Martinez Finishes Racewalk Career At NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
MARION, Ind. – Cristian Martinez initially finished 20th in 5,000-meter racewalk before being disqualified at the 2024 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track & Field on Thursday in Marion, Ind.
Martinez crossed the finish line in 20th place in a time of 27 minutes and 55.58 seconds before being disqualified. It is unclear when Martinez was disqualified because unlike the other four walkers who were disqualified in the race, Martinez's final time was posted.
The senior from Chicago started towards the back of the pack in the race and finished the open 200 meters in 22nd position. He slowly picked up the pace and moved up the track at the 1,800-meter checkpoint into 18th position. He settled into that group for the next 1,200 meters before it began to separate and he fell into 21st position.
It is the third consecutive racewalking national championship appearance for Martinez, who represented the Lakers in the 2023 outdoor championships and the 2024 indoor championships.