Sanu Jallow-Lockhart Shatters Collegiate 600m Record, Leads Razorbacks’ Dominant Day at Arkansas Invitational
FAYETTEVILLE - If Friday’s Arkansas Invitational was any indication, the Razorbacks are wasting no time making their mark in the 2026 indoor season. Headlining the action at the Randal Tyson Track Center was Sanu Jallow-Lockhart, who didn’t just win the women’s 600 meters - she rewrote the collegiate record books in the process.
Jallow-Lockhart stopped the clock at 1:24.19, a time that not only obliterated the previous NCAA and University of Arkansas record (1:25.16, set by Britton Wilson in 2023), but also vaulted her to No. 8 on the world all-time list. That’s elite company - and it came with a new Gambian national record to boot.
But that wasn’t the only benchmark to fall. Jallow-Lockhart also took down the Tyson facility record (1:24.60, set by Arkansas alum Shafiqua Maloney in 2025) and the Arkansas Invitational meet record (1:24.65 by Shamier Little in 2023).
For context, her previous personal best was 1:25.37 - also set at this meet last year. This wasn’t just a step forward.
It was a leap into the history books.
And the way she did it? Controlled aggression.
Arkansas alum Paris Peoples went out hard, hitting 200m in 24.87 and 400m in 52.32. Jallow-Lockhart stayed composed, clocking 25.55 and 53.27 through those checkpoints before closing with a blistering 30.92 over the final 200m - the kind of finish that defines record runs.
Behind her, Iowa’s Damarius Mutunga grabbed second in 1:26.69. Arkansas freshman Makenna Herbst showed promise with a 1:28.69 to win her section and take third overall, just ahead of teammate Ainsley Erzen (1:28.83).
Vaught Delivers in the Mile with Meet Record Surge
The mile featured another standout performance from Arkansas’ Sydney Vaught, who surged from fourth to first on the final lap to win in 4:33.35, a new Arkansas Invitational meet record. That last-lap split - 31.94 seconds - was the difference-maker, as she outkicked a pair of Arkansas alums: Taylor Werner (4:33.73) and Carina Viljoen (4:33.96).
Vaught’s time not only moved her to No. 5 on the Arkansas all-time list, but also placed her No. 4 on the 2026 world list. Her previous indoor best?
4:40.98 from last season. This was a breakout performance, and it came at just the right time.
400m Sees World and U.S. Leaders
The women’s 400m delivered fireworks of its own. Iowa’s Chioma Nwachukwu ran a world-leading 52.14, while Arkansas’ Kaylyn Brown wasn’t far behind, posting a U.S.-leading 52.17 to take second. Analisse Batista crossed in 53.54 to finish fourth.
Hudson Shows Versatility in Field Events
Pentathlete Heidi Hudson had herself a day in the field. She soared to a long jump win at 20-10 (6.35m), moving up to No. 7 on the Razorbacks’ all-time list. In the high jump, she cleared 5-10.75 (1.80m) for second and made three strong attempts at 6-0.75 (1.85m), just missing a new personal best.
Richey Wins Pole Vault, Estes Runner-Up
In the pole vault, Addison Richey cleared 13-3.5 (4.05m) to claim victory. She made three attempts at 13-7.75 (4.16m), just above her current PR of 13-7.25 (4.15m). Teammate Hannah Estes took second with a clearance of 12-3.5 (3.75m).
Razorbacks Close Strong in 4x400m Relay
Jallow-Lockhart wasn’t done after her record-setting 600m. She anchored Arkansas’ 4x400m relay with a 52.35 split, helping the Razorbacks win in 3:30.79 over Iowa (3:32.52).
The winning squad also featured Analisse Batista (53.62), Asia Thomas (53.04), and Sanaria Butler (51.78). A second Arkansas team finished third in 3:36.20, showing off the program’s depth.
Hurdles and Sprints Provide More Highlights
Arkansas alum Destiny Huven took the 60m hurdles crown with an 8.12 in the final, after cruising through the prelims and semifinals with 8.13 and 8.14, respectively.
Among current Razorbacks, Saira Prince led the way with an 8.24 for third, while Shaina Myers clocked a career-best 8.32 for fifth. Simone Ballard ran 8.29 in the semis, and Gabriella Cunningham notched a personal best of 8.40.
Later, Prince returned to lead Arkansas in the 300m with a 37.56 for third. Thomas (37.75) and Ryan Jennings (37.92) followed close behind in fourth and fifth. Tennessee’s Esther Joseph stole the show with a meet-record 36.41.
Distance Events Round Out the Day
Sorcha Shiu claimed the 1,000m title in 2:50.72, while Josphine Mwaura placed second in the 3,000m with a 9:42.14. Madeleine Gear, who had earlier run a career-best 4:49.03 in the mile, came back in the 800m to set another PR, this time 2:10.29 as runner-up.
From record-breaking performances to world-leading times and personal bests across the board, the Arkansas Invitational delivered a full slate of elite track and field action. And if this is just the season opener, buckle up - the Razorbacks are just getting started.