BERLIN - Former University of South Florida athletes Tara Quinn-Smith and Andrew Smith competed in the marathon at the 12th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Track and Field Championships in Berlin last weekend. Tara finished 36th against the world's best runner, while Andrew came in 53rd.

Competing for Team Canada, Tara ran a season-best 2:39.19, five and a half minutes off her personal best, while Andrew posted a time of 2:24.48, approximately eight and a half minutes off his personal best. Since their days at USF, the couple has continued to run internationally against the world's best athletes.

A pair of conference champions while at USF, Tara and Andrew were two of the most decorated long distance runners to come through the program.

Tara was a two-time NCAA qualifier in the 10,000 meters, earning All-America honors in 2002 after placing second in the 10,000 meters. Her best season with the Bulls came that year, when she was also named a USTFCCCA All-American.

Tara captured Conference USA championships in the outdoor 10,000 as well as the indoor 5,000 meters. Tara held the all-time record in the 5,000 until 2008, while her 2002 mark in the 10,000 has yet to be broken.

Andrew was a standout in cross country during his time with the Bulls, as he captured the Conference USA championship in the 8k and was named the Athlete of the Year in 2002, becoming the only USF individual to win the cross country championship on the men's side. Andrew also qualified for the NCAA Championships in cross country (10,000 meters) that season.