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The 2025 Carolina Distance Carnival delivered a night of thrilling performances, breakthrough moments, and an electric atmosphere that showcased some of the best distance running talent from across the country. Under the lights in Matthews, athletes from the high school, collegiate, and professional ranks seized the opportunity to post national-leading times, personal bests, and gutsy wins. The energy was palpable from the first race to the last, with roaring crowds and tightly contested finishes making it a night to remember. As the meet unfolded, storylines quickly emerged - rising stars making their mark, seasoned veterans proving they still have more to give, and teams stacking up impressive early-season results. Here's a look at all the action and standout moments from an unforgettable night at the Carolina Distance Carnival.
Results | Videos
Will Cuicchi Shatters Meet Record in Historic 800m
Will Cuicchi made a huge statement at the Carolina Distance Carnival, winning the boys 800m in a blazing 1:49.16 and obliterating the previous meet record of 1:52.21 set just last year by Tim Brown. Cuicchi executed a patient race, splitting 55.4 through the opening 400m before storming home in 53.7 to seal the victory. His time not only smashed the meet record by over three seconds but also vaulted him to No. 4 nationally for the 2025 outdoor season. It also is good for a new NC#2 All-Time Outdoor 800m mark
Cuicchi wasn't alone in rewriting the record books - Joshua Cooper (1:49.63), Jayden Curry (1:50.52), and Knox Eaton (1:50.72) also finished under the previous mark, turning the race into one of the fastest 800m heats in meet history. What was once a strong standard is now a distant memory after an unforgettable night in Matthews. Eaton broke the South Carolina overall State Record as well!
Awoleye Repeats as Champion; Meet Record Obliterated in Girls 800m
The girls 800m at the Carolina Distance Carnival lived up to the hype, delivering a thrilling race and a complete rewrite of the record books. Defending champion Oluwatosin Awoleye returned to Raleigh and defended her title in style, clocking 2:05.30 to win and break the meet record of 2:07.77 set by Lauren Tolbert in 2021. Awoleye went out aggressively with a 1:00.7 opening split and held strong over the final 400m to capture her second straight crown.
Just behind her, Celia Schulte ran a gutsy race to take second in 2:05.50, also dipping under the previous meet record. With their performances, Awoleye remains ranked No. 2 nationally this season, while Schulte now moves up to No. 6 on the national list and is OH#4 All-Time Oudoors. Carter Torrence rounded out the top three with a 2:06.07, earning her the No. 7 national ranking and VA#4 All-Time Outdoors.
The depth of the girls 800m field this year was truly remarkable - a race that once needed 2:07 to set a meet record now saw three athletes under that barrier, setting a new standard of excellence for the Carolina Distance Carnival. Nine girls ran 2:10 or faster in the race.
Joshua Cooper Joins Exclusive Club with Historic 800m
Sophomore sensation Joshua Cooper delivered one of the most eye-opening performances of the night, finishing second in the 800m with a time of 1:49.63 and crushing the old meet record in the process. Cooper's race wasn't just fast - it was historic. He became just the ninth sophomore boy in U.S. history to break the 1:50 barrier outdoors, placing him among some of the sport's most elite young talents. His 1:49.63 performance now ranks him No. 6 nationally for the 2025 outdoor season and No. 5 all-time among sophomores. Only four sophomores have ever run faster outdoors: Cooper Lutkenhaus (1:48.57), Darius Kipyego (1:49.46), Brandon Miller (1:49.55), and Cole Boone (1:49.58). With two years of high school still ahead of him, Cooper's future looks incredibly bright after a breakout moment under the Raleigh lights.
Philip Blum Tops Competitive Field in Boys Mile
In one of the most exciting events of the 2025 Carolina Distance Carnival, Philip Blum surged to victory in the boys mile, crossing the finish line in 4:05.25. Blum's final 400m push proved to be the difference, as he maintained a strong pace throughout the race and closed with a 57.125-second lap to secure the win. Blum's time is the third-fastest in the nation this season, further solidifying his place among the top distance runners in the country.
Cole Boone, running a steady and consistent race, finished second with a time of 4:08.46, marking the eighth-fastest time nationally. Boone's opening laps were aggressive, and although he couldn't match Blum's final burst, his 1:00.675 final 400m earned him a spot on the national radar. Jacob Dorsch followed closely behind in third with a time of 4:08.75, ranking No. 12 nationally. Dorsch's effort was highlighted by a solid pacing strategy that kept him in the mix throughout the race.
