When Valley senior Morgan Karr woke up ahead of the final day of the Iowa state track and field meet, her dad left her with a parting message before she journeyed to Drake Stadium.
“‘Whatever happens, you’re our favorite, you’re the best and we’re proud of you no matter what,'” her dad said.
It was a massive day for Karr, with three races —the 100-meter dash, the shuttle hurdle relay and 100-meter hurdle finals— all on deck. In the final meet of her high school career, she only had one last chance to accomplish the feat she had been chasing all year — break the all-time state record in the 100-meter hurdles. That record was set in 2025 by former teammate and best friend Emma Havighurst at 13.62 seconds.
To begin the day, Karr’s shuttle hurdle relay team took second to Waukee Northwest. About one hour later, Karr returned to take third in the 100-meter dash. From there, she only had 30 minutes until she took the track for the 100-meter hurdles.
With little left in the tank, Karr dug deep and accomplished a goal she wrote in her notebook before the season began, winning the Class 4A state title in 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.53 seconds. As a result, she sets the all-time record in Iowa high school history.
“Feeling so exhausted but still being able to do what I just did, it’s insane,” Karr said. “I’ve never ran that fast in my life. I’ve wanted this more than anything, so getting that time that I have written down in my notebook at home is the most bizarre feeling, but I’m so, so grateful for everything.”
Karr was overcome with emotion as the end of her high school career coincided with an accomplishment she’s been working toward for so long. She’ll look to keep building off her success at Iowa State, along with her former teammate Havighurst, but in the meantime, she’ll celebrate a job well done.
“I’ve been chasing this for so long,” Karr said. “I’m just really grateful to do it here on this stage and with my family, coaches and friends. I’ve never felt this happy in my life.”
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Valley’s Morgan Karr breaks record in 100 hurdles at Iowa state meet
Reporting by Eli McKown, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
