Being the best cross country runner in the Grand Valley is no small feat.

The run-crazed culture and pristine climate of Western Colorado has become a breeding ground for high-level distance runners, from professionals to adult hobbyists and all the way down to the prep ranks. Year in and year out, the upper echelon of Mesa County’s cross country runners make waves at the state level, with many continuing on to run in college after their senior seasons.

Palisade senior Hank DeFord is next in line to inherit role as District 51’s fastest distance runner. It’s a title that holds a lot of weight for the Bulldogs’ senior.

“Last year, I had Bryce (Flanagan) and Yishai (Trowbridge). I looked up to them a lot, and they pushed me,” DeFord said. “Now, I’m super excited because I’m the senior. I

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