WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Blair Bartlett, a junior at the Lawrenceville School, delivered an impressive performance at the Nike Northeast Regionals, shattering the state record and securing a spot at the upcoming Nike Cross Nationals. Bartlett clocked a remarkable time of 17:01, establishing herself as the fastest female high school runner in New Jersey history at Bowdoin Park.
Facing a formidable field that included two-time Nike Regional champion Paige Sheppard from Union Catholic and former Massachusetts state champion Greta Hammer, Bartlett’s victory was anything but expected. She not only won the race but did so by a significant margin, finishing well ahead of her competitors. Mackenzie Skelly of Penn Charter took second place in 17:47, while Kendra Williamson finished third in 17:55.
Bartlett’s time of 17:01 not only earned her the regional title but also broke the previous record of 18:00 set by another Lawrenceville standout, Charlotte Bednar, in 2019. Reflecting on her achievement, Bartlett expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete in such a historic setting. “It means so much to me,” she said. “I was just really grateful to get out here today and run on such a historic course with so many great competitors.”
Record-Breaking Performance
Bartlett’s accomplishment at Bowdoin Park is particularly significant, as her time is now the second-fastest ever recorded by a high school girl at this venue, trailing only Katelyn Tuohy, a three-time national champion who completed the course in 16:45 in 2018. This rapid ascent to elite status is remarkable given that just a year ago, Bartlett was focused on tennis rather than cross-country running.
Her coach, Derrhyl Duncan, praised her dedication and competitive spirit, stating, “We’re extremely proud, but we aren’t surprised. She works extremely hard and races incredibly well.” He emphasized the importance of her strategy, which involved taking an early lead. “The fact how she went out and took the lead so early says everything. She’s a competitor, and she came into this excited about the opportunity to go up against the best in the Northeast.”
Bartlett maintained her consistent approach throughout the race, surging to the front early and extending her lead. By the halfway point, she had established a 16-second gap over Skelly. “I didn’t really have my eye on a time,” Bartlett explained. “I was really just trying to reach that hard effort. I learned a lot of lessons coming in from last race…knowing how to attack hills and go down them as well.”
Looking Ahead to Nationals
With her victory at the Nike Northeast Regionals, Bartlett automatically qualifies for the Nike Cross Nationals, scheduled for December 6 at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon. As she prepares for this prestigious event, she remains focused on enjoying the experience rather than fixating on outcomes. “I’m just excited to have the opportunity to go out there with such great competition,” Bartlett said. “I’m just looking forward to it with excitement, maybe not as much expectations or focused on a specific outcome.”
Bartlett’s fearless mindset and proven strategy are expected to serve her well as she competes against the nation’s top high school runners. Her remarkable journey from a tennis player to a record-breaking cross-country star highlights her potential in the sport and sets a promising stage for her future endeavors.
