From the 32nd Annual Chandler XC Invitational at Tumbleweed Park to The Peaks in the high country of Flagstaff, runners state-wide finally got the opportunity to put test themselves against the competition.
The opening weekend brought strong performances from some familiar names, while also introducing a handful of new faces who had the chance to make their mark.
Here is a look back at some of the standout performances from the first weekend of racing in Arizona.
32nd Annual Chandler XC Invitational
The future was on display at Tumbleweed Park as the 32nd Annual Chandler XC Invitational kicked off the season with its freshman races.
On the boys side, Devin LeVander of ALA West Foothills High School delivered one of the most impressive performances of the weekend.
LeVander raced to the freshman boys title in a blazing 15:16.70, an eye-opening performance for the first high school cross country race of his career.
While there is plenty of racing still ahead, LeVander certainly wasted no time introducing himself to the Arizona high school cross country scene.
The girls race provided another glimpse at one of the state's young talents.
Paisley Skankey, a freshman from Mesa Mountain View High School, took home the freshman girls individual title in 18:43.40.
With both races being exclusively freshmen, Chandler provided an early look at the rising talent in Arizona. LeVander and Skankey were the first to put their names at the top of the results.
Van Meerten Leads Flagstaff at The Peaks
Up north, some of Arizona's biggest names opened their seasons at The Peaks at Flagstaff's historic Buffalo Park.
Yohanes Van Meerten started his final high school cross country season right where he left off, at the front.
The Flagstaff star raced to the individual victory in 16:01.20, picking up his first win of the 2026 season on his home course.
Van Meerten's victory paced a strong showing from the Flagstaff boys, who took the team title with 45 points.
For the defending state champion and NXN runner-up, the victory marks the first step of what could be a special final cross country season.
On the girls side, Kylyn Taylor took care of business winning individual title, crossing the line in 19:45.50.
The team title would go to Salpointe Catholic, which scored 88 points to take the victory over the host Flagstaff girls, who finished runner-up with 106 points.
With some of the state's top programs and individuals converging at roughly 7,000 feet, The Peaks provided an early glimpse at several names and teams that could factor into the Arizona postseason picture later this fall.
Around The State: Rich River Rattler Invitational
Elsewhere in Arizona, Damien Chavez of Buena High School put together a strong opening performance at the Rich River Rattler Invitational.
The junior raced to the individual boys title in 16:19.40, getting his 2026 campaign off to a nice start, with a victory.
On the girls side, Naomi Taylor of Sahuarita High School came away with the win.
The senior crossed the line in 20:02.30 to secure the varsity title and begin her final high school cross country season on top of the podium.
One weekend will not tell us everything about what lies ahead this fall, but it certainly gave us our first glimpse. The first races are in the books.
And the 2026 Arizona cross country season is officially off and running.