Southlake Carroll Invitational (TX)
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Paige Hofstad ran the nation's fastest time for 5k this season, 17:23, to win the Southlake Carroll Invitational in Dallas, Texas this morning.
The race signals a comeback for the New Braunfels, Texas senior, who is the top returner from both NXN and Foot Locker Nationals but sat out the majority of the track season due to injury.
"It feels great and I know this course is a little flat but it feels great and you know, I was so nerovus about this season [due to the time off with injury], so, you know, I'm really excited," she said.
The race had an emotional impact on Hofstad.
"I just love running so much, it almost makes me cry because I missed it so much," she said.
A steady progression last fall saw her advance from runner-up at the Texas State XC Championship to win the NXN South title, then place fourth at Foot Locker and runner-up at NXN. Her lone result this spring was a 10:39 3200m in March.
She ran 10:27 for 3k last weekend to win her home invitational.
Boys champion David Strome of Colleyville Heritage dropped the field around the two mile mark and powered home in 15:05.71, which is the nation's second-fastest 5k time this season.
The defending Texas state cross country champion improved on his time from the same meet last year by 14 seconds.
Saucony Flo50 National XC Rankings: