By Adeniyi Latinwo, October 28, 2025
Cal Poly Pomona cross-country senior Vivian Martinez has earned her second CCAA Runner of the Week honors after recording a time of 21:36.8 at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational Oct. 4.
Martinez’s first award came for the week of Sept. 22-28, at the Lucian Rosa Invite in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Martinez earned sixth place on the 6K course, finishing with a time of 21:35.5. Two weeks prior, she was also chosen as the NCAA National SAAC Representative for the CCAA.
“I was super happy to be named CCAA Runner of the Week,” Martinez said . “It was such an exciting moment, especially since it’s the first time I’ve ever received this award for cross country. I also think it’s been a while since someone from the women’s team has earned this recognition, so it felt really special, not just for me, but for the team.”
Martinez led during most of the race on the Wayne E. Dahnnel National Cross Country Course, which is considered to be one of the most challenging and difficult courses in the country, finishing with an average mile time of 5:47.5.
Martinez finished with a better time than every runner from Adams State, who are ranked No. 1 nationally and are the reigning national champions. As a collective unit, Cal Poly Pomona finished ninth in the meet.
At the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational, Martinez had an amazing sequel to her previous performance at the Lucian Rosa Invite. Her time earned her second place in a 6,000-meter race. Her performance led CPP to a team title among the 20 teams that participated.
Martinez finished four seconds behind five-time All-American, 2024 indoor champion and race-winner Suzie Johnson, who is ranked sixth in the NAIA.
Martinez said something that helped in the race was staying calm, relaxed and telling herself she belonged in front. She credited this mentality as playing a major role in her performance.
“Instead of starting in the back like I’ve done before, I went out with the front pack right from the start and put myself in a spot I knew I could handle,” Martinez said. “It made a big difference and helped me run with confidence.”
Martinez added the triumph of the team is her ultimate goal, saying everyone stepped up, and it proves that the work they’ve put in is paying off.
Martinez’s performances didn’t shock her teammate Jade Kingston because she has seen the preparation and work Martinez puts toward her craft.
“It is not a surprise to me what Vivian has been able to accomplish this past season,” Kingston said. “I’ve seen Vivian push herself so much every season in order to get to where she is now.”
Redshirt sophomore Gaiilea Jimenez said Martinez plays an important role in the overall success of the team.
“As one of our top runners, she sets the standard for what it means to be committed and focused,” Jimenez said. “Her performances have definitely inspired the rest of us.”
Jimenez added her confidence is a testament to how much she has worked on her craft. \
“Over time, Jimenez has seen Vivian grow so much as a runner, teammate, and person,” Jimenez said. “Martinez has become so much stronger and confident in her racing, more encouraging to everyone around her and really mature in how she handles challenges.”
CPP had a minor break since the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational and will return to action Oct. 24 at the CCAA Championships in Chico.
Feature image courtesy of the CPP Athletics
