Cross Country Express

Top 3 NorCal Distance Runners (boys and girls)

2026-05-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Jumping on the West Coast XC podcast this week, identifying the top 3 boys and girls distance runners in NorCal. If you were picking, who would be your choices?

NorCal Cross Country and Track and Field College Commitments

2026-04-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kyle Jakary, Jesuit (SJS) Cal Poly SLO
Ani Stieg, Archie Williams (NCS) Cal Poly SLO

Jane Landon, Whitney (SJS) CBU
Ava Decleve, Scotts Valley (CCS) UCLA

Anna Salter, Crystal Springs Uplands School (CCS) Columbia University

Brenna Mannion, Vista del Lago (SJS) Cal Poly SLO

Addison Ewers, Whitney (SJS) Cal Poly SLO

Nina Souto, Whitney (SJS) Cal Poly SLO

Sydney Middleton, Redwood (NCS) Cal Poly SLO
Stephen Sziebert, Bellarmine (CCS) Columbia University
Ben Penzel, Bellarmine (CCS) Santa Clara University

Chloe Leduc, Oakland Tech (OAK) Cal Berkeley
Drake Hoferer, Jesuit (SJS) UCLA
Logan Letulle, Miramonte (NCS) Williams
Brooke Lee, Archie Williams (NCS) UC Berkeley
Zoe Corder, Bella Vista (SJS) Washington State
Sophie Hutchinson, Whitney (SJS) Washington State
Lena Llamas, Buhach Colony (SJS) Wingate University
Andres Lomeli, Kimball (SJS) Cal Poly SLO
Aidan Sharp, Menlo Atherton (CCS) University of Chicago
Micah Redding, Placer (SJS) University of Idaho
Owen Dawson, Analy (NCS) University of Chicago
Cooper Barr, Placer (SJS) Stanford University

Adriana Ingargiola, Oak Ridge (SJS), UC Berkeley

Ella Mogannam, Lick-Wilmerding (NCS) Vanderbilt University

Lily Simon, St. Francis, MV (CCS) University of Michigan

Payton Wagner, St. Francis, MV (CCS) Loyola Marymount University

Avery Carlson, Pitman (SJS) UC San Diego

Natalie Arriaza, Patterson (SJS) Stanislaus State
Lauren Draper, St. Francis, MV (CCS) University of Chicago

Tyler Huo, St. Francis, MV (CCS) Bowdoin College

Brady Bliesner, Aptos (CCS) Chico State

Maya Schiro, Aptos (CCS) Chico State

Peter Kendall, Twelve Bridges (SJS) Chico State
Allie Harman, Rocklin (SJS) UC Irvine
Avery Wolk, Davis (SJS) Brown University
Isaac Abbott, Jesuit (SJS) Duke University
Giselle Fernandez, Riverbank (SJS) Northern Arizona University
Makayla Galvan, Vacaville (SJS) Biola University
Grady Morris, Ponderosa (SJS) Chico State
Sophie Benham, Hughson (SJS) Stanislaus State
Ellie McCuskey-Hay, St. Ignatius (CCS) University of Oregon
Fernando Herrera, Alisal (CCS) Stanislaus State
Cy Lugo, Elk Grove (SJS) Montana State
Ace Rozales, Kimball (SJS) St. Mary's College
Claire Palmer, Archie Williams (NCS) Tuft University
Carina, Nottingham, Berkeley (NCS) Dartmouth University
Riley Anderson, Placer (SJS) Chico State
Maya Yatsko, Los Altos (CCS) Occidental College
Samantha Witteles, Los Altos (CCS) Dartmouth University

Xavier Surgeon, Windsor (NCS) Rhodes College
Kira Dye, Crystal Springs Uplands School (CCS) Johns Hopkins
Jessica Carvalho, Pinole Valley (NCS) Dominican University
Eila Sawhney, Woodside Priory (CCS) Claremont - Mudd Scripps
Kaitlyn Lam, Sacred Heart Cathedral (CCS) Occidental College
Soleil Warner, St. Ignatius (CCS) Harvard University
Prince Najeeb Babalola-Buchango, St. Ignatius (CCS) USC
Sebastian Taylor, Bishop O'Dowd (NCS) NYU
Cason Mitchell, Menlo Atherton (CCS) University of Miami
Farah Allen, Branson (NCS) UCLA
Brady Tse, Harker (CCS) Stanford University
Tessa Wehrle, Sacred Heart Cathedral (CCS) Claremont McKenna College
Daniela Hughes, Los Altos (CCS) UC Berkeley
Kira Grant-Hatcher, St. Mary's College (NCS) UC Berkeley
Jack Farrell, St. Ignatius (CCS) Middlebury College
Khloe De La Torre, Vacaville (SJS) Cal Poly SLO
Andrea Correa, San Mateo (CCS) Santa Clara University
Jackson Levassaur, Christian Brothers (SJS) Santa Clara University
Amaya Bharadwaj, Palo Alto (CCS) Stanford University
Gretchen Yakaitis, Carondelet (NCS) UCLA
Natasha Cohen, Northgate (NCS) American University
Francis Chmielewski, Northgate (NCS) University of La Verne
Emma Beedon, Los Altos (CCS) Loyola Marymount University (NEW)

Ryan Chen, Mountain View (CCS) UC San Diego (NEW)
Sophia Pham, Bella Vista (SJS) Cal Poly Pomona (NEW)
Hugh Heyer, McClatchy (SJS) Cal Poly SLO

If you know of other runners who have already committed and shared their information publicly, please add them to the list in the comment section below.

Sacramento Meet of Champions Invitational 800m (Boys)

2026-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Stanco Distance (Screamin Scott)
With about 150m to go, Amador Valley's Thomas Hekl was in 2nd place and was clipped from behind leading to the photo you see here.

NorCal weekend results

2026-04-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

CCS Last Chance Meet at Mountain View HS
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/631934/results/all

Sacramento Meet of Champions at American River College
https://timerhub.com/get_web_index.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2026/smoc/

Northern California Frosh Soph Championships at Dublin HS
https://www.diablotiming.com/results/2026-04-25/

Skyline Clash of the Titans at Skyline HS
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/622770/results/all

3rd Annual Marin Mile on Saturday, May 30th

2026-04-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Annual Marin Mile on May 30th! Sign up at https://www.movemint.cc/events/marin_mile_2026

Join us at the Marin Mile— a festival of miles at Archie Williams High School on May 30th, 2026. Inclusive of all levels and all ages, the Marin Mile welcomes anyone who wants to run or race a mile with their peers.

As this event is electronically timed and USATF sanctioned it serves as a great opportunity for high school distance runners to get a last chance race to share with college coaches or to better their personal bests one last time! We wanted to make sure all Bay Area HS distance runners were aware of this race opportunity if they want to take one last shot at a PR or run a full mile on an outdoor track with family and friends! Stick around for the final elite heat where we are hoping to see new Marin County Mile soil records including Marin's first sub-4 mile!

Heats will take place in the afternoon running in descending order from slow to fast. Exact schedule will be determined in mid-May

Top NorCal Track and Field Leaders

2026-04-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

UPDATED THROUGH THIS PAST WEEKEND

BOYS
100m Deshawn Seymour Jr Will C. Wood 12 10.27
200m Deshawn Seymour Jr. Will C. Wood 12 21.06
400m Ayden Parker Dougherty Valley 11 46.87
800m Lucas Alberts Jesuit 11 1:49.98
1600m Cooper Stream Vacaville 11 4:06.03
3200m Cooper Stream Vacaville 11 8:50.62
110m High Hurdles Chase Young De La Salle 11 13.67 (NEW)
300m Intermediate Hurdles Cy Lugo Elk Grove 12 36.67
4x100m Relay El Cerrito 40.57
4x400m Relay Los Gatos 3:21.35
4x800 Relay Campolindo 7:50.20
Long Jump Hudson Smith Whitney 11 24'11"
Triple Jump Benicio Labuguen Westmoor 12 47'5"
High Jump Naryan Banerjee Jesuit 11 6'8"
Pole Vault Malik Li Campolindo 12 15'4"
Shot Put Chase Jacobson St. Francis, MV 12 65'3.5"
Discus Deonte Littlejohn Acalanes 12 182'9"

GIRLS
100m Naiaja Sizemore Vanden 12 11.46
200m Naiaja Sizemore Vanden 12 23.56
400m Kaylee Cross Los Gatos SJ 12 54.37
800m Josie Hill Sonoma Academy 11 2:06.38
1600m Amaya Bhardawaj Palo Alto 12 4:45.45
3200m Amaya Bhardawaj Palo Alto 12 10:01.93
100m Hurdles Daniela Hughes Los Altos 12 13.94
300m Hurdles Soleil Warner St. Ignatius 12 42.19
4x100m Relay Christian Brothers 46.22
4x400m Relay St. Ignatius 3:48.57
4x800m Relay St. Francis, MV 9:08.04
Long Jump Ellie McCuskey-Hay St. Ignatius 12 20'4.75"
Triple Jump Daniela Hughes Los Altos 12 42.7.5"
High Jump Lelani Laruelle Monta Vista 12 5'10"
Pole Vault Sophia Forst Pleasant Grove 12 12'6"
Shot Put Sidney Johnson Rio Americano 10 44'11.75"
Discus Gracelynne Duenas Lodi 12 151'4"

