While the boy's individual race was practically decided halfway through the race, the girl's competition was a much closer affair.
With half a mile to go, it wasn't clear who had the edge - Shannon King or Allison Beasley.
The duo were locked stride for stride as the welcoming sight of the finish line came into view. Despite the ever increasing level of pain, they both appeared willing to endure.
This would be no easy wither for either of them.
When it came down to final tethers of grit, it was King who reigned supreme. The Faith Christian senior picked up her third consecutive victory, running 19:28, while Beasley kicked in just seconds later in 19:33.
Nearly 100 meters back Leah Hill was a solid third-place finish, running 19:56, while the Faith Christian and Holy Family team title ensued behind her.
The next six finishers were either from Faith Christian or Holy Family, as both squads battled for the team title.
When the dust settled, it was Faith Christian with the big W, tallying 34 points to Holy Family's 45. Stargate took third with 109 points, while Jefferson Academy nabbed the final state-qualifying spot with 133.