TERRE HAUTE, Ind. ? University of Kentucky cross country runner Allison Grace ran a very determined race, finishing 63rd in her run at the national meet. Grace and 249 other women competed in damp and muddy conditions to vie for the NCAA Championship title in Terre Haute, Ind., Monday. Colorado claimed the men?s and women?s team titles, knocking off Wisconsin, who was predicted to sweep the meet.

?I am very pleased with the way that Ali ran for her first time at nationals,? UK coach Don Weber said. ?I thought she did a great job of getting out early, but faltered about three-quarters of the way through the meet, losing a few positions. For her first time running at nationals, her courage and daring style early was very admirable.?

Grace crossed the finish line in a time of 21:33.4 for the 6k race. The course record of 19:36.0 was not challenged due to the muddy conditions.

?She can compete with the best in the country and with time and training she will be able to hang with the front pack better in later stages of the race,? said Weber. ?She competed against 249 of the best female distance runners in the country today with courage, and I am proud of her performance.?

Kim Smith of Providence College ran the course in a time of 20:08.5 to win the individual title. Smith, who has previously won NCAA Championships in indoor track for the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, as well as in outdoor track for the 5,000 meters during 2004, finishes the cross country season undefeated ? taking first place in every race.

Colorado?s previously unbeaten Renee Metevier finished second with a time of 20:26.4, while Columbia?s Caroline Bierbaum was third with a time of 20:30.7.

The win marks the second national championship for Colorado, having previously won in 2000.

The Division I Cross Country Championships will return to the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in both 2005 and 2006.

-UK-