Speedy Hillsborough Runner Earns National Title

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Middle School 8th grader Paige Sheppard was honored by the township committee for winning the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Jr. Olympics National Title in the 1500-meter and 800-meter race in Greensboro, North Carolina in August.

Sheppard also won the Middle School 1600 meter at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle, Washington in June, the Rising Star 800 meter at the New Balance Nationals Championships at UPenn in June, and won the 1500 meter at the USATF Outdoor Nationals in New York City in July.

She began running at 5 years old and won her first national championship at 7 years old. She currently runs for Speed Skills Track Club located in Clark and is coached by Samantha Peters.

When Sheppard isn’t running she enjoys painting and loves school and will continue to pursue her running training with hopes of competing in college.

"Paige Sheppard serves as an example to the youth of Hillsborough Township through her high level of sports competition, and we are very proud that she is a member of our community," read Mayor Shawn Lipani at the Sept. 27 township committee meeting.

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