Just a couple weeks into the 2026 Colorado cross country season, the competition is already heating up. 

This weekend brought another full slate of racing across the state, with several teams making early statements and some of Colorado's top talents throwing down impressive performances.

One of the weekend's standout performances came from the Fort Collins boys, who showcased their depth with a dominant performance at the John Martin XC Invitational. Throughout the state, plenty of Colorado's top returning athletes continued to establish themselves as names to watch as the season begins to pick up momentum.

Here is a look at the action from some of the weekend's notable meets.

John Martin XC Invitational

The Fort Collins boys made an early-season statement on their home course.

The Lambkins rolled to the team title with just 22 points, putting together an impressive 15:38 average across their top five and demonstrating why they could be one of the teams to contend in the 5A title race this fall.

Fort Collins was led by junior Will Johns, who finished runner-up in 14:56.20, while senior Sean Giles was right behind him in third at 14:59.40.

Putting two runners under 15 minutes this early in the season is impressive, but Fort Collins' depth behind its front two is what made the difference. With five scorers averaging 15:38, the Lambkins made an early case that they have the firepower to contend with Colorado's best.

The only runner to finish ahead of the Fort Collins duo was Anthony Herre, a senior from Loveland Classical.

Herre delivered one of the strongest performances of the weekend, racing to the individual victory in a blazing 14:49.50. 

On the girls side, Brynn Torres of Loveland opened up an early gap on the field to take the individual victory.

Torres crossed the line in 17:28.70, getting the better of Cheyenne Mountain standout Raegan McRae, who finished runner-up in 17:42.70.

While Torres took the individual honors, Rocky Mountain came away with the team title, scoring 80 points.

Cherry Creek Steve Lohman Invitational

The team battle highlighted the boys race at the 2026 Cherry Creek Steve Lohman Invitational, and there wasn't much separating the top two squads.

Cherry Creek came away with the victory, led by senior Mason Petitmermet in 16:14.20, scoring 121 points to narrowly edge Regis Jesuit, which finished just six points back with 127.

Leading the pack, Max Miller of The Vanguard School took care of business.

The senior raced to the individual title in 15:40.60, adding another strong performance to the opening weeks of his senior season.

On the girls side, one of Colorado's top rising talents continued to impress.

Madison Lange, the standout sophomore from Cherokee Trail, raced to the individual victory in 17:51.91, showcasing her strength yet again.