A cool autumn breeze flooded Lehigh University’s campus as thousands of runners stampede through the famously fast Paul Short Invitational on Saturday, October 5th. Of those thousands, 50 ran with the Delaware name splashed proudly on their chests.

For the men’s team, Michael Durkin was once again the top finisher in the 8k, running a personal record (PR) of 25:22.2- over 90 seconds faster than his previous course time! The entire men’s team fought hard to follow Durkin’s lead, with many setting their own astounding PRs, including Ray Smith with a 50 second PR and Matt Weir who dropped more than a minute off his previous time. 

Rounding out the top 7 for the men’s team were Michael Murphy (27:18.9), John Papadopoulos (27:22.6), Schuyler Reed (27:41.9), Evan Massa (28:14.0), Trent Zuspann (29:04.9), and Paul Filipow (29:29.4). 

With the dust from the men’s race barely settled, the UDXC women took off into the cornfields of Lehigh, once again led by Bailey Davin, who blazed through the course in 23:32.2. The women’s team saw some incredible pack running throughout the entire race and through the finishing line, with runners #2 through #6 coming in within 35 seconds of one another!

Following Davin for the top 7 were Allison Einig (24:24.4), Emma Bateman (24:33.2), Rachel Handleman (24:42.9), Elise LaFramboise (24:52.8), Abigail Kaye (24:55.1), and Ana Dacey (24:58.9).  

Next week, the blue hens will have a week off from racing as they prepare for the Princeton Invitational on October 20th.

Full results can be found here