Brooke Rauber ends high school XC career with personal best effort

Brooke Rauber ran a personal best time to win the 15-18 year old 5k race at the United States of America Track and Field Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships on Sunday in Paris, Kentucky.

Rauber completed the 5k course in 16:52.84, which is a personal best time for the runner from Tully.

“The course was very tough all rolling hills with almost no flat on the course,” said Michelle Rauber, Brooke’s mother and coach. “She ran two seconds faster than she did last week and this course was much more difficult. Brooke followed the plan, going out more conservative because the last two miles were so challenging. This helped her to run a lifetime best. The final 800 meters was all uphill.”

Rauber broke the course record by 1:47 seconds.

“Brooke was extremely happy to have one more opportunity to run in a high school cross country meet and be crowned USATF junior Olympic champion,” added Michelle Rauber. It was a great way to end an amazing cross country career.”

Brooke, who is headed to North Carolina State next year, was named the best girls high school runner in New York last week.