Junior Dan Chenoweth placed first in the 8-km race during the Crimson’s dual meet against Yale last Friday. With a time of 24:20, Chenoweth beat the competition by 24 seconds, and posted a personal best at the Franklin Park course. According to the runner, his plan was to go hard for the first mile and then settle into a rhythm for the rest of the long-distance race.

“It kind of all blurs together,” said junior cross-country runner Dan Chenoweth with a laugh. “I remember being in pain, that’s all.”

If you are surprised to learn that Chenoweth actually feels pain, join the club. But rest assured—he certainly doesn’t let it slow him down. A star Harvard runner, he blew away the competition last Friday in a dual meet against Yale, placing first by a decisive margin of 24 seconds. Chenoweth finished the 8-kilometer circuit in 24:20, his personal best for the Franklin Park course.

His outstanding performance could not have come at a better time, for two reasons. First, the Crimson was facing the Bulldogs in the biggest race of the season so far. Second, Harvard was racing without captain Chas Gillespie, who has not competed this year due to injury.

“We’ve really missed him this year,” Chenoweth said. “Chas and I will train together and race together. It’s a mental help.”

Chenoweth noted the lack of in-race companionship and competition that Chas usually provides.

“That makes everything easier, pushing each other,” he added. “I’m looking forward to having him back.”

Until Gillespie returns, Chenoweth will have to continue dominating alone. He pulled in front of the pack early on Friday, and only drew further ahead as the race continued.

“The plan was to go a hard first mile,” the junior said. “I got that accomplished. Then I thought, ‘OK, I need to settle into a rhythm, feel relaxed—it’s a long race.”

Gillespie praised Chenoweth, adding that his performance was nothing new.

“I think the whole team has come to expect great things from Dan,” Gillespie said. “He basically dominated right from the start. It was wonderful.”

Chenoweth, aside from his personal ability, has benefited the team by taking a leadership role.

“He’s such a great example of working hard in order to get better every time,” Gillespie said. “Very tenacious like that. He’s a positive influence on everybody.”

Crimson head coach Jason Saretsky echoed Gillespie’s praise.

“[Dan] sets a great example with his work ethic and competitiveness,” Saretsky said. “He’s been making sure we’re pushing the guys, focusing on what’s at hand. He’s growing into being a leader on the team.”

The coach added that Chenoweth has become “a great complement to Chas.”