US star Diana Pickler sets Drake Relays mark in heptathlon

Pickler breaks heptathlon mark at Drake Relays

DES MOINES, Iowa — Defending U.S. champion Diana Pickler broke the Drake Relays heptathlon record with 6,040 points, the second-best mark in the world this year.

Pickler broke the record set last year by Jacquelyn Johnson, highlighting the first full day of competition at the 101st Drake Relays. Pickler topped Johnson’s mark by 20 points, marking the third straight year the heptathlon record was broken.

Minnesota took the top two spots in the decathlon. Gophers senior R.J. McGinnis finished first and freshman teammate Jack Szmanda was second.

Mississippi’s Martin Kirui won the men’s 3,000 steeplechase in 8 minutes, 46.68 seconds. It was the fastest time in the event at Drake since 1994 and Kirui’s third title in four years.

College events will highlight Friday’s schedule, with the marquee invitational events slated for Saturday.