(Geneva, Ohio) The race walk is usually not the most exciting event at NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships. This year the 3,000 meter event rivaled the relays for drama.  From the gun three men sent an aggressive pace. Cornerstone's Cody Risch along with Nick Christie and Alejandro Chavez of Missouri Baptist flew through the first half of the race in just over six minutes, well under meet record pace. The lead changed every few laps as each man tried repeatedly to break the other two. On the penultimate lap, Christie moved past Risch again and pried open a five meter gap. At the bell lap Chavez shot past Risch putting the senior and 2012 national runner up in third. With 200 meters remaining, Cody launched into a determined kick. Coming off the last turn, all three converged onto the final straightaway. Risch using momentum and incredible desire retook the lead. Christie and Chavez didn't relent. Risch reached the finish line in an incredible 11:57.54. Christie was second in 11:59.73 and Chavez third in 12:00.57. As the trio sprawled on the track, reaping the results of their efforts, the announcer noted that all three were under the championship meet record.