Liverpool native and world-class distance runner Jennifer Rhines Mahon began her stellar running career in the 1989 Empire State Games. She enjoyed an outstanding scholastic career competing in cross country and indoor/outdoor track for Liverpool High School. Rhines was selected to nine all-league teams, was an eight-time Section III champion and nine-time school MVP.

 

In cross country, Rhines was named first team all-state and was Runner of the Year in 1991 and 1992. Rhines finished in the top four in the 3,000 and 1,500 indoor track prep races.

 

Rhines attended Villanova University from 1992 to 1996 and excelled in the 5,000 meters. In 1995, she broke numerous collegiate records for the 5,000 and also anchored the Wildcats’ medley relay team. She became the first woman to win three consecutive NCAA 5,000-meter titles. An 11-time All-American, Rhines capture NCAA titles in cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

 

Rhines finished fifth in the 10,000 meters at the U.S. Track Championship in 1997 and won the Gate River Run 15K U.S. Road Championship in 1998. She was also second in that event in 2000. Other notable finishes include second at the USATF 10,000 meters in New Orleans in 1998 and fourth in the Women’s 8K at the USATF in Winter Cross Country Championship in 1999.

 

Rhines, who earned a degree in civil engineering at Villanova, qualified for the U.S. Olympic track and field team that competed in Sydney, Australia, Athens, Greece and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

 

Rhines married distance runner Terrance Mahon on November 20, 1998.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1994: NCAA Cross Country champion

 

Three-time NCAA 5km Outdoor champion (1994, '95, '96).

 

1995: NCAA Indoor 5K champion

 

1999: Member of the 1999 World Cross Country team

 

2000 Olympic Trials and 2001 USA Championships 10km runner-up

 

2002: USA 10,000m champion; 2002 World Cross Country 8 km Championships Team silver medalist

 

2004: Third in the marathon at the U.S. Olympic Trials

 

2005: Third at USA Outdoor Championships in 10,000m

 

2007: USA Outdoor 5,000m runner-up