Since the start of the season, the NB3FIT cross-country team is gaining momentum with each practice and race. The team has caught some attention in communities and has welcomed 10 new runners since the start of the season bringing the current roster to 32. Runners represent nine different tribes and pueblos, with a few runners traveling 40-minutes to over an hour to participate in practice and meets.
Before COVID, practices were hosted in local pueblos, allowing easier access to the cross-country program. However, to maintain the safety of communities many are still are closed to the public. This year the cross-country team practices in Albuquerque, N.M. where parks are open to the public. The goal is to get back into the communities whenever it is safe to do so, Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said. Our upside to the one practice location is that the team is really close knit and runners of all ages know each others names, Begay said. Instead of only seeing teammates from other communities on race day, they now see and practice with each other four times a week.
NB3FIT XC has competed in two races since the first meet and will race again this Saturday, October 30 in the Cougar Track Club Cross Country Meet and again on November 6 for the USATF State Race. The youth are gaining strength and experience with each race, Begay said. Some youth knocking several minutes off their time just from the first to second race.
Keep an eye on the NB3 Foundation social media for updates on the team as they compete!
