NXN Champion Charlie Vause Is Built for Big Moments — And The Festival of Miles Might Be His Greatest Yet | One Final Shot At A 3:59 Mile

Charlie Vause didn't just make waves this past season — he tore through the high school cross country scene like a storm, and today, we're fired up to welcome him back. Charlie, a senior at Rio Rancho High School in New Mexico, returns to the podcast after emerging as a standout in U.S. high school cross country during the 2024–2025 season. His achievements include winning the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) and being named the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. Vause has committed to run at Brigham Young University (BYU) after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was honored as the 2025 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year , presented by Olympian Grant Fisher, recognizing his athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. Vause clinched the national title at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals with a time of 15:28.1, finishing 2.5 seconds ahead of the runner-up. He has PRs of 14:30 5k, a 4:01 converted Mile, 1:51.86 in the 800m, 8:51 two mile. In today's conversation, Charlie takes me through the last six months after winning NXN, his track season, handling newfound pressure and expectations, his goals for Festival of Miles, and why he shows up when it matters the most. This is Charlie's last chance at the 4:00 minute barrier. Expect him to put on a show. Tap into the Charles Vause Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz