Mary Proulx ran so fast that it took nearly two decades for anybody to catch up with her. Back in the spring of 2003, Proulx was well on her way to capping an illustrious collegiate career that saw her win five NCAA titles and earn 15 All-America honors. One month before the NCAA DIII Outdoor Championships, Proulx stepped on the track at the Penn Relays and left her mark on the record book by shattering a longstanding divisional record in the 10,000 meters with her 33:21.80 clocking to win the College Women’s 10,000 Meter Championship. Nobody came within 20 seconds of Proulx’s all-time best until it was finally broken in 2022. Proulx later won the NCAA 10,000-meter crown in what was the second-fastest winning time in meet history.