Liberty University
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix
Chelanga's 7:48 3K Shatters Liberty Record
2/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Racing against some of the world's top-flight professional runners, Liberty redshirt senior Sam Chelanga finished fourth in the men's 3K at Saturday evening's New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. His personal-best time of 7:48.24 improved the school and conference record by five seconds.
Chelanga, who entered the race at the Reggie Lewis Track Center with a 3K personal best of 7:57.85, sped to the fastest time by a collegiate runner in 2011. However, it will not count as an NCAA-qualifying time because the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix does not meet the necessary specifications.
The previous Liberty and Big South Conference 3K record was also set in Boston, when Josh McDougal clocked a 7:53.16 at the 2006 IC4A Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Dejen Gebremeskel of Ethiopia edged Great Britain's Mo Farah for the victory, 7:35.37 to 7:35.81.
Chelanga is expected to race another 3K next weekend, as he will travel to Seattle, Wash., for the Husky Classic.
Fans can watch Chelanga's race and the rest of the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix Sunday from 2-4 p.m. on ESPN2.
Watch a post-race interview with Chelanga below, courtesy of Flotrack.org.
