Saturday May 1, 2010 – 2010 Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational – Stanford University – Palo Alto, CA – “Ironman level” L.I.F.E. donors Chris Solinsky and Simon Bairu set national records tonight in the 10k at Stanford. You can actually see Chris wearing his L.I.F.E. bracelet in the finish pictures and in the post race interview above. Chris ran a 26:59 for an American Record and also the first non-african under 27 minutes to win the race. Simon set a new Canadian record with a 27:22 finishing 5th. This was Solinsky’s first 10k. An insane race!! Also on Friday at the Oregon Relays Matt Downin finished second in the 5k in 14:18.
Chris and Simon first met Eric McLean in 2008 shortly after his first relapse with leukemia. After they both signed contracts with Nike, they swooped in with a gracious donation to help out Eric while he was hospitalized. As they were closing up Movin’ Shoes (running specialty store in Madison, WI) with Eric’s older brother Mike, they surprised him with a heartfelt get well card, and checks for Eric. Since that day, these two men have had a special place in the hearts of the McLean family and for the entire LIFE organization.