FAYETTEVILLE, AK -- Julie Culley (Lebanon, NJ) competed in the NCAA Championships in the 3000-meter event Saturday evening, finishing the race 12th. Culley, who finished with a time of 9:26.50, missed All-American honors by two places.

“I don’t want to make excuses but this wasn’t how I was prepared to run either,” said Culley, who experienced an asthma attack in her last four laps.

“I think she handled herself quite well in light of the fact that her time was affected by a physical impediment,” said head coach Roberta Anthes.

Culley qualified for the event in February with a time of 9:17.15; ranking her 12th on the list of qualifiers. This was her second NCAA Championship this year as she also competed in the cross country race in the fall. With her finish of 20:30.09 on the 6,000-meter course, Culley was named an All-American.

Shalane Flanagan, from North Carolina, won the race in 9:01.05.