Catching up with Jesuit junior distance runner, Lucas Alberts

2026-04-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Today, we chat with Jesuit junior distance runner, Lucas Alberts. This past weekend, Alberts dipped under 1:50 in the 800 for the first time at the Mt. SAC Invitational with a winning time of 1:49.98. Alberts also won the Stanford Invitational 1600 with a personal record of 4:07.61, outdueling Bellarmine senior, Stephen Sziebert. He has also been part of Jesuit's two state championship cross-country teams, both of which qualified for NXN as the top team in California. Last season, Alberts finished 2nd in the state meet 800 as a sophomore with a then-near personal best of 1:51.32. His 2025 best of 1:51.27 was set at the SJS Masters meet, the week before. (Sam Givner photo to the right)

1) What sports did you play before high school? How did you get into running? What were your track PRs in 8th grade?
Before High School in Middle School I played Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball. I didn’t start running seriously until the end of my 8th-grade year, and I quit all other sports in my freshman year to pursue running. I got into running because it was the only sport that started in summer for my Middle School, and a friend got me to come out for it, and I fell in love with the sport. My 8th-grade track PRs were 1:58 in the 800 and 4:34 in the full mile, both at Nike Outdoor Nationals.

2) How did you end up at Jesuit and did you know about their distance success?
I ended up at Jesuit because of that same friend that I knew in 8th grade. I wanted to run very fast in High School, and it came down to McClatchy and Jesuit. I ultimately decided to go to Jesuit because I knew more people were going there and because the running program had been so successful. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!

3) What were your highlights during your freshman year in cross country and track and field? Who were the older runners on the team that helped your transition to high school running?
During my freshman year of Cross Country, I sprained my ankle twice and sadly missed most of the season, but my biggest highlight that year was cheering on the guys at state. During track, my biggest highlights freshman year were winning meets like the Delta League champs and relays like the Stanford Invite DMR with my teammates. The teammates who helped me on the team were a senior named Jonah Reynolds and a Sophomore at the time, Isaac Abbott. (Photo below from 2024 Stanford Invite)

4) What about your sophomore year? What do you feel were your best races and proudest accomplishments?
My proudest moment during cross country, my sophomore year, was being the 5th man at state and helping the program win the 10th State Title in Jesuit History and make it to NXN for the first time in many years. During Track, my biggest and proudest moments were definitely earning many Meet Records and competing at the highest levels. I think getting the meet record at Masters and getting 2nd at state as a sophomore were the biggest moments for me. (West Coast XC photo from 2025)

5) For the past two years, Jesuit has had the best CA cross country team and qualified for NXN. What was that experience like racing at NXN?
Racing in NXN is definitely a challenge. Just racing in spikes for the first time the whole season at NXN can hurt you a lot, but the team is excited and already talking about making it again next year.

6) You had two outstanding efforts with the Stanford 1600 and Mt. SAC 800. What do you think led to those performances and what did you learn from both those efforts?
I think the biggest thing that led to those wins are the guys I have around me, they push me everyday if it is in an easy run or a workout. We all better each other and I think it is the best part about our team. I think another thing individually that led to those is knowing my body and knowing when to take it. I trusted myself and took it when it was right. Arcadia was upsetting because I waited for someone else to take it but both Stanford and Mt. Sac I took it when I knew it was right.

7) What does a typical week look like for you training wise? About how many miles a week? Length of longest run? Typical workouts? Morning runs?
A good training week for me on a non race week will be about 3 easy run days and 3 workout days. I always take Sunday off as a day of rest so I only run 6 days a week and I do anywhere from 30-35 mile weeks if it’s a race week or not. A good Coach Lange workout will be doing anywhere from a 10-20 min tempo and then heading back to the track for some intervals.

8) You coach Walt Lange has been at Jesuit over 50 years? What have you learned from him? What makes him a great coach?
I think the biggest thing is that Coach Lange knows what he’s doing. He’s really good about figuring out what works for us and repeating it. If it worked last year we’ll do it this year so he knows what works and keeps it going. The best thing is he really cares about running and has always been all in on it so he spends all his time on us.

9) Favorite cross country course? Favorite cross country invitational? Favorite long run? Favorite cross country workout? Favorite track event? Favorite track invitational? Favorite track workout? Favorite free time activity?
My favorite XC course has always been the State Course, I’ve been able to do the most damage on that course and the environment is always the best. My favorite Invitational is Woodbridge, I loved the flat course and it definitely suits me a little bit better. Favorite LR is definitely during Cross country when me and the guys get in cars and drive out to spots that we only go to once or twice a year. My favorite track event is the 800 but I love when I'm able to run a fast mile it’s always exciting. Favorite Track Invite has been Mt. Sac this year, finally being able to break that barrier and win the DMR with my team was special. My favorite track workout is always 8x400 or if it’s 300s and 200s, I always love being able to duke out a last rep of a workout with my teammates. My favorite thing to do when I'm not running is playing golf with my friends or going on day trips and finding new places to visit.

10) What is left in your season that you are most looking forward to?
The biggest thing that’s left in my season is trying to win big meets like the Masters and the State meet, also getting into big meets like the Brooks and the Hoka Festival of Miles. Not sure how many more opportunities I get to PR in the mile, so when I get the chance, I will definitely take it. (Valerie Depeel photo to the left).

