BILLINGS, Mont. –  Rocky's George Beddow, Carina Bracy, and Mei-Li Stevens are going to nationals. All three hit the NAIA's "A" standard for the NAIA's full marathon race during the Last Half Marathon in Billings, Mont. 

"We were surprised at the fast time. There was a tailwind that helped early in the race, but it all played out well," said head track and field coach Mike McLean. "It's a great day for Rocky. It's a great day for kids who've done the training and put in the work."

On the men's side, Beddow finished the 13.11 miles in 1:10:25. For the women, Bracy ran a time of 1:27:41 while Stevens also qualified on a time of 1:29:34. 

The three runners will now compete in the full marathon race at the national championships next month in Alabama.

"Nationals will be different. It could get really hot and humid during the race. The temperature could be doubled," said McLean. "We'll be training for that climate."

The 2019 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships will take place at the Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores, Ala., May 23-25, 2019.