Sadie Engelhardt is the fastest high schooler ever in the girls’ mile.
The 18-year-old ran 4:27.97 at the Millrose Games in New York City on Saturday, breaking Mary Cain’s previous record of 4:28.25, which she set in 2013, also at Millrose.
Engelhardt, who is from California, competed in the Wanamaker Mile against a field of 11 professionals and a pacesetter. She finished 11th in the field, hanging around the back of the pack to pull her to the record. She is the first high schooler to break 4:28 in the mile.
“I think the field definitely helped,” Engelhardt said after the race. “I don’t know if I would be able to do that on my own, so it’s great to finally get [the record.] I’m excited. I think there’s a lot more room to grow this season.”
Engelhardt, who is committed to powerhouse NC State, said breaking Cain’s 12-year-old record was special: “My dad has been showing me her on YouTube for like as long as I’ve been running ... I think it’s great to be where she was and along those times that she ran.”
Great Britain’s Georgia Bell won the race in 4:23.35, edging out Americans Heather MacLean (4:23.41) and Nikki Hiltz (4:23.50) at the line for the win.
Engelhardt already owned the high school outdoor mile record—4:28.46—which she set this past May. Now, she owns the outright high school record with her effort on Saturday. A week ago, Engelhardt moved up to No. 2 all-time in the indoor mile with a 4:29.34 at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston. The record is all hers now.
Dan Beck is the deputy news editor at Runner’s World. He has led news coverage teams for major running events like the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Boston Marathon, and New York City Marathon. A former collegiate distance runner at DeSales University, he still enjoys running, just more slowly now. Before coming to Runner’s World, he covered track and field and cross-country at MileSplit. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, where the two like to explore the city’s rich dining scene.
