On your mark ...

Conditions may be a bit slicker and certainly colder than normal, but Utah's high school cross country runners will gather in Sugar House Park on Wednesday for the state championships regardless of the weather.

Ten races will lead to titles in all five classifications when the runs finish on the track at adjacent Highland High School. Races begin in the 1A division, with the girls competition at 11 a.m.

While there appear to be some certainties among individual runners and teams, there are always a few surprises each year. So here's a look at who the top contenders ought to be in each division, starting with 5A.

5A: Mountain View won this title a year ago, and the Bruins come back with seniors Coulson Goodwin and Luke Harrison from last year's top 20, along with senior Steve Rowe and junior Travis Fuller. Davis was runner-up last year, but the Darts looked particularly strong at the Orem Kiwanis meet two weeks ago. Senior Jared Ward, junior Spencer Anderson and sophomore Seth Gutzwiller lead the strong contingent. Region 2 champ Alta comes in with senior A.J. Christensen, junior Ryan Stewart and sophomores Jack Webster and Kyle Mofett. Bingham won Region 3 behind senior Ryan Barrus, junior Nate Jewkes and sophomore Jason Sara.

Among other top runners are Skyline's Stephen Clark, the Region 2 champ; Brighton's Oliver Williams, Riverton's Macy Butterfield, Viewmont's Kyle McKenna, Lone Peak's Jordan Hughes and Danny Barney, Weber's Stuart Roskelly, West Jordan's Walker Bickmore and Kearns' John Shrewsbury.

Fremont ran away and hid in 5A girls a year ago, but the top two runners graduated, and this year's race could come down to Davis, Jordan or Alta. The Darts are led by sophomore Candace Eddy (second last year in state) and junior Natalie Haws. They seem to have a stronger supporting cast than a year ago. Jordan won Region 2, thanks to strong performances from Stephanie Burt, Samantha Robinson and Aimee Haertel, but Alta was close behind. The Hawks turn to Marissa Floodman, who was 21st as a sophomore last year; Amelia Wegener, Ashley Nelson and Jamie Jacobs. Any of those three schools could run away with the title.

By far, the top runner in 5A girls, and the state, is Bingham senior Kim Quinn. She was fourth last year and should battle Eddy and Mountain View junior Sarah Yingling for the crown. Skyline's Shayla Kipp, Fremont's Jessie Chugg, Timpanogos' Brooke Hodson and Lone Peak's Kacee Hildebrant are also among the individual favorites, along with Copper Hills' Rebecca Barnes and Jordan Turner.