Steffens Wins 2008 USA Women's 20k National Championship
September 02, 2008 | Cross Country
Steffens, who won 2007 Southeastern Conference outdoor titles in both the 10,000-meter run and the 5000 in her final year at Georgia, clocked a 1:08.48 to finish just ahead of Elva Dryer (1:08.54) and Ilsa Paulson (1:08.55). Steffens kept a 5:33 mile pace throughout the race.
"It's phenomenal, it's very surreal," Steffens told letsrun.com. "I'm so grateful to be here and am really looking forward to a career (as a pro runner)."
This was Steffens' first race over 10k and one of her first competitive races since competing in the 10,000 at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Steffens, who runs for New Balance, will be marrying another former Bulldog runner, Mike Swope, on Saturday.
In the men's race, Ian Burrell, who runs for Adidas and was a three-time All-American for the Bulldogs before finishing his career in 2008, took eighth after crossing the finish line in 1:01.02. Burrells pace was a 4:55 mile.
