Apalachee Regional Park is hands down the nicest cross country course in the state of Florida. 
With fantastic footing the whole way, a net downhill course,and the adrenaline of a state meet we are sure to see some fantastic performances and blistering times!There will be many different racing tactics implemented by the runners. Some will work out and some wont. So let's walk through the course and talk about some of the strategies that you might witness on Saturday morning.
The first 700 meters of the course is a wide-open downhill with no turns. From 750 meters until 2.4k the runners are on a hard packed sand/gravel mix as they make their way through the back woods section. It is wide open in the woods with plenty of room to pass. Runners do not necessarily have to get out fast because of this. There are endless possibilities for runners to move up if they stay patient. Approximately 2k into the race the runners will hit the big hill known as "The Wall". It is a 200m gradual incline that is deceptively tough. The competitors will have to conquer this hill twice, the second time coming in the last 600 meters. After the racers crest the hill the first time they will have the gradual 700 meter downhill that they started on. It is a very nice reprieve after getting over "The Wall".
The runners will reach the 2 mile mark at the bottom of the hill, just past the first bend. This is where the race really starts to separate. We may see some runners that aren't strong at running hills make their move here to try and open up some ground before reaching "The Wall". This is a brave strategy as you have to leave a little in the tank for the final hill run and fast finish. If you are an underdog one of the best strategies is to try and maintain contact with the leader until the bottom of the hill. If you are within 20 meters of your competitors at the bottom of the hill you still have a chance. Runners legs will react to the hill differently depending on their preparation but we will surely see some runners tying up. The last 400m is an exhilaratingly fast downhill that will get your legs moving on the edge of out of control. Most of the races will be decided in the last 400m and the runner who conserved just enough going up the hill will come out on top. With so many tight battles projected it is crucial that each runner has a race plan that suits their strengths. Whoever executes their strategy the best will come out on top.
So the key to running a great race is putting yourself in the mix the first two miles, leaving just enough in the tank to battle your way up "The Wall" the second time, and then kicking with everything you've got in the mad dash to the downhill finish. Best of luck to all competing!