Time to the throw division and league rivalries aside. This weekend is about Massachusetts vs New Hampshire at the 21st annual Battle of the Border. This 2025 edition of the race will take place at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH. The meet features all the traditional elements of an invitational you’re familiar with. What makes this meet unique is that there is a state winner between the two bordering New England staples. The winning state is determined by the placement of the top five teams from each state. New Hampshire has won the last six years, so some serous bragging rights are on the line.
This year Massachusetts will be represented by Boston Latin Academy, Lowell, Marshfield, Methuen, Needham, North Andover, Plymouth South, Tyngsborough, and Wakefield.
Girls Preview:
While the #5 Needham Girls will not be present as only their boys team will be heading up this weekend, Massachusetts is still sending up some formidable teams.
While New Hampshire schools may not be as familiar with Boston Latin Academy, they will be after Saturday. They’ve already got one big win under their belt after winning the Marshvegas Classic. They’re led by top contender Sara Blanco who should be near the front. She has a 5K PR of 18:56. This will be their first major race since Marshvegas, and with a big day could solidify themselves as a contender in Divsion 2.
#18 North Andover is coming off a strong performance this past weekend at the Bay State Invitational. They’re led by Julia Kroon who ran 19:56 at that meet. At Bay State they were fourth in the A race and have emerged as one of the state’s top contenders coming out of Division 1B. This will be a great opportunity to show what they’re made of.
With no Greta Hammer racing, the girls race could be wide open. From the Bay State, also watch out for Junior Quin Wilcox of Wakefield. She ran a 19:28 5K PR from the Bay State Invitational in her first XC season and has 5:02 Mile PR.
Also watch for:
Senior Ella Machado of Lowell: 19:53 5K this season from the Bay State Invite. 19:11 PR
Senior Sara Penney of Marshfield: 20:50 5K from the Bay State Invitational this season. 20:10 5K PR
Senior Isabella Duarte of Tyngsborough: 20:50 5K this season from the Amherst Invitational. 19:30 5K PR
Boys Preview:
#9 North Andover is on a roll this season and keeps getting better each week. They were runner up in their race at Bay State and saw numerous PRS across the board. Senior Nicolas Floresquero-Llams was second overall in a PR of 15:59. Look for him to battle up front.
The Lowell Boys are no stranger to crossing the border as they already ran at the Manchester Invite. Their number one runner James Kelly will look to make a statement this weekend. He was 17th last season at the Meet of Champs and holds a 2 Mile best of 9:28.
The Boston Latin Academy boys have had strong performances at both Marshvegas and Frank Kelly. This will be their first Invite since Frank Kelly. Speaking of Marshvegas, the Marshfield boys had a breakthrough performance at Bay State, where they put their top three in the top 15 of the A Race. Connor Rightmire ran 16:31 for the second fastest time in the state for a freshmen. If he’s in the Freshmen race, look for him to challenge for the title.
In the Individual Race, look for:
Senior Anthony Lyons of Plymouth South: 16:39 5K this season for 3rd place at the Marshvegas classic. 16:11 PR. 1:59 800m PR
Senior Devin DeBeradinis of Wakefield: 16:23 5K this season from a dual meet against Burlington. 16:03 5K PR.
Junior Caleb O’Callahan of Marshfield: 16:28 5K PR from Bay State Invitational this season in his first XC season since Middle School.
2 Responses
The Needham Girls are not attending the Battle of the Border meet this year. The boys team is attending.
Thank you, appreciate the info.