McNeill Runs to Eighth-Place Finish at Commonwealth Games

DELHI, India – It wasn't ideal conditions for a 5,000-meter run, but Northern Arizona senior runner David McNeill made the most of Wednesday evening's race, finishing eighth overall in the Commonwealth Games 5K from Jawaharlal Stadium. McNeill, sporting the green and yellow of Australia, crossed the finish line in a time of 13 minutes, 47.40 seconds. It was the third fastest outdoor 5K time for McNeill in 2010.

The race consisted of a few surges thrown in throughout by eventual winner, Moses Ndiema Kipsiro of Uganda (13:31.25). McNeill settled in with the lead pack for 10 of the 13 laps, running beside Australian teammate Ben St. Lawrence for the entirety of the race. As the lead pack broke off, McNeill and his teammate raced side-by-side and finished seventh and eighth, respectively.

"I didn't feel my outlook and goals leading into the race matched the outcome," McNeill said. "I gave it everything on the day, but walked away wanting more. I consider finishing in the top eight a positive, and I'll take that with the motivation to be a better runner into the remainder of my final cross country season as a Lumberjack."

Wednesday's race for McNeill was also very special since he celebrated his 24th birthday and had his parents in the crowd to cheer him on.

"Without a doubt, it will be a birthday I will remember," McNeill said. "I found my family in the crowd at the start of the race, and realized how lucky I was to be there. It reminded me of all the special people who make running possible for me, including coach Heins and all of my teammates."

The experience for McNeill to compete in an international competition the magnitude of the Commonwealth Games will only help the two-time NCAA national champion. With his eyes set on the 2012 Olympic Games from London, experiences like these will only make McNeill a more complete runner.

The next race McNeill will compete in for NAU will be in Spokane, Wash., at the Big Sky Cross Country Championships on Oct. 30. McNeill is the two-time defending Big Sky individual champion.