Photo credit: photorun.net
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 17, 2018) —HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite announced today that it has added seven-time National Champion Aliphine Tuliamuk to its roster. Tuliamuk, a graduate of Wichita State University, owns personal best of 15:18.86 for 5,000 meters, 31:54.20 for 10,000 meters and 1:09:49 for the half marathon.
Tuliamuk was a 14-time NCAA All American, including two runner-up finishes at the NCAA Championships over 10,000 meters. A native of Kenya, Tuliamuk became a United States citizen in 2016 and since that time has won National Road Titles at distances from 5k to 25k. Thirteenth at this past fall’s TCS New York City Marathon, Tuliamuk said she is looking forward to being in a team atmosphere.
“I am looking forward to running with the team everyday and letting them push me when I am not feeling like it,” Tuliamuk said. “My ultimate goal is to make the 2020 US Olympic team and represent Team USA–hopefully in the marathon.”
Tuliamuk will join new HOKA NAZ Elite teammates Stephanie Bruce and Kellyn Taylor to form a formidable training trio. Bruce has run 2:29:35 for the marathon and was tenth in New York this past November. Taylor has run 2:28:40 and was eighth in New York. Like Bruce and Taylor, Tuliamuk has excelled in cross country, on the track and on the roads.
“I can’t think of a better addition to our team,” said Taylor. “Not only is she a Wichita St. alum (go Shockers!) but she’s also a great personality and a very dynamic runner. I think that Aliphine, Steph and I will help to elevate each other to new levels and I’m looking forward to the miles ahead.”
Bruce said she is excited to expand HOKA NAZ Elite’s women’s program.
“Having Aliphine join our group with her credentials and multiple National Championships is a testament to what we’ve built here in Flagstaff,” said Bruce. “I know Aliphine, Kellyn and I will push each other to reach our very best.”
HOKA NAZ Elite Head Coach Ben Rosario echoed the sentiments of Bruce and Taylor and spoke about Aliphine’s value as a teammate.
“Having Aliphine, Kellyn and Steph running together every day will challenge and inspire each of them in a way that just cannot be achieved alone,” Rosario said. “We always talk about bringing positivity to practice in order to make others around you better and there could not be a more positive person than Aliphine Tuliamuk.”
About Northern Arizona Elite
HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite is a professional sports organization whose mission is to recruit, develop and produce distance runners to compete at the very highest level of international athletics and operate as a successful business by building a global fan base for the team and its athletes through comprehensive and ongoing marketing efforts on a local, national and international level.
About HOKA ONE ONE®
HOKA ONE ONE® is the fastest growing premium running shoe brand in the world. Two life-long runners launched HOKA in 2009, after years spent handcrafting and shaping lightweight shoes with extra-thick midsoles. Initially embraced by ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, HOKA now offers shoes for all types of athletes who enjoy the unique ride the shoes provide. For more information visit hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #hokaoneone.
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