ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Clara Mayfield (Sr./Manhattan, Kan./Manhattan) finished fourth in the final of the 5,000-meter run to conclude Saturday's NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Polisseni Track and Field Complex. The fourth-place standing earns her a second consecutive All-America finish after placing third in Thursday's 10,000-meter run final.
"What a fitting way to close out this chapter in Clara's DIII running career," stated Head Coach Donna Ricks. "She has left her mark in the record books at Carleton College, and has become one of the premier distance runners in DIII cross country and track & field."
Mayfield put the finishing touches on an illustrious Carleton career as a member of the distance squad. A three-time All-American in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field each independently, Mayfield finishes her time as a Knight with nine total All-American honors. That mark stands as the second-most in Carleton cross country and track and field history behind Simone Childs-Walker '12.
"Clara's impact on the team is not just about the records she set," continued Ricks. "Although fun, it is about the example that she has set, she has raised the bar for our team over the years and has helped others realize their potential."
This is the sixth time in school history that a Carleton woman earned All-America status in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field during the same academic year. Mayfield joined Anna Prineas as the only individuals to accomplish that feat twice (see chart below).
As one of just seven runners who competed in both the 10,000-meter and 5,000-meter runs, Mayfield is a testament to the dedication and determination required to become an esteemed distance runner.
"I believe if you were to ask to Clara about running, striving for the records is motivating," concluded Ricks. "However, it is the journey, the process, the training, that the commitment and sacrifice are worth it and in the end the friendships developed along make it even more special. This meet was especially heartfelt as I watched Clara sprint down the last 100 meters in her Carleton uniform for the last time. Thanks for a great four years!"
Carleton women to earn 5+ All-America Awards
17 Marie Marsman '04 -- swimming & diving (10 individual, 7 relay)
12 Simone Childs-Walker '12 -- cross country, indoor/outdoor track and field (12 individual)
9 Clara Mayfield '23 -- cross country, indoor/outdoor track and field (9 individual)
9 Aminah Ricks '94 -- indoor/outdoor track and field (9 individual)
8 Anna Prineas '89 -- cross country, indoor/outdoor track and field (8 individual)
6 Kim Gillen '85 -- swimming & diving (6 individual)
6 Jenny Grover '06 -- swimming & diving (6 relay)
6 Emily Mondloh '05 -- swimming & diving (6 relay)
5 Andrea Barbera '05 -- swimming & diving (5 relay)
5 Ruth Steinke '16 -- cross country, indoor/outdoor track and field (5 individual)
Mayfield's NCAA Championship Appearances
Cross Country
2019 -- 30th of 280 runners (All-America)
2021 -- 10th of 293 runners (All-America)
2022 -- third of 293 runners (All-America)
Indoor Track & Field
2020 -- entered in 5,000-meter run (All-America, meet canceled due to pandemic)
2022 -- fourth in mile (All-America), 14th in 3000m
2023 -- third in mile (All-America), 10th in 3000m
Outdoor Track & Field
2021 -- 14th in 5,000m, DNF in 10,000m
2022 -- fifth in 10,000m (All-America), 11th place in 5000m
2023 -- third in 10,000m (All-America), fourth in 5,000m (All-America)
Carleton Women to be All-Americans in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field in the same academic year
1987-88 Anna Prineas
1989-89 Anna Prineas
2009-10 Simone Childs-Walker
2015-16 Ruth Steinke
2021-22 Clara Mayfield
2022-23 Clara Mayfield