The depth of the boys mile field was evident, with several athletes posting impressive times. Daniel Skandera (4:08.86) and Cade Cresswell (4:09.59) both ran strong performances, finishing fourth and fifth, while Jackson Tuck rounded out the top six with a time of 4:09.81. The race proved to be one of the fastest mile fields in recent years, with Blum, Boone, and Dorsch leading the way for an exciting season ahead.
17 Boys Smash 3200m Meet Record at Carolina Distance Carnival, Four Sub 9
A thrilling race unfolded in the Boys 3200m at the 2025 Carolina Distance Carnival, with 17 athletes surpassing the previous meet record. The highlight of the event was William Zealand, who claimed victory with a stunning time of 8:57.85, breaking the previous record and setting a new standard for the race. Zealand's pace was steady and relentless, showcasing his endurance and tactical approach.
Ty Jones of Riverside finished just behind Zealand with a time of 8:58.70, narrowly missing the record but still setting a new personal best and moving into second place overall. Albert Turner from East Chapel Hill followed closely with an 8:58.73, rounding out the top three and also breaking the previous meet record.
The performance of these 17 athletes, including Andrew Harding who also broke the 9-minute barrier with his time of 8:59.31, underscores the growing depth of talent in high school distance running and sets a new standard for future competitions.
Kasey Dingman Powers to Victory in Girls Mile at Carolina Distance Carnival
Kasey Dingman of Lake Norman claimed the win in the girls mile with a personal best time of 4:49.81, narrowly edging out her competitors. Dingman showed strong pacing throughout the race and finished with an impressive 1:06.874 final 400m, securing her victory by a slim margin. Olivia Ferraro of North Lincoln finished second in 4:50.57, with a consistent race that kept her close to Dingman throughout. Freshman Kaitlyn Estep from Cardinal Gibbons impressed with a third-place finish, running 4:50.76 in a highly competitive field.
The race featured an exciting mix of upperclassmen and freshmen, with Colby McCollum (Cuthbertson) taking fourth in 4:51.56, Caitlin Kasten (Covenant Day) finishing fifth in 4:51.90, and Alessia Potts (Pinecrest) rounding out the top six with a time of 4:51.96. The top three were separated by just over a second, showcasing the incredible talent and depth in this field.
Eli Sloop Sets New Meet Record in Middle School Boys 1600m at Carolina Distance Carnival
Eli Sloop claimed victory in the Boys 1600m at the 2025 Carolina Distance Carnival, setting a new meet record with a time of 4:30.03. Sloop's impressive performance broke the previous record of 4:30.40, set by Josh Palmer in 2024.
Eighth-grader Coleman Drake finished in second place with a solid time of 4:32.74, rounding out a competitive field. Sloop's record-breaking run showcased his skill and endurance, making him a standout in the middle school distance scene.
Athena Pluchos Breaks Meet Record in Middle School Girls 1600m at Carolina Distance Carnival
Seventh-grader Athena Pluchos surged to victory in the Girls 1600m at the 2025 Carolina Distance Carnival, setting a new meet record with a time of 5:00.65. Pluchos led from start to finish, breaking the previous record of 5:00.77 set by Kaitlyn Estep in 2024.
Her outstanding performance not only earned her the win but also solidified her place as one of the top young distance runners. Pluchos' commanding victory demonstrates her strong potential in the middle school distance running scene.
Helmers Edges Out Lindsey in Thrilling Girls 3200m Finish
In a thrilling 3200-meter race, Georgy Helmers of E.E. Smith edged out Ava Lindsey of the Greenville Hurricanes by a fraction of a second to take the win with a time of 10:19.12. Helmers consistently held the lead in the latter stages of the race, finishing strong with a 1:09.6 final lap. Lindsey, who finished just behind in 10:19.84, kept the pressure on throughout the race, particularly in the middle portions, where she closed the gap with faster splits. Both athletes put on an impressive display of endurance and determination.
Helmers' victory was marked by steady pacing, with her final lap being the fastest of the race, while Lindsey showed resilience in trying to mount a comeback after falling slightly behind. The competition was incredibly tight, with both runners pacing closely to one another throughout the race.