Staff Report
SMITHFIELD, RI — Local Vermont runners traveled to the USATF-New England Cross Country Championships this past weekend and came home with top honors.
Abby Broadley and Steph Ager from Bellows Falls, Vermont, competed in the 15-18-year-old division cross country races. They dominated the girls race by going 1-2, with Abby winning in 19:07 and Steph the runner-up, with a personal best time of 19:32. Abby has won numerous USATF races, and felt comfortable in the lead: “I had a solid start, yet had some trouble breathing (while battling a cold), yet I knew I’m a warrior and under absolutely no circumstances would I give up, so I kept pushing…”
Abby and Steph also competed in the school New England Championships, with Abby also earning All New England honors. When Steph was asked about her race, she shared, “About 1 minute into the race I moved into second (behind Abby) and I knew I felt strong enough to hold this place. I stayed behind Abby and felt extremely good, and knew I was running super well. It felt amazing coming into the finish with a personal best and also felt amazing to feel like I had an amazing race. I’m incredibly proud of myself and Abby!”
Both runners will travel to Sunken Meadows State Park in Long Island, New York, this weekend for the Region 1 qualifier with the goal of qualifying for the USATF National XC Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, Dec. 14.
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