On September 12, 2009, Ryan ran in the Middle School race at Fork Union against 96 other athletes. In the field were the brothers of Lopez Lomong, the USA 1500m Olympian, Peter and Alex. Ryan placed first, with a time of 8:57.14 for the hilly 1.5 mile course. Peter Lomong of FUMA placed second with a 9:08.09, and Corey Tooke of Gainesville placed third with a time of 9:14.62. Ryan ran third for most of the race, pulling away with a stellar kick over the last quarter mile.
