Bob Kennedy

Bob Kennedy was the top American 5,000 metre runner in the 1990s. He made the final of the event at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, and also was a finalist at the World Championships in 1991, 1995, 1997, and 1999. Kennedy was the first American, and first non-African, to run 5K under 13 minutes, and was one of the first non-Africans who spent time training with the top Kenyan runners.

Kennedy ran in college at Indiana University, where he won the 1990 NCAA title at 1,500 metres, and the 1991 NCAA indoor mile. He also was NCAA cross-country champion as a freshman and senior, in 1988 and 1991. In 1991 he became only the second person (after Al Lawrence) to win the NCAA title and the US title in cross-country. He repeated as US cross-country champion in 1991 and then won his third title in 2004. Kennedy was a four-time US champion in the 5,000, winning in 1995-97 and 2001.

Later in his career Kennedy switched to the 10K, but failed to make the US Olympic team in 2004. He then ran the 2004 New York City Marathon, but failed to finish and then retired from competitive distance running.

Personal Best: 5000 – 12:58.21 (1996).