Connor Burns Runs Junior Class Record 3:58.83, Finishes One Spot Behind Gary Martin (3:57.89) In St. Louis

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Photo by Lily Dozier

Gary Martin lowered his mile best after leading most of the men's mile Thursday at the HOKA Festival of Miles in St. Louis, but the second high school runner in the race made even more history. 

Connor Burns, a junior at Southern Boone High who finished second in the 1,600 meters at last week's Missouri state meet, broke the U.S. junior class record and state all-time best by running 3:58.83. 

Burns, who ran 4:02.96 during the indoor season, became the third prep to go sub-four this year and the 15th in prep history. 

It was the first time two high school runners have gone sub-four in the same race. 

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Martin, who went out with the pacers and had the lead on the last lap, was ultimately passed by professionals Paul Ryan, who won in 3:55.95, Jack Antsey, who was second in 3:56.87, and Caleb Webb, who was third in 3:57.54. Martin may have been outkicked, taking fourth in a personal-best 3:57.87, but added to his overall mystique by leading the men's field in a bid to not only run fast, but win. 

"My mindset was to run it the same way I always do," Martin said. 

Burns, who finished right behind Martin in fifth place, was mobbed by teammates and friends after his time was posted. 

"It's what I've been dreaming about this whole year," he said. "I can't even describe it."

Burns snapped Jim Ryun's 1964 junior class record of 3.59.0 for East High of Wichita, Kan. 

Susan Ejore of Cascade Elite made a decisive move over the final lap to win the women's race in 4:32.33. Alexina Teubel of Northern Iowa Track was second in 4:32.72. 

Flower Mound TX standout Natalie Cook was running in a good position near the front for nearly three laps, but began to fall of the pace late. She finished 12th in 4:42.33. 

In the elite high school-only races, Dowling Catholic IA junior Jackson Heidesch won the boys race in a personal-best 4:06.14. 

Tatum David from Olney (Richland County) IL won the girls high school mile in a meet-record 4:42.15 and slightly faster than Cook in the later race. David's time is US#7 this spring.

Makayla Clark of Lee's Summit West repeated her title in the girls 800 meters, surging into the lead on the final backstretch and ran a personal -best 2:07.97. 

Daniel Watcke from Hinsdale Central IL led the boys 800 wire-to-wire and won in US#16 1:50.81. Nicolas Pizarro from The Tatnall School DE was next in 1:50.90.