The Leap: How Rocky Hansen Went from 100th at NCAAs to Nearly Winning It All + His Training/Future Plans/& Thoughts On The International State Of The NCAA

America’s next great distance runner might not be a pro, he might be a junior at Wake Forest.

At the 2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships on November 22, Rocky Hansen delivered the race of his life, finishing second overall and coming within striking distance of the national title. Last year, Rocky placed 100th at this same meet, so his surge is proof that he’s putting himself up there with the best who can do it right now.

But rising to the front at the national championship level is nothing new for Rocky.

Before Wake Forest, he was a three-time North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year (twice for track, once for XC) and a 10-time state record holder, including 3:58.23 for the mile, becoming the first in North Carolina to break the 4:00 barrier in high school.

At Wake Forest, Rocky has only continued to elevate. He holds PRs of 3:38 (1500m), 3:57 (mile), 7:56 (3000m), and a stunning 13:07 5000m, which broke the Wake Forest school record and established him as one of the fastest collegiate 5K runners in NCAA history. He also placed 5th in the NCAA Outdoor 5000m last year.

Rocky Hansen’s story is still being written, but after finishing second on the biggest stage in the NCAA and making a massive leap from last year, it’s clear he’s ready for the spotlight.

Tap into the Rocky Hansen Special.

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