The Big Red finished out their season on a high note yesterday at the NEPSAC Championships at The Hotchkiss School. On a windy and cold day, GXC attacked the hilly and challenging course. The varsity girls team took to the line first at 2pm. Aedyn Kourakos was in the top 10 from the gunshot, finishing the race in her highest placing at NEPSACs so far, 6th, and a PR of 19:01. Mack Barrette ran a blazing first mile and came in second for the Pelicans and was followed quickly by Milly Kirkman who earned a PR on the day. The top five was rounded out by Olivia Blanchard and Bela Friedman who finished virtually together. Clara Tcherepnin, who was asked to race in the varsity race just one day ahead of the championships, stepped up in a big way, earning a whopping 46 second PR and finishing 6th for the Pelicans. Senior captain Ali Cabot came home as the 7th runner in an effortful, final career race. The varsity girls came away with 5th place overall—SPS's best result at NEPSACs since 2016. 

As the sun was setting and temperatures were dropping, the JV runners took to the line. Patalie Vipraskit and Sophia Zhang came through the first mile together, in the mix for a top 20 finish. Sophia Zhang was the first to cross the finish for the Pelicans in a PR and just missing out on the top 20, finishing 21st. Patalie finished not far behind as the second runner for SPS and MJ Williams-Bellos completed the top 3. Lily Campbell ran an amazing, confident race and earned a big PR—a great way to end the season! Maddie Morse and Ari Rubiralta Kunze followed closely behind Lily and were soon joined by teammate Nausicaa Chu. 3rd Formers Kate Feret and Victoria Mungai, running in their first championship race, ran close to their respective PRs and finished in consecutive order. The JV team earned an 8th place finish overall. Congratulations to all the GXC runners this season!