Choose your harrier

RunWashington convened a meeting of eight coaches to figure out who is poised for a big cross country season. The participating coaches represented a cross section of schools in the area and, by consensus, they selected the top 10 runners in the Washington, D.C. area, the ones we’d send to a battle royale-style race against other metropolitan areas. The best of the best around here.

They also selected top sevens remaining in each state- Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. These coaches also provided insight into what makes running in the D.C. area so special.

A selection of their answers: “There’s so much parity, and that comes out of a very passionate and knowledgeable crop of coaches and parents who love running.” — Stephen Hays, Walt Whitman high School, Md.

“D.C. is focused on indoor and outdoor track, because that atmosphere is what the city kids like. It’s going to be interesting to see how we can bring some of the excitement, music, the hype, to cross country.” — Marvin Parker , Dunbar High School, D.C.

“There are opportunities to find great races all over the east coast and it all centers around Washington. We have great races here, but it’s not too hard to go somewhere else and find a quality race.” — Chris Pellegrini, West Springfield High School, Va.

RunWashington’s coaches advisory panel will follow the runners throughout the season and update the list of runners to watch, which you can follow here.

For those of you who made the list, congratulations. For those of you who wish you did, you know how to get there

All-RunWashington Team

All-DC Team

All-Maryland Team

All-Virginia Team