Records Fall as Kentucky Track & Field Concludes Season Opener

BOSTON, Mass. – Five distance runners from the Kentucky Track & Field program had the honor of commencing the Wildcats’ 2024-25 season on Saturday, setting the tone of the season to the tune of two record-breaking performances at the Sharon Colyer-Danville Opener in Boston. Ed Bird broke Jacob Thomson’s six-year-old school record in the Men’s 3000m, while Collins Kiprop Kipngok topped Bird’s freshman record in the Men’s 5000m from a season ago.  

Bird finished 22nd in an elite 3000m field at one of the best distance meets in the country with a record time of 7:53.14. In addition to setting a new Kentucky record, Bird’s mark doubles as the new British U20 Record. Bird is also now third all-time in the Indoor 3000m across all European U20 runners. The Dorchester, England native has already had success in the 3000m this year, earning a bronze medal in the outdoor version of the event at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships. After breaking four freshman records last season, this is Bird’s first overall school record.  

Kiprop Kipngok continued his momentum from the Cross Country season, turning in a record-breaking performance in his collegiate Track & Field debut. The Nakuru, Kenya native set his first Kentucky freshman record by racing 5000m in 13:58.61, breaking Bird’s mark from the 2023-24 season by over eight seconds. He is now fourth all-time at Kentucky in the 5000m after only one race as a Wildcat. Kiprop Kipngok placed 107th in another loaded field at the Danville Opener. 

Jackson Watts was the final member of the Men’s team to race on Saturday, finishing 170th in the 5000m in 14:33.06.  

On the Women’s side, Jenna Schwinghamer and Ally Kruger opened their seasons with personal best times in the Mile and 3000m, respectively.  

Schwingamer placed 11th in the Women’s Mile in a time of 4:39.73, lowering her previous best mark by over seven seconds. Her time was good enough to move into fifth all-time at Kentucky. 

Kruger turned in a 48th place finish in the Women’s 3000m by shaving some 15 seconds off her previous best time, finishing the race in 9:22.62. 

The rest of the Kentucky Track & Field program will open their 2024-25 indoor season at the Louisville Opener on December 11. Held at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in the Derby City, the meet will see the majority of the Wildcats start their campaigns against competitors from Louisville and Texas.   

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