In a dominant performance over five sloppy, hilly two-kilometer loops in Bend, Oregon, Aliphine Tuliamuk crushed a strong field for her first U.S. cross country title. Tuliamuk also won U.S. road titles in the 5K, 10K, and 25K in 2016.

No one seriously challenged Tuliamuk. Laura Thweatt and Kellyn Taylor followed her early, but Tuliamuk grew her lead every lap, eventually winning by 48 seconds. The 27-year-old former Wichita State star and recent New Balance signee won the 10K in 34:25. The top six finishers who accept a spot on the roster will run for the United States at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Uganda in March.

​Unofficial 10K results:

1. 34:25, Aliphine Tuliamuk, New Balance ($4,000)
2. 35:11, Laura Thweatt*, Saucony/Boulder TC ($2,500)
3. 35:36, Kellyn Taylor*, Hoka ONE ONE/Northern Arizona Elite ($1,500)
4. 35:39, Courtney Frerichs*, Nike/Bowerman Track Club ($1,000)
5. 35:43, Sarah Pagano, adidas/BAA ($850)
6. 36:18, Elaina Balouris, adidas/BAA ($750)
7. 36:20, Stephanie Bruce, Oiselle/Northern Arizona Elite ($650)
8. 36:35, Liz Costello, New Balance Boston ($550)
9. 36:46, Emily Pritt, Bowerman Track Club ($400)

*Thweatt, Taylor, and Frerichs said that they would not compete at World Cross if they qualified. If everyone else choses to race in Uganda, the roster would be Tuliamuk, Pagano, Balouris, Bruce, Costello, and Pritt.

The slow times were unsurprising. In addition to the 3,600-foot altitude, the course had been covered in snow for weeks and though the snow was mostly cleared, four races preceded the women's open race, making conditions very muddy.

All athletes who accept a spot on the World Cross roster, whether in the full 10K or the 4x1K relay, will also receive a $1,750 stipend.

Tuliamuk, who was born in Kenya, said after the race that she was thrilled to be able to represent the U.S. in Uganda, because it meant that her parents would be able to watch her race in person for the first time since elementary school.