Johnson Breaks Virginia Steeplechase Record, Hits USATF Standard

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Derek Johnson of the Virginia men’s track and field program competed in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Elliott Denman New Jersey International meet on Saturday (June 17) where the Leesburg native broke his own Virginia record.

Johnson placed second at the meet running a personal-best of 8:25.23 to set the Virginia record in the event. The performance bests a record which Johnson set at the TrackTown Qualifier in 2021 where he ran 8:28.72. The time also hits the qualifying standard for the USATF Outdoor Championships set to be contested from July 6-9.

Johnson’s performance comes on the heels of a season in which he finished as the runner-up at the ACC Championships in the 3000-Steeplechase running a then season-best time of 8:33.82 and earned All-American honors for the second time in his collegiate career after placing eighth at the NCAA Championships. The graduate student also finished third at the ACC Championships in the 5000 meters.