Blair Bartlett, a standout runner from the Lawrenceville School, achieved a remarkable feat at the Nike Northeast Regionals held at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, New York. On November 22, 2023, she set a new state record for New Jersey, finishing the race with an impressive time of 17:01, which not only secured her victory but also qualified her for the upcoming Nike Cross Nationals.
Facing tough competition from elite runners, including two-time Nike Regional champion Paige Sheppard and former Massachusetts state champion Greta Hammer, Bartlett dominated the race. She led from the start, demonstrating her exceptional talent and determination. Her time shattered the previous course record held by another Lawrenceville runner, Charlotte Bednar, who had completed the course in 18:00 in 2019.
Bartlett’s performance at Bowdoin Park has established her as one of the top high school runners in the nation. Her time marks the fastest recorded by a New Jersey girl at the venue and is only surpassed by three-time national champion Katelyn Tuohy, who clocked 16:45 in 2018.
“I was just really grateful to get out here today and run on such a historic course with so many great competitors,” Bartlett said, reflecting on her achievement. Her victory at the regionals not only highlights her athletic prowess but also sets high expectations as she prepares for the Nike Cross Nationals on December 6, 2023, at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon.
In the race, Bartlett established a commanding lead early on, finishing with a margin of 16 seconds over second-place finisher Mackenzie Skelly from Penn Charter, who finished in 17:47. Kendra Williamson secured third place with a time of 17:55.
Head coach Derrhyl Duncan expressed pride in Bartlett’s accomplishments, stating, “She works extremely hard and races incredibly well.” He noted that Bartlett’s strategy of taking the lead early in the race has been a consistent approach throughout her season. “It was great seeing her go out there and just say, ‘I’m gonna run it the way I’ve been running it, the way I’m comfortable running it,’” Duncan said.
Bartlett’s journey to this point is remarkable, especially considering she was playing tennis just a year ago. Her ascent in cross-country running has been meteoric, and she is now considered a top contender at the national level. As she prepares for Nike Cross Nationals, Bartlett emphasizes enjoying the experience rather than succumbing to pressure.
“I’m just looking forward to it with excitement,” she said, highlighting her focus on the competition rather than specific outcomes. “Just really excited for new challenge, new opportunity, and I’m ready to go.”
With her record-breaking performance and unwavering confidence, Bartlett is poised to make a significant impact at the national stage, further solidifying her place in the annals of New Jersey cross-country history.
