Lexington senior Grace Harrell talks with scrunners about her running journey prior to the Mike Moore Shrine Bowl Run on Saturday.
Name: Grace Harrell
Hobbies: reading, going on walks
Academic interest: I plan on studying finance at the University of South Carolina.
Personal bests: 1600M 5:51, 3200M 12:19, 5K 20:21
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and help the hospital?
I am super proud to be able to be a part of the team. I never dreamt I would be able to represent the top seniors in the state!
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
All I knew of it was when a few of my school's seniors were selected in 2020 and I remember them taking a video in a red hoodie (I had no clue what it was for).
What do you hope to experience during the event?
I am hoping to get to know some of my peers and just step out of my comfort zone. I am excited to be able to chat with my leg partner, who I have never met before.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
I am not.
"I got involved at the beginning of my seventh grade year. I had always wanted to run cross country, growing up in a family where everything revolved around cycling and running. It was destined from the start. My dad was very knowledgeable about the sport and got me fascinated with the idea of bettering myself physically." - Grace Harrell
How would you rate your senior season?
I would rate it a 10/10. You can't top being a part of the 2022 state-winning team. This year made it feel like my six years of work paid off. I couldn't have asked for a better senior season.
What future goals do you have?
I hope to attend the University of South Carolina in 2023 - hopefully the Honors College - and I plan on majoring in finance. Long term... I want to stay fit for the rest of my life!
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I have made the decision to not compete at the next level. Six years of serious long distance running, with over 50 mile weeks, has taken its toll on my hips. My body is ready for a break from this high impact sport!
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I got involved at the beginning of my seventh grade year. I had always wanted to run cross country, growing up in a family where everything revolved around cycling and running. It was destined from the start. My dad was very knowledgeable about the sport and got me fascinated with the idea of bettering myself physically.
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
My grandfather, Ellis Harrell, donated an EOS machine I believe back in 2013. That year, when I was in the third grade my family was given a beautiful tour of the hospital and I was given the chance to present my experience to my classmates back home to explain to them the amazing things the hospital does.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Not sure... I am not sure how it was before I began back in 2017, but it seems it has always been a pretty tight race for the state win. As middle schoolers were gradually allowed to compete in the SCHSL I am sure the sport changed a lot. But I can't think of anything I personally have witnessed first hand.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
My motivation was that these races are my last, and that I would have done anything to be able to race and win at state with the odds we had.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I think it would be awesome to run a marathon just so I could say I did it!
