Pamela Kosgei qualified on May 28 for the NCAA Outdoor Championships 10,000-meter final after finishing second at the NCAA West Regional Preliminary in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Kosgei, the reigning outdoor champion in the event, finished with a time of 31:27.58 at John McDonnell Field to become regional runner-up and secure her return to Eugene to defend her title.
Kosgei and collegiate record holder Jane Hedengren of Brigham Young University broke the previous facility record of 33:25.71 set in 2009 and led a group of athletes who also surpassed that mark. The two will compete again for the national championship on June 11 at Hayward Field.
“Pamela Kosgei finishes as a close second in the NCAA West Region 10,000m Semifinal to ensure she’ll return to Eugene to defend her 2025 outdoor title!” said New Mexico XC/T&F (@UNMLoboXCTF) via social media.
Kosgei is scheduled to compete Saturday in the women’s 5,000 meters alongside teammates Marion Jepngetich, Tilly Simpson, Mercy Kirarei and Jasmine Wood. Last season, Kosgei and Jepngetich placed first and fourth, respectively, in this event’s final.
In other events on Day Two of regional action for New Mexico Lobos Track & Field, Jasmine Wood, Tilly Simpson and Li-Mari Dekker advanced to quarterfinals in the women’s 1,500 meters; Taniya Looney progressed through both heats of the women’s 100 meters (setting a new wind-legal program record with an 11.07 finish) and also moved forward in the women’s 200 meters; Eva Ngom reached quarterfinals for women’s 400 meters; while Arian Milicija placed twenty-eighth overall in men’s pole vault after clearing his opening height but missing subsequent attempts.
Saturday’s schedule includes additional opportunities for Lobos athletes seeking spots at nationals. Coverage continues with streaming available through ESPN+.
