The 2A boys race is shaping up to be a showdown.

Bobby Kiesewetter leads the 2A rankings by almost 30 seconds.

The Golden View senior earned this rank by clocking 15:19.0 at the Liberty Bell Invitational back in September.

Since then, Kiesewetter has recorded times of 15:38.20 at Desert Twilight and 16:00.46 at the Windjammer XC Festival. 

He placed third at last year's state meet, running 16:24.10.

However, Andrew Bel of Colorado Springs Christian won the 2023 2A title in 16:16.60 and will look to defend his championship.

Bel has three consecutive wins in the past few weeks, including the 2A Region 3 Championship. He ran 15:48.50 for the title.

We can also expect to see Matthew Start (Monument Academy), Gabe Gatti (Peyton), and Shawn Kipchumba (Thomas Maclaren) in the front pack.

North Folk's Saskia Marlin has shown incredible improvement from last season, making her a favorite to win the 2A state title.

For reference, at last season's state meet, Marlin placed 35th in a time of 21:41.0.

In the past few weeks, she has earned herself three consecutive wins - including the 2A Region 5 title in a time of 19:10.0.

Her PR now sits at 18:37.70, ran at the Pantherfest. 

Freshman Natasha Hessler (Ridgway) sits at No. 2 in the 2A rankings behind Marlin. With a PR of 18:44.80, she is well-positioned to contend for the state title.

Looks like this could be anyone's race - the competition is fierce!

Keep an eye on Grace Grossman (Caprice Academy) and Reese West (Byers) as they should compete the front mix.