11) What is your advice for a young, talented middle schooler or 9th grader who has aspirations of being an elite runner?
I think the biggest thing is it’s easy to get unmotivated, but when you have big dreams and aspirations of being something big that conquers the fact you get unmotivated. It’s hard to get up some days to run and sometimes you just don't want to but when you find that right group to run with and you find that motivation you’ll want to get better and better and train even harder. I’m not afraid to say my motivation is all on the State meet right now, getting second at state was definitely exciting in the moment being a sophomore, but all I’ve been stuck on was getting second so getting that chance to win this year is all my minds been focused on.

12) Anything else you would like to add?
Biggest thing is just stick with it, find that motivation if you are thinking about going all in on running, I’d say definitely do it. If anyone ever has questions, you can always reach out to me.

More Invitational Results

2026-04-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Granada Sprint and Distance Festival Results
https://www.diablotiming.com/results/498/results.htm

2026 Santa Rosa Twilight Invitational Results
https://milesplit.live/meets/748878

Mt. SAC Invitational Results
https://rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/41526/events

Robert Rush Celebration of Life

2026-04-18T21:51:01.360-07:00

CCS Last Chance Invitational Info

2026-04-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mountain View High School is pleased to bring back the CCS Last Chance Invitational in 2026 with a new 2 day format. Friday April 24th in the afternoon and evening will be all distance events (800, 1600, 3200), and Saturday April 25th will be all other track and field events. This is one last chance to set a personal record this season, one last chance to get a time to qualify for your league meets, and one last chance to participate in an invitational for 2026!

More information is found here.

For questions, email Jonathan Hubbs (coachhubbs@gmail.com)

45th Annual CCS "Top 8" Meet

2026-04-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

I will also email the meet director. In the 800, when you have 8 or fewer runners, please start them in lanes and have them do a one-turn stagger. Starting the 800s from a waterfall is asking for an incident in that first 50 meters. Or use 2 or 3 alleys.

Live Results
https://milesplit.live/meets/720587

Performance Lists
https://www.top8invitational.com/performance-list

The best section preview meet in California is this Saturday at Los Gatos HS. You can find all the info for the meet at this LINK.

The meet records through 2024 are found at this link:
https://lynbrooksports.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2026/t8-recs.txt

I will post the heat sheets as soon as they are posted.

Arcadia Invitational

2026-04-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Results
https://www.rtspt.com/events/arcadia/2026/compiled.pdf
Of note, Amaya Bharadwaj set the new CCS record in the 3200m running 10:01.93, breaking the old mark of Cory Schubert of Del Mar, who held the record of 10:04.34 since 1983.

Videos
https://www.arcadiainvitational.org/eprofile.php?do=videos&event_id=63

Redwood Empire at Arcadia

https://redwoodempirerunning.com/arcadia-day-2-3/

https://redwoodempirerunning.com/arcadia-day-1-2/

The following is from Hank Lawson regarding the top CCS efforts.

Here is a meet synopsis on CCS records that went down by Jordan Cheng (former Mt View coach).
Lawrence Onyekewe (Menlo) - sophomore 300h record (37.58)
Case Jacobson (St francis) - no record but furthest throw since 1967 (65'3.5)
Valley Christian (sShant Babyan, *Boston Maruccillio, sDevin Adams, sIsaiah Muse) - 4x200 record, old record from Menlo-Atherton 1960, (1:26.86)
Bellarmine (**Mizan Ackbar, sHarrison Webb, **Samuel Haven, sJosh Haven) - 4x110HH/shuttle relay (59.12) Akbar 15.4, Webb 14.7, S Haven 14.8, J Haven 14.2
Amaya Bhardawaj (Palo Alto) - ccs 3200 record (10:01.93)
Jordan Johnsson (Palo Alto) - soph. 100m record (10.44 +2.8)
That's all I noticed. Liam Tassa (mountain view) got pretty close to the frosh mile/1600 record.
My-oh-my, CCS will be lots of fun this year!

Most impressive NorCal marks from either Friday or Saturday?

Stanford Invitational

2026-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Videos from Stanford, thanks to Chris Althouse
https://www.youtube.com/@dutchessofmilpitas/videos

Live Results
https://rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/4326/events

Malcolm Slaney photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/malcolmslaney/collections/72157724828386154/

Stanford Invitational Meet Records
https://gostanford.com/news/2017/08/08/stanford-invitational-records

Arcadia Invitational 3200/800 (Invitational Sections)

