Grace Richardson of the New York University's women's track & field team placed second in the 5,000-meter run and set a new program record in the event at the NCAA Division III Championships in Virginia Beach, VA, on Friday, March 8.

Richardson topped the previous record of 16:44.20 which she set earlier this season at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. Her time today of 16:26.75 trailed the NCAA 5k Champion Fiona Smith of the College of Saint Benedict (16:26.40) by less than one second.

"Grace ran a really intelligent race and closed really well over the final 200m to be right in contention for the win coming into the final straight," said  Head Coach Tyler Deck Shipley. "She ran a huge personal-best and measured her race nearly perfectly. I am ecstatic to see her reap the rewards of her hard work."

Katherine Cochran also represented the Violets in the event, placing 15th with a time of 17:09.70.

"Kate has been unbelievably steady, and I'm very excited that she exemplified that in her first track nationals," Deck Shipley explained."

Freshman Julian Aske of the men's team competed in the preliminary round of the 800-meter run at the championships,  finishing in 14th place with a time of 1:53.56.

I'm very proud of Julian for grabbing the moment and putting himself in great position at the 800," Deck Shipley added. "This is his first nationals as a freshman, and was a very valuable experience."

Cochran, Richardson, and Janie Cooper will compete in the women's 3,000-meter championship race tomorrow, Saturday, March 9, at 5:40 PM.