Benford and U.S. Teammates Place 8th in Izumo Ekiden Race (Japan)

Andrew Benford (UR '11) last year at the
NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Andrew Benford (Richmond '11) and his USA teammates placed 8th in the Izumo Ekiden held on October 10 in Izumo, Japan.  Their 8th place team finish is the highest ever finish for team USA and led to an automatic bid for the U.S. to return next year.


In the 6 man relay race, Benford ran the 6.4 kilometer 4th leg in the 6th fastest time (19:05) on the day out of the 21 participating teams.

Benford Quote: "We placed 8th as a team! Our highest placing ever, meaning that the team will automatically be invited back next year. I got the sash in 10th, and ran 19:05 for my leg to hand off in 9th, which was the 6th fastest out of 21 for my leg. Our anchor, Jon Grey, got the sash in 10th and caught two runners to bring us back up to 8th. Have to shower quick and head to the after race celebration. Will follow up with more later..."

Benford winning the 2010
Atlantic 10 Conference
Cross Country title.

Benford, who currently serves as an assistant coach for the Richmond Spiders, is a NCAA DI All-American in the 3K steeplechase this spring for the Spiders.  He is training for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials to be held next summer in Eugene, Oregon where he has qualified in the 3,000M Steeplechase.

We will post more, including photos, once he returns from Japan.