May 28, 2021 | Men's Track & Field
Shields perseveres through grueling marathon at NAIA Outdoor Championships
GULF SHORES, Ala - On the final day of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, CIU's Blaise Shields competed in one of the meet's most physically difficult events. The Indianapolis native took part in the men's marathon and, despite being near the coast, still had to deal with temperatures in the mid-eighties and 66% humidity. Of the 30 participants in the event, only 18 would even finish the race. Despite finishing outside the top 15, Shields was one of the 18 to battle the conditions and finished with a time of 3:52:17.
"It was humid and rough, and I am super proud of how Blaise fought through and finished, said Coach Jud Brooker. "Michael Knight did an incredible job preparing him, but with the marathon, anything can happen."
Shields still makes history as he is the first CIU men's track athlete to qualify for and compete in the marathon at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
