Oregon high schooler sets new state record in 3,000m race

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Crater High School senior and BYU-commit Tayvon Kitchen made history on Friday at the final meet of his high school career, becoming the first Oregon high schooler to ever run under eight minutes in the 3000 meters.

With a time of 7:58:92, Kitchen broke his own state record time of 8:01.56 and also clocked in the fastest time in the nation this season. The previous record of 8:03:67 was held by the legendary Galen Rupp (Central Catholic) who went on to become a 4-time Olympian and 2-time Olympic medalist (1 silver, 1 bronze).

He also did it on the 50th anniversary of the death of one of the most legendary runners, Steve Prefontaine.

The senior is already a two-time state champion in cross country, but Friday’s victory surprisingly was his first state title in outdoor track and field.

He was named the 2023-24 Gatorade Oregon Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year and led Crater High School to four straight cross country state team titles during his career.

Kitchen is also one of the few high school runners who achieved a sub-4 minute mile and is one second behind the state record in the 1500m race which is currently held by his teammate Josiah Tostenson.