Arkansas Runner Shatters Collegiate 600-Meter Record

Sometimes the difference between almost and amazing is just one more year of hard work.

Sanu Jallow-Lockhart, a senior sprinter at the University of Arkansas, shattered the collegiate 600-meter record on Friday at the Arkansas Invitational in Fayetteville. She crossed the finish line in 1 minute, 24.19 seconds, breaking the previous record of 1:25.16 set by former Razorback Britton Wilson in 2023.

The timing couldn't be more poetic. Almost exactly one year earlier, Jallow-Lockhart ran the same race at the same event and clocked 1:25.37, falling just short of Wilson's record by two-tenths of a second.

"Being the one to have the collegiate record, it's just a great feeling to have," Jallow-Lockhart said after her race. "Now it's mine. Obviously, I know someone else can come and break it, but as of right now, it's mine and I'm enjoying that moment right now."

Her success didn't happen by accident. After finishing as SEC runner-up in the 800 meters both indoors and outdoors last year, Jallow-Lockhart asked to run cross country during fall semester to build a stronger foundation for her sprinting events.

The strategy worked. On Monday, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named her the Division I women's national athlete of the week.

Why This Inspires

Jallow-Lockhart's journey shows what happens when athletes turn disappointment into determination. She didn't let falling short of the record discourage her. Instead, she put in the work, tried a new training approach, and came back stronger.

Her coach, Chris Johnson, predicted her breakout season before it started. "I think this year she's going to take the next step and be a really high point scorer in the 800, as well as help our relays," he said. "She's done a magnificent job."

While the 600-meter race isn't contested at conference or national meets, it serves as crucial early-season training for longer events. Jallow-Lockhart said breaking the record gave her both confidence and insight into what she can achieve in the 800 meters, where the real championship races happen.

Her record is now the one to beat, and she's just getting started this season.