Notre Dame-West Haven Placed Sixth at Cross-Country Meet
The West Haven team navigated a unique nighttime course at the Moonlight Madness Invitational.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Running
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Notre Dame-West Haven finished sixth out of 23 boys teams at the Moonlight Madness Cross-Country Invitational. The meet featured 32 total schools competing at the Cheshire Fairgrounds.
Why it matters
The event offered athletes a specialized nighttime racing experience on a course featuring grass, gravel, and a barn. Competing on varied terrain helps runners build versatility in endurance sports.
Official results from the meet confirm the team performance across a field of 180 total runners. Results reflect performance on a lengthened course at night under artificial lighting.
The players
Dan Carone
A cross-country runner for Notre Dame-West Haven who finished in 21st place.
Gavin Eddy
A cross-country runner for Notre Dame-West Haven who secured a 22nd place finish.
Christopher DePalma
A student athlete and member of the Notre Dame-West Haven cross-country team.
The details
The Moonlight Madness course utilized hard-packed gravel and grass, requiring runners to climb a steep hill twice. Race officials modified the route to extend it beyond the standard 5K distance for enhanced safety. Participants also navigated a unique path directly through a barn as part of the illuminated nighttime circuit.
Timeline
The Moonlight Madness Cross-Country Invitational occurred on October 2, 2026.
Health Landscape
Endurance training and cross-country racing typically prioritize consistent surface conditions to manage injury risk. This event follows a pattern of competitive development set by the USA Track & Field long-distance training standards.
Training on varied surfaces like gravel and grass can strengthen stabilizer muscles in the ankles and core. If you are starting a running routine, discuss appropriate footwear and terrain types with your doctor to prevent joint stress.
The takeaway
Cross-country racing on mixed terrain can improve a runner's overall stability and physical versatility. Consider incorporating trail or uneven-surface running into your routine only after establishing a baseline of strength on flat, paved paths.
Further reading
For more on competitive athletics, visit our Running section.
Live Poll
Would you encourage local youth sports teams to participate in unconventional cross-state invitational events?
