Kurui Punches Ticket in 5K, Earns Second NCAA Championship Bid

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Washington State sophomore distance runner Evans Kurui finished third in his section of the 5,000-meter run national semifinals, Friday evening at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field West First Rounds, earning qualification to the championship race as part of the NCAA Championship next month in Eugene, Oregon.

Kurui returned to John McDonnell Field at the University of Arkansas after punching his ticket to Eugene in the 10,000-meter run Wednesday evening. The Kenyan crossed the finish line in 13:41.96, a personal best, to finish third in his section and fifth overall, claiming one of 12 qualification spots for the championship, June 12 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

WSU's Cougar women conclude the West First Rounds tomorrow, Saturday, May 30. Rosemary Longisa will run in the 1,500-meter quarterfinals at 3:15 p.m. PT, followed by the Cougar trio of Caroline Jepkorir, Mercy Biwott, and Zenah Cheptoo in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 3:40 p.m. PT.

The final day of the NCAA West First Rounds will be streamed live via ESPN+. The top 12 individuals in each event qualify for the 2026 NCAA Division-I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, June 10-13.

A complete schedule of events and results will be posted to NCAA.com at the conclusion of competition. To follow WSU cross country and track and stay up to date on Cougar news, follow the program on social media including Instagram, X, and Facebook.

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WSU Results
Men's 5,000m
Evans Kurui, 13:41.96, 3rd (5th overall) [Q]

WSU Upcoming Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 30
Women's 1,500m at 3:15 p.m. PT (Rosemary Longisa)
Women's 3000m Steeplechase at 3:40 p.m. PT (Caroline Jepkorir, Mercy Biwott, Zenah Cheptoo)

Kurui Punches Ticket in 5K, Earns Second NCAA Championship Bid

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Players Mentioned

Mercy Biwott

Zenah Cheptoo

Caroline Jepkorir

Evans Kurui

Rosemary Longisa

Washington State University Athletics