HOKA Northern Arizona Elite announced today that the team has added Ahmed Muhumed to its roster. Muhumed was an ACC champion while at Florida State University. He spent his first year as a professional setting personal bests at 3,000 metres (7:48.01), 5,000m (13:16.09) and 10,000m (27:56.99). In July, he finished eighth at the USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships at 5,000m — one spot behind his new HOKA NAZ Elite teammate, Olin Hacker.
Muhumed was born and raised in the small town of Kabribayah in the Somali region of Ethiopia. He moved to the United States with his family in 2011. The now 25-year-old attended middle school in southeast Portland. This is where has was first introduced to the sport of running. Prior to moving to Salem, Oregon, where he became a running star at West Salem High School. After winning consecutive cross-country state titles for the Titans he chose to go to college at Boise State University. At Boise, he would go on to earn a degree in International and Global Studies. Subsequently, he attended Florida State University for graduate school where he received a master’s degree in International Relations and Affairs. At Florida State, Muhumed helped the Seminoles win the 2022 ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships by winning the men’s 10,000m.
ROSTER UPDATE: Welcome to the @hoka NAZ Elite family Ahmed Muhumed!! Ahmed emigrated with his family from the Somali region of Ethiopia to the United States in 2011. He became an Oregon State Champ, an NCAA All American, an ACC Champ, and has a 13:16.09 5,000m PB. LET'S GO!! pic.twitter.com/adD4rkLPEZ
— HOKA NAZ Elite (@NAZ_Elite) September 6, 2023
Joining NAZ Elite will reunite Muhumed with his former Florida State teammate and fellow ACC champion, Adriaan Wildschutt. The pair ran one-and-a-half years together in Tallahassee. Together, they produced a number of highlights. These include a one-two finish at the NCAA South Regional Cross Country Championships in 2021. In addition to Wildschutt, and the aforementioned Hacker, Muhumed will be training with the likes of NCAA champion Wesley Kiptoo, 27:42 10,000m man Alex Masai. As well as U.S. marathon champion Futsum Zienasellassie.
Muhumed said he was grateful for the opportunity and excited to get to work.
“The amount of talent NAZ Elite has, its location, great coaching, and great people all around makes NAZ Elite the best option for me,” Muhumed said. “The team’s vision and goals align quite well with my personal goals so I truly believe we can accomplish so much together.”
HOKA NAZ Elite Interim Head Coach, Jenna Wrieden said Muhumed is a perfect addition to the team.
“Ahmed has proven over and over again that he can compete with the best men in the country,” Wrieden said. “We are excited to welcome him and help support his personal goals for his athletic career. He has a great deal of potential athletically. Also, he elevates our team with his character and work ethic. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Muhumed will make his HOKA NAZ Elite debut later this fall. Then will turn his attention to preparing for the 2024 Olympic Track and Field Trials.
