​The boys cross country season is off and racing, beginning Aug. 24 with Northmor’s annual meet and on to the Icebreaker the next day in Upper Sandusky.Because of that, it’s overdue for the Marion Star to offer its boys cross country preseason runner of the year poll. Fans may vote for their favorite runners here at MarionStar.com and its app. They may vote as often as allowed until the poll closes at 9 a.m. Sept. 4.Here are the nominees:More on the girls XC season for 2026: Youth, inexperience highlight Marion-area girls XC teams in 2026Vote in the girls XC poll: Preseason Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year Poll for 2026, voteMarion Star Preseason Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year Poll for 2026Brayden Alwood, Cardington, junior, regional qualifier.Henry Bartlett, Mount Gilead, junior, 16:11 personal record, first-team all-region, state qualifier, 16:41 at state.Liam Canterbury, Elgin, freshman, eighth at Northwest Central Conference middle school race, 13:11 in 3200 meters.Jack Dean, Northmor, sophomore, 17:12 PR, first-team Knox Morrow Athletic Conference, state qualifier, 17:19 at state.Joey Dietsch, Pleasant, senior, 16:50 PR, first-team Mid Ohio Athletic Conference, state qualifier, 17:35 at state.Jayden Marcum, Highland, junior, 17:28 PR, second-team MOAC, regional qualifier.Felix Plouck, North Union, senior, regional qualifier.Kael Swartz, River Valley, senior, 17:08 PR, first-team MOAC, regional qualifier.Andrew Tackett, Marion Harding, senior, 16:35 PR, first-team MOAC, regional qualifier.Elliot Weston, Ridgedale, junior, first-team NWCC.rmccurdy@usatodayco.com419-610-0998X @McMotorsportInstagram @rob_mccurdy_starThis article originally appeared on Marion Star: Preseason Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year Poll for 2026, vote