The Blair-Peddie rivalry played out this year on a beautiful fall day in Blairstown. Competing for the Kelley-Potter Cup in addition to running supremacy, 69 boys and girls - the largest dual meet of the year by far - set off at noon amid a large crowd of students and parents from both schools.
Winding around field hockey and soccer fields and running past the tennis courts, the Bucs were witness to other competitions even as their own took place. Peddie’s powerful team took the first three spots to ensure victory in the race, but the Blair girls never backed down. Five of Blair’s six runners achieved personal best 5K times, indicating strong improvement throughout the year and determination to end the season on a high note in front of friends and family. Petra Taylor '24, running the final 5000 meter race of her career before turning her attention to the sprints this winter and spring, led the team again. Next came Paige Celley '25, showing grit and determination in overcoming nagging injuries, while Chandler Wildrick '25 followed by a mere two seconds in continuing to drop her overall PR. Ashley Hur '26 had the race of her life, marking first Chandler and Paige, then engaging in head-to-head battles with several rival runners to go out fast and maintain the effort throughout.
The final two runners, Lola Bambe '27 and Brigette Starrs '25, executed their pre-race strategy to perfection; undaunted by the early hills they raced hard and kicked early, achieving the significant milestone they had chased all year.