Craig Curley facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | July 1, 1988 Kinlichee, Arizona |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track, long-distance running |
| Event(s) | 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, marathon |
| College team | Pima Community College |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | 5000 meters: 14:10.61 10,000 meters: 29:03.45 Half marathon: 1:03:24 Marathon: 2:15:16 |
Craig Curley is an American Indian athlete known for his amazing long-distance running. He was born in Kinlichee, Arizona, and grew up on the Navajo reservation. In 2005, he was the fastest male high school cross country runner in Arizona. Craig chose a unique path for college. Instead of going to a big university, he picked Pima Community College. There, he broke a school record for the 5000-meter race. After two years, he started focusing on running marathons.
Contents
Craig Curley's Running Journey
High School Achievements
Craig Curley went to St. Michael High School. He ran cross country and track there. His coach was Terry Thompson. In 2005, Craig won the 1A state cross country championship in Arizona. He graduated from high school in 2006.
College Running Success
Even though big schools like Arizona State University wanted him, Craig chose Pima Community College. He picked Pima because of coach Greg Wenneborg. Pima was known for having excellent long-distance runners. After his first practice, Coach Wenneborg offered Craig a scholarship. Craig then joined Pima's two-year running program. In 2006, at the UC San Diego Triton Invitational, Craig set a new Pima record. He ran the 5000 meters in 14 minutes and 23.26 seconds.
Becoming a Professional Marathoner
Craig qualified for the 2012 US Olympic Trials in Houston, Texas. His first marathon time was 2 hours and 39 minutes. This was not what he had hoped for. But he didn't give up! He ran again at the 2012 Columbus Marathon in Ohio. Craig won this race, even though he only took the lead in the last six miles. After his big win in Columbus, Craig Curley signed a professional contract with Mizuno.
