SAN FRANCISCO – Graduate student Emily Clarke shines on day one at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic, running a new personal record in the 5000 meters by four seconds with a time of 16:36.01, placing fifth overall, and earning herself the fifth spot on Nevada's all-time list in the event.
 
"Emily felt she could have executed a better race," said assistant track and field coach Kirk Elias. "It is a good sign that one felt they could race better and still get a PR. She has some good races ahead of her."
 
E. Clarke's previous personal best of 16:40.93 was run at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships last season as a part of Claremont Mudd-Scripps. Her new mark puts her just under the fourth all-time spot, held by Amanda Moreno (16.35.67, 2009). E. Clarke placed in an elite top-five group, the fastest in the field ran by sophomore Hanna Hartwell from Redwoods, breaking the 16:30 mark to finish with a 16:28.00.
 
Competing alongside her sister, sophomore Abby Clarke made her debut this spring season, running a new personal record of 19:46.39 in the 5000 meters, placing 111^th overall. Running earlier in the day, sophomore Elizabeth Shaw also made her spring debut, competing in the 1500 meters. Finishing in a new time of 5:01.83, Shaw finished with a new personal record in the event and placed 120^th overall.
 
The Mike Fanelli Track Classic continues tomorrow beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the long jump on the field, and at 9:30 a.m. on the track. To follow along with tomorrow's events, live results are available HERE, while the live stream is available through FloTrack HERE. 
 
Results (Nevada)
 
1500m
120. Elizabeth Shaw – 5:01.83
 
5000m
5. Emily Clarke – 16:36.01
111. Abigail Clarke – 19:46.39