Spangdahlem Sentinel William Crofton runs on the back half of a 5-kilometer cross country race at RAF Molesworth, England, on Saturday. Crofton finished first in a time of 19 minutes, 40 seconds and qualified for the European Championships in two weeks at Baumholder, Germany. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
RAF MOLESWORTH, England – With only a couple more weeks before DODEA’s European Championships in cross country, about two dozen competitors gave it their all to qualify Saturday.
The Alconbury Dragons, Lakenheath Lancers and Spangdahlem Sentinels competed over a 5-kilometer course that took them from black top to grass with various elevations. It was a challenging route for many cross country runners.
“I’m always impressed by the toughness and dedication of these kids, especially to come out and run a difficult route,” Lancers coach Brad Mills said. “This is a much tougher sport than people realize, physically and mentally.”
Lakenheath’s girls took first and third, despite the absence of Abra Mills, who had clocked the fastest time in Europe this year entering the weekend.
Kiarra Taylor finished first in 26 minutes, 42 seconds and Isabel Stillman came in third. Alconbury’s Anna Lacey was second in 27:55. Taylor and Lacey fell short of qualifying, but will have another shot next week as Lakenheath hosts a meet.
Spangdahlem’s boys also took first and third, mirroring the Lancer girls. William Crofton was first in 19:40 and Parker Valdivia finished in 20:12. Once again, an Alconbury runner was in second as Ben Wilson cross the line in 19:53. All three times were good enough to meet European qualifying standards.
Lakenheath Lancer Kiarra Taylor crosses the finish line Saturday. Taylor finished the 5-kilometer race in first place with a time of 26 minutes, 42 seconds. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Spangdahlem Sentinel Parker Valdivia leads Alconbury Dragon Ben Wilson on the back half of the 5-kilometer race hosted at RAF Molesworth on Saturday. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
The Alconbury Dragons hosted a cross country race Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at RAF Molesworth two weeks before the DODEA European Championships in Baumholder, Germany. About two dozen competitors from Lakenheath, Alconbury and Spangdahlem competed. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
