While a student at the University of Colorado, Culpepper became an 8-time All-American and NCAA Champion in the 5K distance. During his 10-year professional running career, Culpepper qualified for two Olympic Games. He is a multiple sub-4-minute miler, with a personal best of 3:55. In his debut marathon, Culpepper ran a 2:09:41, an American Debut Record. In his second-ever marathon, Culpepper won the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trial and finished