Sheppard Runs NJ No. 2 All-Time In The Mile, Wins Thriller


Paige Sheppard nearly broke the NJ record in the mile on Sunday when the sophomore sensation from Union Catholic produced an electrifying epic comeback to finish first in breathtaking and heart-pounding fashion at the New Balance Grand Prix Invitational at The Track at New Balance. 

Sitting in fifth place with a quarter mile to go, Sheppard leveled up by triggering her lethal kick to close in 68.75, capped off with a jaw-dropping 32.5 final lap as she caught senior Hanne Thomsen of Montgomery High in North Carolina right at the line to win the instant classic in 4:44.49. Thomsen was second in 4:44.54.

The time by Sheppard, who was 3.48 seconds behind Thomsen with two laps to go,  is No. 2 in NJ indoor history behind the 4:43.16 run by Michelle Rowen of Washington Township at the 1983 Eastern States Championships at Harvard. 

Sheppard, who had splits of 1:10.32, 2:20.82, and 3:35.75 before her big last quarter, is now US No. 2 this season in the mile this season behind the 4:43.92 run by freshman Elin Latta of Texas.

It seems like it's just a matter of time before Sheppard breaks Rowen's state record in the mile. 

Sheppard has already broken one state record this season when she dropped a 4:44.77 for 1,600 meters in her season opener at the Poreda Invitational on Dec. 14 in Lawrenceville.

Sheppard also ran 2:08.15 in the 800 at the Union County Championships on Jan. 22 at Ocean Breeze, which is No. 2 in the U.S. this season, No.  6 in NJ indoor history, and the second fastest time ever run by a sophomore in NJ indoor history.  

What will Sheppard do next!!?

Time will tell, but every time she steps on the track there's a chance a record could go down! 

Stay tuned!!!!