Carter Bruns and Laurel Kurtz Capture Titles at 2025 Collegiate Trail Running National Championships

Carter Bruns - Laurel Kurtz- winners 2025 (2).jpg

University of Richmond teammates Carter Bruns and Laurel Kurtz Capture Titles at 2025 Collegiate Trail Running National Championships as students compete in Fairfax, Virginia in the Collegiate Running Association Championships.

Hosted in partnership with EX2 Adventures, the championship delivered a premier trail racing experience for college athletes.

Contact: info@collegiaterunning.org

May 18, 2025 – Fairfax County, VA —The scenic trails of Fountainhead Regional Park set the stage on Sunday, May 18, for the 2025 Collegiate Trail Running National Championships, hosted by the Collegiate Running Association (CRA) in partnership with EX2 Adventures. University of Richmond sophomore Carter Bruns and senior teammate Laurel Kurtz emerged as national champions in a field of talented student-athletes from across the country.

In the men’s 10K++(6.9 miles) championship, Bruns stormed to victory in 45:53, outpacing a strong field that included Zach Prescott (Adams State), who finished second in 46:20, and Richmond teammate Taylor Healy, who placed third in 47:43. Bruns’ time ranks #3 all-time on the Fountainhead course, just behind Wesley Bond’s (GMU) 45:52 and Stuart Terrill’s (Richmond) course record of 44:55 both set last year.

Bruns, who trailed Prescott early in the race, made a decisive move in the final mile to secure a 27-second win in what was remarkably his first-ever trail race. Gavin Brown (NOVA) and Zach Stevens (University of Richmond) rounded out the top five in a competitive men’s field.

The women’s race was a dramatic showdown between University of Richmond teammates Laurel Kurtz and Paige Joyce, just hours after they placed first and third, respectively, in the ECAC Outdoor Track & Field 10K Championship the previous night at George Mason University. After a short night of rest, the pair went stride-for-stride on the rugged terrain of Fountainhead Park before Kurtz pulled away late to win in 58:04, with Joyce finishing second in 58:24.

Emma Lia Ciccarello (Susquehanna University) took third, followed by Josie Gleason (Fordham University) in fourth and Maia Ciccarello (California Lutheran University) in fifth.

“Each year this championship has a reaching impact, and 2025 was no exception,” said Steve Taylor, Founder of the Collegiate Running Association. “EX2 Adventures once again delivered a first-class experience, and Fountainhead Regional Park continues to be an ideal championship venue. It’s exactly the kind of setting we envisioned when we created this event—where student-athletes, from varsity programs to club teams, can compete nationally in the growing discipline of trail running. We’re also incredibly grateful for the support of JAMBAR, the official nutrition bar of the CRA, whose commitment to clean, performance-driven fueling aligns perfectly with the needs of our athletes and the values of our organization.”

Now in its 12th year, the CRA continues to offer national championship opportunities for collegiate runners in disciplines not officially sanctioned by the NCAA, such as trail, mountain and road running. The trail championship was held in conjunction with the popular Fountainhead 10K+ Trail Race, allowing students to compete alongside the general public, with separate collegiate results and recognition.

The top five collegiate finishers earned CRA All-America honors, and prize money was awarded to the top three men and women. Winners also received JAMBAR, the official nutrition bar of the Collegiate Running Association.

The day also featured a half marathon event open to the public, but only the 10K race served as the official national championship. The rugged course included segments of the historic Bull Run–Occoquan Trail, along with steep technical climbs that tested even the most experienced runners.

For more information about the Collegiate Running Association and upcoming events, visit www.collegiaterunning.org.