From the moment she laced up her running shoes, senior Mairead Clas knew that cross country would be a lifelong companion. Growing up in a family of runners, getting involved in the sport felt almost inevitable.
"I always knew I wanted to run," Clas said. "I started with the team in middle school and just kept developing through high school."
Now, Clas is a senior leader on the women's cross country team with top times and new personal bests every season. She characterizes her journey as a positive one, filled with encouragement, improvement and emotion — proof that the right environment can bring out the best in a great athlete.
Finding Her Stride at Cornell
It didn't take long for Clas to make her mark. As a freshman, she quickly found herself improving in ways she hadn't anticipated, both off and on the course.
"It honestly has a lot to do with the team and the coaching environment,” Clas said. “Compared to high school, the team and coaches brought an amazing, supportive atmosphere. I felt encouraged in every area, and that contributed to how I was able to be so successful coming into freshman year."
Over the past four seasons, Clas has consistently climbed the Ivy League ranks, setting personal bests in every distance from the 5k to the 10k. Her breakout came at the 2023 Northeast Regional Championship where she clocked a lifetime best 20:50.7 in the 6k, a performance that hinted at the runner she was becoming. By 2024, she placed 12th at the Ivy League Cross Country Championships with a time of 20:38.1, becoming one of Cornell's most consistent performers.
Among all her achievements, one meet stands above the rest. Her favorite cross country memory came during her sophomore season at the NCAA Northeast Regionals.
"We had the entire team running personal records on the regionals course that year," Clas said. "It was the first time I was really able to see our women's team growing and improving, which we have continued to do now two years later. That meet was important to recognize the improvement we were making."
Running at Cornell carries extra meaning for Clas because of her family ties. Her father, Brian Clas ’94, is a highly decorated alumni of Cornell cross country, winning the 1993 Ivy League Championship, achieving all-American status the same year and placing 12th at the 1993 NCAA Championship.
Their connection came to life in an unforgettable way last year.
"Last year at the Ivy League Championships it was the first time I scored in an event [at the championship meet], and he was the one who was giving out the medals," Clas said. "It was a surprise to me in the moment — it was a really emotional moment. It's really a special thing to have him supporting me along the way."
Embracing Leadership and Legacy
Now a senior, Clas has transitioned from rising star to team leader, a shift she has embraced wholeheartedly.
"There are a lot more eyes on you once you become an upperclassman, and it requires you to step up to the challenge," Clas said. "It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to demonstrate my experience, and be that person that my teammates can look to, to lift everyone up."
As her collegiate career comes to a close, Clas runs every race with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.
"Every time I step on the line, it’s a moment of gratitude, a moment to really appreciate what I'm doing here," Clas said. "There is a bittersweet element to senior year."
While her time at Cornell may be nearing its end, her lifelong love for running is here to stay.
"Wherever I end up, I will definitely be searching for a running community of some kind," Clas reflected. "I want to be able to continue what I'm doing."
