Emily Harrison Wins IAU 50k World Championship Trophy Final

Flagstaff, AZ's Emily Harrison brought home the gold at the IAU 50k World Trophy Final in Doha, Qatar, last weekend with a blistering time of 3:32:27 in 88 degree heat and 60+ degree humidity. The event featured the fastest runners from 17 countries, and came down to less than a minute between her and Great Britain's Joasia Zakrzewski (3:33:20).

(Emily Harrison breaks the tape for her win at the IAU 50k Worlds)

"Because of the heat and humidity, Ian (Torrence, her coach at McMillan Running Company) and I decided that going for any records or fast times was pretty much out the window," said Harrison, already the 2014 USATF 50k Road National Champion with her 3:16 time at the Caumsett 50k earlier this year, "The goal going into the race was to win and to conserve as much effort as possible. I didn't do anything crazy to prepare for the heat and was banking on being able to keep my effort within reason on race day in order to not bury myself."

Harrison was the favorite, but she stayed with the pack for the first three of ten laps. Around the third lap, Canadian Catrin Jones made a move, but by lap six, Harrison moved her way back into the lead and kept it to the finish. Zakrzewski, fresh from running the marathon at the Commonwealth Games made her way through the field as the race went on, and held second to the finish.

(Cashing the big check!)

"I will be back for the 100k World Championships in a couple weeks, which is being held at the same venue/course. This was a great opportunity to preview the course and prep for the 100k."

Congrats, Emily, our 50k National and World Champion!

Top Women:
1) Emily Harrison USA 3:32:27
2) Joasia Zakrzewski GBR 3:33:20
3) Catrin Jones CAN 3:37:54
4) Rita Nordsveen NOR 3:45:18
5) Neza Mravlje SLO 3:48:39

The Mens race also posted some amazing times given the hot conditions. Collen Makaza (ZIM) took claimed gold (3:00:40), followed by Phil Anthony (GBR, 3:01:26) and Harm Sengers (NED, 3:05:01). Makaza, Anthony and Elijah Biwott (KEN) took the early lead with Michael Wardian (USA) running close to the pack. At about the 3rd lap into the 10 lap course, Paul Martelletti started challenging for the podium finish as well, before settling comfortably in fourth place. At about the 30km mark Makaza increased the pace of the lead group, dropping Biwott (who pulled) and creating an 80+ second lead he kept to the finish.

Michael Wardian finished 6th with a time of 3:18:06, and will also be returning for the IAU 100k Worlds.

Top Men:
1) Collen Makaza ZIM 3:00:40
2) Phil Anthony GBR 3:01:26
3) Harm Sengers NED 3:05:01
4) Paul Martelletti GBR 3:11:05
5) Gary O’Hanlon IRL 3:14:34