EUGENE, Ore. – Sophomore Olivia Howell qualified for the final race in the 1500 m at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships on Thursday afternoon at Hayward Field in Eugene.

After starting the race strong and sitting towards the middle of the pack for the first three laps, the Big Ten 1500 m Champion shifted into a new gear in the final 200 m, propelling herself into the fourth position in her heat with a time of 4:09.71. After the second heat was completed, Howell stayed in the fourth spot in the competition overall. Twelve runners will now compete in the final, the top five from each preliminary heat as well as the next two best times overall.

The Solon, Ohio native already held the Illinois program record in the 1500 m with her 4:12.45 time set at the NCAA West Preliminaries two weeks ago. This mark improves her standing by nearly three seconds, as well as establishing a new personal best.

The 1500 m final will take place on Saturday at 5:11 p.m. CT and will be available on ESPNU.

Remaining Illini Events

Friday – 6:30 p.m. CT – Jonathan Wells – Men's high jump

Thursday – 5:11 p.m. CT – Olivia Howell – Women's 1500 m final

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