Jane Hedengren Makes NCAA History in Millrose Games Debut
NEW YORK CITY - In a race packed with elite talent and high expectations, BYU freshman Jane Hedengren didn’t just show up-she showed out. Competing in her first collegiate 3000-meter race, Hedengren delivered a performance for the ages at the Millrose Games, clocking an astonishing 8:34.98 to finish third. That time isn’t just fast-it’s the second-fastest in NCAA history.
Let that sink in. A true freshman, in her debut at the distance, nearly rewrote the NCAA record books.
The only thing standing between her and the all-time collegiate mark was Alabama junior Doris Lemngole, who surged late to win the race in 8:31.39. Hedengren was on record pace for much of the race, sticking behind pacer and former BYU standout Sadie Sargent through the first 1600 meters.
From there, she broke away from the pack, looking every bit the veteran until Lemngole’s late charge in the final 200 meters.
Still, Hedengren’s 8:34.98 shattered BYU’s previous school record-set just last year by Lexy Halladay-Lowry at 8:40.60-and stamped her name among the collegiate greats. This wasn’t just a breakout performance; it was a statement.
And she wasn’t alone. The women’s 3000m at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory turned into something of a BYU reunion. Hedengren raced alongside current teammate Riley Chamberlain and three former Cougars now competing professionally for the Nike Swoosh Track Club: Halladay-Lowry, Sargent, and Courtney Wayment.
Halladay-Lowry, the 2025 NCAA steeplechase runner-up, had a night to remember herself, setting a new personal best of 8:38.98 to finish fourth-just behind Hedengren. Chamberlain also impressed, placing eighth in 8:43.16, while Wayment crossed the line in 10th with a time of 8:52.01.
It was a showcase of BYU distance running excellence, past and present, all converging on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
In another highlight for the BYU alum contingent, Nike runner Meghan Hunter took sixth in the women’s 1000m, clocking 2:37.14 in a strong showing of her own.
But the spotlight belonged to Hedengren. In a field stacked with pros and seasoned collegiate stars, she ran like she’d been here before.
If this is what her debut looks like, the ceiling is sky-high. The NCAA has a new star on its hands-and her name is Jane Hedengren.