Graham Blank's grit knows no bounds at the 2024 Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Opener on Saturday, December 7.

It's tough enough to win an NCAA cross country title and then set a 13:03 personal best indoors two weeks later. It's another thing to do both things two years in a row, against tougher competition, in a faster time. Yet that's exactly what Blanks accomplished with his 5K run at the 2024 Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University on Saturday.

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The early laps were on point, splitting 4:11.33 for 1600m. By this point, Blanks, Oklahoma State's Brian Musau, and Villanova's Olympic trials finalist miler Liam Murphy had already separated themselves from the field to turn up the heat.

Exactly, as planned, the pacer hit 3K in 7:52 and was even able to continue until the clock hit 9 minutes. But with the projected pace only at 13:05, Blanks knew a kick would be required.

He began to ratchet the pace down, turning 31-second lap splits into 30s. After Murphy fell off, even Musau couldn't keep with the pace and by the final laps it was clear the race was Blanks against the clock.

Despite having to navigate around lapped runners well into lane 3 on the penultimate curve, Blanks was able to split 29.67 for his final lap for a 12:59.89 time -- accomplishing both the goal of a World Championships standard and a sub-13 PB.

Blanks' time makes him the second-fastest collegian ever indoors, only behind Nico Young who broke Blanks' record last indoor season to split 12:57.

BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener Results - Men's 5000m

1. Graham Blanks (Harvard), 12:59.89
2. Liam Murphy (Villanova), 13:10.42
3. Brian Musau (Oklahoma State), 13:11.29
4. Marco Langon (Villanova), 13:14.11
5. Dylan Schubert (Furman), 13:17.89
6. Samuel Prakel (Adidas), 13:18.06
7. Denis Kipngetich (Oklahoma State), 13:18.33
8. Kieran Lumb (On), 13:19.47
9. Sanele Masondo (Iowa State), 13:20.30
10. Said Mechaal (Iowa State), 13:21.13
11. james Mwaura (Unattached), 13:22.21
12. Bob Liking (Wisconsin), 13:22.80
13. Patrick Kiprop (Arkansas), 13:23.56
14. Creed Thompson (BYU), 13:25.03
15. Matt Strangio (Portland), 13:29.14
16. Joash Ruto (Iowa State), 13:40.73
17. James Corrigan (BYU), 13:43.03
18. Drew Bosley (Northern Arizona), 13:43.62
19. Robin Kwemoi Bera (Iowa State), 13:48.51
DNF. Foster Malleck (Boston University)
DNF. Kirubel Erassa (Unattached)
DNF. Anthony Camereiri (Unattached)

When Is The BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener?

The 2024 BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener begins at 10:25 a.m. ET on Saturday, December 7.

How To Stream 2024 Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener:

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