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Nashua PAL's 2026 Cross Country Male Runner of the Year
Congratulations to Orion Talbot, age 15, a sophomore at Hollis Brookline High School, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 Male Cross Country Runner of the Year!
A longtime PAL runner, Orion moved up to the 15–18 age group and 5K distance during the 2025 season, bringing with him the consistent work ethic and quiet determination that have made him a leader on the PAL Cross Country team. PAL Cross Country Coach Ethan Michaud describes Orion’s “consistent work ethic, positive attitude, and no quit approach to workouts, races, and running in general” as traits that put him among PAL’s most promising young runners. In 2025, Orion once again helped lead his team to Nationals, where he competed through whiteout snow and ankle-deep accumulation in Indiana. Coach Ethan said that even under those conditions, “Orion showed up with an attitude that was exemplary at each stage of the season, setting the bar for our entire team day in and day out.”
That ability to keep showing up is something Orion has learned to value. “I’ve learned that improvement takes time. The most important thing I can do is stay dedicated and keep showing up even when I don’t feel like it.” For Orion, race day is where that dedication comes together: “Every race gives me an opportunity to improve.” And his advice to younger PAL runners reflects the same mindset: “Don’t compare yourself to others. Just focus on improving yourself day by day and run by run.”
Orion credits his parents as his biggest supporters, always cheering him on and helping him keep his head up after a difficult race. PAL has been another constant throughout his journey. “PAL has been the most important part of my Cross Country journey. It is where I first started running and has helped me become a better runner, a better teammate, and a better person.”
Outside of PAL, Orion enjoys spending time with friends and family and staying active. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in aerospace engineering while continuing to run as much as he can. Whether he’s tackling a difficult course, chasing his next improvement, or dreaming about his future, Orion brings the same steady determination to keep moving forward.
Congratulations, Orion, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 Male Cross Country Runner of the Year!