Gaffney, Sanchez Record Top 5 Times in School History at Bryan Clay
4/16/2026 11:36:00 PM | Track and Field
AZUSA, Calif. — Kelli Gaffney and Isabel Sanchez both posted top-five marks in program history, and Ashlyn Leath ran a massive lifetime best to highlight action for Cal Poly track and field during Day 1 of the Bryan Clay Invitational on Thursday at Cougar Athletic Stadium.
A total of five Mustangs competed on the opening day of the “fastest track meet in the country. Leath got a jam-packed week of action for Cal Poly underway with an incredible performance Thursday morning. The junior posted a nearly two-minute lifetime best in the Open A section of the women’s 10,000-meter, crossing the line in 34:45.87 — the 12th fastest time in school history. She soared past her previous PR of 36:37.62 recorded at last year’s Big West Championships, where she placed 17th.
Gaffney and Sanchez also impressed for the women’s distance squad. Under the lights, Gaffney shined bright, running the fastest women’s 10,000 by a Mustang in 36 years. She crossed the line in a blistering time of 33:49.78, moving up to No. 3 in school history in the event. It was an over 23-second lifetime best for the 2025 NCAA West Prelims qualifier in the event. It was Gaffney’s first meet this outdoor season.
Sanchez climbed to No. 4 in school history in the women’s 3,000 steeplechase with a time of 10:33.75. Sanchez is the defending Big West champion in the 3,000 steeplechase.
Day 2 action from Bryan Clay gets underway at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Cal Poly will also open competition at the 66th Mt. SAC Relays and the Beach Invitational on Friday. Links to live results for all three meets can be found above and on the Cal Poly track and field schedule page. Follow Cal Poly track and field on Instagram (@calpolytfxc) or X/Twitter (@CalPolyTrack_XC) for live updates throughout the meets.
Bryan Clay Invitational Day 1 Results
WOMEN
10,000-meter Invite Heat 2: 7, Kelli Gaffney, 33:49.78.
10,000-meter Open A: 5, Ashlyn Leath, 34:45.87.
3,000-meter steeplechase Open: 39, Isabel Sanchez, 10:33.75. 79, Sydney Sundgren, 10:50.99.
MEN
3,000-meter steeplechase Open: 22, Dheeraj Gurusamy, 8:54.39.
