Shorewood Runner Eli Graves Wins District Cross Country Title

Lakewood, Wash. Shorewood senior Eli Graves secured the District 1 3A Boys Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Lakewood High School. He finished the race in 15:03.8 to take the individual crown. His performance helped the Shorewood Stormrays claim the team title as well.

The victory came after a period of uncertainty regarding Graves' physical condition. He dealt with knee issues in the days leading up to the meet. The team considered the possibility that he might not run until shortly before the event began.

Graves worked on stretching with coaching staff members the day before the race. He participated in drills and warmups on Saturday morning to assess his body. He felt good enough to start, though he noted he was still hurting a bit. He decided to stay relaxed and run his own race rather than reacting to competitors.

Shorewood finished with 55 points to win the team championship. Edmonds-Woodway placed second with 80 points, followed by Mountlake Terrace with 93 and Shorecrest with 104. Sophomore Kellan Roberts finished second in the individual race with a time of 15:29.3.

Graves broke the previous meet record of 15:04.3, which Redmond's Zach Leader set in 2024. Coach Joel Reese noted that Graves is mentally strong and prepared. Reese said the coaching staff was confident in Graves' ability to perform well despite his recent physical challenges.

This was not Graves' fastest time of the season. He ran 14:36.9 at the Nike Hole in the Wall XC Invitational on the same course three weeks prior. He acknowledged that his stomach felt bad during the district race and his legs did not feel optimal. He believes he will be physically better for the upcoming state competition.

The state championship is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, in Pasco. Shorewood placed second in the state tournament last year behind Mercer Island. Graves finished 20th overall in that 2025 race with a time of 16:00.4. The team is looking to improve on that placement this season.

Graves has won eight of the nine races he has competed in this cross country season. His only loss came at the Nike Bob Firman Invitational on Sept. 26, where he placed fifth. He set his personal record of 14:36 in that race against a strong field. He aims to win his ninth race of the season at the state meet.