14 Pensacola area cross country runners to watch in 2026

The cross country season in the Pensacola area is set to feature a number of standout runners. Donovan Carmichael from West Florida battled a foot injury last fall but returned to finish as the Jaguars' second-fastest runner at the 2A state championship, placing 38th in 17:00.3. He will lead the team as they move up to the 3A classification this fall.

Adalynn Curtis from Navarre returns for her senior season and is in the highest classification again. She set a personal record at the Region 1-4A championship, finishing 35th in 20:23.9. Ashton Dahlem from Gulf Breeze is the area's fastest returning girls runner, finishing sixth at the 3A state championship in 18:35.8.

Carley Deeds from Gulf Breeze is another senior returnee after her first state championship meet as a junior. She owns a personal best time of 20:32 from the 2025 New World Fall Spectacular. Jed Fears from Pensacola Christian was the top runner on a strong PCA boys squad last fall, finishing 34th in 17:21.6.

Clara Goncalves from Pensacola Christian was the Warriors' top returning runner from last year's state meet, finishing 56th in 21:27.8. Walter Goncalves from the same school is a returning senior on a loaded team. He placed 50th in 17:46.4 at the 1A state championship.

Braeden Hunt from Gulf Breeze is projected to be the Dolphins' top runner this fall, finishing 38th in 16:36.7 at the 3A state championship. Annabelle Johnson from West Florida was the Jaguars' highest-placing runner in her first varsity season, finishing 63rd in 20:31.8. Jayln Johnson from Pensacola Christian returns to prove the Warriors can still compete with the area's best teams.