Foreign runners dominated both the men’s and women’s races in the All-America City 10K in Edinburg, Tex., Sat., Feb. 1.

Kenyans swept the top three positions in the men’s race – Leonard Korir, 27, won in 29:05.1, Macdonald Ondara, 29, was second in 29:17.1 and Elija Muturi Karanja, 27, third in 29:28.1.

Fernando Cabada, 31, was the first American across the line – he ran 29:50 to finish fourth. Chris Barnicle of Massachusetts was the second American to finish as he clocked 29:54 to take fifth place.

Cabada, who was raised in Fresno, Calif., and now lives and trains in Boulder, Colo., has local ties to Edinburg since his grandparents grew up in that area. He said before Saturday’s race, “I think locals are always used to Africans always just dominating, and when someone like me comes along, I hope that I can inspire other kids. I hope I can be their superhero.”

Of course, it didn’t quite work out the way he might have hoped in the race, but Fernando Cabada certainly qualifies as a hero to American youngsters everywhere based on his past accomplishments. He lifted himself out of very difficult circumstances growing up in Fresno to become a world-class distance runner. He is the former U.S. 25K recordholder and the former world recordholder in the Double Road Race™.

The winner of the women’s race in this year’s All-America City 10K was Ethiopia’s Sheularse Alena Amare, who ran 33:49.9. Karolina Jarzynska of Poland was the runnerup in 34:10.0, and Caroline Jiptoo of Kenya finished third in 34:46.

First American finisher in the women’s race was Dawn Grunnagle, 36, who was fourth in 36:28.

Edinburg, Tex., which is located close to the Gulf of Mexico right next to the Mexican border, is the gateway city to the Rio Grande Valley. At a Friday press conference the day before the All-America City 10K, Edinburg Schools Superintendent Rene Gutierrez noted that the race’s theme of exercise, wellness and good health served as a positive example for a community that has struggled to address problems of obesity and diabetes.     

Continuing with that message, Robert Nielson, president of the University of Texas – Pan American, which is located in Edinburg, made reference to the coincidence that the race’s starting point was adjacent to another regional health landmark.

“I think it’s beautifully ironic and wonderful that the race is going to start right next to where the new medical school is going to be,” he said.

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