Cross Country Releases 2026 Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University director of cross country and track and field Jeff Langdon released the program's fall cross country schedule Thursday.
 
An annual fixture in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Region polls, the Bruins are once again slated to participate in several of the top meets in the nation.

"This year's schedule features several traditional meets and some new experiences for our team," Langdon said. "Our men's and women's cross country teams will face serious competition during the pre-conference portion of the schedule. That level of competition will test us and sharpen us. If we fully embrace the challenge and apply lessons in training for the meets to follow, personal growth and results will come. I am encouraged and excited about this year's group and look forward to another fall."
 
The season will begin at home - the Tuesday before Labor Day Weekend - with the Vanderbilt Opener at Percy Warner Park Sept. 1. Traditionally the Belmont Opener, Vanderbilt will be hosting the season opener for the first time since 2013.

Belmont has enjoyed great success in the fall leadoff meet; as the Bruin men look to claim top billing for the third year in a row and the women aim to extend their top three finish streak to 10 consecutive years in a row, which includes three top podium placements.
 
From there will head to nearby Huntsville, Alabama, for the Southern Showcase Sept. 12 at John Hunt Park. Andrew Hammel and Sophie Nicholls paced the Bruins in last year's meet.
 
Belmont opens October off in the prestigious Joe Piane Invite hosted by Notre Dame. Annually one of the nation's top meets, the Joe Piane Invite brings together programs the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, AAC, MAC, and CUSA conferences. All-MVC runner Carter Cheeseman led Belmont in its 2024 appearance, while Rachel Soukup placed an impressive 34th.
 
The Bruins then travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Crimson Classic Oct. 16; Belmont men's cross country defeated programs like Auburn and Miami (FL) in last year's edition while in 2023 Belmont women's cross country earned bronze behind four Top 25 finishes, defeating the likes of Clemson, Miami (FL0, Georgia, and Mississippi State.

The 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championships will be held Oct. 30 at Ewing Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Belmont has six combined MVC podium finishes between the men and women, most notable the women's 2023 MVC championship.
 
The 2026 NCAA Division I South Regional Championships are scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida. Hammel and Nicholls led the Bruins at regionals last year.
 
Follow Belmont cross country on social media - @BelmontXCTF on X, formerly Twitter, @belmontxctf on Instagram, and @BUXCTF on Facebook for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
 

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