Rising Stars: Colton S.

At just 13 years old, Colton has quickly become one of the most dependable, hardworking, and inspiring athletes on the Elevated Distance Team. A proud Falcon Creek student, he joined EDT only a year ago — but in that short time, he’s made a lasting impression through his consistency, focus, and quiet leadership. His teammates know they can always count on him to show up ready to work and lead by example.

Colton’s progression speaks for itself: 2:36 in the 800m, 5:27 in the mile, 15:35 for the 4K, and 19:37 in the 5K. Those times are a reflection of his discipline and his drive to improve. Track season is his favorite, where he thrives on speed work and the competitive energy of shorter races. His next big goal — breaking 5:15 in the 1600m — is well within reach for this rising star, who already achieved a major milestone by running under 5:30 last season.

What makes Colton stand out isn’t just his results, but the way he carries himself. He’s steady, positive, and focused, leading with effort rather than words. His advice to new runners — “If you’re discouraged, keep going” — perfectly captures his mindset and approach to the sport.

Colton’s favorite part of running is chasing down goals and sharing those moments with friends. One of his favorite memories is traveling to Kansas to compete alongside his teammates — an experience that shows his love for both racing and team camaraderie.

Outside of running, Colton enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring new places. His go-to pre-race meal is pasta, his post-race reward is Chipotle, and his favorite ChicknLegs design is the Flamingo print — fitting for an athlete who stands tall among his peers.

With his dedication, consistency, and strong work ethic, Colton continues to raise the bar for himself and those around him. His future in running is bright, and there’s no doubt he’ll keep inspiring others as he reaches new milestones ahead.