One to remember: Raj Pannu finished with the second fastest time ever by an American in a 100-mile road race / Photo by Kevin Youngblood Photography
Lightning Raj Strikes Again
Rajpaul Pannu '13 wins 100-mile race, sets 2nd-fastest time
He goes by Lightning Raj...and he flashed his powers again last month.
Rajpaul Pannu ’13, a decorated ultra distance runner, won the 100 Mile USATF National Championship road race in February. Pannu finished with a time of 11:58:01, the second fastest ever by US runner. Do the math and yes, that's a 7:11 pace! The Jackpot Ultras race was held on February 16 in Henderson, Nevada.
Pannu ran cross country at Saint Mary's where he was named of the best runners in the region.
In a message to the Alumni office, Pannu said:
“I would like to thank my Saint Mary's coach Marty Kinsey ’01, for helping shape who I am and what I have become as a runner, challenging me not only as an athlete, but as a person. I wouldn't have had a better experience if I ran collegiate cross country for any other program.”
Pannu is a professional ultra distance runner and has represented Team USA in World Championships.
He has previously shared his inspiration to take up running: Pannu was raised by single mother after his father passed away from heart disease. He took up running in high school to ensure that he didn't follow in his father's footsteps of poor diet and inactivity.