By Lauren Redfern

On September 23, Bellbrook played host to the 36th annual Bellbrook Cross Country Invitational. Over 500 runners took on the very challenging course. Four different races took place: high school boys, high school girls, and middle school boys and girls.

High school runners find themselves running 3.1 miles through 6 river crossings, up multiple hills, and around hairpin turns. Runners from other schools label the Bellbrook cross country course as one of the hardest of the season. Fans line up along the course and are known for always being a loud and fun crowd.

The overall winner for the girls’ race was Oakwood’s Elizabeth Vaughn, but her overall victory did not stop Bellbrook from putting four individuals in the top ten. Freshman Avarie Faulkner finished 47 seconds behind Vaughn to claim second overall. Along with Faulkner, juniors Elise Kemper, Cara Fine, and Minami Ford also placed in the top ten. Bellbrook had all seven varsity runners in the top 19. The Golden Eagles won the invitational, with a large lead over second place, Sycamore.

The Bellbrook boys also had a stellar day as well. The team was led by junior Max Bretland (17:10.5) and Cole Weslow with their top ten performance. The Golden Eagle boys took home the second place trophy behind Sycamore High School who had the top two finishers. The cross country teams run at the Fairmont Invitational on September 30 and Anna Invitational October 7 in the weeks leading up to SWBL hosted by Madison High School.