Several great female runners have made their mark in the NCAA, like eventual Olympic champions like Sha’Carri Richardson in sprints and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the hurdles. But NCAA distance runners have included some of the greatest athletes in the sport.

Runners like Katelyn Tuohy and Parker Valby, who have since retired from NCAA running, are examples of this. Both of these women broke records and set the pace for their competitors.

Along with their success in college running, both women also competed in the 2024 Olympic trials, with Valby even making it in the 10,000-meter race. Both their careers are still far from over. 

Valby came straight out of her collegiate season to finish in 11th place at the Olympics out of 23 competitors. Since then has chosen to run professionally under the New Balance Boston group until she is able to compete again in the 2028 Olympics.

Tuohy signed with Adidas after her final college cross country race in the 2023 season.

But the NCAA still boasts great female distance runners. Doris Lemngole and Hilda Olemomoi, both runners for the University of Alabama, are some of the current best. 

Lemngole won the NCAA cross country championships, which put her in a good position for both the current indoor and upcoming outdoor track and field seasons.

Lemngole is in close proximity to Valby, as their 5K race times are mere seconds apart, which puts her in good shape for the next season. She is currently the leading distance runner in the NCAA, and with the times she has run, she should continue to be.

Many great track and field and cross-country athletes – especially distance runners – started out in the NCAA. With talent competing right now, the future looks even better.