BOSTON - Former University of South Florida cross country/track and field star Christa Benton finished in 33rd place in the women's division at the 2010 Boston Marathon Monday.

Benton completed the marathon in 2:48.41, with a pace of 6:26.00 per mile. She finished 15th among American runners and was one of 9,468 contestants on the women's side to finish the 114th running of the Boston Marathon.

In previous marathons, Benton finished 34th in 2007 with a time of 3:01.57 and 20th in 2008 (2:51.03). Benton has continuously improved her times after taking 28th in 2:50.05 in 2009 before her 2:48.41 this year.

In her first year for the Bulls, Benton was named Conference USA's Freshman of the Year for cross country in 2001 and then the Athlete of the Year in cross country in 2004.

Later, Benton was named an All-American cross country runner in 2002 following her finish of 40th at the NCAA Championships.

In addition, Benton was honored as an all-conference member of the indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters as well as all-conference in the outdoor 10,000 meters in 2004. MileSplit US named her to the Florida high school all-decade team as well.

To this day, Benton remains the only student-athlete in USF history, men or women, to claim All-America status in cross country.