4x800m -
2019 State Champion: Normal (University) (Kendy Ummel, Emmy Mussey, Mackie Madix, Ella Bittner) 9:41.81
Key Teams: Normal (University), Dixon, Aurora (Rosary), Oak Park (Fenwick), Mt. Zion, Monticello, Rock Falls, Chicago (Latin)
Breakdown: Defending Champion Normal U-High returns three of their four runners and will be challenged by a number of young squads, most notably Rosary whose fourth-place team last year was completely underclassmen, led by Lianna Surtz (whose decision whether to race the 3200m will affect Rosary's staying power in this relay). Dixon, however, may be the favorite. They return all four runners as well from last year, which includes two all-state cross country athletes in Paige Stees and Jade Miller.
Added to the field in 2020 is Latin, who was all-state in 1A but returns all their runners and has the star power (Marianne Mihas, Ava Parekh, Bea Parr) to make a serious run at the relay title, again depending on individual's plans for the 3200.
Pay attention to a number of other returning squads including Fenwick, who demonstrated a surprising amount of distance depth this fall, finishing fourth at state.