Chmiel, Kurto Return For Freihofer's 5K Personal Bests

As has been tradition for the past two years, Saratoga stalwarts returned to the roads just days after State Quals, and this time, they brought home big personal bests.  Running in the World Famous Freihofer's 5K For Women, Kelsey Chmiel clocked a nearly ten second personal best, achieving her top-finish-ever.  Chmiel took 9th in 2017 with a 14:41, and 10th last year in 14:44.  The NC State commit ran to a 16:33 in 2019, placing 5th overall.  It's believed to be the highest finish ever for a High Schooler.

Closing out the Top Ten was Chmiel's freshman teammate, Ella Kurto.  The pair are coming off a qualifying run at the Section 2 State Qualifier, where they also qualified in the 4x800m.  Kurto looks to lead the Saratoga Cross Country team next year, as Chmiel graduates.  Two spots back was also McKinley Wheeler, one half of a set of twins that aided the Blue Streaks to their first XC State Title in over a decade.