NORFOLK, Va. — After another historic performance over the weekend, Norfolk State distance runner Mercyline Kimaiyo has added another honor to her decorated resume this season.  

The sophomore from Kaptagat, Kenya was named MEAC Women's Track Co-Athlete of the Week on Wednesday afternoon by the conference office, the second MEAC weekly honor of her Norfolk State career. 

Kimaiyo shattered the school's outdoor record in the 5,000 meters, finishing the event in 17 minutes, 14.49 seconds at the Virginia Challenge. The time emphatically beat the previous record set by Jennifer Chichester (18:04.52) in 2010 by 50.03 seconds. 

Kimaiyo's mark ranks second in MEAC history, just under eight seconds from the conference record. She now holds three school records in just her first year at Norfolk State: 5,000 meters (indoor), 10,000 meters (outdoor) and 5,000 meters (outdoor). 

The Spartans return to action this weekend in Philadelphia, Pa. For the Penn Relays.