DES MOINES, Iowa -- Wisconsin junior Sarah Heinemann finished seventh in the 5000 meters to lead the Badgers at the Drake Relays on Thursday.
 
Heinemann  crossed the line at Drake Stadium in 16 minutes, 35.73 seconds, topping her previous personal best by more than 42 seconds.
 
"Sarah had a breakthrough today," assistant coach Jill Miller, who works with the distance runners, said. "This will give her a lot of confidence as we head closer to the Big Ten championships in two weeks."
 
Heinemann stayed in the lead pack for the majority of the race, until Iowa State's Bethanie Brown broke away with approximately 800 meters to go. Brown won the race in 16:25.19.
 
Heinemann's time ranks 11th in the Big Ten, right behind teammate Michele Lee.
 
The Badgers return to action on Friday at the Drake Relays with Brenna Detra competing in the 400 hurdles at 11:57 a.m. (CT).