Starkey Wins N.J. Cross-Country Meet in Thrilling Finish

UPDATE: A breathtaking finish unfolded at the 2025 N.J. Cross-Country Meet of Champions today, as Leah Starkey surged past Paige Sheppard to clinch her first state title with a stunning time of 17:15. Sheppard, the reigning champion from Union Catholic, finished just seconds behind at 17:17, marking the third and fourth fastest girls’ times ever recorded at Holmdel Park.

As the race unfolded, thousands of spectators held their breath when Sheppard created a slight lead coming out of the woods. However, Starkey demonstrated incredible resilience. When Sheppard attempted to widen her gap by shifting to the opposite side of the course, Starkey executed a remarkable final kick, overtaking Sheppard and securing the victory in a nail-biting showdown.

Fans and athletes alike are buzzing with excitement over this electrifying finish, with many taking to social media to share their reactions. The race not only showcased the intense rivalry between the two athletes but also highlighted the spirit of high school sports in New Jersey.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Starkey and sets the stage for an exciting future in her athletic career. With the season still ongoing, all eyes will be on Starkey and Sheppard as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

For those who missed it, the thrilling finish can be viewed in the video below. Stay tuned for more updates on high school sports in New Jersey as the excitement continues to unfold!