A notable Texas Tech runner has been named to a trophy watch list.

Red Raider senior distance runner Kennedy Kithuka has been named to the official Bowerman Trophy May Watch List.

The announcement came from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Wednesday.

“It’s a great honor for Kennedy to be named as one of the top track and field athletes in the country,” said Texas Tech distance coach Jon Murray. “He is certainly someone to watch throughout the rest of the season.”

The Bowerman Trophy is the top individual achievement in collegiate track and field, annually honoring the top male and female athlete in the sport.

This is Kithuka’s sixth career watch list appearance.

Kithuka, the 2012 NCAA Cross Country Champion and 2013 NCAA Indoor 5,000-meter Champion, has jumped to a fast start to his senior outdoor campaign.

The Thika, Kenya native currently holds the NCAA-leading time in the 5,000-meter run and the No. 2 time in the 10,000-meter run.

He holds five individual Texas Tech track and field school records.

The Bowerman Trophy, named after legendary Oregon track and field and cross country coach Bill Bowerman, was first awarded in 2009.

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