Pamela Kosgei and Habtom Samuel take the Beach to Beacon 10K

The University of New Mexico Lobos took center stage at the TD Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, with standout performances from Ethiopian Habtom Samuel and Kenyan Pam Kosgei.

Samuel proved his climbing chops on the race’s notorious final stretch, surging ahead to claim the men’s title in a sharp 27:40. Despite the grinding late-course incline, Samuel was unbothered, leaning into his strength as a formidable uphill runner.

Kenya’s Vincent Kiprop reprised his 2025 performance, taking runner-up honours once again. He was followed closely by fellow countryman Raphael Lekini Dapash, who rounded out the top three with a strong 28:03 clocking.

Kosgei claims thrilling debut victory

The women’s race delivered equal drama as 22-year-old Pam Kosgei took the title in 31:51—a remarkable feat for her very first outing on the roads.

The battle came down to the wire as Kosgei and American favourite Elise Cranny ran neck-and-neck up the late hills. Cranny was making a serious bid to become the first American woman to win the event, but Kosgei made a decisive move upon entering Fort Williams Park and held off Cranny’s furious kick in the final metres to win by just two seconds.

American Molly Born, who placed fourth in 2025, moved up the ranks this year to take third in 32:15.

“I’m feeling so good, and I’m proud for myself,” Kosgei told the Portland Press Herald. “Because this is my first 10K, I don’t have any tactics for road races, so I just did my best to see what would happen.”

For their efforts, both Samuel and Kosgei walked away with $10,000 top prizes, capping off an outstanding day for the New Mexico track and field program on the roads of Maine.

Results

TOP RESULTS WOMEN’S 10KM

TOP RESULTS MEN’S 10KM