PHILADELPHIA – University of Maine junior Patty McCormick broke the school record in the 5,000 meters while finishing fifth in that event at the Penn Relays Thursday night.

McCormick finished in 16 minutes, 20.48 seconds, almost 28 seconds behind winner Marci McMahon of Providence. Maine’s previous school mark was 17:09.04, set by Tina Meserve in 1988.

McCormick’s time qualifies her for the NCAA championships May 31-June 3 in Knoxville, Tenn.