Cal Poly Alum Captures USATF Masters Cross Country Title
2/8/2023 11:15:00 AM | Cross Country, Track and Field
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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Former Cal Poly standout Ben Bruce recently won the Masters men's 8K title at the 2023 USATF Cross Country Championships.
With a time of 24:59.8, Bruce, 40, sailed to the first Masters XC Championship of his career on Jan. 21 at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Virginia. Ben Bruce crosses the finish line at the 2023 USATF Cross Country Championships. (Courtesy of Micah Thornton)
The Cal Poly track & field and cross country alum was a two-time All-American in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during his time as a Mustang, capturing sixth in 2005 and ninth in 2003 at the NCAA Championships.
Bruce, who graduated in 2005, is the school record holder in the 5,000-meter (13:40.90) and ranked No. 2 all-time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (8:33.70). As a senior, he secured Big West titles in both events.
After graduating, Bruce stuck around and served as a grad assistant under legendary coach Mark Conover until 2008, working closely with the Cal Poly steeplechase crew.
Bruce boasts an impressive resume while running professionally on a variety of surfaces. He has competed on four USA World Championship teams (half marathon 2010 & 2016, cross country 2010 and track 2011). He ran in 17 straight USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships from 2003-19 and has captured second at the USA Championships three times (steeplechase, road 5K and indoor 3,000-meter).
While running for HOKA Northern Arizona Elite in 2014, Bruce accomplished quite the feat winning five Rock 'n' Roll Marathons.
Bruce currently lives in Flagstaff with his wife, Steph, who is also a professional runner, and two sons, Hudson and Riley. He coaches the women on the Northern Arizona Elite, typically setting the pace for them in workouts, while also finding time to compete every now and then.
With the victory at the USATF Cross Country Championships, Bruce earned a chance to represent the U.S. at the World Masters Athletics Short Course Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, on Feb. 19.
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