LAKEWOOD - Sometimes, racing with siblings can be a hindrance; however, the McQuitty and Castillo sisters believe that the sisterly bond they share led to their success at the Colorado High School Activities Association state track-and-field championships Thursday afternoon at Jefferson County Stadium.

The group of Autumn and Elizabeth McQuitty and Madeline and Lia Castillo used their bond to push each other and pick up a third-place finish in the 4-by-800-meter relay with a time of 9:55.29.

“We’re very competitive, but I think that’s what makes us good,” all the athletes agreed in unison. Lia Castillo noted that even though she and Madeline are sisters, running cross country together this past year and this outdoor track season with the McQuitty sisters, they are sisters as well.

Madeline Castillo led the race off and did a steady job to keep her team in the pack with a split of 2:31.19.

“I think our order was perfect. Autumn made up some time. I think if any of us were to go first, we would freak out,” noted Elizabeth McQuitty, who ran the third leg with a split of 2:29.28.

“Maddy holds her composure really well,” concurred Autumn McQuitty, who ran a 2:27.61.

As the race went on, the Mean Moose ran its own race and caught runners left and right, so it seemed.

“I like to go past people. It’s just so fun,” said Autumn McQuitty as she reminisced about the race.

“It was really fun, just like the team. We ran for something bigger than ourselves,” noted Lia Castillo, who closed out the race with the fastest split of 2:27.25.

“I feel so lucky that I get to run with these guys,” said Castillo. “And we’re so lucky we get to run with each other next year.”