2014 IAAF Continental Cup

Marrakech, Morocco

In a race on Sunday, 14th September, featuring newly crowned US record holder Emma Coburn and 2014 world leader and Diamond Race winner Hiwot Ayalew of Ethiopia, MUAC’s Stella Radford acquitted herself admirably, claiming 8th place in 11:07.02. Radford represented the Asia Pacific team along with Ruth Jebet of Bahrain, her rival at the recent 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where Jebet took the gold. On that occaision the conditions and competition drove Radford to personal best and MUAC record, but that was not be in Marrakech, with temperatures rising well past 30, making the steeplechase event, already a tough event, a true test of character.  Coburn and Ayalew fought hard at the front of the race with the decisive moment coming over the last barrier, Ayalew clipping the barrier as the two sprinted for the line.  Jebet continued her good form after the World Junior Championships to take third place. Radford’s 8th continues a breakout year after fine performances in Eugene. The Stade Grande in Marrakech will be traded for Melbourne’s Tan Track as Radford joins her MUAC teammates as part of one of 13 MUAC teams at the final round of the XCR14 series, the Tan Relays.