Binghamton University senior cross country runner and Union-Endicott graduate Emily Mackay further cemented her legacy as one of the college’s finest athletes with her performance at nationals. 

As the first ever Bearcats women’s cross country runner to race in the NCAA Division I Championships, Mackay placed 14th out of 255 runners at Oklahoma State on Monday. She finished the 6,000 meter course in 20:45.5. The top 40 finishers, which obviously included Mackay, received All-American honors. She is Binghamton’s first NCAA Division I Cross Country All-American. 

Mackay says she even exceeded her own expectations with her strong performance.

“I feel it went way better than I was expecting,” says Mackay. “I had no idea I had a shot at the top 15. In the back of my mind I thought it would be great to come in top 40 and get that All-American status. But I didn’t know how realistic of a goal that was.” 

After a few history making weeks, one thing has stuck out as her favorite part of the whole experience. 

“The race itself was definitely my favorite part,” says Mackay. “The first 2K of the race I was just having fun, it was a great experience. It was surreal being in a pack of so many incredibly fast girls, it’s an indescribable experience, it was great.” 

Mackay became the 14th All-American across all sports in Binghamton University’s history since the athletic program moved up to Division I in 2001. She is only the third Binghamton female athlete to earn the honor.