RALEIGH, N.C. – The Virginia men’s and women’s track and field programs made a statement on the first day of competition at the 2025 Raleigh Relays as Gary Martin recorded the third fastest outdoor 1500-meter time in collegiate history while Andrew Jones broke the Virginia record in the 10,000-meters at the Paul Derr Track & Field Facility on Thursday (March 27).
Distance Dominance
- Gary Martin continues his stellar season recording the third fastest 1500-meter time in collegiate history clocking new personal-best 3:33.71. His previous best stood at 3:37.66 from the 2024 Bryan Clay Invitational.
- Martin finished third behind the Villanova duo in Liam Murphy and Marco Langon also setting NCAA best marks.
- Alongside Martin, three more Cavaliers set personal bests in the men’s 1500-meter race including Billy Atkinson, Scott Sikorski and Myles Plummer.
- Sikorski rounded out the top 30 finishers with his time of 4:43.91.
- Not far behind was Atkinson in 3:48.40 and Plummer in 3:49.40 respectively.
- Andrew Jones broke the Virginia record in the men’s 10,000-meters crossing the line in a new personal-best 28:20.95. Jones’ time was good for seventh place overall.
- Just behind Jones was previous school record holder, Will Anthony with his time of 28:21.12. Anthony’s time was good for a new personal-best, Virginia No.2 all-time and ninth place finish.
- Justin Wachtel notched a new personal-best 13:34.44 in the men’s 5000-meters for the third fastest in program history. Wachtel’s time was good for 10th place in a competitive field of runners.
- Aidan Cox also ran a new personal-best 13:59.82 to dip under 14 minuets for the 12 and a half lap race.
This. Is. March. 🤯@gary_martin20 of @UVATFCC adds to the Raleigh Relays madness in the men’s 1500m with the No. 3️⃣ all-time collegiate outdoor performance!
📸: @ChuckUtash pic.twitter.com/DAm8lZ6Kdv
— DyeStat (@DyeStat) March 27, 2025
Cavaliers in the Field
- Estel Valeanu kick started the competition in Raleigh with a third-place finish in the women’s shot put competition throwing for 16.01m/52-6.50.
- On her second appearance in the ring, Valeanu bettered her Virginia all-time No.7 mark.
- In her debut as a Cavalier, Christiana Ellina won the women’s javelin competition with her second attempt mark of 52.59m/172-6.
- Good for a new personal best, Ellina’s mark ranks fourth all-time in program history.
- A total of nine Cavaliers walked away with new personal best times or marks on…