AZUSA, Calif. – Alabama track and field got its weekend off to a fast start with some stellar times in the 5,000 meters at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, Calif., at Cougar Stadium.

Esther Gitahi ran a huge career-best in the 5,000 meters, breaking a 32-year old school record in the process. The junior ran a 15:58.72, becoming the first UA woman to go under 16 minutes in the 5,000 meters. In the process she shaved more than a minute and a half off her previous best time and more than 12 seconds off the previous school mark set by Elspeth Turner in 1987.

Senior Gilbert Kigen also ran a personal best in the 5,000 meters, posting a 13:34.95 and shaving more than five seconds off his previous best. His time is the second fastest time in school history and the fastest in the NCAA this season. Senior Alfred Chelanga posted a 13:42.31 in the 5,000, just two-tenths of a second off his career-best time.

At the second of the Tide's meets this weekend, senior Kord Ferguson turned in the top collegiate mark in the discus at the Kansas Relays on Friday with a season-best toss of 199-07.0 (60.85m), finishing fourth overall.

In addition to running in California and throwing in Kansas, Alabama rolls into Auburn, Ala., on Saturday for the War Eagle Invitational, where it will compete in the sprints, jumps and throws.

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