Cross Country Running Season Kicks Off with Preseason Polls and Competitive Races

The 2026 cross country season is officially underway, marked by the launch of preseason polls and anticipation for closely contested local championships. In Vermont, fans are invited to cast their votes for the Delta Dental All-USA Vermont Boys and Girls XC Preseason Runner of the Year, highlighting top talent before the season even begins.

Meanwhile, the Madison County cross country championship is poised to be particularly exciting this year, as it will feature no former champions for the first time since 2017. This opens the door for new contenders to emerge in both the boys' and girls' races. Elsewhere, teams like Mitchell High School are focusing on building a strong foundation with a mix of returning runners and a promising young core, despite graduating several key athletes from the previous season.