Fourth time a charm for Rainsberger

Oregon-Bound Senior Wins by Largest Margin in History 

By Scott Bush for DyeStat

A memorable senior season brought its most challenging test for Air Academy CO's Katie Rainsberger on Saturday at Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. After running through the season undefeated, winning by no less than 20 seconds every time out, she put on one final show, winning by the largest margin in event history. 

Rainsberger ran with the lead pack early on, executing her pre-race plan to perfection, putting herself near the front through the first and second mile. Just before hitting the two-mile mark in 10:54.1, she put a few strides on the group, a move that would only grow more noticeable as time passed.

“I wanted to get out fast and be with the leaders through the first half of the race,” Rainsberger said. “My last mile is my strength, so I knew if I could just be near the front at that point, then I’d be able to use the end of the race to my advantage.”

The Oregon-bound runner grinded the last mile, challenging turns and never looking back. As the final hill approached, Rainsberger charged up, swinging her arms and keeping her eyes on the finish. Pushing over the crest and into the final homestretch, victory was all but guaranteed and as Rainsberger broke the tape, she smiled subtly. 

Victory was hers.

Rainsberger crossed the finish in 16:56.8, eclipsing Allie Ostrander’s 17:19 mark from 2014, while finishing 14 seconds ahead of runner-up, and future Pac-12 competitor and hometown favorite Ella Donaghu (OR).

“It feels so good to run so well,” she said afterward. “I don’t know what to say right now, I feel speechless."

For Rainsberger, the win was all the more sweet considering her near misses over the past few years. In 2013 and 2014, Rainsberger placed sixth overall at Nike Cross Nationals. In 2012 as a freshman, she was 13th and behind the likes of Sarah Baxter, Mary Cain, Alexa Efraimson and Elise Cranny. This past spring, she finished fourth in the adidas Grand Prix mile and runner-up at the Brooks PR meet in the mile (behind Donaghu). 

Turning a page and taking another step forward this fall, Rainsberger reflected on her victory with a level of veteran composure, “I’ve worked hard the last four years to come here and win and to finally do it is special.”

Top Margin of Victory in Nike Cross Nationals History - Girls

+14 – Katie Rainsberger (2015)

+10 – Ramsey Kavan (2004)

+10 – Madeline Morgan (2007)

+9 – Chelsey Sveinsson (2008)

+5 – Ashley Higginson (2006)