Speed and Strategy: Florida’s Premier Cross-Country Courses
In the heart of Jacksonville, the cross-country courses at Cecil Field and New World stand as bastions of speed and fierce competition. Designed for record-breaking performances, these venues offer athletes the perfect blend of challenging terrain and fast pathways, meticulously curated by race director Richard Fannin and co-race director Michelle Gully.
Richard Fannin: A Pillar in the Running Community
Richard Fannin’s influence on the sport stretches far beyond course design. A Bolles alum and part of three state championship teams, Richard’s deep roots in competitive running were planted by his father, the founder of the original River Run, now known as the Gate River Run. With years spent as the elite athlete coordinator, Richard has become a central figure in Florida’s running scene, fostering relationships with icons like Shalane Flanagan and Galen Rupp and ensuring that Jacksonville remains a beacon for top-tier competitors.
Alongside his business partner Bill Johnson, who toils away “anonymously” to keep the meets running smoothly, and co-race director Michelle Gully, Richard’s team is committed to delivering exceptional events year after year.
New World and Cecil Field: Distinct Courses, Unified by Speed
While both Cecil Field and New World are celebrated for their fast courses, it’s important to note their distinct characteristics. New World, separate from Cecil Field, also offers a layout conducive to high speeds and record-setting performances. The courses’ credibility is underscored by the precision involved in their measurement. Notably, Jim Gerweck, one of the world’s premier course measurers, is called upon to certify the accuracy of these courses. Jim, who has worked on the New York Marathon and several Olympic trials, is specifically brought in after any record-setting performance at the Gate River Run to ensure the course’s measurements meet the highest standards.
Historic Context: Legendary Performances at Cecil Field and New World
Cecil Field, which hosted its first Summer Classic in 2017, has seen some remarkable performances. The course has evolved into a proving ground for elite athletes. Among the many record-setters, the standout performance came in 2024 when Marcelo Mantecon shattered the course record with a 15:01. This venue has also seen names like Patrick Koon (15:15 in 2021) and Bradley Ball (15:33 in 2020) put up incredible times. On the women’s side, Eliana Black set the current meet and course record with a 17:46 in 2022.
New World, which hosted its first Fall Spectacular in 2018, also has a rich history. The course witnessed Charles Hicks, who went on to become an NCAA National Champion at Stanford, setting an impressive 14:53 in 2018. Hicks’ record stood until 2021 when Rheinhardt Harrison, who broke 4 minutes for the mile while still in high school, clocked a 14:45. Several other top athletes, including Michael Toppi (14:55) and Patrick Koon (14:46), have also broken the 15-minute barrier here.
In the women’s races, Jillian Candelino set the course record in 2022 with a 17:41, surpassing Claire Openshaw’s previous record of 17:52. Both courses have become elite stages where athletes continually push the boundaries of high school cross-country.
Upcoming Attractions: The New World Fall Spectacular
Looking ahead to the New World Fall Spectacular on October 19th, the meet is set to host an impressive lineup of teams that promise to make this event particularly memorable. Scheduled competitors include powerhouse schools like Bolles, Creekside, Buchholz, Nease, and Bishop Verot, alongside multiple out-of-state teams. This mix of local talent and national contenders is sure to ignite fierce competition and possibly lead to new benchmarks in the sport.
Richard Fannin’s Unwavering Commitment and Legacy
Richard Fannin’s enduring passion for the sport is evident in the effort he puts into every aspect of race organization. Far from being a solo effort, his work is supported by co-race director Michelle Gully and business partner Bill Johnson, both of whom toil away anonymously to ensure each meet runs like clockwork. Richard’s commitment to excellence in course preparation and his keen ability to bring together top-tier talent are what will cement his legacy in Florida’s running history. Under his guidance, both Cecil Field and New World will remain vital centers where future generations can strive for greatness.
