New Haven-Based Scholastic 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.

The Hopkins School of New Haven captured fifth place out of 44 teams in the girls' unseeded division. Maliya Ellis finished second and Madeleine Walker was ninth to pace the Hilltoppers. In the same race, Leah Rivers of Wilbur Cross was 40th out of 342 competitors.

In the boys' unseeded race, Hopkins was eighth out of 62 teams. Nicolas Burtson led the way in fourth place.

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

Photo credits: Tim Jensen