2026-04-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

GIRLS 3200
Chamorra Cooper Air Academy
Skye Jensen American Fork
Charlotte Hopkins Arcadia
Isabella Ramirez Bullard
Ruby Ihmels Century
Emily Cohen Cherry Creek
Brynn Davenport Crater
Anna Salter Crystal Springs Uplands
Julia Kelly Downingtown West
Delaney Reuter Eaton
Addy Guymon Emery
Ariella Llorens Francis Parker
Hadassah Beshears Har-Ber
Caroline Fender Heritage
Emry Schwalm Heritage
Madelyn Reeder Highland (UT)
Summer Wilson Irvine
Maya Bybee Lone Peak
Mary Nesmith Marietta
Adrianna Buitelaar Mennonite Educational Institute
Claire Guiberson Mountain Vista
Elise Hagen Niwot
Addison Ritzenhein Niwot
Avery Barton Ogden
Amaya Bharawaj Palo Alto
Natalie Arriaza Patterson
Gabbie Bishop Providence Academy
Payton Meineke Riverdale Ridge
Hallie Heemeyer Rocky Mountain
Lilly Beshears Rogers
Sundara Weber Sandwich
Ellie Maddox Sioux Falls Christian
Peyton VanDeest Spearfish
Alyssa Gutierrez St. Francis, SJ
Calysta Garmer Webb School of Knoxville
Jazzlyn Garmer Webb School of Knoxville
Abigail Hennessy Westford Academy

BOYS 3200
Nicholas Ponte Albuquerque 8:55.57 (9:10.17)
Marcelo Mantaco Belen Jesuit 8:48.02 2M Indoors (8:50.26)
Brian Burns Bentonville 9:27.61 (none)
Ben Berman Bronx HS/Science 9:03.45 Indoors (8:56.23)
Wyatt Dann Castle View 8:57.67 (9:03.04)
Brooks Barbee Christ School 8:57.39 2M Indoors (8:57.39)
Luke Hnatt Christian Brothers Academy 8:53.83 Indoors (8:53.83)
Gavin Schmitt Christian Brothers Academy 9:00.00 2M Indoors (9:00.00)
Oliver Horton Coronado 8:56.10 (8:56.10)
Garrett Faught Crater 8:56.42 2M Indoors (8:56.42)
Grady Lenn De Pere
Yohanes vanMeerten Flagstaff
Jackson Spencer Herriman
Ryan Sykes Horace Greeley
Asher Oates Independence
Kellen Williams Jesuit Oregon
Maximo Zavaleta MLK
Benjamin Adams Mountain Vista
Rocco Culpepper Niwot
Ryder Keeton Niwot
Hunter Robbie Niwot
Quinn Sullivan Niwot
Ayuub Hassan Northfield
Brennan Robin Parkway
Jack McGovern Rockhurst
Malachi Schoenherr Sheldon
Isaac Benjamin South Kitsap
Jackson Miller St. Louis Univsity
Jay McDonald Summit, Colorado
Clayton Jero Summit, Oregon
Edward Stout Taylorsville
Elliott Stout Taylorsville
Will Fadden Thomas Jefferson Hsst
Ben Lee ThunderRidge
Cooper Stream Vacaville

GIRLS 800
Grace Smith Claremont
Chiara Dailey La Jolla
Laila Kirk LB Poly
Braelyn Combe Santiago
Nicole Samson Santiago
Adriana Pettinelli Scarsdale
Josie Hill Sonoma Academy
Mary MacLean Strathcona
Paige Sheppard Union Catholic

BOYS 800
Austin Plewe American Fork
Jack Michalak Belen Jesuit
Cameron Yarbrough Del Norte
Alden Morales JSerra
Hugh Heyer McClatchy
Jayden Lloyd-McKenna Pearl River
Josh Beck Pleasant Grove-UT
Karil Arnold St. John's College
Wyland Obando LB Wilson

GIRLS 1 MILE
Jordan Banta Air Academy
Madison Lange Cherokee Trail
Abigail Anstett Georgetown Visitation Prep
Chiara Dailey La Jolla
Mary Nesmith Marietta
Lauren McCalla Menomonie
Gizelle Fernandez Riverbank
Annika Swan Saint Ignatius Prep
Lily Alder Timpview
Abigail Hennessy Westford Academy

BOYS 1 MILE
Stephen Sziebert Bellarmine
Maxwell Miracle Crater
Cadel Ruthven Fort Collins
Drake Hoferer Jesuit
Kellen Williams Jesuit Portland
James Millare Moanalua
Champ Ransom Natrona County
Rocco Culpepper Niwot
Jude Ritzenhein Niwot
Peter Mecham Orem
Jace Deledonne Poly (Riv)

Celebration of life for Bob Rush

2026-04-05T14:49:12.491-07:00

It will be held on Saturday, June 6. More info coming soon.

Weekend Invitational Results

2026-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Holy Spikes at Jesuit HS
https://timerhub.com/get_web_index.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2026/holyspikes/

DeAnza/Wilcox Invitational
https://lynbrooksports.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2026/De%20Anza-Wilcox%20Invite_De%20Anza%20JC.htm

Prospector Gold Rush Invitational at Piner HS
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/619553/results/all
Sonoma Academy junior Josie Hill won the 800 in 2:06.38, which is USA#1 (now #2) and NCS #2 all-time, trailing only Livermore's Jessica Spies 2:05.84 from 1981.

