Michigan
Penn Relays
Baumgarten Leads U-M on Day One of Penn Relays
4/28/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
April 28, 2017
» Aaron Baumgarten finished eighth overall at 5,000 meters, just missing his career best in the event.
• Results
Site: Philadelphia, Pa. (Franklin Field)
Event: Penn Relays (Day 1)
U-M Team Finish: Non-scoring
Next U-M Event: Friday, April 28 -- at Longhorn Invitational, Gina Relays
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The first of two days at the Penn Relays for the University of Michigan men's track and field team's distance runners got off to a fast start on Thursday's (April 27) opening session of the 123rd edition of the historic and iconic meet held at Franklin Field.
Aaron Baumgarten led the way with a strong eighth-place finish at 5,000 meters as the Wolverines focused on individual events Thursday ahead of a pair of relay races in the 4x800 and 4xMile on Saturday (April 29).
The junior came within a little more than four seconds of his career best, crossing the line in 14:05.05. Baumgarten ran with the front of the pack for more than two-thirds of the race, before eventual winner Jacob Thomson of Kentucky led a surge that broke apart the lead pack.
Baumgarten remained strong on the closing laps, just missing his lifetime-best 14:00.64 from a year ago.
Kyle Kroon came through in 14:45.11, Billy Bund finished in 14:56.05, and Isaac Harding crossed in 15:08.57.
Running his first collegiate 10,000-meter race, Micah Beller came through 17th in 31:21.37.
Austin Benoit led the way for the Wolverines in the fastest section of the 3000-meter steeplechase, running 9:15.92 to finish 15th in his race and 21st overall.
Before the Wolverines return to action on Saturday's final session of action at the Penn Relays, the sprinters, jumpers and throwers will be in action at the Texas Longhorn Invitational.
Tweet of the Day 
Great run by @ABaumDotCom_ to finish 8th in 14:05.05 in the @pennrelays 5000!
Just over 4 seconds off his PR from last year.-- Michigan Track&Field (@UMichTrack) April 28, 2017
Communications Contact: Kyle Terwillegar
