Aug. 19, 2005

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Former Providence College runner Kim Smith (Auckland, New Zealand) captured the 5,000 meters today at the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey. Smith won the race in a World University Games' record time of 15:29.18. Earlier in the month, Smith placed 15th in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Smith, who graduated in May, led the Providence College women's cross country team to a third-place finish at the 2004 NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana. Smith captured the individual title, running a time of 20:09, 17 seconds faster than her closest competitor. She became the first female in Providence College history to win the NCAA cross country title, and just the second runner all-time at PC to accomplish the feat. For her efforts, she received the prestigious Honda-Broderick Award for cross country. Smith, a five-time All-American, ended her career at Providence as one of the most decorated athletes at the school. In 2004, she captured three NCAA track championships and set NCAA records in the indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters as well as the outdoor 5,000 meters.

Smith, who resides in Providence, is coached by long-time Friar Head Coach Ray Treacy.

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