UT track and cross country runner Paige Williams finished seventh among thousands in the 15k Gasparilla race held on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Williams, a sophomore finance major, was convinced to run in the race the night before by her parents.
“My parents thought it would be good training for track since I run the 10,000 meter race,” Williams said. “I didn’t expect anything great to happen, but I’ve been training hard so I had my friend who happened to be volunteering for the race sign me up for it.”
Williams could have won $750 by finishing with a time of 58:55, which was good enough for third place out of Florida residents. However, because she is a college athlete, she was forced to decline the award.
“It was a good training bonus and now I feel even more confident about this track season,” Williams said.
Williams’ coach Dror Vaknin also ran the race and finished fourth overall in the men’s division.