Bay Area Relays at Foothill HS
https://www.diablotiming.com/results/2026-03-28/

Sun. Mar 29 - Stanford FASTR session on HS girl runners' health

2026-03-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

This Sun. March 29, 2-4 pm, is a free in-person workshop by Stanford's FASTR program on high school girls runners' health, with two 45-minute presentations and interactive activities.

The workshop is for female high school athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic trainers who want to better understand menstrual health, fueling, hydration, and performance. The free workshop will be at Stanford's Center for Academic Medicine, and more info is in the attached flyer, with registration available here.

Registration closes today at 6pm if you are interested in attending.

Dublin Distance Fiesta photos

2026-03-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ken Martinez and Todd Tokubo of West Coast XC
https://www.westcoastxc.com/photos-1
https://linktr.ee/toddsportsphotos#551329177

Stanford Invitational Accepted Entries

2026-03-25T07:37:32.283-07:00

https://www.rtspt.com/events/stanford/invite26/hs_accepted.htm

2026 Dublin Distance Fiesta

2026-03-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Live Stream
https://accounts.milesplit.com/live/245958-2026-dublin-distance-fiesta?ref=live-725902-widget&site=5

Live Results
https://www.diablotiming.com/results/2026-03-20/

Also from yesterday...

St. Francis Invitational
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/638977/results/all

Capital Invitational
https://timerhub.com/get_web_index.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2026/capital/

13th Annual Firebird Invitational
https://lynbrooksports.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2026/fb-res.htm

7th Annual O'Condon Invitational
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/621718/results/all

Bay Area Sprint Extravaganza
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/623040/results/all

Feel free to chime in on the most outstanding efforts from yesterday's meet. Obviously, some very good races from the Dublin Distance Fiesta. Also, two shot putters over 60 feet at the St. Francis Invitational. Brady Tse What else?

Bob Rush, longtime track and cross country coach at San Mateo High School and College of San Mateo, died Saturday at the age of 90

2026-03-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

San Mateo Daily Journal article can be found at this LINK.

Voice in Sport Session with Harvard University runner Kaiya Brooks

2026-03-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Current Harvard University and former Crystal Springs Uplands School runner, Kaiya Brooks, is hosting a free Voice in Sport session on Sunday, March 22nd at 5pm EST (2pm PST). You can find all the information you need for the session at the following link:

https://www.voiceinsport.com/sessions/overcoming-adversity-kaiya-brooks-631

West Coast XC Dublin Distance Fiesta Preview

2026-03-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

2026 Dublin Distance Fiesta Preview

2026-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

The 2026 Dublin Distance Fiesta (DDF) is taking place this coming weekend, and it's bigger and more robust than ever before. In previous years, I have said that with every preview and every year, that is straight fact. The meet keeps growing. When I interview distance runners for this blog, they typically say that this is one of their favorite meets of the season.

In the photo above, that is former starter Bob Shor on his step stool a few years ago, before he passed away. He was a GOOD DUDE!. Doug Griffith and Mario daSilva handle starting duties now.

Other notable figures associated with this meet. Scott Abbott and Kyle Morrison will handle announcing duty. Abbott ran at Jesuit for Walt Lange and his son Isaac has been one of the top runners for the Mauraders. Kyle announced at the DDF last year and also announced the Dan Gabor Invitational this year. Both announcers do an amazing job of making every race feel important.

Timer Shannon Sos of diablotiming.com is one of the top timers in CA. He definitely eases any stress that meet directors may have before their Invitationals.

Over two almost full days, diehard distance fans will witness a record-setting number of distance heats. In 2025, two WORLD RECORDS were established as 371 girls dipped under the 6-minute mark in the 1600 while 591 boys dipped under the 5-minute mark in the same event.

This season, the DDF will be held on the third weekend of March once again. For comparison, check out this year's numbers vs. last year's.

Year	Schools	Student-Athletes	Entries	Heats
2025	225	4,047	5,863	226
2026	240	4,247	6,135	240

According to the meet director and Dublin coach Chris Williams, the DDF will once again be the largest distance-only meet in the United States based on the total number of entries. As shared in a previous post, Coach Williams continues to need your prayers as he continues to battle cancer. Your prayers are always appreciated.

OK, now a bit of history regarding this meet for those of you attending the soon-to-be-world-famous Dublin Distance Fiesta (RIP Peter Brewer) for the first time. The meet has been held at Dublin HS since 2009, with the lone exception being the 2020 season when it was not held. Before 2009, the meet was held at Skyline HS (one year), Cal Berkeley (one year), and then multiple years at the original location, Piedmont HS (shoutout Warrior. IYKYK)

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Aside from super fast competitive fields, the Dublin Distance Fiesta is known for its incredible efficiency. You can check this out in action, thanks to longtime Jesuit coach Walt Lange (over 50 years at Jesuit), in the following video. More on Coach Lange and his impressive team below.

