Lake Havasu High School’s cross-country teams recently hosted their annual fun run event and a significant invitational competition. The 15th Annual Fighting Knights Cross-Country Fun Run took place on Sept. 26, supporting the school's athletic programs.
The event included two distinct races designed to engage participants of varying ages and skill levels. Young athletes under 12 years old had the opportunity to compete in a Half Mile Kids Run, specifically tailored for them. Concurrently, a 5K Fun Run was open to participants of all ages, encouraging broader community involvement.
All proceeds generated from the entry fees for these fun runs were dedicated directly to the Lake Havasu High School's Boys and Girls Cross Country program. This financial support helps to sustain and enhance the school's athletic offerings for its student-athletes.
Following the conclusion of the community-focused fun run races, Lake Havasu High School's own cross-country teams then participated in a competitive event, the 2026 Mark Weston Invitational. This invitational meet carries a historical significance for the school and its athletic department.
The Mark Weston Invitational is held in memory of Mark Weston, a former Lake Havasu High School cross-country runner who passed away in 1983. The staging of this particular meet marked the 43rd consecutive year it has been hosted to honor his legacy within the school's athletic tradition.
Throughout the event, the Lake Havasu High School Band of Fighting Knights provided musical entertainment and contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. The band performed under the direction of Kim Schreiber, playing a crucial role in maintaining high energy levels for both the fun-run participants and the competing high school cross-country runners.
The fun run races saw several individuals achieve top honors. In the female runner category, Kaiya Zampogna was recognized as a first-place finisher. Jaime Akers was also reported as a first-place female runner, acknowledging her achievement in the competition.
The 2026 Mark Weston Invitational concluded with its own set of notable team achievements. Pinecrest Academy Cadence secured the championship title in the boys’ race, marking their second consecutive year as winners. Kofa High School emerged as the winners in the girls’ race. The host team, the Lake Havasu Fighting Knights, also achieved a commendable result, securing third place in the boys’ race division.
