Robert Black

George Starts Season Strong

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Coming off of a strong season-opening performance at the 27th annual Chile Pepper Festival Arkansas sophomore Alex George has been selected as SEC Runner of the Week.

Electing to redshirt during his first outdoor season George returned to action for the Razorbacks at Agri Park on Oct. 3 crossing the line in 23:35.68 to finish second among division I runners and third overall in the 8K. The race was the first for George since he was crowned 5,000-meter champion at the 2015 European Junior Championships in mid-July.

Keeping pace with the lead pack through the entire race, George demolished his previous 8K personal best of 24:25.00 which he ran at the 2014 Wisconsin adidas Invitational.

This is the first SEC Runner of the Week honor for George. Last season saw the naturally-gifted athlere earn three SEC Freshman Runner of the Week honors from performances at the Iona Meet of Champions, Chile Pepper Festival and the Wisconsin adidas Invitational

The 2014 SEC Co-Freshman of the Year will see action next in Louisville, Ky. where the Razorbacks are set to compete at Pre-Nationals on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Chile Pepper Festival 8K Results – 1st of 15
1. Alex George (2)* – 23:35.68
2. Frankline Tonui (3)* – 23:38.24
3. Christian Heymsfield (4)* – 23:38.87
4. Austen Dalquist (7)* – 24:00.74
5. Jack Bruce (8)* – 24:04.24
6. Gabe Gonzalez (9)* – 24:07.25
7. Cale Wallace (12)* – 24:14.40

*division I scoring

For more information on Arkansas track and field including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.