BYU Dominates 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships

The 2024 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships took place on November 23 in Verona, Wisconsin, showcasing the prowess of collegiate athletes in crisp, chilly weather. With temperatures hovering in the high 30s, athletes braved the elements to claim their titles while setting new records and cementing legacies.

Men’s Race Recap: Graham Blanks’ Back-to-Back Victory

In the men's 10K race, Harvard's Graham Blanks clinched his second consecutive NCAA Cross Country Championship title, finishing with an impressive time of 28:37.2. Blanks, who represented the U.S. at the Olympics, maintained a strategic position within the lead pack before taking control of the race. At approximately 8.5K, he made his decisive move, quickly distancing himself from the competition.

Closely trailing was Habtom Samuel from New Mexico, who produced an exceptional performance despite running with just one shoe, finishing in 28:38.9. Dylan Schubert from Furman rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 28:39.6. Blanks' victory makes him the first back-to-back champion since BYU's Conner Mantz achieved this feat in 2020 and 2021.

Men’s Team Standings

The team results revealed BYU’s dominance, with the Cougars winning the team title with 124 points. Despite Iowa State’s push, which saw them complete the race with 137 points for second, BYU's strong early positioning secured their victory. Arkansas came in third at 202 points, while Wisconsin, racing on their home turf, placed fourth with 212 points.

Women’s Race Recap: Doris Lemngole Earns Her First National Title

The women’s 6K race mirrored the excitement of the men’s event, featuring intense competition right until the end. Doris Lemngole, who placed second in the 2023 Championships, left no doubts this year as she claimed her title with a finishing time of 19:21.0. After a tightly contested race, Lemngole surged forward in the final 400 meters, solidifying her win over Pamela Kosgei of New Mexico (19:27.8) and Hilda Olemomoi from Florida (19:28.7).

BYU's women's team also displayed exceptional talent, clinching the team title with 147 points. They managed to fend off West Virginia, who finished second with 164 points, and Providence, who took third place with 183 points. Notably, Northern Arizona led early in the race but faltered in the final kilometers to finish fourth with 206 points.

Women’s Team Standings

1. BYU - 147 points
2. West Virginia - 164 points
3. Providence - 183 points
4. Northern Arizona - 206 points
5. Oregon - 210 points

This year’s Championships highlighted the depth of talent at the collegiate level, with athletes showcasing determination against difficult weather conditions. Both BYU's men's and women's teams delivered stellar performances, making history by achieving a team sweep.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships, the standout performances of Graham Blanks and Doris Lemngole will undoubtedly be remembered as key moments in collegiate distance running. With such exciting races, the stage is set for the next generation of athletes to rise and challenge these champions, raising the bar even higher for future NCAA Cross Country events.

![Image Description: The finish line at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, where athletes are crossing the tape. Spectators cheer in the background, capturing the excitement of the event around the grassy course.]