Lawi Lalang of Arizona finished the 10,000 meter race in first place with a time of 29:29.65 to earn a national championship trophy.

Lalang had no previous competitive running experience entering into his first year at Arizona. Last season, the Kenya native won the NCAA Championship in the 3,000 meter run and the 5,000 meter run.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Paul Katam was the runner-up of the event with a time of 29:41.27, and Texas’ Craig Lutz came in third at 29:41.97.

Lalang, Brigham Young University’s Jared Ward and Arkansas’ Solomon Haile led the pack for most of the race until Lalang hit the gas in the final three laps to lap around the runners at the back of the pack. Lalang threw up his arms in victory with a smirk on his face after crossing the finish line for the win.

Lalang will also compete in the 5,000 meter run Saturday at 3:23 p.m. After today’s win, he appeared relaxed about preparing for Saturday’s competition.

“I am not worried of anything right now, it’s the best thing. I am not worried of anyone,” he said. “I just want to race with them. They will have fresh legs, but after a few hours I am going to be just as fresh as them.”