For years, the boys have been running a 5K. They will now be joined by the girls.   This year the girls cross country team will be running the same distance as the boys for the first time. This shift is currently being made all over Iowa, and athletes across the state are adjusting.

“Girls can do everything guys can do in terms of distance,” Head coach Tom Mittman said.

This may seem like a radical change to some, but until now Iowa was one of the seven remaining states that still had that gender-related gap. “It’s high time,” said Mittman, “most states did this quite a while ago, and now we’re on board.”

The team is racing into this new challenge full steam ahead. Emma Hartwig adopts the popular attitude of the girls, to embrace the unknown. “I’m happy that we’re running more because it’s just gonna make us stronger and better,” Hartwig said.

Although many of the girls are excited about this change, it comes with drawbacks. For example, the meets will be longer, cutting into homework time. It’s also more of an adjustment for those who have been on the team in previous years.

“It’s a little sad because I can’t compare all of my [personal records] and the times I’ve built up for 3 years,” said Team Captain Claire Noack. While this is a big transition for returning members, it’s even more drastic for freshmen who are used to running only 2 miles in junior high.

Even with its downsides, the girls are ready. “I’m kind of excited because it just means that the girls are finally seen as equal to the guys,” said Bridget Brown, “at least from the athletic standpoint.”