After getting nipped at the line for a bronze medal at the IAAF World Championships, Molly Huddle bounced back and was crowned the U.S. 20K Champion in New Haven, Connecticut this morning. It was Huddle's race from the gun as she gapped the field by the four mile mark and had a 25-second lead by seven miles. She finished the 20K course in 1:06.27, one minute ahead of runner-up and Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom and third-place Brianne Nelson.

Huddle's dominant win today is was an important one. After winning the U.S. 10,000m title on the track in June, she was a medal contender heading into Beijing, perhaps regarded as the American favorite after nearly winning the London Diamond League 5,000m in July. 

In Beijing, Huddle was in medal position the entire race, kicking strong behind winner Vivan Cheruiyot and runner-up Gelete Burka. When she crossed the finish line in what she thought was third, hands in the air, she was edged by U.S. teammate Emily Infeld for the bronze. All could see the disappointment in Huddle's face when she realized her relaxed finish cost her a medal.

With her #newhavenroadrace victory today, @MollyHuddle has won 16 @usatf titles so far in her career, from 5000m to 20K. #RRW

— David Monti (@d9monti) September 7, 2015

Women's 20k results #NewHavenRoadRace pic.twitter.com/fHBwFIghS5

— Lori Riley (@lrileysports) September 7, 2015

Jared Ward Wins Another U.S. Road Title In Close Sprint to the Finish

Former BYU standout and reigning U.S. Marathon Champion Jared Ward won yet another U.S. road title this morning over an impressive field that included Sam Chelanga, Dathan Ritzenhein, Luke Puskedra and Tyler Pennell. Ward's official time was 59:24. A large pack remained through 10K, but soon it was 2016 Olympic marathon favorite Ritzenhein pushing the pace for a close finish among the top five. Ward's victory marks his third straight U.S. road title after winning the marathon and 25K championships in 2015.

Jared's 1st race back from injury was U.S. 20K champs last yr. Since then he has taken 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, & 1st in U.S. road championships

— Ryan Waite (@RyanWaiteBYU) September 7, 2015

Mens results New Haven 20K #NewHavenRoadRace pic.twitter.com/11EWhBiFGu

— Lori Riley (@lrileysports) September 7, 2015