year, their selections were no-brainers. 

Here’s a breakdown of how the runners performed at this match.

Evans Kurui – Men’s 5000m

Kurui had a very strong showing, running a 13:27.21 time which earned him a second place finish. This mark sits him about three seconds over his season best that he set at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener in December. This is a good position to be in for Kurui as he looks to continue his momentum into the MPSF Indoor Championships. 

Zenah Cheptoo – Women’s 3000m

Cheptoo also had a solid performance, recording a time of 8:56.75 that earned her  seventh place. Cheptoo’s mark is only three seconds over her personal record that she set earlier this year. She finds herself in a similar boat with Kurui that they both are right around their bests this season before the MPSF Indoor Championships. 

Next up for track is the MPSF Indoor Championships in Reno, Nevada March 1 and 2. After that is the NCAA Indoor Championships March 13 and 14 in Fayetteville, Arizona. After those final championships, the indoor season is over and the Cougars will transition to the outdoor season less than a week later.