Alaskan Runner Burrough Breaks 800m Record at Bryan Clay Invitational

Fort Lewis senior becomes fourth-fastest Alaskan in history with lifetime best time of 1:48.88

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:19am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the rapid movements and bursts of speed of a runner competing in an 800-meter race, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and explosive speed of an 800-meter track race.Anchorage Today

Brady Burrough, a senior at Fort Lewis College from Anchorage, Alaska, set a new program record and became the fourth-fastest Alaskan ever in the 800-meter run at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California. Burrough clocked a lifetime best of 1 minute, 48.88 seconds, slicing nearly two seconds off his previous best time.

Why it matters

Burrough's performance at the Bryan Clay Invitational showcases the rising talent of Alaskan track and field athletes on the national stage. His record-breaking run solidifies Alaska's growing reputation for producing top-tier middle-distance runners, building on the legacies of legendary Alaskan runners like the Herron family.

The details

Burrough came through the first lap in 54.94 seconds and maintained his blistering pace, passing all six athletes ahead of him to win his heat and place third overall in the open division. He closed the race with a 53.94-second second lap, registering negative splits - a rare feat given his fast opening pace. Burrough's time of 1:48.88 eclipsed the previous Fort Lewis program record of 1:51.04 set by Armando Fuentes just two weeks ago.

  • Burrough set his new personal best and program record time of 1:48.88 on April 19, 2026 at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California.
  • Earlier this month, on April 5, 2026, Burrough ran 1:50.83 in the 800m, which was his previous personal best time.

The players

Brady Burrough

A senior at Fort Lewis College from Anchorage, Alaska, who is now the fourth-fastest 800m runner in Alaska history.

Armando Fuentes

A Fort Lewis College runner who previously held the program record in the 800m with a time of 1:51.04.

Dalton Graham

The head coach of the Fort Lewis College track and field team.

Doug Herron

A legendary Alaskan 800m runner who holds the state record with a time of 1:47.00.

Camron Herron

The son of Doug Herron, who is also one of the fastest 800m runners in Alaska history with a time of 1:47.97.

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What they’re saying

“What. A. Race. First Skyhawk to ever go under 1:50!!!”

— Dalton Graham, Head Coach, Fort Lewis College

What’s next

Burrough will next compete at the RMAC Championships in Pueblo, Colorado from April 24-26, where he will look to qualify for the NCAA Division II National Championships.

The takeaway

Brady Burrough's record-breaking performance at the Bryan Clay Invitational showcases the continued rise of Alaskan track and field talent, building on the state's rich history of middle-distance running excellence. Burrough's achievement underscores Alaska's ability to produce world-class athletes who can compete at the highest levels of collegiate competition.