Des Lacs-Burlington to Compete in North Dakota State Meet
The cross country team will send 20 athletes to Jamestown on October 24 to pursue the program's first state title.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Running

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The Des Lacs-Burlington cross country team will head to Jamestown on October 24, 2026, for the North Dakota state meet. The squad is sending 10 boys and 10 girls to compete for what would be the school's first state championship in the program's history.
Why it matters
After four months of training, the team has the opportunity to solidify their standing in state history. The athletes enter the competition with high expectations as they aim to secure their first state title.
The team is sending a total of 20 runners to the state competition, consisting of 10 boys and 10 girls. These athletes qualified after a four-month season of training and regional competition.
The players
Des Lacs-Burlington
This is a competitive North Dakota high school cross country program seeking its first state title.
The details
To prepare for the pressure of the state meet, the runners emphasize cross-team mentorship and shared training sessions. The team also incorporates lighthearted activities, such as movie nights and wearing fake mustaches, to help athletes manage their nerves before the race.
Timeline
The North Dakota state cross country meet takes place in Jamestown on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This state meet represents the culmination of a four-month campaign for the Des Lacs-Burlington program. Securing a win here would be a landmark shift for the school, moving them from a regional competitor to a state-level titleholder.
With 20 athletes participating, the school holds a strong chance to accumulate significant team points in the final state standings. Success will depend on the collective performance of the 10 boys and 10 girls racing against the best programs in the state.
The takeaway
Team-wide mentorship and bonding exercises can provide a necessary competitive edge for high school athletes. These strategies help runners maintain focus and reduce anxiety when preparing for high-stakes athletic events.
Further reading
Follow the latest updates on high school track events on the North Dakota Running page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KX NEWS.
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