KP's Chris Allen Talks About Competing in National Championship Race

When King Philip’ Chris Allen passed up playing soccer in his senior year to run cross country, he knew that he had the talent to do so, he just didn’t realize how much talent he actually had.

Allen recently returned home from San Diego, California, where he was invited to run in the Foot Locker Cross Country Championship National Race.

The King Philip senior qualified to spend the three days in sunny California when he finished ninth in the Northeast Regionals. As one of only 40 male athletes to make the trip, Allen completed the 5K run with a time of 15:47 to finish twenty-fourth.  Edward Cheserek of Newark New Jersey won the race with a time of 14:52.

“I decided to run cross country because of my potential.  I knew that I’d do well, but not to this this extent.” Allen said. “Do I wish I joined earlier? Sometimes, but I loved my three years playing soccer and wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

While Allen enjoyed his only season on the cross country courses, his coach wishes he had come out earlier in his career.

“Chris is an amazing runner, not only was he one of three Massachusetts runners to go to California, but he was also the only rookie to run the race,” King Philip Cross Country Coach Julie Nievergelt said. “This was a great experience for him, especially finishing with one of his best times.”

The experience of running in such a national race is something that Allen will never forget.

“I met a lot of runners there, and it was such an incredible experience. I knew about the race, it’s a very prestigious meet,” he said. “I thought it would be cool to make it, but I never really thought I’d get there.”

Upon crossing the finishing line with one of his best times in a 5K, Allen knew he was good – really good.

“When I finished the race, I looked up at my time [my second best ever] and thought to myself, 'Wow, I just finished a national championship race,'” he said.