By Zev Caiyem | Colorado MileSplit
Ella McGowan is only in her first season as a high school distance runner. But the freshman has quickly shown her ability to hang with anyone in the state, regardless of experience.
McGowan delivered the largest performance of her young career at the Desert Twilight XC Festival, taking down a stacked field to take the win in the Sweepstakes race in an impressive personal best 17:12.4.
It was another victory in what has quickly turned into an impressive freshman campaign. There are clear indications that McGowan is already a force within Colorado’s 5A ranks.
A Big Win Under The Lights
Desert Twilight provided McGowan with an opportunity to really challenge herself against some of the top talent from across the Southwest.
She delivered.
The Heritage High freshman crossed the line first in 17:12.4, leading a strong contingent of Colorado runners and securing her biggest victory of the season. The performance becomes even more exciting when looking ahead.
Desert Twilight is contested on the same course that hosts the NXR Southwest Championships in November. Compared with the results from last year’s championship race, McGowan’s 17:12.4 performance would have put her ninth overall.