Runner Breaks Own Mile Record by Nearly 2 Seconds

Sometimes beating your own best is the sweetest victory of all, and Jack Dingman just proved it in spectacular fashion.

The University of Central Arkansas junior broke his own school record in the one-mile run on Friday at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston. His time of 4:01.73 shaved nearly two seconds off his previous record, a massive improvement in a sport where hundredths of a second matter.

Dingman competed against 282 other runners at the prestigious event, finishing 36th overall. Breaking the four-minute-two-second barrier puts him in rare company among collegiate middle-distance runners.

The Bears had athletes competing at two different meets on Friday. Back in Fayetteville, Arkansas, three more Central Arkansas athletes represented their school at the Tyson Invitational.

Jaden Schneeberger placed 18th in the men's weight throw with a mark of 20.86 meters. Madeline Hill finished 16th in the women's 3000-meter run, crossing the line at 9:42.85, while Joia Perry threw 19.27 meters to take 22nd place in the women's weight throw.

Why This Inspires

Personal records tell a powerful story about dedication. Dingman didn't just show up and hope for a good day. He trained specifically to beat the record he set himself, proving that your biggest competition is often the person you were yesterday.

His nearly two-second improvement represents months of training, countless early mornings, and the kind of determination that doesn't make headlines until it does. For student athletes balancing academics and athletics, that commitment means something extra.

The Bears return to competition Saturday with three more athletes competing. Dingman will race the mile again, giving him a chance to push his new record even further.