Kara Skattum posted the top time for an intriguing Broomfield girls entry at the New Balance Valmont Cross Country Invitational. Photo by Renee Haip.
Sometimes that familiar voice inside your head isn't just inside your head.
Another very early weekend of high school cross country action on the 4th weekend of August, but more momentum is building towards when all 50 states will be back to racing this fall. On Thursday, two high quality season openers were found in Colorado on the state meet course in Colorado Springs with the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, while big names such as Conner Mantz and Lucy Biles debuted this season at the Highland Invitational in Utah.
Carly Volkmer was only momentarily delayed by the rain-slickened hill at the Central Warrior Invitational. Photo by Ron Niemeyer.
Aubrey Till has successfully made her break from the pursuit of Lauren Offerman by the top of the hill. Photo by Tim Hilt.
Corey Lewenkamp enjoyed the day's largest margin of victory over the rest of a classification. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Lamar's Jake Rogers finishes all alone at the front of the 3A boys race. Potos by Tim Hilt.
An escort of Demons: Air Academy's Luc Hagen tries to hold of Gordon Gianniny, Benjamin Lachelt (mostly hidden), and Nicholas Turco late in the race. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Kent Denver may have been the surprise team of the day, as Julia Jaschke tries to overtake Colorado Academy's Anna Ponzio late in the 3A girls race. Photo by Alan Versaw.
When the gun goes off at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, folks start heading for the barns. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
Thornton's Joshua Joseph is the top returning state finisher among the fields for Thursday's running of the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede. Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.
For Telluride's Anna Fake, a new season means never running alone in Miner maroon again. Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.
Coming off of Big Willis, the trail is in the best condition it's ever been. Photo by Alan Versaw.
It's a long way from cross country season, but cross country has found its way into the news.