Liberty Center Sr. Brittany Atkinson has the opportunity to join an elite group of runners that have won three State titles in XC. She is the defending 2013 D3 State title holder with a time of 18:31.45. She won as a Freshman in 2011 with a time of 18:27.51 and was 2nd in 2012, running 18:06.67. She is also the defending State D3 girl's 3200 champion running 10:53.48.
Brittany Atkinson
School: Liberty Center
Gradation: 2015
2013 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships: D3 1st Place (18:31.45)
Liberty Center Sr. Brittany Atkinson has the opportunity to join an elite group of runners that have won three State titles in XC. She is the defending 2013 D3 State title holder with a time of 18:31.45. She won as a Freshman in 2011 with a time of 18:27.51 and was 2nd in 2012, running 18:06.67. She is also the defending State D3 girl's 3200 champion running 10:53.48.
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?
18:06 at the 2012 State Championships
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going very well. I took my normal 2 week transition after track and have started to begin building my base mileage for the upcoming season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
This season I am hoping to break the18 minute barrier and take a shot at the Division 3 State record.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running with my dad when I was in 3rd grade. We have a path between our farm fields that the two of us would run together for fun. My first competitive race was at the Galion Invitational when I was in 4th grade. I went with my dad to watch the races when I found out they had an elementary race. I decided to run in it at the last minute, and have loved racing ever since.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
I might compete this year in either the Nike or Footlocker Championships this season depending on how I'm feeling at the end of this XC season.
What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
My favorite course to run is definitely the State course in Hebron, Ohio. It has some nice little hills in it and running in front of the crowd is awesome.
What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
The course that I think is the toughest is the Tiffin Carnival course. It has a lot of dead areas and the hills in it are very tough!
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
The Tiffin Carnival is a very big meet for our team because you have such good competition there and you get to race against almost everyone in the State.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite cross country race so far would have to be the State meet my freshman year. Winning, both as a team and as an individual, for the first time is something that I will never forget.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory would have to be when my teammates and I went to Colorado for a cross country camp.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I really enjoy hanging out with my teammates and friends.
Favorite quote?
"Work hard in silence, and let your success make all the noise."
What shoes do you race in?
I race in Nike Distance spikes.
What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
I pretty much listen to anything and everything when I run. I enjoy all types of music.
What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
I would love to meet Jenny Simpson because she races smart and with confidence.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I work in a candy shop in the small town of Grand Rapids, Ohio.
