Nelson Third at Inaugural NAIA Marathon Classic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Madison Nelson continued her fantastic running of late as she placed third among NAIA athletes at today's California International Marathon. The Marathon Classic is an emerging sport, taking the place of the former marathon event that was part of the outdoor track and field championship.

Nelson toed the starting line with over 10,000 other athletes at 7:00 a.m. in Sacramento, where overcast skies and temperatures in the 50's greeted the runners. The NAIA was granted entry into the seeded corral of the marathon, and 35 NAIA women and 60 men contested the event.

Using her usual race tactic, Nelson started conservatively, crossing the 10K split in 42 minutes even, a 6:45 per mile pace. She remained consistent through the halfway point, covering the first 13.1 miles in 1:29:28, still on pace for a sub-three-hour marathon. Though slowed somewhat by some physical issues, she maintained her incredibly consistent pace, coming home in 3:00:15, an average of 6:52 per mile for the 26.2 miles. She finished just 17 seconds behind the NAIA women's runner-up. The women's NAIA champion was Mercy Kibiwatt of Cumberland (Tenn.), finishing in 2:54:05. Nelson finished in 296th among all female entries, fifteen of whom met the Olympic Trials qualifying standard.

Head Coach Craig Christians: "Madison once again displayed her mental tenacity with today's effort. Having never gone beyond 18 miles before, she entered uncharted territory with every step beyond that point and just kept going despite some of the usual things that marathoners face along the way with fueling and hydration. She closed on second by about a minute over the last four miles but came up just short of the runner-up spot. Just incredible."

Christians added, "The CIM (California International Marathon) went above and beyond to include our championship in their race. It's a fantastic event, and I hope it's a relationship that endures because it's an awesome opportunity for our student-athletes. I know that Madison learned a lot from her first one today, and she'll be hungry to return next year for another shot at it."

After her All-American finish at cross country nationals and now a top three showing in the marathon just two weeks later, Nelson and the other Bruins will turn their attention to the indoor track season that opens in January.