Gerrard excels at NCAA regional meet

Albuquerque-based athlete Keith Gerrard has qualified for the final of the USA collegiate 10,000 metre championships with a brilliant run at the NCAA West Region preliminary round in Eugene, Oregon.

Competing at the historic Hayward Field track, the Manx Sports Aid recipient placed sixth in a race that was contested by the fastest 46 students in the Pacific and Mountain Time zones, plus Texas.

He crossed the line in 29 minutes 14 seconds, three seconds behind the winner.

The University of New Mexico student said: 'It was quite a rough race, I had to run wide to keep out of trouble. I’m very happy to have made the final'.

The qualifying athletes will go forward to meet the top twelve from the NCAA East Region at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Track and Field Championships.

That takes place between Wednesday and Saturday next week at the Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa.