By Clay Shaw Photography by Clay Shaw and Karen Mitchell
1.20.2024 Mechanicsville, VA, 2024 USATF National Cross Country Women’s U20 Championships—Zariel Macchia of Shirley, NY earned the win and another trip to World Cross Country Championships. Macchia led most of the way and survived a duel with Allie Zealand of Lynchburg, VA, to win in 20:31 in the women’s U20 6K race. Zealand, who was eighth in 2023 but earned a spot on the USA team, was one second back in second place in 20:32. Jolena Quarzo of Brownsville, PA and NC State was third in 20:44. Mary Bonner Dalton of Charlotte, NC was fourth in 20:49. Maddie Gardner of Charlottesville, VA was fifth in 20:49: she runs for the Formula Track Club.
Finishing sixth and earning a repeat World XC spot was Ellie Shea of Belmont, MA. She finished in 20:49. Gillian Bushee of Herndon, VA was seventh in 21:08. Julia Kiesler of Columbus, IN and Boise State was eighth in 21:11. Alternates for the USA team going to Serbia could be chosen from seventh place on down.
Zariel Macchia, with red USA top, takes charge of the 6K race right from the start.
Zariel Macchia #319 of Shirley, NY took charge right away. Following Zariel in the top group are Mary Bonner Dalton #321, Jolena Quarzo #314, Ellie Shea #305, Allie Zealand #323, and Maddie Gardner #307.
Zariel Macchia #319 led the way for the entire race.
Zariel Macchia #319 has company at the head of the race with Mary Bionner Dalton #321 and Jolena Quarzo #314 also in front.
Zariel Macchia of Shirley, NY celebrates her win at the 2024 USATF National Cross Country Championships U20 6K race. Allie Zealand of Lynchburg, VA is just one second back.
Zariel Macchia of Shirley, NY and William Floyd HS celebrates her win and second trip to World Cross Country.
Jolena Quarzo of Brownsville, PA and NC State was third in 20:44.
Julia Kiesler of Columbus, IN and Boise State placed eighth in 21:11.
Temi Ariyo of Baltimore and the University of Louisville was tenth in 21:34.
Shelby Jensen of Saratoga Springs, UT clears the hay bales. Temi Ariyo of Baltimore, MD jumps on her way to 10th place in 21:34.
Lauren Ping of Phoenix, AZ and Oklahoma State University hurdles the logs on her way to 11th place in 21:41.
Brianne Smith of Logan, UT and Utah State placed 13th in 21:50.
Lianna Guerra of Bakersfield, CA and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo was 14th in 21:59.
Barrett Justema #330 of Bend, OR heads onto the course as three others tackle the hurdles.
Stella Hall of Gilbert, AZ hurdles the hay bales on a cold day in Mechanicsville, VA.
Lesli Salas #325 of San Angelo, TX, Caroline Cummings #331 of Providence, RI, and Barrett Justema #330 of Bend, OR take on the hay bales together in the U20 Women’s 6K.
Nicole Pierce of Farmington, NM and Piedra Vista HS goes over the hay bales.
U20 top ten pose on the podium at the 2024 USATF Cross Country Championships.
U20 Top six pose for USA team shot: From left to right, Allie Zealand, Ellie Shea, Zariel Macchia, Jolena Quarzo, Mary Bonner Dalton, and Maddie Gardner.
The **2023 USA U20 Team** won the bronze medal at World XC in Bathurst, Australia. Allie Zealand, Ellie Shea, and Zariel Macchia are returning to the 2024 USA U20 team.
Runner's Gazette 
Leave a comment