Sonoma Academy's Josie Hill sets national mark in 800

The junior's finish in 2 minutes, 6.38 seconds is the fastest 800 time in the nation this year.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:19am

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Sonoma Academy junior Josie Hill ran a blistering time of 2 minutes, 6.38 seconds in the 800-meter race at the Piner's Prospector Gold Rush meet on Saturday. This not only set a new Redwood Empire record, but it is also currently the fastest time in the nation this year and stands as the second-fastest time in North Coast Section history.

Why it matters

Hill's record-breaking performance in the 800 meters highlights her potential for a standout junior season and could put her in contention for a state championship. It also demonstrates the strength of the local track and field talent in the Redwood Empire region.

The details

Hill, who recently transferred from Technology High School, ran the 800 meters in 2 minutes, 6.38 seconds, obliterating the previous Redwood Empire record of 2:09.04 set by Montgomery's Hanne Thomsen last year. Her time is also the fastest in the nation so far this year and stands as the second-fastest in North Coast Section history, behind only Jessica Spies' 2:05.84 mark set for Livermore in 1981.

  • On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Josie Hill set the new Redwood Empire record in the 800 meters.
  • Prior to Hill's performance, the fastest 800 meter time in the nation this year was 2:06.64, held by Kjirsten Ludeman of Sehome-Washington.

The players

Josie Hill

A junior at Sonoma Academy who recently transferred from Technology High School. She set a new Redwood Empire record and the fastest 800 meter time in the nation this year with her time of 2:06.38.

Jessica Spies

The holder of the North Coast Section record in the 800 meters, with a time of 2:05.84 set for Livermore in 1981.

Hanne Thomsen

The previous Redwood Empire record holder in the 800 meters, with a time of 2:09.04 set last year for Montgomery High School.

Kjirsten Ludeman

The holder of the previous fastest 800 meter time in the nation this year, with a mark of 2:06.64 for Sehome-Washington.

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What’s next

If Hill's performance on Saturday is any indication, she is poised for a standout junior season and could be a contender for the state championship in the 800 meters.

The takeaway

Josie Hill's record-breaking 800 meter time highlights the exceptional track and field talent in the Redwood Empire region and demonstrates her potential to be one of the top high school distance runners in the country this season.