Staff writer
Marion High School runners got a preview of what regional competition could look like during Thursday’s race at Halstead.
Coach Rebecca Hofer said competition was intense.
“We ran against many runners we will encounter at our regionals, as well as many good 4A teams,” she said. “We finished the meet with a ton of new personal records.
“The places do not do our runners justice. They all ran well, even against runners in another division.”
However, the swift feet of Colin Williams, McKenzee Remmers, and Emily Hague propelled each into the top 25 of their respective races.
Hague took 17th in the girls’ race at 21 minutes, 46 seconds. Remmers was 19th at 21:52. Both runners also achieved new personal records.
Williams placed 23rd in the boys’ race at 18:42.
Meggan Frese logged a new personal record in the girls’ race, while other varsity runners Ethan Darnall, Jarrett Johnson, Magnus Maarslet, Taylor Fahey, and Tyler Arocha did the same in the boys’race.
Joeb Corona also earned a personal record in a junior-varsity race.
Middle school runners Bethany Grimmett and David Sawyer both achieved personal records, too.
“David gave an all-out sprint in the last 50 meters and passed several runners. He really kicked it in,” Hofer said. “Bethany was in 10th place, but at every uphill, she dug in and passed another competitor. She soon was in second and almost caught the front-runner. She ran very hard and was only passed by the second-place runner in the last 50 meters.”