The boys take off from the starting line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Boothbay's Faith Blethen easily wins the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Oak Hill's Haley Gunn approaches the finish line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Madison's Jennifer Dean sprints to the finish line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Madison's Ben Thrasher crosses the finish line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Oak Hill's Andrew Day crosses the finish line in second place at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Cross country runners pass by fans at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Monmouth's Kyle Gunnells is helped by a trainer after collapsing at the finish line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Glory Blethen, left, high-fives her sister Faith Blethen, right, as she crosses the finish line at the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta. Faith Blethen won the race.

Girls line up at the starting line for the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Oak Hill's Haley Gunn leads Richmond's Leah Wescott as they leave the woods during the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Boothbay's Faith Blethen emerges from the woods out in front during the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta.

Two girls run during the Mountain Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at the University of Maine at Augusta, with fall foliage in full view.