It's the greatest time of the year!
While the leaves are still a few weeks from falling and football has yet to kick off, the first signs of fall can be seen out on the grass as cross country runners from across the Tar Heel State have started opening up their high school seasons.
With the 2026 season officially underway, MileSplit will be spending this week previewing all eight classifications in North Carolina. From 1A through 8A, we'll take a look at the top teams, athletes to watch, returning standouts, and storylines that could shape the season as the road to the state championships begins.
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Drew Pacholke Leads the Way in Class 2A
Coming off a 21-second victory at last year's 2A state championships, the rising senior from Bishop McGuinness is back in 2026 to defend his title.
Drew Pacholke came on at the perfect moment last fall, winning each of his final three meets and running a pair of sub-16:10 performances.
There is only one person who returns with a faster time in the 5K this fall, and that's Noah Davis, the rising senior from Camden County who finished 3rd at last year's state race.
Outside of Davis, Brady Travis, runner-up in this year's 3,200m final, and Ashvin Manoj, the 2025 2A XC runner-up, would appear to be the next biggest threats to Pacholke's championship defense.
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Can Corvian Catch Bishop McGuinness
It's always an advantage having a low-stick at the front, and that is exactly what Drew Pacholke is for Bishop McGuinness, but after graduating three from their top seven, the Villans are vulnerable at their spot atop the classification.
Corvian Community, who returns their entire team from last season's state race, enters the season as the top-ranked 2A team in the Milesplit NC database. Pamlico County, which finished 11th last year, is ranked second, while Bishop McGuinness sits in fourth behind CTK Catholic School.
From an outsider's perspective, the Cardinals appear to be an early favorite in the 2A Boys team race and should be much improved this fall, led by a senior and four sophomores at the top of their lineup.
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Who Can Catch Kenadie Baker?
Perhaps the classification's fastest rising star, South Stanly's Kenadie Baker returns for her sophomore season hoping to defend the title she won a year ago.
Over the last year, Baker has won a state title on the grass and on the track, rolling to a state championship in the 3,200m this spring. Her personal best of 18:02 in the 5K was an NC #21 last fall, and she is capable of climbing several spots again in 2026.
Just one girl finished within a minute of Baker at last year's state meet, and she recently graduated. Barring something unforeseen, the second-year distance star is staring down a second straight state title and an incredible start to her high school resume.
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Christ the King Catholic School Returns Top 6
It was a banner year for Christ the King Catholic School Athletics Department, which recorded several state titles to go along with their 32-point win at the 2A Girls State Championships last fall.
The Crusaders return their top six runners from last year's state championship-winning team, including Shea Roche, who finished 3rd in Kernsville, and they will once again be the favorites to hoist the trophy at this year's fall classic.
Cherokee is among a couple of teams to keep your eye on this fall as the Braves return one of the youngest teams in 2A after graduating just one senior. Don't forget about Community School of Davidson, who finished 2nd at last year's state meet and put three underclassmen in the top 12 at state, which could play a significant role in this year's team battle.