Elizabeth Leachman Comes From Behind to Win Foot Locker

The 2024 Foot Locker Nationals brought the country's best high school runners to Balboa Park in San Diego for a thrilling showdown. With crisp morning temperatures and a firm course underfoot, the stage was set for an unforgettable conclusion to the cross country season.

Elizabeth Lechman Claims Back-to-Back Titles

Elizabeth Leachman made history at Foot Locker Nationals, becoming the first athlete since Claudia Lane in 2016 and 2017 to win back-to-back titles. Leachman crossed the finish line in 17:31.1, holding off a strong challenge from Victoria Garces and Zariel Macchia, who were both in the hunt for the top spot. After trailing early in the race, Leachman surged ahead around the 1.5-mile mark, never looking back as she powered to victory.

Leachman's win caps off an extraordinary season, where she claimed five victories, finished third at Nike Cross Nationals (NXN), and took second at the Nike Cross Regionals South (NXR South). Her resilience and consistency throughout the season, despite battling a stress reaction in her femur and a respiratory illness, were on full display as she closed out her high school career with her second Foot Locker Nationals title.

In 2023, Leachman ran a time of 16:50.70 to win the Foot Locker Nationals title, setting the stage for this historic repeat performance. Her back-to-back victories are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Top Individual Results

South Region Secures Team Title

The 2024 Foot Locker Nationals team competition saw the Midwest region in control for much of the race, but the South region surged ahead in the final stages to claim the victory. At the 1-mile mark, the Midwest held a strong lead with 20 points, followed by the Northeast with 57 points and the South with 60 points. By the 1.5-mile mark, the Midwest extended their lead slightly to 27 points, while the South moved up to second with 42 points, and the Northeast dropped to third with 70 points.

However, it was at the 2.5-mile mark where the South made their decisive move. Despite Midwest still holding a narrow lead with 33 points, the South's depth across the board allowed them to close the gap. The South finished strong with 35 points, narrowly edging out the Midwest, who finished with 36 points. The Northeast finished third with 74 points, while the West region rounded out the field with 95 points.

The South's victory was driven by a collective effort, with standout performances from Leachman (1st), Kerrigan Chaney (6th), Lilly Beshears (7th), Macy Wingard (10th), and Sophia Bendet (11th). Their strong finishes allowed the South to outpace the Midwest and secure the team title.

Big Picture Takeaways

The 2024 Foot Locker Nationals underscored the dominance of the South region, with Leachman's historic win and the team's commanding performance. Leachman's back-to-back victories solidify her place as one of the greatest high school cross country runners in history, joining Claudia Lane as the only athletes to win consecutive Foot Locker titles in the past decade.

As the cross country season concludes, Leachman's victory is a fitting continuation of an illustrious career, and with many young talents emerging, the future of girls cross country looks brighter than ever. All eyes now turn to the track, where many of these athletes will look to continue their success.