‘There Is a Bittersweet Element to Senior Year’: Cross Country's Mairead Clas ’26 Reflects on Athletic Career
From the moment she tied her first pair of running shoes, senior Mairead Clas sensed that cross country would become a lasting part of her life. Growing up in a family of runners, joining the sport felt almost natural to her.
“I always knew I wanted to run,” Clas said. “I started with the team in middle school and just kept developing through high school.”
Now a senior leader on the women’s cross country team, Clas continues to post strong times and personal records with every season. She describes her journey as fulfilling — marked by improvement, encouragement, and genuine emotion, showing how a healthy team culture can nurture athletic success.
Her progress was evident early on. As a freshman, Clas advanced faster than she expected, both as an athlete and a student.
“It honestly has a lot to do with the team and the coaching environment,” Clas said. “Compared to high school, the team and coaches created an incredibly supportive atmosphere. I felt encouraged in every way, and that support helped me succeed in my first year.”
Over four seasons, Clas has steadily risen through the Ivy League standings, setting personal bests in races ranging from the 5k to the 10k. Her defining moment came at the 2023 Northeast Regional Championship, where she ran a career-best 20:50.7 in the 6k — a performance that reflected her growth and potential.
Author’s Summary
Mairead Clas ’26 reflects on her evolution from a passionate young runner to a collegiate leader, crediting teamwork and coaching for shaping her success and resilience.