Results Courtesy of LancerTiming
On a beautiful late summer afternoon harriers from the all over the state descended upon Gunstock Mountain for the Early Bird XC invitational. It is a very challenging course with a long climb to start mile 2 and plenty of step rollers to finish the tract off. It provides a great early fitness test for those brave enough to race it hard.
The Boys race got off to a brisk start with Jr Tyler McLaughlin of 
Moultonborough breaking open the lead pack at the top of the first hill and cruising to victory in 17:56. Senior Ben Garfield of Derryfield held on to 2nd place in 18:18 with Junior Simon Doneski of Hopkinton placing 3rd at 18:28.
The team race was tight as well, but the Derryfield boys held on and captured their 3rd straight Early Bird title. Prospect Mountain and Moultonborough rounded out the podium tied with 105 points.
In the ladies race, youngsters dominated the field. Sophomore Leah Datkwych of White Mountain went out strong and never looked back breaking the tape in 21:36. Sophomore Alice Riley of Belmont ran a comfortable 2nd in 21:49 with Junior Deli Cormier of Laconia in 3rd in 23:01.
The team competition had Plymouth Regional taking the crown with 57 points, Moultonborough again on the podium in second place (67pts) and Gilford in 3rd with 93.
Thanks again to Gilford HS for putting on such a great race!
James Porter
Head Cross Country & Track Coach
The Derryfield School
USATF Level 1 Running Coach
One Response
Tyler is proving he has adapted as well to the cross country course as he did the track. It’s going to make things interesting come October. Alice and Leah will be doing the same come end of the season. Congrats to Derryfield for it’s third straight.