The annual Lights Out Night Race Invitational offers the LFHS Girls and Boys Cross Country teams something fun to look forward to. From the delicious food trucks to the races around our beloved West Campus, the night race never disappoints. 

This year’s race was the fourth one hosted by LFHS, held from 7:00-9:30 in the evening this past Wednesday. This year, the race was improved. 

“The first year, we only had five teams total. This year, we increased to fifteen teams,” said Coach Clegg, the Girls Team’s head coach.

This event is increasing in popularity with the fun atmosphere, motivating our runners to succeed. 

“The atmosphere was really energetic and fun. Everyone was having such a great time which definitely motivated me to run faster,” said senior Gabby Heintzelman who achieved a new two mile PR, shaving down her time by almost two minutes.

There were six total races: Girls JV, Boys JV, Girls Open, Boys Open, Girls Varsity and, finally, Boys Varsity to wrap up the night. The races offered exciting attractions for runners and spectators such as a snow cone machine, music, and food from various local restaurants.

This year, the LFHS Cross Country teams went home with several new personal records to celebrate. One of these was from junior runner Pilar Rosales who finished in 12th place in the Girls’ Varsity race. 

“I loved the environment of the race and how all the teams were excited to be there. The crowd was electric and the race itself was so fun,” said Rosales.

The race also offered new beginnings for the Cross Country team with many runners completing their first-ever two mile race. Among those runners was freshman Portia Legrand who has had an amazing season so far, recently breaking the twenty minute milestone for a three mile race. 

“It was such a fun experience and it was great seeing so many people there to support everyone,” said Legrand.

Overall, this year’s night race was a huge success for runners and spectators. In the upcoming years, we can’t wait to see all the ways that the race improves and becomes even better.