Allie Ostrander scorched the course and field Friday to win the Deseret News women’s 10K race.
Read more Former UVU star Morgan Nokes wins Deseret News half marathon
The former three-time NCAA steeplechase champion won the race in 30:57. Rounding out the top three were Lexie Thompson (32:16) and Hannah Branch (33:05).
All three of the top finishers were former collegiate athletes, with Ostrander competing at Boise State, Thompson at Weber State and Branch at Utah Valley.
Ostrander had two goals for Friday’s race. The first was to break the course record and the second was to run sub-31 minutes. It was a successful day on both ends for Ostrander.
“I’ve run two road 10Ks this year and I think it might be my favorite distance,” Ostrander said. “Before this I had run two other 10Ks in my entire life so I’m definitely, kind of moving more towards that distance, just something that I enjoy.
“Not saying I’m going to specialize in only the 10K but it’s definitely a distance that I feel suits me.”
While Ostrander admits she isn’t going to call this race her 10K personal record because of its downhill format, she is happy to now hold the course record against a field full of runners she’s competed against for years as well as others who are new to the race.
“I love duking it out with anyone that’s in the race,” said Ostrander. “It’s so fun that we all get to be on the road at the same time. In this race for example, we were going back and forth. Someone would pass me, I’d pass someone. It’s just super engaging and fun.”
Ostrander also admits there is something special about road racing and having thousands of people on the start line with you, and then thousands of people lining the streets across the race to cheer you on.
“We’re all just in this together with this communal goal, and it’s super fun to be a part of that energy,” Ostrander said.
Ostrander is a seasoned competitor, with this being her third race in as many weekends, but she admits it’s what she loves doing.
“It’s not that crazy. I did the US 6K champs, the US 8K champs and now this,” Ostrander said. “Racing is my favorite part and what we train for.
“I wanted to kind of see what I could do stacking a bunch of races and managed to make it through unscathed, and am pretty happy with the results.”
Read more In farewell to Utah, Zaylie Paras wins Deseret News women’s marathon
For complete race results, click here.