Chris Bailey breaks Arkansas 400m record with world-leading 45.09

FAYETTEVILLE – Blazing to a winning time of 45.09 seconds in the 400m, Arkansas senior Chris Bailey broke the school record during the second day of action in the Razorback Invitational held at the Randal Tyson Track Center on Saturday.

The previous UA record of 45.29 was set in 2005 by Terry Gatson while the previous meet record of 45.34 was set by Florida’s Najee Glass in 2015.

In producing the world leading time in 2023, Bailey demolished a field that included LSU’s Sean Burrell (46.37), USC’s Justin Braun (46.42), Florida’s Ryan Willie (46.47) and Kentucky’s Wayne Lawrence (46.48). Also racing in the 400m for Arkansas were Ayden Owens-Delerme (46.97) and Devontie Archer (47.04).

In fourth place approaching the second lap, Bailey remained patient and opted for the inside portion of lane one. Space became available through the curve and Bailey took advantage, moving into the lead and dramatically pulling away from the field.

In the month of January, Bailey’s time is the fastest ever by a collegian and second fastest ever when factoring in professionals. The top January time is 45.03 by Fred Kerley in 2021 at the Tyson Track Center.

Bailey later split 45.04 on the third leg of the Razorback’s 4 x 400 relay that finished fourth in a very close finish with a time of 3:04.42. Florida set a world-leading time of 3:04.11 with a 45.14 anchor leg from Willie to edge out USC’s 3:04.12 while Baylor finished third in 3:04.37.

Those are the four fastest times in the world for the 2023 season. The other Razorback members of the relay were Lance Lang (46.43), Connor Washington (46.27), and Archer (46.69).