Every year there are athletes who have breakout seasons, dropping huge PR's and leveling up to become huge stars.
As a sophomore last spring, Blair Bartlett of Lawrenceville was one of the biggest breakout distance running stars not just in NJ, but in the whole country as she produced a season for the ages by leaving lots of smoke on the oval!!
How amazing was Bartlett's sophomore season?
She smashed the state record in the 3K by running 9:13.60 to shatter the meet record at the Penn Relays, which earned her the Outsanding Girls' High School Performer of the Meet award for individual events, she dropepd a 4:37.99 for the 1,600, No. 2 in NJ history, and she burned a 9:55.17 in the 3,200, also No. 2 in state history.
To fully appreciate those times, let's take a look at what Bartlett ran as a freshman 2 years ago in 2024 so you can see the mind-boggling drops she made!!!
In 2024, she ran very impressive times of 2:20.15 for 800, 4:57.41 for 1,600, 9:48.78 for 3K, and 10:28.36 for 3,200.
Her numbers in 2025 again were 2:13.30 for 800, 4:37.99 for 1,600, 9:13.60 for 3K and 9:55.17 for 3,200.
So that comes to drops of 6.85 for 800, 19.42 for 1,600, 35.18 for 3k, and 33.19 for 3,200!!!
After such a remarkable season on the track, Bartlett has decided to give up tennis this fall to see what she can do on the cross-country trails!!!
It's sure is going to be fun to see what Bartlett does over 5K this fall. She obviously has the potential to throw down some hot times!!
I decided to run cross-country to help set me up for the track season and because I love running! I am truly grateful for those first two years on my school tennis team.
How is your summer training going? How many miles a week have you been running, and where have you mostly been running/training? What is a normal week of training like for you this summer?
Summer training is going well! This summer, I've been focused on building a solid base while incorporating strength, cross training, and time for recovery.
What kind of goals do you have for your first season of cross-country? What are you most excited about as you begin your first XC season?
In my first season of cross-country, I hope to learn as much as I can about the sport of XC and continue to have fun. I am most excited about the team aspect of cross country!
NJ is obviously loaded with amazing distance running talent. What are your thoughts on the amount of talent in NJ, and how does that push you and motivate you even more in your training?
I love the amount of talent and competition in New Jersey this year because being surrounded by great people motivates everyone, and we all push each other.
You are coming off one of the best seasons in NJ history on the track this past spring with times of 4:37.99 in the 1600, No. 2 in state history, a state record 9:13.60 when you broke the 3K meet record at the Penn Relays, and 9:55.17 in the 3,200, which is No. 2 in NJ history. How do you feel about everything you accomplished last year on the track? What surprised you most about all those great times and performances, and which one are you most proud of, and why?
I am so grateful for the season I had on the track, and I am proud of all those performances. I also loved team relays where we came together and competed for each other; my team is amazing!
You obviously made huge drops in your times on the track this past season. What was the biggest key that enabled you to cut your PR's by so much? What did you do differently in your training etc. to achieve those super fast times?
This season, I was able to continue improving by staying consistent, building up a greater base of strength and speed, and focusing on details such as stretching and recovery.
Where and when will you be running your first cross-country race this season?
I will be running my first cross-country race at the Cherokee Invitational on September 6th.
How about the rest of your XC season? What does your schedule look like?
This XC season I plan to run at the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park and NXR Northeast, among other meets.
What is the story behind how you became a distance runner? When did you first start running, and how did this whole thing happen?
I started with fun runs as a kid and loved them! I really dove into the sport as a freshman at Lawrenceville during the indoor track season.
When was your first big breakthrough moment when you began to realize that you could do big things in this sport?
My first breakthrough moment in running was during a timed mile in 5th grade PE, where I surprised myself and my PE coach, who always encouraged me to run!
What do you consider the best race you've ever run and why?
The best races I've ever run are those where I trust in my preparation and training, and just race.
What do you love the most about being a distance runner, and what do you love the most about running in N.J.?
I love the challenge of distance running, the beautiful trails in N.J., and the N.J. distance running community with all its great talent!
Who is your favorite track and field athlete and why?
My favorite track and field athlete at the moment is Faith Kipyegon. I admire the way she is kind to her competitors while also fiercely competing and breaking barriers.
What's your biggest long-term goal as a track and field athlete?
I hope to continue running in any setting and to always love the sport!
When you are not running/training, in school, or doing schoolwork, what other interests/hobbies do you have? I know you have some other talents/skills!
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, singing, and going biking or hiking with my family.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be helping others and making a difference wherever I may be. I like to take it one step at a time!
