The Pacific Association USATF Cross Country Championship again ushered in the sharp end of the fall season, pitting Northern California's top clubs against each other, mixed in with some strong individuals. This year, the meet also served as the USATF West Region Championship.
For the sixth straight year, the women's team emerged victorious, with five athletes in the top 11. Ayla Granados steadily outstripped the field over the final two miles, holding off Impala Teresa McWalters over the final half mile to take the top spot. Granados, who finished second in 2014, continued a great tradition as the sixth different individual winner for the team since we began competition in 2007 (Katy Trotter, 2007; Stephanie Pancoast, 2010; Catha Mullen, 2011; Stephanie Dinius, 2013; Kirsty Legg, 2014). Pancoast had another solid day this year in 7th, with Kris Paaso in 8th (with her fifth top 10 finish at this event), and Legg holding on for 9th. Elle Pishny tuned up for an upcoming CIM attempt with an 11th place finish to close the door on the scoring, with Lauren Schultz (27th) and the now Catha Groot racing on limited training for 34th in the raw scoring.
On the men's side, the team contended with a tough 10K+ course that always hosts one of the deepest and most competitive association championships in the country. With a tight spread, the men secured their fourth straight top 5 finish, with official scoring yet to come later in the week. Debutant Matt Jablonski led the group in 13th place amongst a very seasoned group of competitors up front, with Matt Lenehan coming on strong late for 19th. Jesus Romo has begun to round into form with a measured 22nd, while Ben Mears (26th) and Billy Mateker (29th) wrapped up the scoring for the team. Dale Taylor survived a fall product launch at work to finish 52nd with Justus Meyer dropping down from his preferred distances to take 59th.
Many more results from previous weeks will be posted soon on the results page, and official team scores, Turkey Trot results, and more will be up in the coming few days.
Individual results from the PAUSATF XC Championships are available here.