Article and Photos by Steven Hendrixson, MHS student writer
On Saturday the Marshall Lions raced late at night under the bright lights at LaVern Gibson for the 2026 Nike Twilight race. One of the biggest meets in the nation, thousands of runners from multiple states like Michigan, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky competed through Friday and Saturday’s meets. Some of the best runners in the nation come to compete. Home to 15 past NCAA national championships and several IHSAA state meets, the NXR championships will be held there later on in November, LaVern Gibson holds a special place in the heart of many runners.
In section one of the open races, Steven Hendrixson led the way for the boys with a personal best 17:36.9 5k time, placing 57 out of 265 runners to finish among the top group of competitors in a large field. Both Thomas Weber and Jacob Weber also ran great races. Thomas Weber placed 138th in 19:03.2, breaking the 20-minute mark and giving the Lions another solid performance. Jacob Weber ran a personal best 20:24.2 time to place 188th, giving Marshall two PR’s for the meet. The three boys averaged a 19:01.4 5k time between the three of them.
Madeleine Fox ran later that night in the race of champions, placing 100th out of 408 runners to run a fast 19:24.0 5k among some of the best runners in the country.
A meet of this size and competition provides Marshall valuable experience against some high level competition. Giving a taste of what to expect nearing the postseason.
The Lions will travel to Lake Land on Thursday, October 8th for the Cumberland Invite.
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