New Hampton’s cross-country team is one of the most diverse on campus, combining male and female athletes, experienced runners as well as novices. We generally have several runners who place in the top half at our meets, usually with at least one who competes for a place in the top ten. While our athletes’ race times may vary, everyone shares a commitment to achieving and celebrating personal goals, which can range from taking ten seconds off a mile to completing a ten-mile run by the end of the season or improving a marathon time.
We run five days a week. We do a mix of road running and trail running. Our runners are encouraged to incorporate a conditioning regimen into their training in order to maximize their athletic potential. On Wednesdays and/or Saturdays we race against our fellow Lakes Region schools. We typically do a long run on Fridays, exploring the beautiful scenery surrounding our campus. One of our favorite routes follows the shore of Newfound Lake, which is part of the course of the New Hampshire Marathon.
Our favorite run of the year is the last long run at the end of October, when New England is at its most beautiful. The air is crisp and cool, and the early sunset of daylight savings casts a rosy glow on the hillsides. There is an incredible sense of accomplishment and friendship when the last runners sprint in to the cheers of teammates and everyone knows the season has been a success!