Cross country athletes are fast. One second they're heading down the hill toward you. The next they've blown past, the finishline—and a cold drink—the only thing on their minds.

Since Hopatcong's cross country runners are particularly speedy, Patch figured we'd give you a chance to see just what these student-athletes look like before all the red cheeks and grimaces that come along with a grueling race.

Click here for an in-depth preview of Hopatcong's 2011 cross country season.