In a display of dominance and local pride, Marin County athletes keep shining on the national stage — from cross country courses in Pennsylvania to track and field programs in Oregon. This week’s spotlight belongs to Tiburon’s Audrey MacLean, who stormed to victory at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship. San Rafael’s rising star Ellie McCuskey-Hay also took a major leap toward her collegiate dreams.
Table of Contents
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Audrey MacLean’s Historic NCAA Triumph
Tiburon native Audrey MacLean, already a household name among Marin running fans, etched her name into collegiate history with a career-defining performance at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus course. Representing Middlebury College, the junior completed the tough 6K in 20:16.8 — an astonishing personal best. She left her nearest competitor more than 48 seconds behind.
MacLean is now Middlebury’s second-ever individual cross country champion. The only other title? That one goes all the way back to 1986. Her season included wins at both the NESCAC Championships and the NCAA Mideast Regional.
A Season to Remember for Marin’s Running Icon
Fans in towns like Mill Valley, Larkspur, and Novato have watched MacLean’s rise since she starred at Redwood High School. Her résumé features a 2024 Dipsea Race crown — no small feat given that course’s brutal terrain.
The NCAA title, plus her recognition as a three-time All-American, really puts her among Marin County’s most decorated distance runners. Her team finished ninth in a field of 32 schools, showing she’s not just an individual standout but a crucial contributor to Middlebury’s overall success.
MacLean’s 2025 championship time was a full 54 seconds faster than at last year’s nationals. That’s some relentless progression in the sport, honestly.
Ellie McCuskey-Hay’s Big Move to Oregon
While MacLean was conquering the cross country world, San Rafael’s Ellie McCuskey-Hay made headlines by committing to the University of Oregon’s track and field program. She’s currently a junior at St. Ignatius in San Francisco. McCuskey-Hay is no stranger to high-pressure competition, having qualified for the California State Meet in three events as a sophomore — a pretty impressive mix of sprinting and long jump.
A Talent Fit for Track Town, USA
Her commitment to Oregon, known as “Track Town, USA,” puts her among an elite group of athletes. The Ducks’ program boasts 33 NCAA titles across indoor, outdoor, and cross country categories. They’re the reigning NCAA Indoor National Champions.
For McCuskey-Hay, that means training alongside top-tier athletes and competing on some of the country’s most famous tracks. Marin communities from Corte Madera to Fairfax are celebrating her achievement, recognizing she represents the next wave of local talent ready to thrive at the sport’s highest collegiate levels.
Marin County’s Enduring Athletic Legacy
It’s honestly no surprise that names like Audrey MacLean and Ellie McCuskey-Hay keep coming out of Marin. The region’s blend of coastal trails, vibrant school sports, and supportive communities really fosters competitive excellence.
From Tiburon’s waterfront paths to San Rafael’s high school tracks, Marin athletes grow up surrounded by ideal conditions for success. Maybe that’s why we keep seeing these stories year after year.
Inspirations for the Next Generation
For young runners in places like Sausalito and Ross, MacLean’s and McCuskey-Hay’s achievements offer more than headlines. They’re a blueprint for discipline, passion, and perseverance.
Whether it’s lacing up for a morning run along the Bay or training for a league meet, local youth now have tangible examples of where hard work can lead. That’s not just inspiring—it’s a bit contagious.
- Audrey MacLean — 2025 NCAA Division III Cross Country Champion, Middlebury College
- Ellie McCuskey-Hay — Future University of Oregon track and field athlete
- Both athletes — Proud products of Marin County’s sports community
Marin County keeps producing athletes who push boundaries and set new standards. Whether they’re slogging through muddy cross country paths or flying down bright track lanes, their stories keep reaching beyond just their hometowns.
It’s hard not to feel a little motivated by that blend of local roots and national achievement. Maybe that’s the real legacy here.
Here is the source article for this story: Sports briefs: Tiburon’s MacLean wins NCAA D-III cross country title
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
