KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Alauna Carstens, a junior from Evergreen State (Wash.), has been named the NAIA Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week. Carstens' performance at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational on October 4, 2025, not only secured her a podium finish but also etched her name into the history books of Evergreen's athletics.
Competing against a formidable field of 285 runners, Carstens completed the 5-kilometer race with an impressive time of 16:59.40, clinching third place overall. This achievement marks the first time an Evergreen athlete has broken the 17-minute barrier in a women's 5-kilometer cross country race. Her performance was surpassed only by a runner from the University of Hawaii and an unattached competitor, highlighting Carstens' exceptional performance.
Carstens' record-setting run not only showcases her individual skill but also sets a new benchmark for future athletes at Evergreen. Her time of 16:59.40 is now the fastest in the college's history for a women's 5-kilometer cross country race, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support of her coaching staff.