Three XC Cougars Take On Chattanooga Chase
Gallardo, Martinez, and De La Pena all raced well in the Memorial Day Event.
Three Cougar Cross Country runners participated in the Chattanooga Chase races on Memorial Day and represented Cleveland State well. The race is the oldest in Chattanooga and featured 550 participants to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom in military service.
In the 8000m run, which featured 549 total runners, Derek Gallardo placed third overall with a time of 26:29. Erik Martinez also made the top ten, placing eighth overall with a time of 28:54. Luis De La Pena placed 26th overall with a time of 31:20.
"The guys wanted to run an 8K to see what their times would be," said head coach David Kyle. "We typically run 8Ks in our cross country races. This one was very tough so the times at our races should be faster. It has been a few years since I ran this race and I forgot how tough it was. It is super hilly with the beast being the Minnkhada Hill. The guys did great."
The three Cougar runners also took on the mile, which had 180 total competitors, in the day's events. Gallardo again placed in the top three, placing second overall with a time of 4:42, with Martinez placed eighth again with a time of 5:10 and De La Pena placed eleventh overall with a time of 5:17.
"I am very proud of these guys," said Kyle. "They have been working hard and it shows. I'm definitely excited for next season."
Stay tuned to cscougars.com for more news and notes from the upcoming 2019 Cross Country season.
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