Sports
Richfield's Obsa Ali Snags State Cross County Title Despite Losing a Shoe
Ali lost his right shoe with 400 meters remaining in the race, according to reports.
Richfield High School's Obsa Ali stole the state cross county running champion title without one of his running shoes Saturday.
According to the Pioneer Press, Ali lost his right shoe, which was covered in duct tape, with 400 meters remaining and blazed from there to the Class 2A championship, finishing the 5,000-meter course at St. Olaf College in 15 minutes, 15 seconds.
Ali was the state runner-up in 2012, and was just 5 seconds short of the state record this year, according to the Richfield Public Schools District website. However, Ali did break the Richfield record that was set by Paul Gisselquist in 1982 of 15 minutes, 34 seconds.
Ali was neck and neck with Wayzata's Connor Olson, but pulled ahead with 800 meters left for the win, the Pioneer Press reported.
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