Muhumed and Smith Win USATF 8K Road Titles at Crazy 8s 8K Race

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Crazy 8s 8K Race has been a fixture in Northeast Tennessee for decades. But Saturday night marked the first time it would serve as the USA Track & Field 8K road race championship for both men and women.

The competition did not disappoint in the humid atmosphere of the Model City.

The elite start got underway just after 9 p.m. ET, with the finish line as exciting as the starting line. Ahmed Muhumed crossed the finish line first, arms outstretched, in a time of 22:26 to claim the men’s 8K road race championship.

The former Boise State and Florida State star missed the 2024 Summer Olympics but earned a confidence-boosting win in Tennessee.

“I didn’t win any national titles — I was second in the 5K in New York,” he said. “When I saw it, I was like, ‘No, I just did that.’ It’s something I can only dream of when it’s out there. But I didn’t really do it — I talk about splits on my watch, but I didn’t care how fast I ran. It was about competing and staying with the front runners.”

Isai Rodriguez finished just one second (22:27) behind in second, while Hillary Bor took bronze with a time of 22:34.

In the women’s event, former American Olympian and World Championship competitor Rachel Smith won the 8K road race with a time of 25:40.

“Anytime you can win a national championship, it’s so special,” she said. “I definitely don’t take it for granted, especially as I get older. It’s always an honor to win a national championship.”

Emma Grace Hurley took silver in the women’s event with a time of 25:58, while Natosha Rogers clocked 26:11 to take third place.

Muhumed and Smith won a $5,000 prize and the title for their efforts, but said they will also carry the Model City run with them as a memory.

“This is one of the best environments I’ve ever been in, racing-wise,” Muhumed said. “I’m just thankful for the city of Kingsport and the Tri-Cities and everybody that’s here to support.”

“The hospitality and the event was so, so great,” Smith said. “I really enjoyed my stay here and I hope to come back again.”