Former Penn State distance running standout Tyler McCandless won today's Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K with a time of 29:38. He finished 30 seconds in front of Joe Gray on a cold, windy morning in downtown Richmond.
McCandless, last year's men's runner-up, surged quickly to the front. Soon he built an advantage was commanding but – is his estimation, at least – never comfortable. He was reluctant to break stride to peek over his shoulder. Instead, he tried to measure his lead by listening to the crowd lining the streets.
Gray finished in 30:08. Benjamin Snodgrass was third (30:27) and Will Christian fourth (30:35). Richmonder Javier Ceja finished fifth in 30:53.
Reigning women's champion Kellyn Johnson Taylor, won the women's race in 33:20. She finished 35 seconds ahead of runner-up Susanna Sullivan.
Richmonder Maria Elena Calle, a former VCU standout, finished third in 34:59. Loring Crowley was fourth (35:01) and Renee High fifth (35:43).
