T-Birds Finish National Runner-up, Mrabet Places 3rd

The NMJC women's half marathon team finished in second place with 22 points at the 2024 NJCAA Women's Half Marathon National Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Dorey Park.

The Thunderbirds ended the race seven points ahead of third place El Paso CC and just 11 points behind national champion Salt Lake. The T-Birds improved on their third-place finish in 2023. 

Ines Mrabet starred for the T-Birds on the course Tuesday morning finishing in third place with a time of 1:20.59.50. Mrabet's time moved her into NMJC's second place all-time for the half marathon. 

The finish earned the Tunisian NJCAA Half Marathon All-American and USTFCCCA All-American honors. The freshman was in the lead pack for nearly the entire race but was outkicked in the final half mile. Salt Lake's Lindsie Fausett came in second place 44.9 seconds in front of Mrabet and Odessa's Elizabeth Ilanda won the championship ahead of Mrabet by 56.1 seconds.  

Emilly Silva had another great performance in Richmond on Tuesday. Silva placed 18th in the half marathon with a time of 1:26.51.00. The finish earned Silva USTFCCCA All-American honors. 

Freshman Hadil Chiha was the third and final counting score for the T-Birds. Chiha finished in 21st place with a time of 1:28.08.40. 

Francesca Alvarado was one of three T-Bird sophomore returners (Martins & Kausz) who competed in their first half marathon race. Alvarado placed 23rd overall with a time of 1:29.00.90. Lisel Ndlovu came across the line just behind Alvarado in 25th place with a finish of 1:31.40.50. 

Tyfane Martins finished in 37th place with a time of 1:34.47.10. Daphne Kausz was the final member of the half marathon team to cross the finish line. Kausz completed her first half marathon race in 1:41.05.40 to finish 63rd overall.  

The Thunderbirds end the half marathon season as the second best team in the NJCAA. The national runner-up finish is tied with the 2022 team for the highest finish in school history.