In a surprising display of quadrangular meet competition, 13-time NCAA Champion Edward Cheserek was beaten by Washington’s Colby Gilbert in the 5K race at the Pepsi Invitational. But it wasn’t just the victory over the Oregon Duck that shocked fans at Hayward Field, it was the final 200m between the two runners that was, in short, shocking. 

Gilbert led the race heading into the final lap with Cheserek on his heels. As the two Pac-12 athletes came into the 200m mark, Gilbert began to surge ahead, but Cheserek failed to respond to the move. 

The most decorated NCAA distance runner in history fell out of competition with Gilbert in those final moments, which allowed the Washington Husky to claim the victory by a whopping six seconds Saturday in Eugene. 

To Gilbert's credit, he closed on the homestretch in a personal best of 13:44, which improved upon his previous time of 14:07 from 2014. Cheserek followed in 13:50, well off his 13:18 best mark. 

Nobody expected Colby would be the one dropping the hammer today! Check out his winning sprint in the 5k: https://t.co/JBDD1MVLWV

— UW Track (@UWTrack) April 9, 2016

It is rare to see Cheserek lose a race, but to see Cheserek lose without a fight is truly jaw-dropping. 

Fans watching the race commented on the performance with mostly surprise at the lack of response to Gilbert's kick.

Wow, UW's Colby Gilbert beat @KingCheserek in the 5K at the #PepsiInvite today. Honestly didn't expect that. Cheserek let off the gas

— Mike Skow (@MikeKEZI9) April 9, 2016

Gilbert of UW over Cheserek of Oregon over 5k. 13:44 to 13:50. Wasn't expecting that.

— RossRunning (@runnerross67) April 9, 2016

Colby takes the win! 13:44 the second fastest in school history! Holds off Oregons Cheserek who doesn't respond to Colby's final sprint

— UW Track (@UWTrack) April 9, 2016

UW's Colby Gilbert wins the 5000, Cheserek finishes in 2nd. Unusual sight to see someone pull away from Ches like that in the final 100.

— Preston Hiefield (@PC_Hiefield) April 9, 2016

Did Cheserek let up out of exhaustion? Or did he let up on purpose? Tell us what you think. 

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