Patrick Sheehan

Three of North Carolina's best are on their way to San Diego to participate in the individual national championship race.

Powered by three individual qualifiers, North Carolina claimed the win in the seeded boys race at Foot Locker South.

After last year’s scintillating record run of 14:28 by Sean McGorty(Chantilly, Fairfax, VA), it would seem there would be lull before someone could challenge the record again. But, in recent years the hallowed ground of 14:30s is not so sacred anymore and the talent keeps coming in waves. (Photo by Chris Kane)

There is absolutely no debate as to which girl is tops in the state, but the battle for #1 in the boys rankings will continue.

The first gun fires at 10:00 Saturday, starting off a day filled with some of the most exciting battles in recent memory.

A quiet week of movement on the boys side, but there are quite a few harriers knocking on the door of a top-25 ranking as the post-season falls upon us. (Photo by Brian Stocks, El Modena T&F, XC)

New York, New York!! Manhattan was just as exciting on the boys side as three elite harriers battled to the finish.  US #14 Tony Russell (West Chester Henderson PA) led the charge!

With a great first test this season out of the way, Patrick Sheehan is gunning for success in the post-season. (Photo by John Olson)

The award for the biggest leap forward for a championship runner goes to Patrick Sheehan, who dropped 22 seconds off his PR.

Another crazy week with super-fast times being run at Great American and Wendy's Invitationals in NC.  Plus a new star is revealed in Maine! (Photo by Doug Hague)

The open races produced the fastest individual boys times, but where will the teams from the early races stack up against the championships?

Ben Huffman (Providence Day) made a final surge up the hill at WakeMed that will change national rankings and postseason predictions.

Deja vu?  These two friends already had one epic finish at McAlpine this season, and this weekend could produce another.

Brentwood boys dominate with elite pack, great performances at Great American, HSers defeating Collegians, and much more inside! (Photo by Jeff George)

Ragsdale's Sara Platek became the fourth North Carolina girl (and first from 4A) to break 18 minutes so far this season.

Three of these girls broke 18 at WakeMed, and there was also a breakthrough cross country race from one of the state's best track runners.

Patrick Sheehan and Andrew Fea have both had tremendous starts this fall, improving on last year's PR's already.

Collin Loy had an impressive run at UNCW, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the 4A ranks.

For the next two weeks, Bakri Abushouk focuses on lifting his Cary teammates to their highest possible potential.

girls action at Concordia (by Craig Rice) Adidas Concordia was the highlight of the week with Andrew Gardner & Ella Donaghu topping the bill.   Around the nation it was the return of Edward Cheserek to action that was probably the biggest news, which was a part of Eastern States.  Mary Cain headed the girls' field there.

The long, grassy stretches and rolling hills of Beeson Park were the backdrop for many great performances Saturday.