In an exclusive interview with
Malcolm Oakes, Stuart Hall’s unpar-
alleled track and field sensation, we
delve into his remarkable running
journey, exploring the thoughts and
dedication that have propelled him
through thousands of miles of cross
country terrain.
Cross country, known for
its unyielding demands, requires
genuine character and unwavering
discipline to conquer. Stuart Hall has
a storied tradition in the sport, and
Oakes has emerged as a standout
figure, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring
performances in his wake.
Oakes reflects on what
cross country means to him, “It’s not
that I actually like the running part
but more the way it makes me feel.
When you run, there is a dopamine
release, what some runners call a
runner’s high, and it makes you feel
really good. I also use cross country
as a way to relieve myself from the
stressful school day. It’s a way to get
outside and breathe fresh air, better-
ing yourself outside the classroom
environment.”
Indeed, the Stuart Hall
cross country team is renowned for
navigating the varied terrains of San
Francisco, from the bracing coastal
winds of Marina Green to the densely
forested trails of Golden Gate Park.
The benefits of running extend
beyond the physical, with studies
linking exercise to improved cogni-
tive function and mental
well-being.
As Oakes looks ahead to
his post-high school journey, he
reveals his plans to continue his
pursuit of excellence in collegiate
cross country and track. He empha-
sizes, “Little freshman me would have
never expected to come this far in
the running world. All those miles
Monday through Saturday with no
weeks off have paid off, and now I
have the amazing opportunity to
carry this passion to the collegiate
level.”
When asked about what
initially motivated him to take up
cross country, Oakes recounts a tale
of reluctant beginnings. “I wasn’t
inspired to do XC at all. My dad made
me sign up during Covid and I was
not happy whatsoever. He ran with
me and dealt with the constant com-
plaining. I even tried to quit, emailing
Buckley a very informal ‘I quit’ email
and expecting that was that. He didn’t
let me quit, and this admiration a
coach had for a freshman no good
athlete inspired me to continue and
work hard.”
For Oakes, the essence of
a successful runner lies in their per-
severance and consistency. He asserts,
“The definition of success in running
is showing up. Every other day builds
on the first and the only way to get
stronger in running and life is to work
hard and put in the hours. Compar-
ing yourself to others and how you
may be faster or slower is no way to
measure success.”
Malcolm Oakes’ journey
from a reluctant freshman to a
running sensation is a testament to
the transformative power of dedica-
tion and discipline. His story serves
as an inspiration for athletes of all
levels, reminding us that true success
in any endeavor lies in the unwaver-
ing commitment to one’s passion.