Varsity team at the start line before the race
The St. Mary’s cross country team delivered an outstanding performance at Tama Hills, finishing second overall behind The American School in Japan. The race highlighted the team’s consistency and determination, with multiple runners setting personal records.
Tama Hills is known to be a really tough course. Though shorter in distance than Ikego, the course is notorious for steep climbs and the infamous Killer Hill. “When you’re climbing the hill, it feels like your almost there, but it just keeps on going and that really breaks your heart and spirit,” said Aiden Lee, a four year cross country veteran.
The top three battle was intense, with the podium separated by just one tenth of a second. The team captain Mughil RK finished third with the time of 15:34.8, while Noah Takato placed fifth in 15:49.4. St. Mary’s had five runners in the top 20, securing second place overall, though the gap to ASIJ remains sizable.
Looking ahead, St. Mary’s has just one more regular-season meet left at Ikego next week before returning to Tama Hills for Kanto Finals on 10/4. With momentum building, it will be exciting to see if the St. Mary’s team can grab a first place finish and challenge ASIJ when it matters most.