Palatka's Katia Seymour Set To Show Nation Why She Is Best Sprinter At Adidas Dream 100 Zack Bias Jun 16, 2016

In the past, Palatka High School has been the joke of Jacksonville area track and field. Until the past few years, Palatka has never been relevant in postseason meets, as a team, or with individuals. That all changed when Coach Steven Gonzalez took over the program 5 years ago. This year Palatka took home multiple state titles, including 3 by Junior Katia Seymour. Seymour tore up the track this year winning the 100, 200, and anchoring the 4x100 relay team to gold at the 2A State Finals. Recently she won the Great Southwest Classic 100m in a time of 11.26. This weekend she will be taking on some of the nations best, as she competes in both the adidas Boost Boston Games, and New Balance Outdoor Nationals. She will contest the Dream 100 in Boston, and the 200 in Greensboro.

Brandon Marquez Makes History: New Meet Record, National Record 8:40.30 3000m Zack Bias Jul 31, 2015

When Brandon Marquez steps on the track, the results are rarely ordinary. He doesn’t race often, but when he does, he brings it. Today was no different, as Marquez won the 17-18 year old age group at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships in a national record time of 8:40.3.

Creekside's Fields Ready To Take On The World Zack Bias Jul 14, 2015

When Jordan Fields began training for the 2015 track season, she had one goal in mind; represent her country at the 2015 World Youth Championships. Two weeks ago at the U.S Youth Trials in Illinois, that goal became a reality.

Brazilian Roots Form a Lifelong Bond for Windermere Runners Franco Martins & Kaio Valle Zack Bias Apr 18, 2015

Windermere Prep runners Franco Martins and Kaio Valle bond over their native homeland of Brazil and their passion for the sport.

Khosla Caps Off Fast Distance Night With US#1 9:09.16 At Bulldog Classic Zack Bias Mar 07, 2015

Friday night was buzzing in Jacksonville with over 50 teams making the trek to Bolles for the annual Bulldog Classic. Despite the cold weather and misty conditions, there were some notable performances across the board.

Bolles Bulldog Classic Virtual Meet/ Meet Preview: Over 50 Teams To Compete At One Of Biggest Meets Of Season Zack Bias Mar 05, 2015

Track season is just coming into focus and we already have a major meet on tap for tomorrow. The Bolles School will be hosting over fifty teams from around the state for the Bulldog Classic. This meet is loaded! No joke, the times will be fast, and many FL #1's will be set tomorrow night in Jacksonville. Flrunners.com will be on-site with complete coverage including race videos, interviews, photos, results, and a complete recap of all the action.

Kelly Aponte: No Limits Zack Bias Mar 04, 2015

This past cross country season, Kelly Aponte of St. Augustine High School burst onto the scene with a runner-up finish at the Class 3A State Meet. This success has motivated her to do big things on the track this spring. Here's a behind the scenes look at the making of a champion.

Cash Tampa: Full Body of Work Zack Bias Feb 04, 2015

Creekside High School distance standout Cash Tampa ended his cross country with a bang earning All-State honors and guiding his team to a top five finish. Everything was looking up until several stress fractures and achilles tendonitis took its toll. Now, Tampa finds himself in the pool to continue his training. Here is an inside look at his rehab that consists of aqua jogging.

Openshaw Closes Recruitment: Selects South Carolina Zack Bias Jan 29, 2015

Colleen Openshaw has developed a reputation as one of the top runners in the state. She has been an integral part of the Creekside girls cross country success over the past few years. Outside of the competitive running scene, Colleen has also excelled in the classroom, and was recruited by some of the top academic schools in the country. She ultimately decided to attend the University of South Carolina and participate in the honors program.

Creekside's Taylor Stampedes Her Way To University Of South Florida Zack Bias Jan 13, 2015

Through the years, Creekside senior Jessica Taylor has developed into one of the top distance runners in the state of Florida. This year she helped lead Creekside to their first ever 3A Cross Country Finals championship and leaves as the school record holder in the 5k. She will be continuing her running career at the Division 1 level as a member of the University of South Florida Bulls.

In His Own Words: Zack Bias - Bittersweet Zack Bias Dec 08, 2014

Well it has finally hit me. With my team’s end of season banquet behind me, cross country is officially over. I’ve been running for all four years of high school and it is hard to imagine that I won’t be putting on a Creekside cross country jersey next year. I have put everything I have into this team and it has given me back so much more than I could have ever imagined.

Persistence Pays Off: Aponte Set To Soar As UNF Osprey Zack Bias Oct 29, 2014

After a stellar recruiting class for the class of 2014 UNF has just added another star to its young and talented roster. St. Augustine’s Ryan Aponte is the latest athlete to become an Osprey, and head to Jacksonville. Aponte, was 33rd at the 2013 Cross Country Finals and boasts a 5k personal best of 15:49.49.  I talked to Ryan about the decision and the recruiting process.

Perez, O’Riordan, End Seasons With Win At North Florida JV Championships Zack Bias Oct 24, 2014

Thursday evening, high schools from around North Florida, traveled to downtown Jacksonville, to compete in the annual North Florida JV Championships at Bishop Kenny. The stakes were high, as for most of the athletes; this would be their last race of the 2014 season. The weather was absolutely perfect and many runners found themselves leaving with a new PR.

