Bristol, TN, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol Cross at Steele Creek Park showcased remarkable talent among local high school cross country runners. Christiansburg’s Mariah Reed won the girls race with a time of 19:23.4, while Max Craig from Christiansburg clinched victory in the boys race at 16:05.7. Both athletes led their teams to overall championships, underscoring the growing competitiveness of cross country running in the region. The event featured 211 boys and 165 girls, with challenging course conditions that tested their endurance.
Bristol, TN
The Bristol Cross, held on Saturday at Steele Creek Park, showcased exceptional performances from high school cross country runners, particularly Mariah Reed from Christiansburg and Keyston Hartford from Grundy. Reed clinched victory in the girls race, while Hartford secured second place in the boys race, leading their respective teams to overall championships.
The competition featured 211 high school boys runners and 165 female runners, making it a highly competitive event in the region. Max Craig from Christiansburg dominated the boys race with an impressive time of 16:05.7. Following closely was Hartford, crossing the finish line at 16:10.9, and Calvin Wilbon from Eastern Montgomery, who placed third with a time of 16:12.3. Fisher Battel from Daniel Boone achieved fourth place with a time of 16:17.3, contributing significantly to the Daniel Boone Trailblazers’ overall boys team championship. David Eaton from Fork Union rounded out the top five, finishing in 16:41.9.
In the girls race, Mariah Reed displayed her prowess with a winning time of 19:23.4. Ryan Belt from Providence Academy secured second place with a time of 19:48.2, while Sadie Honeycutt from Daniel Boone claimed third at 20:15.5. Reed’s skill was further supported by her teammates, as Riley Larimer and Kaylin Larimer finished sixth and ninth, respectively, helping Christiansburg’s girls team to victory with a total score of 51 points. Notably, Jenna Reecher from Tennessee High finished fifth in the girls race with a time of 21:02.1.
The course at Steele Creek Park was notably challenging, featuring significant elevation changes that tested the endurance and strategy of the runners. Reed prepared thoroughly for the event by studying the course using a video from MileStat prior to the race, demonstrating her commitment and tactical approach.
The Bristol Cross evidenced the increasing competitiveness of high school cross country running in the region, highlighting the dedication and athleticism of the young athletes involved. Each participant displayed remarkable effort, promising a bright future for the sport.
Weather Conditions
The weather on race day was partly cloudy in the morning, with expectations of overcast skies in the afternoon. The high temperature reached 78°F accompanied by ENE winds at 5 to 10 mph. The evening forecast predicted a 40% chance of rain with a low temperature of 61°F.
Key Race Results
Boys Race:
- 1st: Max Craig, Christiansburg – 16:05.7
- 2nd: Keyston Hartford, Grundy – 16:10.9
- 3rd: Calvin Wilbon, Eastern Montgomery – 16:12.3
- 4th: Fisher Battel, Daniel Boone – 16:17.3
- 5th: David Eaton, Fork Union – 16:41.9
Girls Race:
- 1st: Mariah Reed, Christiansburg – 19:23.4
- 2nd: Ryan Belt, Providence Academy – 19:48.2
- 3rd: Sadie Honeycutt, Daniel Boone – 20:15.5
- 4th: Jenna Reecher, Tennessee High – 21:02.1
- 5th: Riley Larimer, Christiansburg – 21:06.1
Champion Teams
The boys team championship was secured by Daniel Boone Trailblazers while Christiansburg’s girls team claimed the girls team title.
FAQ
- Who won the girls race at the Bristol Cross? Mariah Reed, a sophomore from Christiansburg, won the girls race with a time of 19:23.4.
- Who were the top finishers in the boys race? Max Craig from Christiansburg won with a time of 16:05.7, followed by Keyston Hartford from Grundy in second place at 16:10.9.
- What was the setting of the Bristol Cross? The Bristol Cross was hosted at Steele Creek Park, with a challenging course featuring hills.
- How many runners participated in the event? The Bristol Cross hosted 211 high school boys runners and 165 female runners.
- Which teams won the championships? The Daniel Boone Trailblazers won the boys team championship, and Christiansburg won the girls team title with a total score of 51 points.
Key Features of the Bristol Cross
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday |
| Location | Steele Creek Park, Bristol, TN |
| Number of Boys Runners | 211 |
| Number of Girls Runners | 165 |
| Winners of Boys Race | Max Craig (1st), Keyston Hartford (2nd), Calvin Wilbon (3rd) |
| Winners of Girls Race | Mariah Reed (1st), Ryan Belt (2nd), Sadie Honeycutt (3rd) |
| Boys Team Champion | Daniel Boone Trailblazers |
| Girls Team Champion | Christiansburg |
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Additional Resources
- Johnson City Press
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- Herald Courier
- Google Search: Bristol Cross Country 2023
- Herald Courier
- Google Scholar: Bristol Cross Country 2023
- The Rogersville Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Race
- Johnson City Press
- Google News: Bristol Cross Country 2023
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
