It was a banner day for New England runners at Balboa Park in San Diego, and for Massachusetts athletes specifically.

Tamrat ‘Tam’ Gavenas used both elements to his advantage during his Saturday run, and he welcomed himself to the nation in doing so. The Phillips Academy (Andover) star blazed to a winning time of 15:23.9 at the Foot Locker National Cross Country championships, extending his arms victoriously as he crossed the finish line on the grandest stage of all.

“It feels pretty good,” Gavenas told reporters afterward. “I got injured in the middle of the season. Just getting back, I just wanted to be here, and basically only qualify at regionals. Came here, and I thought I had a shot. With point five to go, I was like: ‘This is my chance.’”

It was the third trip for Gavenas to Nationals. He was one of four Massachusetts participants to race in this year’s showcase, outrunning Juan Gonzalez of Fremont (NE) by 3.8 seconds for first place. The cross country star kept pace among the front of the 40-man pack for the majority of the race. Then, he made his ultimate break as he climbed the course’s final hill and was able to pull away down the stretch.

“I was really nervous, as most competitors are,” said Gavenas. “I thought as long as I stuck with the lead pack, and followed my plan from before the race (I’d be good). I executed it. Just believe in your coach’s plan. I’m just telling you that.”

Jack Graffeo of Westford Academy also made headlines in the race, as he placed third with a time of 15:34.5.

“I put myself in a position to win it,” Graffeo said. “That was the goal coming into this. When I saw that there was someone in front of me, I just was telling myself: ‘If you wanted to win, the very least you could do is this.’ I just kicked down, and finished with third place.”

In addition to Gavenas and Graffeo, Matthew Giardina, a Tyngsboro native and Bishop Guertin (NH) star, finished seventh at 15:44.1. Silas Gartner of Falmouth placed 36th (16:31.2).

For the second straight year, Elizabeth Leachman placed first in the girls’ race at the Foot Locker Championships, winning it with an impressive time of 17:31. Brooke Strauss of Glastonbury (CT) was the top placer from New England, finishing 22nd overall at 18:32.7.