The final run is often the most challenging.

But they wouldn’t be MHSAA cross country state qualifiers if they didn’t like a challenge.

The Bay City area sent 24 finalists to the 2025 state championships Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, where they finished with a bang. Three runners earned All-State accolades with Top 30 showings while six posted personal records on the grand stage.

Essexville Garber junior Seth Betzold led the charge for the local contingent, posting a 23 rd -place showing in Division 2. He clocked in with a personal-best 15:57.60, cracking the 16-minute mark for the first time and asserting himself as the third-fastest runner in program history.

“Seth has a natural ability when it comes to running,” Garber coach Brian Anderson said. “He’s able to push h

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