13-Year-Old Provo Runner Shatters Mile World Record at 4:38

A 13-year-old from Provo just proved that age is truly just a number when it comes to achieving greatness.

Angelina Alder shattered the middle school mile world record on Sunday at the Brooks PR Invitational in Renton, Washington, crossing the finish line at an incredible 4:38.25. She didn't just win her age group. She ran the fastest mile of any female competitor at the entire meet.

"I am so happy I was able to get the record for my age group, and I hope to improve my time as I grow older," Angelina told reporters on Monday. The Centennial Middle School student and Roadrunner Track Club member has been methodically chasing excellence with each race.

This wasn't her first world record. In February, she set the U.S. middle school record for 1,600 meters at 4:47.93 when she was just 12 years old. Two months later in April, she dropped nearly 10 seconds off that time, running 4:40.98 at the Carolina Distance Carnival in North Carolina.

Her secret? Preparation and heart. "I did workouts to replicate the race and the paces I need to hit," she explained. "I also did more easier runs and workouts closer to the race."

The race started slow, and by the third lap, Angelina was still behind the pace lights marking world record speed. That's when she made a choice. "At that point, I decided to try to compete and not worry about time," she said. "When I heard the bell for the last lap, I knew it was time for me to go."

She gave everything on that final lap and it paid off.

Why This Inspires

What makes Angelina's achievement even more special is who ran beside her. Two of her best friends and teammates, Oaklie Rohatinsky and Sydney Eraso, competed in the same race. Both finished under five minutes, with Sydney at 4:56.85 and Oaklie at 4:58.84.

Sydney is a nationally ranked tennis player who recently started running. Watching three young athletes push each other to extraordinary heights shows what's possible when talent meets friendship and mutual support.

"Being able to not only have teammates, but also two of my best friends beside me is so amazing," Angelina said. She credited her parents, coach, and teammates for supporting her running journey.

Next up for Angelina is Nike Outdoor Nationals on June 22 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. If her trajectory continues, the running world hasn't seen anything yet.