Dec. 6, 2006

Blake Russell, a former University of North Carolina standout, was recently honored by USA Track and Field as the top female cross country athlete of 2006. Russell, who was the first U.S. finisher in both the 4K and 8K races at the 34th IAAF World Cross Country Championships, received the Doris Heritage Award from the USATF Cross Country Running Council in recognition of her outstanding year.

Russell finished 11th overall in the 8K at the 2006 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, running a 26:23. She also placed 18th in the 4K in 13:21. Russell's efforts helped lead the U.S. to top-five team finishes in both races.

A two-time ACC champion while at Carolina, Russell also earned All-America honors in the distance medley relay in 1997.

Adam Goucher was the men's Heritage Award recipient.