Since I was working on a deadline when I posted the first round of photos from the USATF Cross Country National Championships I knew I could circle back at a later time and find a few more to post.  After all, I covered almost 7 miles during the day and captured 2,300 images!

I think one word could sum up these competitors.  Intensity.  Look at the faces, and the eyes.  Running at top speed for a long distance on soft and lumpy grass is no joke.  It takes focus and immense physical reserves.

Hopefully some of these images tell that story.

Nuta Olaru takes an early lead and goes on to win the Masters Women 6K

Simon Gutierrez taking charge early in the Masters Men 8K

Elise Cranny finished first in the Junior Women 6K – with a 51 second lead.  A huge gap at this level.

Bailey Roth working for his top ten finish in the Junior Men 8K

Amy Van Alstine breaks away in the Open Women 8K.  I had so many great photos of her, it was hard to pick just one.

Joe Gray breaks from his normal mountain running routine and powers to 4th place on the high altitude flats of a golf course in Boulder, CO

This was just a preview, the remainder of the set can be seen here.