Shaha and Staples to Race at State Cross Country Meet
The 2026 ASAA State Cross Country Championships will take place this Saturday at Bartlett High School.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Running
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Freshman runner Claire Shaha and defending state champion Katahdin Staples will compete at the 2026 ASAA State Cross Country Championships on October 3, 2026. Both athletes head into the event at Bartlett High School following dominant performances throughout the regular season.
Why it matters
The championships serve as the culmination of the cross country season, with top regional runners gathering to vie for individual and team titles. This meet provides the final opportunity for high school competitors to secure state-level accolades before the season concludes.
Claire Shaha enters the state meet having won five of her seven races this season, including four 5K victories where she recorded sub-20 minute times. Her performance includes a season-best 18:27.6 at the Smokin Stampede and a 18:48.0 course record.
The players
Claire Shaha
She is a freshman cross country runner from Chugiak High School who has dominated the 2026 season.
Katahdin Staples
He is a high school runner who won the Division I boys state cross country championship in 2024 and 2025.
The details
Athletes like Claire Shaha and Katahdin Staples qualified for this final event through successful performances in regional competition. Coaches have spent the season managing structured workout programs to ensure runners peak for this Saturday championship race.
Timeline
2023: Hannah Shaha won the Division I state cross country title.
2024: Katahdin Staples won his first state championship.
2025: Katahdin Staples successfully defended his Division I title.
September 2026: Claire Shaha set a new course record at Bartlett.
October 3, 2026: The ASAA State Cross Country Championships take place.
Season Trajectory
The championships represent the pinnacle of the regional high school running circuit, directly influencing the final rankings for individual athletes and team standings. Participation here defines the competitive balance for the year and sets the tone for future seasons.
Spectators can expect to see if Claire Shaha can translate her record-setting speed on the Bartlett course into a state title. Katahdin Staples will be running his final high school state race, marking the end of his pursuit of a three-peat in the Division I boys competition.
The takeaway
The state meet represents the final test for high school runners looking to cap off months of structured training with a championship victory. Fans should track the transition of top-tier talent as veterans conclude their prep careers and rising stars compete for dominance.
Further reading
For more news and coverage of local athletes, visit Running.
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