Cheshire 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.

Cheshire competed in the day's final two events - the girls' and boys' championship races - and came away with five individual medals.

Brendan Murray earned the top placement of any Ram runner, finishing fifth in the boys' race. Jake Lawlor was 25th and Quentin Arai placed 40th.

The girls wound up sixth in the team event, paced by Lauren Daddi (19th) and Rachel Kaplan (34th).

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

Photo credits: Tim Jensen