Former Coconino Community College standout Hayley Burns delivered a historic performance on Friday, January 16, 2026, winning the mile at NAU’s Lumberjack Team Challenge in Flagstaff with an official time of 4:35.77.

Raced at approximately 7,000 feet of elevation, Burns’ performance converts to 4:25.76 after altitude adjustment, a mark that currently sits #1 in the NCAA. Her converted time leads the national rankings by more than five seconds, underscoring just how exceptional the performance was on both a collegiate and national scale.

The race also marked a significant personal breakthrough. Burns shattered her previous mile personal record of 4:39.68, cutting nearly four seconds from her best and doing so while controlling the race from the front to secure the win.

Burns is a proud CCC alumna and the 2022 NJCAA Cross Country National Champion, one of the most decorated athletes in program history. Her continued rise from national champion at the community college level to the top of the NCAA performance list highlights both her long-term development and the strength of the foundation built during her time with the Comets.

Achieving a collegiate-leading time at altitude, while winning the race outright, places Burns’ Skydome mile among the most notable indoor performances of the season. For the CCC community, her success is a powerful example of the impact and potential of the community college pathway, and a moment of pride for a program that continues to produce athletes capable of competing at the very highest levels.