Cyclone cross country runner Saul Lempirikany went the distance last Saturday and earned the Big 12 Runner of the Week title after a solid performance in the Roy A. Griak Invitational held in Minneapolis.

Lempirikany captured second place in the 8,000 meter competition, clocking in at 24:27.

“I knew I was ready for it and that is what happened,” he said.

After leading a good portion of the race with his teammate David Lichoro, Lempirikany’s legs led him further ahead of the other competitors.

His second place finish was only three seconds behind the first place finisher, Ben Noad, from Providence.

Lempirikany outdistanced Nebraska’s Jeoen Broeksitter and Cleophas Boor, who garnered third and fifth places, respectively.

Lempirikany said he is happy to receive the honor, but he hopes “to do better than that” in the future.

“Races are usually won before the competition because you have to have been training hard,” Lempirikany said.

He said he is optimistic about the rest of the season and will continue to train hard so he can be among the winners.

Coach Kevin Bourke said he was pleased with Lempirikany’s race.

“Saul is gaining confidence and has the desire to win.

“For him to be named Big 12 Runner of the Week is terrific for our team and for the sport of cross country here on the Iowa State campus,” Bourke said.

“Our squad focuses on team goals versus individual ones, but this honor will definitely inspire the team to perform well at big upcoming meets such as the Big 12 Conference meet and NCAA meet.”

The Cyclone cross country team is currently ranked 17th in the NCAA’s poll.