BOSTON — Taking advantage of one of the fastest indoor tracks in the world, the Central College women's track and field team made a dent on the program's record boards and top-10 lists Friday at Boston University's David Hemery Valentine Invitational.
           
Peyton Steffen (sophomore, Marion) started the morning by taking down the school's indoor 800-meter run record in a time of 2 minutes, 15.27 seconds. She finished 130th overall in a field loaded with Division I and professional runners.
           
"She ran a great second half of the race," Dunham said. "She had a slow second lap that put her back a little, but she closed well. She is in a really good place right now with her fitness due to all of her hard work."
           
In the mile, Addison Parrott (sophomore, Danville) clocked in at 5:04.17 to take over the No. 4 spot on Central's all-time list. Steffen moved up to No. 5 with a time of 5:06.58. The duo placed 193rd and 207th, respectively.
           
"She had an incredible race today," Dunham said. "She ran so smart in a race that had a lot of traffic. She stayed calm and made some smart moves. I'm excited to see how the next few weeks come together for her."
           
Megan Johnson (senior, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS) took out another school record, racing the 3,000 meters in 9:32.08. That mark is 18 seconds faster than the previous mark set by Caroline McMartin (senior, Pella) last season. She placed 77th.
           
"Megan ran a very gutsy race," Dunham said. "She got out aggressive and found her rhythm early. I was really impressed with her last 1000 and the effort she put in to find that final gear. I'm really proud of her and all the work she is putting in to be at this point."
           
McMartin also reset her own school record in the 5,000 meters, finishing in 16:44.24 and 73rd overall.
           
Central will have a contingent of men in the distance races Saturday at the same meet.