This October 19-22, our varsity cross-country team traveled to Chiba, Japan, to compete in the Asia Pacific Invitational in Japan/Far East. The API Cross Country Meet is the largest high school cross country meet held in Asia, featuring 37 regional schools. The race provided the opportunity for the YISS cross country team to compete with some of the top runners throughout the Asia Pacific and to also experience a unique trail course with rugged terrain. When competing against countless, global schools, the Guardian runners made an impressive performance and made YISStory once again. 

On Monday, the runners competed in the 5K races. The YISS girl’s team consisted of Claire L. (12), Lydia R. (12), Kaiden H. (11), Sia K (11), Caroline R. (10), Jaeyoung Kim (9), Isabella Park (9). The girls delivered a remarkable performance, placing 4th overall and earning 2nd place in the API Division. This continues the YISS cross country girls’ API success streak from last year, when they placed 2nd at the Guam invitation.

The YISS boy’s team consisted of Andy L. (12), Nadav T. (12), Joshua K. (11), Jeremiah R. (11), Henry R. (11), Ian K. (10), Zion R. (10). The boys’ team also finished strong, securing 11th place. As a combined team, YISS ranked 7th overall.

For individual achievements, Claire Lee demonstrated exceptional consistency. Claire placed 9th place in the race, marking her third consecutive year of placing in the top 15 at the API invitational. YISS record-holder Lydia Ro also excelled, earning 2nd place out of over 165 runners and being the first Guardians runner to claim the API Division Champion title.

On Tuesday, the Guardian runners participated in the 5K Relay with their team partners. Each runner ran the same 5km course, but alternated with their partner every lap. The guardian relay teams ran excellent times around the trail. Andy Lee and Lydia Ro worked together to secure 5th place, invigorating the team’s Guardian Spirit. Although this was the largest cross country meet that the YISS cross country team has participated in, the Guardians saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and created lifelong memories through the successful international trip.