EUGENE, Ore. – Katie Burnett, assistant cross country and track and field coach at The Evergreen State College, finished in third place in the women's 20-kilometer race walk at the USA Track & Field Championships on Saturday, Aug. 2. She held fourth place for the first 1,600 meters and then moved into third place for the remainder of the race.

Burnett's overall time for the 20-kilometer event was 1:40:35.2 (1 hour, 40 minutes, 35.2 seconds). She was representing the Harrier Track Club.

"I have had a few years of injuries and it's taken a lot of patience and persistence to get back on the 20km race walk podium at Nationals," Burnett said.

Lauren Harris of Walk USA won the USATF title with a time of 1:31:23.7. Harris was victorious by more than eight minutes. Maria Michta-Coffey of Oiselle and Walk USA was second at 1:39:56.8.

Following Burnett was Miranda Melville of the New York Athletic Club, who placed fourth in 1:41.12.3. Angelica Harris, competing unattached, was fifth with a time of 1:46:42.9.

Earlier this year, Burnett won the 2025 USATF 35-kilometer Race Walk Championship in January. She completed the race in 3:05:10. 

She placed seventh in the 35-kilometer event at the 2025 Pan American Race Walk Championships on May 17 in Anapoima, Columbia, while representing the U.S. National Team. In addition, she won the 2025 USA Track and Field Ohio Association Race Walk Championship at the 35-kilometer distance in 3:04:17.75 on May 4, breaking three American records.

Burnett will represent the United States at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in the 35-kilometer race walk. The World Championships will be held in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

"I'm so thankful for the support I get at Evergreen, and I love being able to train on campus trails and all around Thurston County," Burnett commented. "Next stop: Tokyo!"

"I am incredibly proud of Katie," Evergreen Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Joel Pearson said. "Her 2025 campaign has been a massive success, and it has been a pleasure being a part of it! Gold in 35km, Bronze in 20km, and off to Tokyo for another World T&F Championships!"