NOTE: In an effort to detail certain runners of Mission Run Baltimore Distance Team, The Stride Report incorrectly listed Casey Clinger as a member (via typo) of the pro group instead of Casey Comber. The necessary edits have since been made.
Earlier this month, Eastern Kentucky announced that steeplechase superstar and 2022 outdoor national champion, Ahmed Jaziri, has opted to turn pro. The former Colonel ace has signed with Under Armour and will now train with Mission Run Baltimore.
Jaziri ended the 2022 outdoor track season as our TSR #2 runner following his national title victory in the steeplechase. On the national stage, the EKU runner posted a steeplechase personal best of 8:18 to win gold and defeat the deepest collegiate steeple field in NCAA history. That mark currently sits at NCAA #2 all-time.
We have also seen Jaziri thrive in a handful of non-steeplechase events. The Tunisia native has run 4:02 (mile) and 7:47 (3k), earning All-American honors in the latter event at the 2021 NCAA Indoor Championships. Jaziri is also a three-time conference champion on the grass, winning one gold medal in the Ohio Valley Conference and two additional gold medals in the ASUN Conference (not including track).
The Eastern Kentucky standout will be joining an Under Armour-sponsored team that has recently evolved into one of the more competitive pro groups on the east coast. Current pro runners and former collegiate standouts in the group include Alec Basten, Casey Comber, Susan Ejore, Willy Fink, Ellie Leather, Adam Fogg and more.
With Jaziri now transitioning to the pro scene, Montana State's Duncan Hamilton and Georgetown's Parker Stokes will likely be viewed as the favorites to win the steeplechase national title during the 2023 outdoor track season.