Jenna Mulhern Drops 12th Fastest 5K In High School History

PHILADELPHIA -- Jenna Mulhern took to under the lights late Friday night at the Penn Relays, and she came away with yet another fast time.

The senior from West Chester Henderson -- who ran unattached -- placed fourth in the Women's Open/Club 5,000 meters, running a time of 16:07.50 in an elite field after 9 p.m.

Susanna Sullivan, a 31-year-old Notre Dame alum, won in 15:29.02, pulling away from the field to earn the win.

For Mulhern, it's the is the 12th-fastest time in high school history. Earlier this spring, Natalie Cook of Texas set the high school national record at the Stanford Invitational, running 15:25.93.

It also breaks the Pennsylvania state record in the event, passing Lydia Russell's 16:18.72 from New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 2019. It's also the fastest 5K by a PA high schooler -- indoors or outdoors -- topping Tessa Barrett's 16:11.85 from New Balance Nationals Indoor in 2014.

Mulhern ran even splits throughout the twelve and a half laps at Franklin Field. Bouncing between third and fifth throughout the race, Mulhern ran quarter mile splits of 77 and 78 seconds. She battled it out with Elena Hayday and Stephanie Aldea. Ultimately, Hayday outkicked Mulhern for third place in 16:06.79. Aldea was fifth in 16:12.52.

Friday night's performance continues what has been a successful senior season for Mulhern, who has been competing with Project Dark Horse rather than her high school, West Chester Henderson, this year. Mulhern was fourth at the Garmin RunningLane XC Championships and third at the Eastbay XC Championships during the fall.

Then during the indoor season Mulhern went 16:17.47 for 5,000 meters at Camel City Elite and she won the 2 mile at adidas Indoor Nationals in 10:03.86.

Watch a replay of the race above.