Noah Castro (L) and new 3000 meter CC American Record holder Andrew Avilla from New Hampshire - photo by Todd McMillion
Noah Castro, a fourth grader at Winfield Elementary School, placed ninth in the bantam boys division at the AAU National Cross Country Championships at Winthrop University / Rock Hill, SC. Castro covered the 3K course in a personal best time of 10:48.64 while the champion, Andrew Avila, set a new national record in 10:15.
Even though Castro had a personal best, he was hoping for a higher finish. After the race, he said his legs just did not want to move. Per his dad James, Castro had beaten all of the top 8 this past summer. James went on to say he was proud of his son for the top 10 finish.
The Top Ten finishers in the bantam boys (10 year olds) 3K race were:
Event 14 Boys 10 3000 Meter Run SBB/BB
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Name Age Team Final
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Results - Men 10 Year Olds
1 Avila, Andrew 10 Unattached 10:15.99
2 HintonIv, Willie 10 Fia Ambassadors 10:31.93
3 James-Heer, Kyle 10 Ann Arbor TC 10:37.71
4 Martinez, Isaac 10 Elite Feet 10:37.97
5 Hardy, Riggs 10 Derby City AC 10:38.34
6 Hambrick, Luke 10 Lake Cities Xc 10:39.30
7 Cole, Gabriel 10 Unattached 10:43.51
8 Stock, Joseph 10 Tsc 10:45.48
9 Castro, Noah 10 Capital City 10:48.64
10 Foster, Brennan 10 Tsc 10:49.44
Last Saturday at the Foot Locker South Regional Cross Country Championships at McAlpine Greenway Park / Charlotte NC, Castro captured the 10 & Under boys' race, completing the 3 Kilometer course (1.86 miles) in 10:59. He finished twenty-two seconds ahead of runner up Coen Roberts of Greer, SC.
Note: Castro is only nine years old making him one of the youngest runners in the bantam boys age division. Due to him being born in December of 2002 he had to compete in the 10 year old bantam boys age division.
On behalf of WVRunners we would like to congratulate Noah on a great 2012 season! We look forward to watching you progress in the upcoming years!
Noah Castro the evening before the race - Photo by Todd McMillion
Doug McDaniel contributed to this article.