605 Sports Staff

EUGENE, Oregon — Rapid City Stevens graduate and University of Oregon signee Simeon Birnbaum ran in the preliminary heats of the 1,500-meter run Thursday at the United States Track & Field championships. 

Running in the second of three heats Birnbaum finished sixth (3:44.14) in his heat failing to qualify for the final. 

Running against collegiate and professional athletes Birnbaum took the lead on the second lap coming through the 800-meter in 2:04. Birnbaum held that lead coming into the final stretch before getting passed in the final 50-meters of the race. 

Adidas runner Sam Prakel won the second heat (3:42.78). The top qualifying time came from the first heat with Yared Nuguse posting a 3:35.77.