News Summary

The 33rd annual Bristol Cross at Steele Creek Park showcased thrilling performances from top runners. Keyston Hartford secured second place in the boys’ race, while Mariah Reed emerged victorious in the girls’ race, leading Christiansburg to a team victory. The challenging course tested athletes’ endurance as fierce competition unfolded among numerous teams. Exciting finishes and promising talent set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.

Bristol Cross: A Race to Remember

What a thrilling day it was at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, where the 33rd annual Bristol Cross took place! This year’s event was packed with excitement as runners from all over competed for glory in both the boys’ and girls’ races.

Keyston Hartford: The Champion with a Quest

Leading the charge in the boys’ race was Keyston Hartford, the defending VHSL Class 1 state cross country champion. Despite his admirable efforts, he ended up finishing in second place with a time of 16:10.9. Not far ahead was the impressive Max Craig from Christiansburg, who secured victory with a remarkable time of 16:05.7. The crowd watched closely as Craig made a strong break in the final stretch, pulling away from Hartford and sealing his win.

Despite not claiming the victory he was gunning for, Hartford expressed that he was pleased with his performance. This year has brought some extra pressure as he aims to defend his title. Hartford previously made headlines as Grundy High School’s first-ever male state cross country champion last November at Virginia Tech.

Consistent Performer

As the season progresses, Hartfort has shown impressive form, having clinched first-place finishes at various locations, including the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and Oxbow Lake. In addition to his cross country success, don’t forget that he also snagged a state championship in the 3,200-meter run last track season! Other notable finishers in the boys race included Calvin Wilbon (16:12.3), Fisher Battel (16:17.3), and David Eaton (16:41.9).

On a team level, Daniel Boone took the lead in the boys’ race with a score of 71 points, while Christiansburg finished fourth with 133 points. The competition was certainly fierce with 18 boys teams vying for top positions.

Mariah Reed Leads the Charge

Shifting gears to the girls’ side, the spotlight was on Mariah Reed, a sophomore from Christiansburg, who emerged victorious with a dazzling time of 19:23.4. Her fast start dramatically contributed to her stunning victory and showcased her remarkable athletic prowess.

Strong Teammates

Reed’s teammates also played a significant role in securing Christiansburg’s team victory with 51 points. Riley Larimer and Kaylin Larimer finished sixth and ninth, respectively, rounding out a strong performance for their team. In fact, a total of 15 girls teams competed, with Dobyns-Bennett and Daniel Boone close behind Christiansburg in the overall scores at 103 and 112 points respectively.

Other noteworthy finishes included Jenna Reecher from Tennessee High taking fifth place with a time of 21:02.1, as well as Allie Salyer from Eastside and Mylee Jones from Sullivan East landing in 14th and 15th places, respectively, with nearly identical times of 21:49.7 and 21:50.1.

Challenging Course

The course at Steele Creek Park proved to be a challenging battleground, featuring steep hills that certainly impacted each runner’s strategy. It was a real test of endurance and skill, making the spectators appreciate the athleticism of all the participants even more.

This year’s Bristol Cross was not just about the individual performances but about teamwork as well. As this wonderful event wraps up, it’s clear that athletes like Keyston Hartford and Mariah Reed are setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. With their eyes set on future victories, fans can’t wait to see what’s next for these promising runners!

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