Berlin Runners Turn In Strong Performances at Wickham Invitational

MANCHESTER, CT — They came by the thousands - in fact, 4,071 of them finished the course at one of the largest, most grueling and most prestigious cross country invitational meets in New England.

They came from four states to compete in 15 different races, ranging from middle school to varsity championship divisions, testing each athlete's endurance and stamina as they tackled the steep hill dubbed "The Green Monster."

For the 35th straight year, scholastic runners converged on Wickham Park Saturday for the annual Wickham Invitational, a great preview of the course that will again host the state class meets on Oct. 29, and the State Open on Nov. 4.

Berlin took fourth place out of 44 teams in the girls' unseeded race, despite no individual runners placing in the top 40. Morgan Luciani was the first Redcoat finisher, winding up 55th in the field of 342 athletes.

For the boys, Dan Perales was 23rd and Gianni Fanelli was 33rd in the 446-runner unseeded race, leading Berlin to place fifth among 62 teams.

For complete results of all 15 races, including varsity, JV, freshman and middle school, click here.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen