EUGENE, Ore. – New Mexico made history at Hayward Field on Wednesday when Ishmael Kipkurui captured his first NCAA title and teammate Habtom Samuel earned runner-up honors in the men’s 10,000m final on Day 1 at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday (11). The pair delivered a powerful finishing kick that separated them from the field in the final meters of the race.
The historic result marks the first time New Mexico has finished 1-2 in any event at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Their combined 18 points from the 10,000m alone moved the Lobos into a tie for second place in the men’s team standings after day one competition.
Kipkurui, who already holds the NCAA 10,000m record, showed why he’s considered one of the nation’s top distance runners. The first-year Lobo saved his best for last, covering the final 800 meters in 1:57 to pull away from the pack. His winning time of 29:07.70 came after a tactical race that unfolded much slower than expected.
“First of all, I want to thank God for today,” Kipkurui said after his victory. “The race was not easy because everyone was crazy, but I thank God for the win.”
Samuel, the defending outdoor 10,000m champion, stayed close to his teammate throughout the strategic contest. The veteran distance runner clocked 29:08.73 for second place, adding another runner-up finish to his impressive college career. This marks Samuel’s fourth second-place finish at NCAA Championships across his two seasons wearing the Lobo uniform.
Both runners waited until the final five laps to make their decisive moves. The strategy paid off as they recorded the two fastest final 400-meter splits of the entire field. Kipkurui closed his last lap in 53.38 seconds while Samuel finished strong with a 54.08 split. The next-closest competitor managed only 55.57 over the final circuit.
Samuel’s second-place finish earned him his eighth First Team All-American honor, extending his record as the program’s most decorated athlete. The experienced runner has now claimed four runner-up finishes during his time at New Mexico, including cross country titles in 2023 and 2024, plus the indoor 5,000m earlier this season.
For Kipkurui, the victory represents his second First Team All-American recognition. He previously finished seventh in the 5,000m at the 2025 NCAA Indoor Championships, showing his range across multiple distance events.
Both Kipkurui and Samuel will return to action Friday in the men’s 5,000m final, giving them another opportunity to score points for the team title race. Their experience from Wednesday’s tactical 10,000m should serve them well in the shorter distance event.
Men’s 10,000m Final Results:
- Ishmael Kipkurui (New Mexico) – 29:07.70
- Habtom Samuel (New Mexico) – 29:08.73
