Vote for the 2026 Peoria Journal Star Preseason High School Runners of the Year

High school cross country begins official Illinois High School Association practice in two weeks.

Now, the Journal Star is asking readers to make a fans’ choice for the 2026 Peoria-area Preseason Boys and Girls Runners of the Year. Cast your vote at pjstar.com. The poll runs through noon Friday, July 31.

There are 12 runners on the ballot, the same who made our 2026 Journal Star Fall Prep Preview runners to watch list.

This vote has no bearing on who will be selected the Journal Star Player of the Year or will make the annual all-area team, which are scheduled to be announced after the season.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

2026 Fans’ Choice for Peoria-area Preseason Boys Runner of the Year

• Zach Born, Metamora
• Ben Gorsage, Washington
• Coriell Green, Delavan
• Maxwell Kirby, Peoria Notre Dame
• Evan Knobloch, Stark County
• Abe Martin, Morton