First onto the course

The afternoon began with the JV runners. Boys and girls gathered at the edge of the field, Mansfield green beside King Philip yellow. There was time for a team photograph before everyone moved toward the starting line.

This was Mansfield’s third dual meet of the season, at the Mansfield Soccer Complex. The varsity races would follow, but the first stretch of grass belonged to this group.

Across the field

Once the race was underway, the line stretched out. Runners passed the trees and soccer goals, then came into view on the gravel. Orange cones marked the turns; yellow tape traced the route across the grass.

One runner at a time

Near the finish, runners already home sat on the grass while others were still coming through. The race continued around them, with teammates and adults beside the lane.

Sam Dancey led the boys JV results in 9:07. In the girls results, King Philip’s Calla Pollender finished in 10:12, with Mansfield’s Audrey Puleo one second behind. Emmanuelle Ofori and Kayla Nicoletti followed one second apart in fourth and fifth.

By the time the opening race was over, the next group was getting ready. The afternoon had its rhythm now: gather, line up, run, and make room for the next starting line.