Jane Hedengren’s extraordinary performance at the 2025 Festival of Miles on Thursday night at St. Louis University High School has etched her name in history. The recent Timpview High School graduate from Provo, Utah, shattered the national high school record for the mile run, finishing in an impressive 4 minutes and 23.50 seconds. This remarkable feat came as she outpaced the previous record of 4:26.14 that she herself set just a few months prior.
Hedengren’s dominance during the race was evident as she broke away from the pack early on, leading to an electric atmosphere among the excited spectators. The excitement culminated as spectators realized they were witnessing history in the making, a sentiment echoed by fellow competitor Alex Teubel. Hedengren not only won the Girls Championship Mile but also surpassed the winning time of professional runner Christina Aragon in the Women’s Mile, whose time was 4:29.38.
In other events, Missouri high school runners also showcased remarkable talent. In the Missouri Girls Mile, junior Mary McKenzie from Cor Jesu earned a podium finish with a time of 4:58.91, marking a significant personal achievement considering her journey to qualify for the race this year. McKenzie expressed her joy about the atmosphere and the support she received, emphasizing the importance of the event in her athletic career.
In the Boys Mile, local runners also performed well. Festus junior Carson Driemeier, who faced disappointment in a recent state meet, earned third place and expressed his determination to return stronger. Kirkwood’s Graham Stevener achieved personal bests, improving after previous competitions against Rockhurst senior Henry Acorn.
In the Girls 800, the Missouri contingent excelled as well, with Tolton senior Elyse Wilmes claiming first, Blue Springs senior Paige Stuary second, and Father McGivney senior Elena Rybak third. Rybak, a Notre Dame commit, remarked on the vibrant atmosphere of the Festival of Miles, underscoring its reputation for drawing fans and fostering a love for the sport.
Hedengren’s achievement, combined with successes from Missouri athletes, highlights a significant moment in high school athletics, showcasing not only elite competition but also inspiring narratives of perseverance and passion for running. The enthusiastic environment created at this event illustrates the community’s strong support for these young athletes.