Let's take a closer look at the "Sombrero" races

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Girls 4 x 800

Meet Record - Campolindo/NCS - 9:31.93 ('24)

The 2-time defending champion Campolindo girls (2025 winning team above courtesy of DDF Instagram) will be back to defend their sombrero titles. This will be the first big meet for their team after multiple league meets. They will be challenged by league and section rival Northgate. The rest of the top contenders are CCS teams Los Gatos, Carlmont, Evergreen Valley, St. Ignatius, and Mountain View.

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Boys 4 x 800

Meet Record - Davis/SJS - 7:57.18 ('24)

I noticed that in my preview from last year, I did not mention the team that won the event, the Bellarmine Bells (photo above courtesy of Bellarmine). I won't make the same mistake again. Their coach, Patrick McCrystle, takes great pride in team and relay events. He was himself a 1:50.70 800 meter runner for coach Walt Lange at Jesuit. Bellarmine finished in 6th place at the California state meet last year, running the 2nd fastest time in CCS history at 7:44.84. Other contending teams this year will include section rival Menlo Atherton. Also in the mix will be Lowell, Carlmont, Bella Vista, Tesoro, Mountain View, and the host Dublin. And don't forget 2 time Division III cross country state champion Campolindo. This is definitely the main event of night one and a great way to close out Friday evening.

Girls 1600

Meet Record - Riley Chamberlain (Del Oro/SJS) - 4:46.34 ('22)

For those of you interested in more DDF history, here is a bit more regarding this event. In 2015, Sonora's Cassi Land lowered the 1600 record at the DDF to 5:06.01. A year later, Miramonte's Hannah Fishlow lowered the record to 5:02.79. The first runner to lower the record under 5 minutes was Redwood's Gillian Wagner in 2017 as she raced to a 4:55.35 victory. That time held up until 2021 when Albany's Sophia Nordenholz ran 4:53.26 in the 3rd DDF that season (that's right, 3rd, thanks to COVID). In 2022, Del Oro senior Riley Chamberlain outran Montgomery's talented freshman Hanne Thomsen to set the new standard at 4:46.34. Chamberlain is still competing at BYU and remains one of the top distance runners in the NCAA.

Last year, Eleanor Raker of Galena won this event in 4:52.58. Khloe DeLaTorre of Vacaville finished in 2nd place with a time of 4:53.64 and is the top returner in this field. The fastest runner is Riverbank senior Giselle Fernandez (photo above courtesy of Juan Esparza Loera). She finished in 6th place at the CA state meet, running a best of 4:43.80. Other contenders in this stacked field include Ella Mogannam of Lick-Wilmerding, Nora Feldt of Davis, Anna Salter of Crystal Springs Uplands, and Gretchen Yakaitis of Carondelet. Both Mogannam and Yakaitis were individual state champions in cross country. If the boys' 4 x 800 is the race of the day for Friday, this could potentially be the race of the day on Saturday.

Boys 1600

Meet Record - Ajani Salcido (Jesuit/SJS) 4:09.95 ('21)

The favorite to win this race will be Bellarmine senior Stephen Sziebert (photo courtesy of West Coast XC). He was the best non senior in CCS last year in an incredibly stacked year. Sziebert won this year's KBell invitational in 4:15.21 and just competed in the New Balance Nationals indoors, posting a PR of 4:09.40 in the mile. His main competition will include Drake Hoferer of Jesuit and Jackson Puburko of Trinity. Other contenders include David Coisson of Galena in Nevada who is a proven 1600 runner and has posted a 50.44 400 already this season. Another runner that will contend is Menlo junior Henry Hauser. He finished 2nd behind Sziebert at the KBell and has posted a 1:54.28 PR in the 800.

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Girls 800

Meet Record - Alyssa Brewer (California/NCS) 2:08.99 ('18)

Now Stanford freshman Hanne Thomsen of Montgomery completed a very unique double last year by winning the 800 and 3200. She was victorious in the 2-lap event with a time of 2:10.18. This year, the top 2 fastest times in the field belong to Ava Decleve of Scotts Valley (Shmuel Thaler photo) and Ava Padilla of Monte Vista. Decleve won the Winter Time Trials in Watsonville, while Padilla won the Dan Gabor Invitational last week. Other contenders will include Hailey Sellers of Branson, Ella Mogannam of Lick-Wilmerding, and Ashlin Mallon of Cardinal Newman. A few more names to watch out for are Whitney teammates Addi Ewers and Kaylee Smith as well as Crystal Springs Uplands senior Anna Salter.

