Courtesy of Rajpaul Pannu
TF | Pannu Finishes 2nd at Hoka Project Carbon X 2 100K Race
1/23/2021 8:00:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
CHANDLER, Ariz. — Former Saint Mary's standout Rajpaul Pannu continues to accomplish amazing things. Competing Saturday in the Hoka Project Carbon X 2 100k race, Pannu finished second overall with a time that stands as the third-fastest time by an American male in history.
Jim Walmsley of Flagstaff, Arizona took first in the event with the American-male record time of 6:09:26 (yes, that is read six hours, nine minutes, and 26 seconds), falling 11 seconds shy of setting the world record, currently held by Nao Kazami in 2018. Pannu's second place finish was even more impressive considering this was his first attempt at the 100k ultra marathon.
Pannu's final time of 6:28:31 was consistent from the first 5k to the final 5k. At the 40k mark, the Hayward math teacher was sitting in 7th place out the pack of 13 attempting to set the American and world records, but as the other's faded, Pannu stayed steady. Around the 85k mark is when Pannu got into second place and remained there, finishing around 11 minutes ahead of Kris Brown, who took third.
"GO RAJ!" exclaimed Track head coach Marty Kinsey. "Wow! I am so proud of this guy. If anyone needs a role model, or someone to look up to for inspiration, look no further than Rajpaul Pannu. In his first 100k attempt (which is 62 miles at 6:15 pace per mile), he became the third fastest American ever. I can't wait to see what he does next. Amazing."
Pannu recently competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials for marathon, placing 63rd in February. His qualifying time of 2:17:05 was accomplished under the guidance of Coach Kinsey. He also qualified for the USA Track and Field National Championships, where he raced the 10k on the track. Saturday's race may have been his best race yet.
A link to the full race can be found HERE.
Jim Walmsley of Flagstaff, Arizona took first in the event with the American-male record time of 6:09:26 (yes, that is read six hours, nine minutes, and 26 seconds), falling 11 seconds shy of setting the world record, currently held by Nao Kazami in 2018. Pannu's second place finish was even more impressive considering this was his first attempt at the 100k ultra marathon.
Pannu's final time of 6:28:31 was consistent from the first 5k to the final 5k. At the 40k mark, the Hayward math teacher was sitting in 7th place out the pack of 13 attempting to set the American and world records, but as the other's faded, Pannu stayed steady. Around the 85k mark is when Pannu got into second place and remained there, finishing around 11 minutes ahead of Kris Brown, who took third.
"GO RAJ!" exclaimed Track head coach Marty Kinsey. "Wow! I am so proud of this guy. If anyone needs a role model, or someone to look up to for inspiration, look no further than Rajpaul Pannu. In his first 100k attempt (which is 62 miles at 6:15 pace per mile), he became the third fastest American ever. I can't wait to see what he does next. Amazing."
Pannu recently competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials for marathon, placing 63rd in February. His qualifying time of 2:17:05 was accomplished under the guidance of Coach Kinsey. He also qualified for the USA Track and Field National Championships, where he raced the 10k on the track. Saturday's race may have been his best race yet.
A link to the full race can be found HERE.
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