LAKE BARTON -- Great Bend 5-foot-3 Decorah Schroeter has the heart of a champion.

The southwesterly winds blew 20 to 30 mph with temperatures in the low 80s.

Schroeter bettered her time (18:57.0) from last year (19:30.55) by 33 seconds.

"My goal was to place second behind Kaylie Schulz. I feel good for my first race of the year. It felt good to run a faster time than last year. My first mile was my best mile. I might have fell off in my last mile a little. I definitely enjoy running this race early in the day because of the lower temperatures>

Hoisington's Tristin Compton improved her time from 2025 (23:21.36).

"I ran about two minutes faster, much faster than last year. I had a stronger mental attitude this year. I started off faster, much faster than I predicted. I held onto my pace really good, and was two seconds off my timing goal of 21 minutes. I'm really pleased with my start this year."