The 2023 cross country season officially came to an end at nationals on December 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. The national race was the bow on top of what was already a record-breaking year for the NB3FIT cross country team. The running club grew to 86 runners, making it the largest youth cross country club in the state! An amazing feat that would’ve been hard to imagine just a few years ago.
This year, more practice locations were opened to help make the program accessible to more youth and families. Another addition made to help make the program affordable is sliding scale scholarships. Half of the youth in the cross-country program qualified for a scholarship from the foundation to help cover registration costs.
The youth also had outstanding finishes throughout the season. A total of 27 runners qualified for nationals. The girls 8 and under team finished first place in all their races including the regional race. They continued to nationals where they finished 5th place overall.
The team also had 6 runners tally up multiple top 5 finishes throughout the season:
Individual Top 5 Achievements
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- Charles Duffel (17 y/o)
- 1st place- AAT Cross Country Meet #25
- 1st place- Running Medicine Cross Country Meet
- 2nd Place- Team Haa’nu Meet
- 3rd place- NB3 Foundation Traditions Run
- 2nd place- Duke- Rise to Greatness Invitational
- 2nd place- USATF NM JO Championship
- Marcus Tenorio (14 y/o)
- 3rd place USATF NM JO Championships
- 2nd place NB3 Foundation Traditions run
- Quinton Begay (13 y/o)
- 3rd place NB3 Foundation Traditions Run
- 3rd place Dukes- Rise to Greatness XC Invitational
- Jacqueline Durand (12 y/o)
- 5th place USATF NM JO Championship
- Taymani Loretto (8 y/o)
- 4th place Running Medicine Cross Country Meet
- 2nd Place NB3 Foundation Traditions Run
- 4th place Dukes- Rise to Greatness XC Invitational
- 3rd place USATF NM JO Championship
- Weston Grant (8 y/o)
- 4th place Running Medicine Cross Country Meet
- 4th place NB3 Foundation Traditions Run
- 5th place USATF NM JO Championship
- Charles Duffel (17 y/o)
Emmarina Wright, was the only runner to have perfect attendance for the whole 10-week regular season! Congrats to Emmarina and her family for the dedication to the team this season.
Each age group saw significant improvements in running times through the season:
Average improvements (previously trained and untrained runners):
- 2k runners: 2 minutes and 31 seconds
- 3k runners: 4 minutes and 47 seconds
- 4k runners: 3 minutes and 54 seconds
- 5k runners: 10 minutes and 24 seconds
At the end of the season, it’s always great to celebrate the achievements on the course and to hear about the personal successes of each runner. We look to the youth and parents/caregivers to help us learn about what the season meant to them.
From youth:
“Our team is from different tribes, but we are a family. We are special because even if we stress out the coaches, they still love us.”
“My favorite memory was getting to go new places and learning how to be a role model for the little kids.”
“At the San Felipe race I watched Marcus win 2nd place. It made me happy because our team was winning, but also because I can run with him so I can run like him.”
From Parents:
“My son’s main focus for joining XC for the first time was to get healthy and fit. He has noticed changes in his physical abilities and has given him confidence that he can do more.”
“In the beginning my daughter was nervous, intimidated, and said it was hard. Throughout the weeks she grew more confident and was so proud of the strides she has made and was excited to be part of a team!”
“I am very glad I had my son join the XC program. He is motivated and is now in the basketball program. Even though he sees that he’s different from children his age group, he knows that it doesn’t define who he is or limit his capabilities!”
Looking ahead
After a strong cross country season, the foundation is looking forward to a having a strong showing in spring for the track and field season. The new season will start in March with registration opening up following the new year.
86 Runners
- 48 females
- 38 males
- 100% identify as Native American
- 45 ages 8 and under (6-8)
- 30 ages 9-12
- 11 ages 13+
Communities represented:
Hopi
Acoma
Laguna
Isleta
Sandia
Tamaya
Zia
Jemez
San Felipe
Kewa
Cochiti
San Ildefonso
Santa Clara
Diné
San Carlos Apache
Kickapoo
Lakota Sioux
Tohono O’Odham
Thank you for the support of NB3FIT cross country!