Boys 800

Meet Record - Yutaka Roberts (El Camino/CCS) 1:52.34 ('22)

The top 2 finishers from last year were sophomores Lucas Alberts of Jesuit (VND photos) and Hugh Heyer of McClatchy (both from the SJS). Both runners return this year, with Alberts the favorite as the defending champion and the 2nd-place finisher from last year's state meet. Another athlete to watch out for is Placer senior Cooper Barr. He has a PR of 1:51.76 as well as state meet experience from last year. His mom, Lindsay Hyatt, was a 4-time state champ in California in this event. Another interesting tidbit that might only interest me involves Sebastien Swain of Piedmont. He qualified for the state meet last year as a sophomore, running a personal best of 1:53.15. His mom, Becky Spies, is one of the fastest distance runners in NCS history and a University of Villanova Hall of Famer. His aunt, Jessica Spies, still holds the NCS record in the 800 at 2:05.84. Other runners that could be a factor are Thomas Hekl of Amador Valley, 1:53.87 last year and won this year's Dan Gabor Invitational. Hunter Steele of Galena ran 1:53.81 last year at the Stanford Invitational to finish in 6th place.

Girls 3200

Meet Record - Hanne Thomsen (Montgomery/NCS) 10:14.46 ('22)

The fastest entry time in this event belongs to St. Francis, SJ freshman, Alyssa Gutierrez (photo courtesy of St. Francis, SJ instagram). She has posted a best of 10:27.63, winning the Bronco Roundup Distance Carnival. She is also quite familiar with the Dublin Distance Fiesta, having won the exhibition mile last year as an 8th grader. She will be challenged by Natalie Arriaza of Patterson, who is the defending Sac-Joaquin Section champion with a best of 10:35.24. This will certainly be a preview of the SJS Masters meet final and will also include Khloe DeLaTorre of Vacaville, Avery Wolk of Davis, Brenna Mannion of Vista del Lago, Sophie Hutchinson of Whitney, Adriana Ingargiola of Oak Ridge, and Avery Carlson of Pitman.

Boys 3200

Meet Record - Matt Strangio (Jesuit/SJS) 8:47.97 ('19)

Last year, four runners dipped under the 9 minute mark with Eli Fitchen-Young of Santa Cruz leading the way with a time of 8:56.43. Then junior Isaac Abbott of Jesuit finished in 3rd place with a still standing PR of 8:57.47. He's on the comeback trail from an injury and will not be participating in this event. This year's race could be quite the event, and, as in the past, it could be the most competitive of this Invitational. Among the top contenders will be the top 2 NorCal runners from this past cross country season, Cooper Stream of Vacaville (photo courtesy of Vacaville HS Facebook page) and Alijah Murillo of Branham. Stream was the Division 2 state champion while Murillo had an outstanding race at NXN and claimed the NorCal Runner of the Year award. Blake Bay from Fresno Christian is one of the top runners in the state in Division V and a Brooks XC National qualifier. Kimball senior Andres Lomeli won the Skyline Invitational 1600 and was a state finalist in the 3200 last spring. Two other runners that should definitely not be overlooked are Campolindo teammates Caden Ehrhorn and Clark Gregory.

Girls Distance Medley Relay

Meet Record - Santa Cruz/CCS - 12:07.58 ('18)

This race will feature some of the top distance programs in Northern California. The Campolindo girls (Chuck Woolridge photo), won both relays last year and will be attempting to repeat here. They will face stiff competition from Mountain View and the last two cross country Division V state team champions, Branson and Crystal Springs Uplands. Los Altos and Carson (NV) should also be in the mix.

I started this list a few years ago and will keep it going this year. Because of COVID, this relay was not contested in 2021 or in 2020, when the meet was not held at all. Here are the winning teams over the past few years.

2025 Campolindo 12:25.13
2024 SF University 12:48.02
2023 Campolindo 12:36.04
2022 Tamalpais 12:34.83

2019 St. Francis, Sacramento 12:22.61

2018 Santa Cruz HS 12:07.58 (meet record)

2017 San Ramon Valley HS 12:23.41

2016 Monte Vista HS 12:16.21

2015 Bella Vista HS 12:14.03

2014 Las Lomas HS 12:31.29

Boys Distance Medley Relay

Meet Record - Davis/SJS - 10:23.93 ('16)

This is always a tough event to predict, as many of the fastest teams will include runners doubling back from the just-concluded 3200m and other race distances. The Bellarmine boys (photo courtesy of Bellarmine) could be going after the relay sweep if they can pull of the 4 x 800 victory first. They will have to finish in front of some tough teams, including Mountain View, Carlmont, and Whitney.

MEET PROGRAM LINK

Lastly, a shout-out to West Coast XC (aka Kenneth Martinez), who will be interviewing Coach Chris Williams and me today to preview the DDF. You can find West Coast XC on his website at https://www.westcoastxc.com/ and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@WestCoastXC

2026 Dublin Distance Fiesta

2026-03-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Schedule LINK

Welcome Letter LINK

Heats in Alphabetical Order LINK

A preview of the Sombrero races will be posted ASAP.