VIDEO, PHOTOS: Big Five cross country championships

Posted: September 17th 2023

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – There was a bit of confusion among some of the runners at the Big Five cross country championships Friday at county park.

Numerous runners in both races commented following the event that they took wrong turns or got lost on the course. 

Which led to an unfortunate disqualification as Macie McCracken, already a two-time champion of the event, came across the finish line in just 15 minutes, 11 seconds. Ahead by a wide margin, the Wildwood High School junior took a wrong turn at some point and missed running part of the course, leading to the disqualification by race officials.

The disqualification prevents McCracken from becoming just the second runner, male or female, to win the Big Five meet four times. Wildwood Catholic’s Tara Wuko won four straight from 2006 through 2009. 

McCracken’s teammate, junior Leiah Pawlus, claimed the girls championship when she finished in 21:57. 

Lower Cape May’s Jenna Hill was second in 22:09, holding off a challenge from third-place Angelina Richards of Wildwood Catholic who placed third in 22:17.

Wildwood Catholic’s Ally Grandizio (22:40) and Lauren Crouthamel (22:41) rounded out the top five.

Wildwood Catholic was the team champion of the event, edging Middle Township.

On the boys side, a debutant put forth an impressive performance as Middle Township freshman Jamar Mack placed first in 18:49 to lead his team to victory as well.

There was a terrific race for the second through fourth places, with three runners zipping across the final 100 yards to the finish. Ultimately, Lower Cape May’s Aiden Formento finished second in 19:27, Middle Township’s Thomas Hargest was third in 19:28 and Wildwood Catholic’s L.J. Belasco placed fourth in 19:30.

Cape May Tech’s Evan Feliciano rounded out the top five in 19:43.