The best distance runners in the state are headed to Fort Dodge for the state cross country championships.
Classes 2A and 3A start on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Lakeside Golf Course, while 1A and 4A hit the trail on Saturday with the same start times.
Area runners will be highlighted in all but the 4A races, including Manson Northwest Webster's Thatcher Oswald in the 1A boys event.
Oswald, a senior, placed fourth at a qualifying race to earn his spot at state and will be joined by freshman teammate Kate Hildreth in the girls race.
He will be making his state cross country debut for Manson Northwest Webster.
Author's summary: State cross country championships start this weekend.