Photo by Tim McDonald
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Addy Ritzenhein has made history as only the second female to crack 17:00 at Norris Penrose.
The Niwot junior claimed the 5A Colorado State Championship in a new all-classification course record of 16:54.62, surpassing Brooke Wilson's record of 16:59.20, which had stood for two years.
To illustrate just how impressive this is: before Wilson broke the 17:00 barrier, Brie Oakely held the course record of 17:07.83 for six years.
In other words, her time is incredibly fast.
Last year, Ritzenhein clocked 17:08.20 to win the 2023 4A title (when Niwot competed in 4A), following a runner-up finish of 17:56.50 in 2022.
Her improvement continues to amaze Colorado cross country fans.
As expected, Ritzenhein has remained undefeated throughout her 2024 season.
She ran a personal best of 16:41.30 at Desert Twilight, ranking her No. 9 nationally.
Last weekend, she clinched the 5A Region 3 title in 17:24.30.
Now, a state champion.