Blair Bartlett, a junior from Lawrenceville High School outside of Trenton, New Jersey, is racing her first season of competitive cross country ever. But her results look more like what you’d expect from a seasoned prep superstar. Bartlett hasn’t lost a race this season, and this past weekend she won the NXR Northeast meet by 45 seconds, going 17:00.6 at New York’s notoriously challenging Bowdoin Park course. Only Katelyn Tuohy has run faster there.

She burst into national prominence last spring by winning the Penn Relays 3000m in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion, running down defending champion Addy Ritzenhein with a scorching 68-second closing lap. Bartlett’s 9:13.60 dipped under the longstanding meet record, and established a new New Jersey state record, too. But it wasn’t just Barlett’s strong performance that drew attention; it was her unconventional path there. During the fall of both her freshman and sophomore years of high school, Bartlett didn’t run cross country. She played tennis.

We chatted with Bartlett the week before her dominant NXR victory about her first ever season as a cross country runner, her background in the sport, her goals for this year and beyond, and more.

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Jasmine Fehr: This is your first cross country season ever. What made you decide to finally give cross country a shot this year?

Blair Bartlett: I just love running so much. Last year, I thought about it and decided maybe just one more year without it wouldn't be the worst thing. But this year I was really pumped to get out there and start cross country. I'm really happy I did!

What have been some of the biggest surprises for you moving from track training to cross country training?

I think the biggest difference is just building a stronger base for cross country. We did some base building in track season, but this cross country season has been much more of it. I really do love cross country training… It's a little bit more distance focused with more hills because the races have hills. There’s just more of that longer focus in the early season before shifting to race-based workouts later.

In your season so far, do you have a favorite race or moment that sticks out to you?

I’ve loved a lot about this cross country season. Something that sticks out the most is the team aspect. Being on the line with my team at the Shore [Invitational] was a lot of fun. Getting to run at Holmdel and Bowdoin was just so much fun! They’re such historic courses with lots of hills. Learning how to run hills has been such a fun experience.

What has it been like adapting to training and racing on hills?

I think hills can be fun because when there’s an uphill, there’s usually a downhill next. So it’s fun both ways! You don’t always know what to expect going into a cross country race on a new course, so it adds another interesting element.

At practice, do you train with teammates or mostly alone? What does a typical practice look like for you?

I train with teammates. We always do a team warm up and usually do most of the same workouts as a team, which is awesome!

Have you learned anything new about yourself as a competitor this season compared to track?

I think this cross country season has extended my love for the sport. I’ve learned how much I love running, the relationships it brings, and working hard each day. It has been awesome!

When did you start to love running and how has that grown throughout high school?

I have a very active family. My first time ever running was probably in the fifth grade mile time trial. I didn’t do a lot of track in middle school, just a little in eighth grade. Ninth grade indoor season was the first time I really trained for track and since then it’s been an awesome experience with the team. I really love it!

Do you play any other sports or are you fully focused on running now?

Last year and the year before I played tennis in the fall, which is why I didn’t do cross country. But this year I’ve mostly focused on running because it was a little difficult to do two sports at one time.

You ran a 4:37 mile and 9:55 two mile last track season. Has that boosted your confidence for cross country season and shaped your goals?

I had an awesome track season last year and really loved it. But I try not to let individual performances shape my goals. I try to take things one step at a time, look at where I am now, and take it one race at a time.

After cross country season wraps up, do you think you’ll try the 5000m or stick with the mile and two-mile for track season?

I am definitely interested in trying the 5K on the track. I really like the event in cross country, so it would be interesting to see what it’s like on the track.

What is the best piece of advice your coach has given you?

My coach gives awesome advice! He’s really focused on being present, staying in the moment, and having fun with it. That has helped with my love for the sport. I’m really grateful to all my coaches.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of running?

I like to sing. I’m in choir at school and last year I did some a cappella. I’m also interested in sustainability, so I’m on my school’s Sustainability Council and Climate Action Club.

If you could run with anyone, who would it be and why?

Probably Faith Kipyegon. I really admire her! She’s amazing. It would be great to talk to her even for a short amount of time. She’s definitely a legend!

Thanks for reading! This interview is part of our 2025 Nike Cross Nationals Series, where we’re catching up with some of the top high school athletes in the country as they prepare for the biggest meet of the fall. Stay tuned for more Q&As with the rising stars of high school distance running.