“I like nothing about Marion’s course. I dislike everything about Marion’s course,” said Shelby Conner, ‘29.

        This claim made by Ms. Conner suggests the common theme among runners who have experienced both Marion and Mount Vernon’s courses. 

         These meets are run within a span of weeks from one another, and impact the body in many different ways, as Conner hinted.

          According to senior runner, Joel Hayes, “The Marion course is very rough, uneven, and slow. The Mount Vernon course is faster than it was in the past, and it is a good course.”

          This statement shows Hayes’s discomfort about the challenging Marion course, compared to the faster and more enjoyable race at Mount Vernon. 

          According to athletic.net, during this XC season, Joel ran 16:39.0 at Marion and 15:39.3 at Mount Vernon’s course. 

          After hearing from both the women and men runners, let’s hear what the Mount Vernon girls’ XC coach, Coach Robert Grider, has to say about the two courses compared to the mindset. 

          Coach Robert Grider stated, “You can’t compare any two courses because of all of the variables that go into racing.” 

          Coach Grider wanted the girls to focus on each individual meet, one race at a time, and not worry about which one is easier or harder. 

          How does Marion’s course affect runners versus Mount Vernon’s course? Coach Grider stated, “Marion’s course has more hills and is more exhausting. Mount Vernon’s course is physically hard and beats up the body. It can be dry and painful.”  

          Coach Grider remains mindful of the courses, and he knows that each race brings its own challenges. 

          We decided to interview another men’s XC runner on the differences in preparing for each race,

          “For Marion, I have to mentally prepare more. I’m not able to take out the first mile as hard,” said Eli Johnston, ‘25. 

          A strong mental focus, much like Coach Grider mentioned, seems to be a good method in preparing for a more challenging course. 

          According to athletic.net, Eli Johnston ran 17:15 at Marion’s course, while running a 16.44 at Mount Vernon’s invitational. 

          Finally, Mount Vernon men’s XC head coach, Trace Turner, weighed in on the differences.

          “Marion is a challenge. It has lots of turns and hills, which slow down runners,” stated Coach Turner, highlighting the unfortunate format of Marion’s course and its impact on runners.

          Shelby Conner’s quote at the beginning remains true! Everyone can acknowledge the sheer grit and pain Marion offers to those who run it. As well as the mental toughness required for Mount Vernon’s course.