ST. LOUIS - IU Indianapolis graduate Ellie Cates broke the program's 10,000m record on Thursday night (Mar. 27) as a select group of Jaguars competed at the WashU. Distance Carnival. Cates broke a nine-year old school record by four seconds, spinning a time of 35:21.35, placing 11th overall against a stout field. 

Cates had recently been named an Academic All-League honoree for her efforts during indoor season and was running the 10K for the first time since April 2021. Zoey Johnson held the previous record, having run 35:25.95 back in 2016. 

The following day in the 5,000m event, Julie Smith led the way by winning her section in a personal best time of 17:45.72, shedding 36 seconds off her prior best. Smith placed 54th overall as hundreds of runners participated in the 5K on Friday. Carina Alanis ran a personal best time of 18:37.61, taking nearly two minutes off her prior best effort and placing 112th overall. Freshman Ella Colclesser turned in a personal best time of 18:52.83 and Hannah Robbins closed her race with a time of 18:59.14. 

The remainder of the squad will compete on Saturday (Mar. 29) at the Pacesetter Sports Invitational, hosted by Indiana State.