Kaumba Captures Drake Relays Championship

Oklahoma Baptist University distance runner Mirriam Kaumba won the 10,000 meter race at the prestigious Drake Relays Thursday, giving OBU its first ever women's victory at that meet.

Kaumba, a junior from Zambia, won the event in 35:29.82, setting a new school record and edging rival Janet Kogo by two seconds. Kogo, a native of Kenya attending Harding University, had beaten Kaumba in cross country and in the 5,000 meters at the Texas Relays.

Finishing behind Kaumba and Kogo were Jennifer Kintzley of Colorado State, Lauren Burks of Georgia, Katrina Rundhaug of Minnesota, and others.

"It's a pretty big deal," said OBU coach Ford Mastin. "She had a good kick. They passed each other for the first 24 laps, but Mirriam passed her in the last 200 meters. There was a good crowd there and they were very appreciative of what was going on in the race."

Kaumba's big kick at the end saw her cover the final lap in 70 seconds. Kaumba's run beats by nearly 20 seconds the previous fastest time in the event in the NAIA this season.

For her efforts, Kaumba was awarded a championship watch.

Drake Relay 10,000: 1, Mirriam Kaumba, Oklahoma Baptist, 35:29.82. 2, Janet Kogo, Harding, 35:31.97. 3, Jennifer Kintzley, Colorado State, 36:05.63. 4, Lauren Burks, Georgia, 36:10.91. 5, Katrina Rundhaug, Minnesota, 36:11.33. 6, Jennifer Goebel, Illinois-Chicago, 36:20.21. 7, Sarah Reardon, Harding, 36:30.16. 8, Kristin Igielski, Carroll, 36:35.21.