THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST Caden Leonard Just Put the Nation on Notice—After a Dominant Junior Year, the Texas Champion Is Gearing Up for a Senior Season That Could Change Everything
If you follow high school distance running, you already know the buzz is real.
Caden Leonard has emerged as one of the most dominant prep runners in the country, and his résumé is growing almost as fast as his closing kick.
Let’s start with the highlights: he’s a two-time Texas 6A Cross Country State Champion; he was the 2025 Texas 6A State Track “Double Gold” winner in the 1600m and 3200m; he came in 2nd place at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking an impressive 8:50.22 for two miles; he came in 3rd place at Nike Cross Nationals, earning All-American honors; and was back-to-back Gatorade Texas Cross Country Player of the Year.
And when it comes to personal records? Caden’s stats speak for themselves: he’s run 4:04 in the mile; 8:50 in the two-mile; 14:33 in the 5,000m (Cross Country); and 14:19 in the 5,000m on the track.
What makes Caden’s story even more compelling is how he runs. Not just fast, but smart. He’s been described as “a surgeon on the course,” known for his surgical precision in pacing, tactics, and race-day execution. Within that racing tactician, there’s a young man driven by purpose, humility, and a clear mission: to win—and grow—in every sense.
Caden is getting ready to transition to the University of North Carolina, so this is a prime time to check in with him and see where his head is at.
In today's conversation,
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