Rocha Runs Off With Northeast Title in Foot Locker 5K

Catarina Rocha blew away the field Saturday and heads to the Foot Locker Nationals in California as the Northeast cross country champion.

Rocha, a senior at Peabody High, ran off with the title in 17:49.5 at Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, N.Y., a solid 20 seconds ahead of runner-up Megan Curham of Warren, N.J. This was Rocha's third straight appearance in the Foot Locker championship series.

Back in 2010, Rocha turned in an impressive 8th place finish in 18:28 and then outdid herself the following year, taking 3rd in 18:20.

The Foot Locker 5K race features some of the best high school cross country runners in the country.

The top 10 boys and top 10 girls in the seeded races of the regionals then advance to the national finals in San Diego. Rocha will now make her third consecutive trip to Balboa Park on Dec. 8.

Last year she placed 7th overall (17:38), establishing herself as an All-American, and 31st overall (18:34) in her first appearance in 2010.

You can find more information on the upcoming national championships at www.footlockercc.com.