WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Blair Bartlett, a standout runner from the Lawrenceville School, made headlines on November 22, 2023, by breaking the state record during the Nike Northeast Regionals at Bowdoin Park. The junior clocked an impressive time of 17:01, decisively winning the race and securing her spot at the Nike Cross Nationals, which will take place on December 6, 2023, in Portland, Oregon.
Facing fierce competition from elite distance runners, including former champions such as Paige Sheppard from Union Catholic and Greta Hammer, a former Massachusetts state champion, Bartlett demonstrated her dominance on the course. She finished a full 46 seconds ahead of the second-place runner, Mackenzie Skelly, who recorded a time of 17:47. Kendra Williamson and Julia Kelly followed closely, finishing third and fourth, respectively.
With her remarkable time, Bartlett not only secured victory but also etched her name in history as the fastest New Jersey girl runner at Bowdoin Park, surpassing the previous record of 18:00 set by Charlotte Bednar in 2019 by over a minute. Bartlett’s achievement marks a significant milestone in her young career, as she has quickly emerged as one of the most impressive cross-country runners in the state.
Reflecting on her performance, Bartlett expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on such a historic course. “It means so much to me,” she said. “I was just really grateful to get out here today and run on such a historic course with so many great competitors and such great history behind it.”
Bartlett’s time of 17:01 is not only a state record but also ranks as the second-fastest time ever recorded by a high school girl at Bowdoin Park, trailing only three-time national champion Katelyn Tuohy, who set a record of 16:45 in 2018.
Given her meteoric rise in the sport, it is noteworthy that just a year ago, Bartlett was focused on tennis. Her transformation into a leading distance runner has drawn admiration from coaches and peers alike. “We’re extremely proud, but we aren’t surprised,” said Derrhyl Duncan, Lawrenceville’s head coach. “She works extremely hard and races incredibly well.”
Duncan noted that Bartlett’s early lead in the race was a testament to her competitive spirit. “The fact how she went out and took the lead so early, I mean that says everything. She’s a competitor,” he added. Her strategy of starting strong has paid dividends throughout the season, as she maintained a significant lead throughout the race.
“I didn’t really have my eye on a time,” Bartlett explained. “I was really just trying to reach that hard effort.” She also highlighted the lessons learned from her previous races on the challenging course, particularly how to handle hills effectively.
Duncan advised her before the race to control the pace and strategy, emphasizing the importance of consistency in her approach. “What made sense was doing the same thing, not switching it up when you’ve done it and been successful this entire season,” he said.
As Bartlett prepares for the national stage, she remains focused on enjoying the experience rather than fixating on outcomes. “I’m just excited to have the opportunity to go out there with such great competition,” she said, expressing a desire to embrace the challenges ahead.
With her record-breaking performance and a fearless mindset, Bartlett is poised to make a significant impact at the Nike Cross Nationals, where she will be among the favorites for the individual title. The sports community eagerly anticipates her next steps as she continues to carve out her legacy in cross-country running.
