Watch Claudia Lane dominate the Foot Locker West Regional in 17:20.
The Favorites
Claudia Lane | Malibu, CA | SOPHOMORE
Saucony Flo50 Ranking: #2
Super-sophomore Claudia Lane started the year off with a bang by chopping more than three minutes off her time at the Seaside Invitational -- she ran 19:30 for three miles as a freshman and 16:25 for the win this year. Now she is the top contender for the Foot Locker Nationals title. Her only loss this season was to NXN champion Brie Oakley at the Woodbridge XC Classic, 15:58 to 16:16, back in September. Since then, Lane ran the fastest time of the day at the California State Championships to win the D4 state title (16:45, No. 3 all-time performer at Woodward Park), plus set a sophomore course record at Mt. SAC (16:32.6, No. 6 all-time performer). It's too bad she won't get another crack at Oakley this season, but the San Diego course is likely more in her favor than the muddy conditions in at NXN's Glendoveer Golf Course.
Nevada Mareno | Leesville Road, NC | SENIOR
Saucony Flo50 Ranking: #3
Stanford commit Nevada Mareno is the top returner to Foot Locker Nationals, where she placed a hard-fought third one year ago behind Maryjeanne Gilbert and Weini Kelati. The North Carolina state champion, who won a national title in the indoor mile as a sophomore, has had a slower build-up in 2016 than 2015. Some of this is due to traveling for college visits. While her stats don't pop as much this fall, she is undefeated and won the Foot Locker South region --one of the most competitive-- unchallenged after breaking away at the first mile mark.
Nevada Mareno after winning Foot Locker South: