McGregor Runner-Up Again at USA 15K

A familiar nemesis kept Team USA Minnesota's Katie McGregor from winning that elusive USA 15K title.

Amy Yoder Begley pulled away from McGregor (pictured) and teammate Emily Brown in the race's final strides to win the USA 15K Championship hosted by the Gate River Run in Jacksonville. Florida on Saturday.

Yoder Begley clocked 49:51 for the win. McGregor ran 49:57 for second. Brown, the USA Cross Country champion, ran 50:03 for third.

Yoder Begley, of course, finished third in the Olympic Trials 10,000 meters last summer, speeding to an improbable Olympic Games-qualifying time en route. McGregor finished 4th in the event, narrowly missing the Games for a second straight time.

McGregor, who has earned USA titles twice at 10K on the road, at 10,000m on the track, and at 25K has been the USA 15K runner-up two years in a row.

"The race was strategic, but I like to keep it honest so I was up there pushing the pace," McGregor, said in a Team USA Minnesota media release. "I am happy with it although one of these years I'd like to take home the win. It was nice having my teammate Emily up there with me throughout the race."

Brown, who made her 15k championship debut with the race, was not displeased with her finish.

"I was real happy with this race and to be in the leading pack with such decorated competition," the former Golden Gopher said. "I came to Jacksonville to run 50 flat and ran 50:06. I focused on holding on as long as possible. I'm pleased with my third place finish."

Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle finished in 14th place in 52:14, Meghan Armstrong took 15th place in 52:35, and Michelle Lilienthal was 21st in 53:32, all represent Team USA Minnesota. Katie Koski of Duluth finished 40th in 57:02.

Lehmkuhle 8th, Carlson 9th ... Team USA Minnesota's Jason Lehmkuhle edged former teammate Andrew Carlson, the defending USA 15K champion, for 8th place. Lehmkuhle clocked a PR 44:09; Carlson ran 44:11.

Anthony Famiglietti won the race in 43:36.

Other men's notables included: Team USA's Josh Moen, 14th in 44:34; Team USA's Matt Gabrielson, 16th in 44:36; Team USA's Antonio Vega, 20th in 44:45; former Stillwater star Luke Watson, 34th in 46:20; Team USA's Chris Lundstrom, 37th in 46:24; former Team USA-er Brad Lowery, 42nd in 46:47; former Golden Gopher Chad Johnson, 43rd in 46:47; and Carleton College alum Matt Hooley, 49th in 47:44.

Also ...

Find full results from the race HERE.

Find video from the event HERE.

Photo by Victor Sailer/Photo Run.