Openshaw Sisters Draw Strength From Each Other Zack Bias Oct 09, 2014

Last May at the 3A State Track and Field Finals, the girls 3200m run saw a familiar pack battling up front. Emily Edwards, Karen Xiang, Emma Rudman. However there was one more girl battling it out with the big names; Colleen Openshaw. Virtually unknown, the Creekside junior duked it out with some of the State’s best distance runners, to take home 4th place at the State Finals. Now a senior, nothing has changed much for Colleen, except the addition of a new training partner; her sister Tara. 

In His Own Words: Zack Bias - The Great American Experience Zack Bias Oct 06, 2014

While our fellow Floridian’s were trudging through the mud soaked courses, Bishop Kenny, Creekside, Ft. Myers, Holy Trinity, and Winter Park got to run in some perfect weather in Cary, North Carolina. The temperature was low, the course was dry, and the surface was fast, an absolutely perfect day for cross country in a beautiful state. 

In His Own Words: Zack Bias - Finally Having Fun Again Zack Bias Oct 01, 2014

Well it seems like cross country season has just begun, and yet it’s also halfway over. The temperature is ever slowly making its way down and fall is coming into full swing. October is now here and it seems like all I want to do is watch Halloween Town and eat pumpkin flavored foods. October has become my favorite month since I started high school and I think it’s because of all the fun team bonding activities we do. Anyway this marks an iconic part in my season and my senior year for one incredible reason. I’m really having fun again.

Bolles Girls' XC: All In Zack Bias Sep 24, 2014

The Bolles girls' cross country team has a rich history of success. From 2008 -2013 they have tallied three state titles and three runner-up finishes and have finished in the top five the last TWENTY years.The Bulldogs look to make it three state titles. This years Bulldog team is continuing the tradition of domination on the North Florida XC scene and hoping to make it three state titles in a row when November rolls around. See what makes this group "All In".

Convey, Delay Don't Disappoint At Katie Caples Invite Zack Bias Sep 14, 2014

The Katie Caples Invitational is always one of the most competitive early season meets, and this year was no different. On a soft and slow course, runners from all over Florida, and parts of Georgia took to the course for a battle by the river. We saw some fast times, and some shocking upsets last night in Jacksonville.

Battle Royale Set For 2014 Katie Caples Invitational Zack Bias Sep 12, 2014

The Katie Caples Invitational has been one of the most high caliber meets in the state for years. Attracting some of the best teams in state, and even some quality Georgia teams. This meet is named the Katie Caples Invitational in honor of former Bishop Kenny runner Katie Caples who was killed in a car accident at the age of 17. The admission profits of tomorrows meet will go directly to the Katie Caples scholarship fund, which goes to a Bishop Kenny athlete every year.  Flrunners.com will be on-site with complete coverage of race videos, video interviews, photos, and recap of all the events by our team of Zack Bias, Coach John Stevenson, and Mike Leary.

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Zack Bias Sep 11, 2014

As student athletes, it is easy to get caught up in the balancing act of running, school, and social life. I have found that sometimes it is easy to become drained by the seemingly tedious schedule that most students have. I myself am in one of those phases right now, but fortunately, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Scouting Report: Bishop Kenny Boys Zack Bias Sep 10, 2014

In 2013 the Bishop Kenny boys finished as runner ups in the class 2A State Cross Country finals. This resilient finish was quite unexpected, given the injuries, and setbacks the team had to face all year. However the Kenny boys lost three important members of last year’s 2nd place squad, the key loss being 2013 2A State 1600m Champion, David Yarborough. The Crusaders have a long tradition of excellence; however they will likely be fighting an uphill battle to return to the top in 2014.  

All Access With St. Augustine's Ryan Aponte Zack Bias Sep 08, 2014

See what drives St. Augustine senior Ryan Aponte and follow along with him as he works out in America's oldest city. Aponte finished 33rd at the 3A Cross Country Finals last year, but is coming off a track season where he ran 4:27.12 for 1,600m and will be one of the top returners in the 5k this fall. 

Creekside Boys Dominate; Bolles Girls Survive at 110% at UNF Zack Bias Sep 07, 2014

On an overcast morning in North Florida, over 350 high school athletes took to the golf course at the University of North Florida to open the 2014 cross country season. The conditions were as good as you could ask for on an early September morning and the times did not disappoint. 

It’s Not About Me, It’s About We Zack Bias Sep 05, 2014

Well it’s finally here!  The opening week of cross country and that old familiar feeling is beginning to settle in. It’s time for team pasta dinners, going to bed early on Friday nights, and crazy pre-race rituals. Personally I have a unique pre-race ritual that always gets me going for races. Every race day as soon as we finish our running warmup, I proceed to consume a Three Musketeers Bar, and listen to the song “Shipping Out to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphy’s. This combination of fuel and music always get my body primed and ready for a good race, despite my teammates thinking this I’m crazy.Despite the fact that racing is about to begin I hope most of us don’t forget that cross country is truly a TEAM sport.

In His Own Words: Zack Bias - Stronger Every Week Zack Bias Aug 27, 2014

Hey flrunners! My name is Zack Bias and I am a senior at Creekside High School in Saint Johns, Florida. For starters I would like to thank Todd for giving me the opportunity to blog for you guys this season. Before I get into all the running stuff I want to tell you all a bit about myself. Like many other  cross country runners, I am an incredibly weird person. I have a wardrobe of flashy pajama pants that I like to wear to school from time to time. I am known to blast some boy band music from my car to get amped up before practices and of course I also have one of the weirdest hobbies out there... running!