Marshall University Athletics
10/21/2026 11:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Championship Fund | Relay Club
NEW ORLEANS – For a historic fourth time this season, Marshall Cross Country senior Rachael Withrow has been named the Sun Belt Conference Women's Runner of the Week, the most for any Herd athlete in a single-season in the university's era in the SBC.
Withrow won her fourth race of the season Friday at the Eagle Invitational in Morehead, Kentucky, leading the Herd to a team victory at the meet. Withrow raced a 6K time of 20:07, finishing 75 seconds over the next finisher. Her 6K time was the fastest in the conference this season and second-fastest in program history.
Withrow had already set a program record for most SBC Runner of the Week awards in a single-season, being previously named the league's top weekly honor recipient on Sept. 9, Sept. 16, and Oct. 7; all weeks coinciding with the four races she has competed in this season.
"In her short career as a Marshall University student-athlete, Rachael has already established a standard of excellence that is truly remarkable," Director of XC/TF Keith Roberts said. "Being named Sun Belt Runner of the Week once is an incredible accomplishment. To earn that recognition every time you compete is on an entirely different level."
"We are incredibly proud of Rachael and the focus, discipline, and dedication she brings to her craft. Her commitment to excellence is a true example of what it means to be a Marshall student-athlete. She continues to raise the standard and show what is possible when talent is matched with an unwavering commitment to being a champion."
Withrow's fourth weekly award is believed to be the most in a single-season by any Marshall student-athlete since Sydney Nester of MU Softball won six weekly awards in 2022.
Withrow and Marshall Cross Country are now preparing for the SBC Championships on Oct. 30 in Foley, Alabama.
"We are once again really excited and proud of Rachael winning Athlete of the Week again. Running 20:07 for the 6K solo is such a difficult feat but Rachael made it look easy," said XC Head Coach Caleb Bowen. "We are even more proud of the way she leads this team. Day in and day out she shows what is possible with hard work and dedication."
"Now, we enter championship season where we hope to see Rachael continue to lead and showcase what she can do."
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