Paityn Noe shatters multiple records in SEC Indoor 5k victory

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Razorback Paityn Noe broke a trio of impressive records on the way to winning the 5,000m in 15 minutes, 11.27 seconds during the first day of the SEC Indoor Championships.

Through four of 17 finals, Arkansas leads team scoring with 32 points over Oklahoma (31), LSU (19), Texas A&M (13), and Florida (11).

In addition to the 10 points from Noe, 14 points were added in the long from the Razorback duo of Funminiyi Olajide and Nia Robinson, who placed second and third. Arkansas finished fourth in the distance medley relay while Heidi Hudson added three points in placing sixth in the pentathlon.

Noe, who is a redshirt freshman indoors, cruised to a 22-second victory over Auburn freshman Brenda Jepchirchir (15:33.67) and LSU frosh Edna Chepkemoi (15:39.43). In the process she demolished the SEC Indoor meet record of 15:42.45 set in 2024 by Razorback Sydney Thorvaldson as well as the fastest indoor time recorded at Texas A&M, a 15:19.14 by Missouri’s Karissa Schweizer in 2017.

The third record claimed by Noe was the Arkansas school record of 15:13.09 set by Katie Izzo in 2019. Previously this indoor season Noe broke the 3,000m school record held by Dominique Scott.

On the all-time collegiate list, Noe ranks as the No. 7 performer with the No. 9 performance. Noe passed some notable names on the all-time collegiate list in improving her previous best of 15:23.41 set in December. They include Emily Sisson of Providence (15:12.22), Taylor Roe of Oklahoma State (15:12.71), Kim Smith of Providence (15:14.18) and the Nex Mexico tandem of Weini Kelatie (15:14.23) and Ednah Kurgat (15:14.78).

While Oklahoma’s Jasmine Akins won the long jump with a mark of 21-8.75 (6.62), she was challenged by a leap of 21-6 (6.55) by Olajide, the Arkansas school record holder, as well as a 21-5.5 (6.54) from Robinson. Collegiate leader Anthaya Charlton of Florida finished fourth at 21-2.75 (6.47).

Racing on the distance medley relay, which placed fourth in 11:03.47, were Socha Shiu (3:27.73), Ashanti Denton (52.69), Ainsley Erzen (2:04.21), and Tiana LoStracco (4:37.84).

The first Razorback points came from Hudson as she placed sixth in the pentathlon to score three team points. Hudson produced a career best score of 3,992 points on a day that included four career best marks for the freshman among the five events.

Hudson’s previous best score was 3,972.

An 8.72 career best started the day for Hudson in the 60m hurdles. Then an indoor career best of 5-10 (1.78) in the high jump followed. Another PR came in the shot put with a toss of 24-7.5 (10.55). A long jump of 19-0 (5.79) registered a career best as well. In the 800m, Hudson ran 2:27.99.

In 200m qualifying, Anya Jackson was the lone freshman to advance to the final as the Razorback produced a career best of 23.16 to win her heat and post the third fastest time in the prelims.

Also racing in the 200m were Joanne Reid (23.53) and Na’Taja Ballard (23.75).